Nike has a new marathon shoe coming called the Apex, and there’s a lot going on underfoot. It uses four Air Zoom units in the forefoot, along with a lighter version of ZoomX foam, a redesigned carbon fiber Flyplate, and a Flyknit X upper. The Apex will sit above Nike’s current racing shoes and pulls together several things the brand has been working on for its next generation of long-distance runners.

Nike says the Apex returns up to 40% more energy than the Alphafly 3 while weighing more than 10% less in a men’s size 10. The biggest change is in the forefoot, where four Air Zoom units are stacked in two pairs. That is more Air than Nike has previously used in that part of a running shoe.

The Air setup works with ZoomX LT, a new race-focused foam that Nike says is softer, lighter, and more responsive than standard ZoomX. A reshaped carbon fiber Flyplate sits above the cushioning and is designed to help load the Air units while adding stability and forward movement.

Nike also gives the Apex a zero-drop setup, with both the heel and forefoot reaching the 40mm stack-height limit allowed under current racing rules. Weight is reduced further through a sockliner-free Flyknit X upper and a minimal outsole using GOATEK and Fast Shot rubber only where needed.

The Nike Apex is scheduled to release in January 2027.

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