Nike is pushing its marathon footwear into new territory with the Apex, a racing shoe built around four Air Zoom units and a new version of ZoomX foam. The model sits at the top of the brand’s running lineup and brings several new ideas together rather than simply reworking the current Alphafly.

Four Air Zoom units are packed into the forefoot, arranged as two stacked pairs underneath the runner. Nike has never used this much Air in the forefoot of a running shoe before, and the setup is paired with ZoomX LT, a race-specific foam developed to be softer and lighter than regular ZoomX while returning more energy.

Nike claims the Apex can deliver up to 40% more energy return than the Alphafly 3 while weighing over 10% less in a men’s size 10. A redesigned carbon-fiber Flyplate also runs through the shoe, using an inverse-wave shape that helps load the Air units while providing stability and forward movement.

The shape of the shoe is another major change. Both the heel and forefoot measure 40mm in stack height, giving the Apex a zero-drop setup while staying within the current limit for competition. Nike also cut weight from the upper with Flyknit X and removed the traditional sock liner. GOATEK and Fast Shot rubber cover selected areas underneath instead of running across the entire outsole.

The Apex comes nearly a decade after Nike helped change marathon racing with its early carbon-plated shoes. Running footwear has moved quickly since then, and the Apex shows where the brand is taking that formula next with more Air, a lighter foam package, and a completely different platform underfoot.

The Nike Apex will release in January 2027.

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