Nike Apex Running Shoe

The Nike Apex puts its most distinctive feature in plain sight: four Air Zoom units arranged in two stacked pairs beneath the forefoot. Built for marathon racing, the shoe combines that cushioning system with new ZoomX LT foam, a redesigned carbon fiber Flyplate, and a lightweight Flyknit X upper.

The geometry is equally unusual. Apex measures 40 millimeters under both the heel and forefoot, creating a zero-drop platform. Above the Air units, the reshaped plate directs pressure into the stacked cushioning, while a wider outsole and curved sole profile are designed to support stability and forward movement.

Nike claims up to 40 percent more energy return than the Alphafly 3 while weighing over 10 percent less, comparing a men’s size 10. That is a claim about the shoe’s mechanical performance, rather than a corresponding improvement in running speed. The breathable knit upper eliminates a separate sockliner, while strategically placed outsole rubber helps limit weight.

Apex joins a broader racing lineup alongside the Alphafly 4 and Swooshfly, with a focus on runners pursuing maximum marathon performance. It is scheduled to arrive at Nike and selected retailers in January 2027, introducing a visibly different approach to the relationship between foam, carbon, and Air.

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