Nike will release the Apex, a new “hyper shoe” featuring four Air Zoom units and a 0 mm drop, in January 2027. Priced at $350, the model is designed for elite marathon performance and sits above the Alphafly 4 in the brand’s updated racing lineup.
Technical Specifications of the Nike Apex
The Nike Apex introduces a distinct geometry to the company’s racing catalog. Unlike traditional marathon footwear that often features a significant heel-to-toe offset, the Apex utilizes a 40 mm stack height in both the heel and forefoot, resulting in a 0 mm drop. According to Nike, the Apex provides a maximum of 40% greater energy return compared to the Alphafly 3, alongside a weight reduction of more than 10% for a men’s size 10. The upper is constructed from Flyknit X, and the brand has opted to remove the traditional sock liner to save weight. For traction, the outsole features GOATEK and Fast Shot rubber covering selected areas rather than spanning the entire bottom of the shoe.
The most notable innovation is the integration of four pressurized Air Zoom units. These are arranged in two stacked pairs beneath the forefoot, a configuration Nike has not previously employed in running footwear. This foam, known as ZoomX LT, was engineered specifically for racing to be both lighter and more cushioned than the standard ZoomX.
Elite Athletes Use Shoe in Major Marathons
The shoe has already seen success in major international competitions while worn by elite athletes in prototype form. Nike’s athletes are expected to utilize the new technology in upcoming major events, including the Chicago Marathon and New York City Marathon.
Placement Within the Nike Race Day System
The Apex serves as the brand’s pinnacle offering, categorized as a “hyper shoe”—a term used to describe highly technical, expensive footwear designed for record-seeking athletes that may sacrifice some durability or stability compared to mass-market models. These shoes are optimized for speed, making them more demanding on the body and better suited for strong runners testing their limits. The Apex is being introduced alongside the Swooshfly, another upcoming release in the brand’s new race day system.
The Apex is scheduled for release in January 2027, with a retail price of $350. For comparison, the Alphafly 4 is currently priced at €279.99 in France, positioning the Apex as the most expensive racing option in the company’s lineup.
Adaptation for a 0 mm Drop
Because the Apex lacks a traditional heel-to-toe drop, it places different biomechanical demands on the runner compared to standard marathon shoes. Most racing models, such as the Alphafly 4, use a 6 to 8 mm drop to alleviate pressure on the lower leg. The Apex requires a specific adjustment period for the Achilles tendon and calf muscles.
It lasts several races and suits a wide range of fast runners. A “hyper shoe” goes further: lighter or more technical, more expensive, and designed for athletes racing for wins or records.
Runners considering the Apex are advised to perform slow heel raises and lowers on a step, two to three times a week, to prepare the Achilles tendon for the extra load. If sharp pain appears in the calf or Achilles tendon, the runner should stop. If you have had Achilles tendinitis before, the Apex is likely not the right choice, as a shoe with a 6 to 8 mm drop will put less strain on that tendon.
