Nike has unveiled its "Race-Day System of Speed," a racing shoe lineup designed to let runners choose based on their goals, race distance and experience level.
The new lineup comprises three models: the Swooshfly, the Alphafly 4 and the Apex. Each combines Nike's Air Zoom platform with advanced foam and carbon plate technology in different configurations, covering everything from a first-time finisher to a personal-record contender.
The Apex features a "double-stack Air Zoom" structure, with four Air Zoom units stacked two deep across the forefoot, paired with an inverse wave carbon plate. Eliud Kipchoge and Jacob Kiplimo were among the athletes involved in its development and testing. According to Nike, the shoe is 10 percent lighter than the Alphafly 3 and delivers up to 40 percent more energy return.
Both the heel and forefoot sit at 40 millimeters — the maximum stack height permitted under World Athletics rules for racing shoes. The zero-drop construction eliminates any height difference between heel and forefoot, allowing for more air and foam in the forefoot.
The Swooshfly targets runners who prioritize comfort and stability. It uses a new SkyX supercritical foam and a carbon fiber Flyplate, which Nike said is about 40 percent lighter than conventional EVA foam and offers 9 percent greater energy return. Compared with the Vaporfly 4, the company said energy return improves by up to 16 percent.
The Swooshfly is designed for distances ranging from 5 kilometers to the marathon. Both the Apex and the Swooshfly are scheduled for release in 2027.
yjc@heraldcorp.com
