Nike Officially Debuts the Nike Apex
PublishedQuick Facts
- The Nike Apex is the most advanced running shoe created by The Swoosh
- It features a doubled-stacked Air Zoom unit in the forefoot, the most Air ever put in the forefoot of a Nike running shoe
- The sneaker also featured ZoomX LT foam, a Flyknit X upper, and a redesigned carbon fiber Flyplate that helps deliver up to 40% more energy return than the Alphafly 3
- The Nike Apex has a 40mm stack height with zero drop across the sole unit
- Expect a release January 2027 for $350
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The arms race to stack soles as high as legally (and illegally) allowed in competition has resulted in brands like Nike pushing the limits of what's possible in a super shoe for performance running. Of course, you have the Alphafly series, the flagship of Nike’s ultra-expensive marathon shoes, but there’s a new model joining the raceday lineup over in Beaverton: the Nike Apex. It turns out the supposed Nike Alphafly 4 sample that popped up back in April was this all-new silhouette.
Nike Apex Tech Specs
Even more advanced than the Alphafly series, the Nike Apex is the pinnacle of Nike’s race-day innovation. It’s the first racing shoe from The Swoosh to feature a double-stacked Air Zoom unit, which is placed in the forefoot, making it the most Air ever applied in the forefoot of a Nike running sneaker. Combined with the ZoomX LT foam, the Apex delivers up to 40% more energy return than the Alphafly 3.
Embedded within the sole unit is a redesigned carbon fiber Flyplate, but its the zero-drop geometry that makes the sneaker stand out. Traditional race shoes will have a drop off in stack height from the heel to the forefoot, but the Apex features a 40mm stack height from heel to toe. The outsole uses Nike’s GOATEK and Fast Shot technologies for traction and durability only where it's needed the most, helping reduce the weight of the model. On the upper, Nike employs a lightweight and breathable Flyknit X fabric, a fitted knit collar, and a sockliner-free construction for a glove-like fit.
“I’ve relied on Nike prototypes during some of the most important races of my career in the last few months, from breaking the half marathon world record in Lisbon to running the fastest marathon time of my life in London,” says Nike athlete Jacob Kiplimo. “The best innovations are the ones that let you focus less on what's happening beneath your feet and more on the challenge in front of you — that is what Nike Apex does.”
Nike Apex Release Info
The Nike Apex will debut in January 2027, with additional colorways coming throughout the new year via Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price is set at $350. Check below for images of the brand-new Nike Apex and download the Sole Retriever mobile app for real-time alerts on the latest happenings in the sneaker world.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
