Overview
- Nike unveiled the three‑shoe system on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, naming Apex as its new pinnacle, alongside the Alphafly 4 and the budget Swooshfly.
- The Apex is built around two double‑stacked Air Zoom units (four visible forefoot chambers), a redesigned carbon Flyplate, ZoomX LT foam and a 40mm zero‑drop platform that Nike says gives up to 40% more energy return versus an Alphafly 3.
- Nike set a staggered release timetable and price tiers with Alphafly 4 arriving in October 2026, Apex launching in January 2027 at $350, and Swooshfly rolling out in China in February 2027 before a global spring 2027 release at $145.
- The Swooshfly pairs a SkyX beaded‑foam midsole, an updated carbon Flyplate and a Vaporweave‑style upper to deliver what Nike says is about 16% more energy return than the Vaporfly 4 while lowering cost for new racers.
- Nike frames the lineup as both a technology push and a commercial play to extend recent running growth, sharpen competition with adidas’ Adizero line, and give elite athletes and everyday runners clearer choices on race day.