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Nike’s new three-shoe race-day system names Apex, Alphafly 4 and Swooshfly—but not Vaporfly. That omission does not mean Vaporfly has been discontinued: Nike says the system complements its wider road-running range. Apex is the headline marathon shoe, with four Air Zoom units arranged in two stacked pairs and a manufacturer-claimed “up to 40% more energy return” than Alphafly 3 in a men’s size 10.
Why isn’t Vaporfly in Nike’s new race-day system?
Nike’s September 30, 2026 announcement names three shoes in its “race-day system of speed”: Apex, Alphafly 4 and Swooshfly. Vaporfly is not among them. That is a statement about the lineup Nike chose to name, not proof that it has ended the Vaporfly line.
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T3 reported that Nike describes the new system as complementing its broader road-running range rather than replacing it. The available announcements do not establish Vaporfly’s future release schedule or stock. Nike’s system announcement and T3’s October 1 report therefore support a narrower conclusion: Vaporfly is outside this newly named trio, but its omission alone does not mean it is going away.
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Nike describes the shoes as serving different race-day needs, rather than presenting the trio as a simple ranking of interchangeable models.
#1 Best Overall
- Mesh on upper adds breathability.
- Foam midsole delivers a soft ride.
- Flex grooves create a cushioned effect for your run.
- Waffle outsole is a made of a durable, flexible material that helps keep you on the move.
- HM9594-004
| Shoe | Nike’s stated role | Announced availability |
|---|---|---|
| Apex | Nike’s pinnacle race-day expression for marathon runners seeking performance and every possible second. | Planned for January 2027 at nike.com and select retail locations. |
| Alphafly 4 | A balance of responsiveness, comfort, stability and efficiency over distance. | Not stated in the cited system announcement. |
| Swooshfly | An entry point intended to help runners feel confident and ready for race day. | Not stated in the cited system announcement. |
These are Nike’s descriptions of the shoes’ intended roles, not independent comparative rankings. The system announcement does not provide a head-to-head test of the three models.
What is Nike Apex, and what does its design include?
Nike calls Apex its pinnacle race-day product for marathon runners. The company says its construction combines four Air Zoom units in two stacked pairs, new ZoomX LT foam, a redesigned carbon-fibre Flyplate and a Flyknit X upper. It also describes a wider outsole and rocker geometry.
Rank #2
- Nike
- Mens Shoes
- Running Shoes
- Citron Pulse/Orange/Volt Ice/Indigo
- Synthetic & Fabric
Nike specifies a 40 mm stack height at both heel and forefoot, with zero-drop geometry. In other words, the listed heel and forefoot heights are equal; the shoe’s rocker shape is a separate design feature. These details are manufacturer specifications, not findings from independent product testing in the sources cited here.
What does Nike’s “up to 40% more energy return” claim mean?
Nike says Apex delivers up to 40% more energy return than Alphafly 3 in a men’s size 10. The named comparison shoe, size and “up to” qualifier all matter: the figure is Nike’s claim for that stated comparison, not a general guarantee for every size or runner.
Rank #3
- Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 3 Women's Running Shoe
- Color: Volt/Black-Scream Green
- Ultra Light Weight Shoe
- Built for the toughest outdoor running and comfort
The company also says Apex weighs more than 10% less than Alphafly 3, without specifying a size in the cited announcement. Neither figure is independently validated by a lab study or formal runner trial in the sources available for this article. Nike’s figures should therefore be read as manufacturer claims, not established results for every runner.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When is Apex due out?
Nike announced a planned January 2027 launch through nike.com and select retail locations. As of October 3, 2026, that date was still in the future. The announcement does not provide a price or establish a confirmed current product listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Weight: Approx. 218 g (based on 280 mm) Offset: 8 mm
- Fine-tuned for marathon speed, AlphaFly 3 helps you push beyond what you thought were your limits.
- Three innovative technologies power your run. A doubled Air Zoom unit helps you take your next leap, a full-length carbon fiber plate lets you effortlessly add momentum, and a heel-to-toe ZoomX foam midsole keeps you cushioned for the entire 42.195 miles. Now, it's time to set a new personal best.
- Two air zoom units in the forefoot combine with ZoomX foam to store and return energy, adding power to every step.
Rank #4
- The full-length carbon fiber Flyplate has a higher angle than the Vaporfly 3 and combines with a lower heel-to-toe drop to give you a propulsive feel on race day.
- Nike ZoomX, our most responsive foam, just got lighter
- Running from heel to toe, it unlocks even more energy return than before with a slight midsole reduction, giving you a bouncy, feathery feel.
- Engineered mesh helps reduce the weight of the shoe while providing a more consistent fit
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
