Heading: Nike
Nike Alphafly 4 reinvents every major element of the series to create a more efficient marathon experience. Alphafly 4 is the lightest Alphafly yet, with 10% more energy return and 5% lighter than its predecessors.
Maintain speed during long races
Designed for marathoners, the new Alphafly 4 tackles the challenge of making a shoe that helps runners maintain speed and efficiency as fatigue sets in. The careful combination of stability, comfort, and propulsion allows runners to keep their pace and form and achieve their goals from the start of the race to the finish line. Built from the ground up, the shoe is engineered in conversation with Nike running athletes.
Emily Farina, Senior Principal, Running Footwear, Nike Sport Research Lab.“A marathon is dynamic. With Alphafly 4, we spent years listening to athletes, studying how fatigue impacts performance and running mechanics, refining every element of the system to help runners maintain efficiency when it matters most. Our goal was simple: create a shoe that helps athletes feel more confident and capable deep into the race. That’s what Alphafly 4 was built to do.”
Lightweight design with enhanced grip
ZoomX LT foam offers 8% more energy return while providing outstanding cushioning and added bounce. Up to 17% lighter than standard ZoomX foam, the new foam delivers a softer sensation. In total, the Nike Alphafly 4 is 5% lighter in a men’s size 8.5. Combined with ZoomX, the new foam is layered above and below the Flyplate, creating a complete cushioning system designed specifically for long-distance racing.
A carbon-fibre Flyplate brings stability while keeping the series’ signature propulsive scoop. Working together, the cushioning system and Flyplate support forward momentum and a consistent running rhythm. Dual forefoot Air Zoom units work together with both the Flyplate and the foam to deliver responsive propulsion, while a lightweight Fast Shot outsole provides reliable grip and traction.
Based on Nike athletes’ feedback
Alphafly 4 is based on the feedback collected from several generations of athletes. Valuable insight is obtained from Nike’s Project Dreamweaver, extensive women’s trials, and distance runners of all abilities. Designed in a process that connects Nike Sport Research Lab testing, innovation and athlete insight, the running shoe improves comfort, stability and smoothness.
“I’ve run in just about every race day shoe out there, and Alphafly 4 is my No. 1 pick. It has the most propulsive yet comfortable and cushioned ride I’ve experienced in a race shoe. It is softer and bouncier than before, and the upper is comfortable and accommodating.”
Meaghan Murray, a member of the Alphafly 4 prototype testing cohort.
Alphafly 4 is part of Nike’s Racing footwear series, a collection built around different runners, goals and distances from short track racing to a marathon. The limited-edition Alphafly 4 is available on nike.com from September 17, while broader availability at selected retail locations and online begins on October 29, 2026.
