Nike has unveiled the Alphafly 4, the latest iteration of its marathon racing shoe, with a focus on improving efficiency and maintaining speed as runners tire over the course of a race. Positioned for everyone from elite marathoners to recreational runners chasing personal bests, the shoe has been redesigned as an integrated system rather than a collection of individual components.
According to Nike, the Alphafly 4 delivers 10 per cent more energy return than its predecessor and is five per cent lighter in a men’s US size 8.5. The shoe introduces a new Atomknit upper, ZoomX LT foam, updated Air Zoom units, a carbon-fibre Flyplate and a Fast Shot outsole. Nike says the development process was driven by athlete feedback, research into the effects of fatigue on running mechanics and testing through its Sport Research Lab.
The new ZoomX LT foam is claimed to be up to 17 per cent lighter than standard ZoomX while providing eight per cent more energy return. It sits around the carbon-fibre Flyplate, which retains the Alphafly’s distinctive propulsive geometry. Meanwhile, dual forefoot Air Zoom units work with the foam and plate to provide responsive propulsion, while the new upper is designed to offer a more secure fit without compromising breathability.
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Nike’s development programme is claimed to have drawn on multiple generations of athlete feedback, including women’s trials and insights from runners across different ability levels. The company points to a series of high-profile marathon and distance-running performances associated with the Alphafly platform, including Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour marathon and Sifan Hassan’s Olympic marathon victory in Paris.
The Alphafly 4 is scheduled for an early limited release on September 17 through Nike’s website, followed by broader availability from October 29 through Nike and select retailers.