Nike Apex: A $350, 6.2 oz Marathon Racer With Air Units Back Under the Forefoot

Nike has a new top-of-the-line marathon shoe, and it is the most expensive one it has made. The Apex costs $350, weighs 6.2 oz in a men's 8.5 and goes on sale in January 2027. This is our read of Nike's own announcement and specs, not a test.

What changed

The Apex pairs ZoomX LT foam with a redesigned carbon fiber Flyplate that Nike calls inverse-wave. The headline is under the forefoot: four Air Zoom units arranged in two stacked pairs, visible through a window in the midsole. The upper is Flyknit X with no sockliner. The geometry is zero drop on a 40 mm stack, the same height at the heel and the forefoot.

The numbers Nike is pushing

Nike says the Apex gives up to 40% more energy return than the record-setting Alphafly 3 while weighing more than 10% less. That is a brand claim, so read it as one. The outsole uses GOATEK and Fast Shot rubber for grip.

Where it sits

The Apex becomes Nike's flagship marathon racer, above the Alphafly 4 at $280 and the Swooshfly. It is also $150 cheaper than adidas' Adios Pro Evo 3, though that shoe is lighter at 97 g. Nike is showcasing the Apex at the Chicago Marathon on October 11.

The catch

It is a race-day tool for competitive runners, and $350 is a lot for a shoe you wear a handful of times. It is also months away. If you want something for daily wear now, our best retro sneakers for men guide covers the lifestyle side, and the On Cloudmonster deal is a max-cushion trainer at a real discount.

Who it is for: marathoners chasing a personal best, and gear fans who want to see where Nike is taking Air. More in footwear and the style hub. Prices from Nike's announcement, checked October 1, 2026, and may change.