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Nike Unveils Alphafly 4, Its Lightest Marathon Racing Shoe

Nike says a new ZoomX LT foam with tuned Air Zoom units alongside a carbon flyplate improves energy return to help runners hold pace late in marathons.

Overview

  • Nike formally launched the Alphafly 4 this week with an early, limited online release that began on September 17 and a broader rollout set for October 29.
  • The company set the U.S. retail price at $280 and will sell the shoe through nike.com and select retailers during the wider October release.
  • Nike claims the Alphafly 4 delivers 10 percent more energy return than the previous model and is 5 percent lighter in a men’s size 8.5.
  • Key technical changes include ZoomX LT foam that Nike says is up to 17 percent lighter and gives 8 percent more energy return, an Atomknit upper, dual forefoot Air Zoom units, a carbon-fibre Flyplate, and a Fast Shot outsole.
  • Nike says years of athlete testing, women’s trials and Sport Research Lab studies shaped the design, which the company positions for elite marathoners and recreational runners aiming for faster race-day performance.