The Nike Alphafly 4 Debuts September 2026

Published September 17, 2026 at 1:05 PM

Quick Facts

Nike officially introduces the latest Alphafly, the Nike Alphafly 4
The sneaker uses new ZoomX LT foam for increased energy return
The first pair will release in limited quantities on September 17 for $280
A wider release is set for October 29

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Though there has been a lot of talk around Nike’s “lack of innovation,” that couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure, other brands are making moves and capturing market share, especially in the running category, but The Swoosh is still a major force in the sport. After all, Nike was founded as a running shoe company. Continuing the legacy of its Alphafly super-shoe franchise, Nike has formally introduced the Alphafly 4 just days after official images of the Proto pair surfaced online.

Nike Alphafly 4 Tech Specs

Nike has vastly improved its Alphafly model with the latest iteration, helping deliver 10% more energy return and coming in 5% lighter compared to the Alphafly 3. Helping achieve these stats are the new Atomknit upper, ZoomX LT foam, updated Air Zoom units, a carbon fiber Flyplate, and the Fast Shot outsole.

"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," says Emily Farina, Senior Principal, Running Footwear, Nike Sport Research Lab. "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."

The Atomknit upper features a more precise fit that focuses on a secure lockdown while maintaining breathability. To aid in lockdown, Nike uses zoned midfoot cables, an integrated heel unit, and a molded sockliner. As far as cushioning goes, the new ZoomX LT foam is 17% lighter than standard ZoomX foam while offering 8% higher energy return.

Combined with standard ZoomX, the ZoomX LT foam is layered above and below the carbon fiber Flyplate. Of course, no Alphafly is complete without Air Zoom units in the forefoot, and the Alphafly 4 follows suit. Dual Air Zoom units are tuned to work with the foam and the carbon fiber Flyplate for race-day propulsion.

Nike Alphafly 4 Release Details

The Nike Alphafly 4 will debut in a limited release on September 17, 2026, via Nike, with a wider rollout via Nike and select retailers on October 29, 2026. Retail is set at $280. Check below for images of the first colorway, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app for real-time updates on the latest happenings in the sneaker world.