The 2026 New York City Marathon is shaping up to be more than just a race; it's a battleground for brands vying to prove their super shoes are the best on the market.

Nike ignited the super shoe revolution back in 2017 with its original Vaporfly, but competitors have quickly caught up. Notably, Adidas has made significant strides, exemplified by the Adizero Adios Pro EVO 3, which assisted Sabastian Sawe in becoming the first sub-two-hour marathoner at the recent London Marathon.

The competition has intensified, with the performance margins between brands narrowing. Runners now enjoy a wider array of options and often better value, although the latest Adidas shoe retails at a steep £450.

Nike's response is the Apex, a shoe designed to grab attention during the marathon across the five boroughs and at the Central Park finish line this Sunday. Priced at £319.99 and launching in January 2027, the Apex is positioned as a superior alternative to the Alphafly 4.

Key features of the Apex include:

• A carbon-fibre plate for enhanced performance
• Two double-stacked Air Zoom units aimed at boosting propulsion on asphalt

US marathoner Charles Hicks, who holds a personal best of 2:04:35, praised the Apex, stating, "The Apex is crazy. I loved the Alphafly 2, but the responsiveness of the Apex makes it feel like I can fly in it. I've never felt as bouncy in a shoe."

With such endorsements, the Apex is set to make a significant impact in the marathon world.