{
  "id": 8607861,
  "title": "Nike Alphafly 4: 5 things (including the science) behind new marathon shoes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/nike-alphafly-4-5-things-including-the-science-behind-new-marathon",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T04:21:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/nike-alphafly-4-5-things-including-the-science-behind-new-marathon-shoes-10885775/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Here are five key facts about the Nike Alphafly 4 marathon shoe, along with the science behind its design:\n\n1. Energy return: The Alphafly 4 stores and returns more energy with each stride compared to its predecessor, the Alphafly 3. Nike claims the Alphafly 4 offers 10 percent greater energy return.\n\n2. Biomechanics research: Nike's Nike Sport Research Lab developed a mechanical model linking shoe properties to an athlete's running economy, quantifying how midsole materials store and return energy in joules to predict performance gains.\n\n3. Lightweight design: The Alphafly 4 is 17 percent lighter and offers 8 percent more energy return than regular ZoomX foam, thanks to a new lightweight ZoomX LT foam that's layered above and below the Flyplate.\n\n4. Improved comfort and stability: The Alphafly 4 features a more pronounced scoop geometry carbon-fibre Flyplate with a wider base for a wider overall platform and a more noticeable forefoot rocker. Dual Air Zoom pod units are made using a new process that makes them lighter and softer, and the shoe also uses a new outsole material called Light Shot for a quieter ride.\n\n5. Athlete feedback and development: Nike collaborated with athletes and conducted biometric measurements to gather feedback and insights for design improvements. The Alphafly 4 was tested in development versions and has already been used in performances, including records in the half marathon and marathon.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Alphafly 4 stores and returns 10% more energy per stride than Alphafly 3",
    "Nike Sport Research Lab developed biomechanical model to quantify energy return",
    "Alphafly 4 is 17% lighter and uses lightweight ZoomX LT foam for performance gains"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Nike's enhancements to the Alphafly 4, driven by athlete feedback and biomechanics research, aim to provide a performance edge by boosting energy return and reducing weight for marathon runners.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}