A Scene of the Ekiden Season! Delving Into the Contents of Nike's "EKIDEN PACK"

Nike releases the "EKIDEN PACK" collection each year toward the end of the year and beginning of the new year for the Ekiden season. The sight of athletes wearing the racing shoes from the "EKIDEN PACK" on the grand stage can be considered a cultural phenomenon in Japan during the year-end to New Year period.

For 2023, the "EKIDEN PACK" gained attention for the "NIKE ALPHAFLY 2" and "NIKE VAPORFLY 3," which adopt different colors on each side. What kind of color theme has been embraced in this year's "EKIDEN PACK"?

Fire Pattern Inspired by Torches

"The EKIDEN PACK is a collection that has been ongoing for over a decade, always incorporating designs inspired by the Ekiden. This time, the EKIDEN PACK features a fire pattern inspired by the flames of torches that illuminated the paths for runners running at night when Ekiden was just born.

"This flame design is also derived from the Air Streak Spectrum Plus model released in 2002. The Air Streak Spectrum Plus is a shoe designed based on feedback from Japanese Ekiden runners, becoming one of Nike's legendary models," explained Ryo Ota from EKIN, who conveys the technology, innovation, development background, and stories behind Nike products.

Supporting from Race Day to Daily Training

The footwear in this "EKIDEN PACK" consists of four models: "NIKE ALPHAFLY 3," "NIKE VAPORFLY 3," "NIKE ZOOM FLY 6," and "NIKE RIVAL FLY 4." Let's take a closer look at each one.
 
"NIKE ALPHAFLY 3" is well-known as a top racing model. The combination of two Air Zoom units in the forefoot, highly cushioned ZoomX foam, and a carbon flyplate creates a synergy that delivers substantial energy return.
 
When Kelvin Kiptam tragically passed away, he was wearing the "NIKE ALPHAFLY 3" when he set an astonishing time of 2:00:35 to establish a new world record in the men's marathon at the Chicago Marathon in October 2023.

Additionally, the "NIKE ALPHAFLY 3" was worn by Sifan Hassan, who won the women's marathon at the Paris Olympics, and Ruth Chepngetich, who became the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier at the Chicago Marathon in October 2024.
 
"In this year's EKIDEN PACK, the Nike AlphaFly 3 features a fire pattern on the upper and a gradient resembling flames on the midsole. The tongue has the character '戦' (battle), the left heel has the character '駅' (station), and the right heel features the character '伝' (pass). Moreover, the insoles also incorporate the fire pattern along with Ekiden branding."

"NIKE VAPORFLY 3" is another racing model alongside the "NIKE ALPHAFLY 3." This shoe utilizes a significant amount of ZoomX foam and remains highly popular as it features a manageable carbon flyplate. In the "EKIDEN PACK" model, as with the "NIKE ALPHAFLY 3," a fire pattern is displayed on the upper, and a gradient of flames is applied to the midsole.

The New Model "NIKE ZOOM FLY 6" Also Appears in the "EKIDEN PACK"

The NIKE ZOOM FLY 6 incorporates Nike's best cushioning technology and plate innovations, designed to enhance the quality of training for runners and support them in achieving their personal bests. This new model debuted in October 2024.

The model from the "EKIDEN PACK" incorporates a fire pattern on the upper and insole, with the heel featuring the characters for “駅伝” (ekiden) (with “駅” on the left and “伝” on the right).
 
Three years have passed since the previous model's debut. The "Nike Rival Fly" has been eagerly updated, now adopting the Cushlon 3.0 foam that combines cushioning and responsiveness. It is equipped with an Air Zoom unit in the forefoot.

Additionally, a nylon shank plate has been installed in the midfoot, contributing to improved stability and propulsion. The "Nike Rival Fly" from the "EKIDEN PACK" features a fire pattern on the Swoosh. The midfoot fit band, inspired by the tasuki sash, includes the characters for “駅伝.”

Running the Ekiden with Impactful Design Shoes

For university runners, ekiden races receive significant attention. The "EKIDEN PACK" continues to receive support from runners who wish to race on such a stage with impactful design shoes. Finally, we would like to share comments from four athletes who appeared at the EKIDEN PACK announcement event.

“I like white shoes, so I really appreciate the design of this EKIDEN PACK. I will strive to lead my team and run in a way that builds momentum.” (Chuo University / Daichi Shibata)
 
“I think the flame motif design of this EKIDEN PACK is very Nike-like. It's refreshing since there haven't been running shoes with such a design before, and red is my favorite color, giving me a boost in motivation when I wear them.” (Tokai University / Juda Hyodo)