Nike is set to release its highly anticipated 2025 Ekiden Collection, a tribute to the unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit of Japan’s long-distance relay runners. This latest package is the culmination of Nike’s decades-long collaboration with Japanese Ekiden athletes dating back to the 1990s, with the shared goal of pushing the boundaries of innovation to enhance performance.
The 2025 Ekiden Collection features four cutting-edge road racing shoes: the Alphafly 3, Rival Fly 4, Vaporfly 3 and Zoom Fly 6. Each silhouette has been carefully crafted to give runners the tools they need to excel, whether it’s during intense training sessions or high-stakes competitions. The flame graphic pattern that adorns each model is a nod to the unquenchable fire that burns within every athlete, as well as the torches that were used during the night legs of the earliest ekiden competitions.
This bold design element is borrowed from the iconic Air Streak Spectrum Plus, a world record-breaking silhouette from the Streak Series first introduced in 2002. The flame graphic is complemented by Japanese Kanji characters on the upper of each model, serving as a poignant reminder of the collection’s heritage and the pursuit of excellence that defines the sport.
Toyo University Ekiden runner Kosuke Ishida, who is featured in the collection’s “Let Your Fire Run” campaign, notes, “The Ekiden Pack supports runners from daily training to race day by allowing you to choose the right shoes for your needs, whether it’s the Rival Fly for easy runs, the Zoom Fly for faster distance runs, or the Vaporfly or Alphafly for speed training and racing.“
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Ishida, who will compete in Japan’s premier Ekiden race in early January 2025, adds, “The Ekiden is a race where the items you wear also attract attention, so running in distinctive shoes motivates you to push your limits. This year’s flame design really gets me fired up for the race.“
The 2025 Nike Ekiden Collection will debut in Japan on November 22, with a global release at select retailers scheduled for December 4. In addition to the four shoe styles, the collection will also include a Nike Windrunner jacket and a classic long-sleeve T-shirt, both featuring a matching flame graphic.
