The Nike Zoom VaporFly Next Ekiden is an iteration of Nike's VaporFly running shoe series specifically designed for racing. Named after the Japanese long-distance relay race - the Ekiden - traditionally run over a marathon distance, this shoe features a carbon fiber plate engineered to enhance toe-off efficiency, providing a spring-like effect that helps reduce fatigue and boosts performance. It incorporates Nike's FlyEase technology for easy on and off; the collapsible heel allows for effortless entry and exit. A standout feature is the ZoomX foam in the midsole, designed to return energy with each stride, enabling a more efficient running experience. The Nike Zoom VaporFly Next Ekiden was released on January 2, 2020, at a retail price of $240.