Nike Running’s Next “Ekiden” Collection Channels The Air Zoom Katana From The 2000s

And Steven Smith isn't happy about it.

Andrew Rizzo November 7, 2025

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Nike Running is set to drop its next “Ekiden” collection in Spring 2026, once again championing Japanese long-distance relay with a four-pair pack inspired by a gem from the brand’s archives. The 2025 lineup took cues from the Zoom Streak Spectrum, offering up nostalgic, blazing fiery graphics that champion the brand’s running philosophy. For 2026, our focus turns to the Nike Air Zoom Katana in its quintessential “Volt” colorway.

The Air Zoom Katana is a long-archived running sneaker originally released in 2001, equipped with visible Zoom Air in the heel and blade-like overlays inspired by the sword of the same name. The model was created by former Yeezy designer and current Crocs frontman Steven Smith toward the beginning of his tenure with the Swoosh. And it hasn’t taken long for him to notice, with the design legend recently throwing some shade on Instagram ahead of the collection’s debut.

Vintage Nike Air Zoom Katana — Nike Air Zoom Katana “Volt” (2002) Roots BK

A quarter century after its debut, the Katana is back within consciousness as the focus of Nike’s latest “Ekiden” collection. To the uninitiated, Ekiden is a long-distance relay race originating in Japan, where teams of runners pass a sash, or tasuki, to one another over a set course. The word combines the Japanese terms eki (station) and den (convey), referring to an old system of delivering messages between stations.

Four models are included — the Vomero Plus, Alphafly 3, Vaporfly 4, and cost-conscious Rival Fly 4. All four sneakers do their best possible Katana impression with eye-catching “Volt” uppers and printed graphics inspired by the model’s distinctive overlays. Paying further tribute, the first three models also feature red Japanese characters on the tongue.

Nike Running’s latest “Ekiden” collection releases Spring 2026, although no firm date has been announced as of this writing. See official images and pricing info for each model below and stay tuned for further updates.

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WHERE TO BUY

Mens Nike Vomero Plus

SKU: IM8072-999

RETAIL PRICE: $190

RELEASE DATE: 2026

US 2026

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Mens Nike VaporFly 4

SKU: IM8068-999

RETAIL PRICE: $N/A

RELEASE DATE: 2026

US 2026

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Mens Nike ZoomX AlphaFly 3

SKU: IM8066-999

RETAIL PRICE: $305

RELEASE DATE: 2026

US 2026

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Nikestore US	Standard	Check Site

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1 of 3

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Mens Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 4

SKU: IM8071-999

RETAIL PRICE: $105

RELEASE DATE: 2026

US 2026

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Written by

Andrew Rizzo, Junior Editor

Andrew Rizzo is an editor at Sneaker News based out of New York City. His primary interests include Air Jordan, Nike ACG, Nike Air Max, and New Balance footwear. Prior to joining Sneaker News, Andrew covered youth sports for several outlets and worked at one of the world’s top performance marketing agencies. He hails from Astoria, Queens and is a huge New York sports fan, particularly when it comes to the Knicks and Yankees.