Nike Unveils ACG Ultrafly Trail Super Shoe for Spring 2026

Nike has officially lifted the curtain on the ACG Ultrafly, an advanced trail-tuned super shoe engineered for dedicated runners who seek confidence, protection, and speed, even when the miles get wild. Purpose-built to move with ever-changing terrain, this launch reinforces Nike’s trail legacy and continuous evolution as the leader in athlete-driven innovation.

Tested to the Limit, Designed for the Trail

The ACG Ultrafly wasn’t built in a lab; it was sculpted over two years and 13 rounds of development, involving over 30,000 testing miles. Nike’s ACG team worked closely with their top All Conditions Racing Department athletes, collecting feedback from wear testers in seven countries and across every kind of wild. The shoe’s every element, the fit, form, and feel, was validated through real races and real adversity.

“From the beginning, the Nike ACG Ultrafly was developed in lockstep with our Nike athletes who desired a trail-tuned super shoe,” explained Brenden McAleese, Director, Nike ACG Footwear. “Every design decision was informed by athlete feedback and validated in the wild. This shoe isn’t just inspired by the terrain. It’s engineered to redefine how fast you can move with it.”

Technology: Elevating the Game for Elite and Everyday Runners

• ZoomX Foam & Sockliner: The foundation is Nike’s most responsive and lightweight foam, designed to morph and respond as the terrain changes, offering a plush 85% energy return and reliable impact protection. The ZoomX sockliner works hand-in-hand for all-day cushioning that performs on rugged trails and vertical ascents alike.

• Redesigned FlyPlate: An evolved, less rigid carbon fiber FlyPlate features a split-spine design. This increases flexibility and torsional support, letting runners carve across roots, rocks, and technical terrain, maintaining speed and stability without overworking muscles or risking strain.

• Vibram Litebase Outsole: Optimized traction for both uphill and downhill runs, this sole shaves weight while providing all-surface grip and next-level control—even in slick, unpredictable conditions.

• Fast-Draining, Breathable Upper: Crossing water? No sweat. The new upper drains water quickly and maximizes airflow, making the ACG Ultrafly a go-to for long-distance efforts, multi-stage ultras, and wet technical courses.

Athlete Proven: Raced and Endorsed at the Highest Level

Nike athlete Shea Aquilano highlights the shoe’s advantages:

“When I received the ACG Ultrafly before Western States, I put them on and immediately wanted to wear them. The breathability and drainage helped me feel dry, and my legs weren’t getting beat up during a long race.”

It’s also the go-to for Caleb Olson, who raced to victory at Western States Endurance Run in this exact silhouette. “It’s my do-it-all racing shoe, it can handle rugged Transgrancanaria terrain and technical singletrack,” Olson said. “All-day comfort and top-end performance put me on top of the podium.”

Nike athlete Drew Holmen also praised Nike’s constant athlete dialogue:

“Nike constantly wants our feedback, with a persistent belief that better is always around the corner. The result? A more stable, responsive, and faster shoe. Just straight better. That’s the Nike ACG Ultrafly.”

Next-Gen Fit, Bold Design, Trail Pedigree

Built for a diverse range of foot shapes and racing conditions, the ACG Ultrafly debuts in both men’s and women’s sizes and offers:

• Wider forefoot/heel for technical confidence

• Redesigned upper, accommodating toe box, and internal fit band for secure, adaptable lockdown

• Gusseted tongue for a comfortable, anti-debris fit

• Safety Orange launches a colorway for high-visibility style

Rooted in Nike ACG’s trail innovation legacy (since the 1980s), the Ultrafly combines lightweight, audacious colors and technology that speaks “trail” fluently.

Availability and Lineup

The Nike ACG Ultrafly will be available in Spring 2026 on nike.com and at select retailers, joining Nike’s renowned running, trail, and racing innovations as the brand’s pinnacle trail offering.