Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail Review 2026: Ultra Running

Fast, Cushioned Shoe for Milder Trails

Image: official product image from nike.com

Is the Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail good for ultrarunning?

Mostly. The Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail is a strong ultrarunning option for gravel, fire roads and flatter trails, with ZoomX cushioning, a carbon plate and Vibram Megagrip traction. At 269 g according to Nike, it is built for lively long efforts, but stiffness, shallow lugs and poor breathability make it less suitable for technical or wet routes.

Key facts

Category	Trail shoes
Release	Announced 24 August 2025; on sale from late January 2026
Price	£230 / $260 MSRP
Key specs	Men’s weight: 9.5 oz / 269 g (brand); 9.8 oz / 278 g (lab); 10.12 oz in another review Women’s weight: 8.6 oz / 244 g (brand); 7.93 oz in another review Stack height: approximately 37 to 38 mm heel and 27.4 to 29.5 mm forefoot, depending on source and measurement Stated heel-to-toe drop: 8.5 mm; lab-measured drop: 10.7 mm Nike ZoomX foam midsole and full-length carbon plate
Best for	Runners seeking a fast, cushioned shoe for gravel, fire roads, pavement and flatter, less technical trail courses.
Consensus score	8.8 out of 10

What is the Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail?

The Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail is a carbon-plated trail shoe built around ZoomX foam, a full-length plate and a Vibram Megagrip outsole. Its intended terrain is mixed and relatively mild, including gravel, fire roads and pavement, rather than steep, highly technical trails. Nike lists the men’s weight at 269 g, while RunRepeat’s lab measured 278 g; published stack figures also vary, at roughly 37 to 38 mm in the heel and 27.4 to 29.5 mm at the forefoot. The stated drop is 8.5 mm, with a lab measurement of 10.7 mm.

How does it perform on long runs?

Reviewers praise the lively, propulsive feel of the ZoomX cushioning and carbon plate, along with comfortable cushioning for long miles. Testers at RunRepeat found the shoe more stable than expected, and both reviews report strong Vibram Megagrip traction across mixed surfaces. That combination makes the Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail appealing for fast, flatter ultras. Its stiffness is more noticeable on rocky or root-filled ground, where it can feel less adaptable. Reviewers also flag poor breathability, while Ultrarunning reports slow drainage after wetting and inconsistent heel lockdown.

Who should buy the Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail?

Choose this shoe if your races or training routes combine gravel, fire roads, pavement and flatter, less technical trails, and you want a cushioned, propulsive ride for long distances. The roomy fit and traction add to its appeal, but the shallow lugs and stiff platform make it a less convincing choice for technical, rocky courses. At £230 / $260 MSRP, it is a costly option, and its stated 8.5 mm drop may not suit every runner. The consensus score is 8.8/10, with its best use clearly focused on faster, milder terrain.

What reviewers agree on

Strengths

Lively, propulsive ride from ZoomX foam and the carbon plate
Strong Vibram Megagrip traction across mixed surfaces
Comfortable cushioning for long miles
Roomy fit and more stability than expected, according to RunRepeat

Weaknesses

High retail price
Poor breathability; water drainage is slow, according to one review
Stiff on very technical, rocky or root-filled trails
Shallow lugs limit versatility
Heel lockdown can be inconsistent
The high stated drop may not suit every runner

Frequently asked questions

How does the Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail fit?

RunRepeat describes the fit as roomy, but Ultrarunning notes that heel lockdown can be inconsistent. The available review data does not provide a sizing recommendation or a measured fit comparison, so runners should not assume they need to size up or down based on these reviews alone.

Is the Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail durable in wet conditions?

The reviews praise Vibram Megagrip traction, but the consensus data does not establish long-term outsole durability. Ultrarunning reports that the shoe drains slowly after getting wet, and reviewers also note poor breathability. Those points make it less appealing for persistently wet routes.

How does it compare with other trail shoes?

The Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail stands out for its ZoomX foam and full-length carbon plate, giving it a lively ride suited to faster, milder routes. The available reviews do not provide direct comparisons with a named rival or predecessor, so claims about being faster, lighter or more durable would be unsupported.

Sources behind this review

How this review works: the consensus score of 8.8 out of 10 condenses the verdicts of the independent reviews and lab tests listed above, compiled by endurance coach Paul Forrest. Prices and specifications are those quoted by reviewers at the time of testing and may have changed.

Training for an ultra? See endurance coaching with Paul Forrest.