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Nike’s Earliest Trail Shoe Gets Its Most Retro Look Yet

The road runner that accidentally helped create the ACG division has never looked better.

Red and gray Nike ACG sneaker with white laces and a thick white sole against a blue-green gradient background.Nike
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Ethan Brehm

By Ethan Brehm

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Nike’s recent revival of the LDV is no small matter.

The original 1978 road running shoe played a huge part when the footwear giant was designing its inaugural hikers for what would become the ACG label a decade later. A couple of mountaineers used the LDV as an approach shoe during their K2 expedition, proving the silhouette can work as an outdoor-focused model, if retooled a bit.

Pair of red and white Nike sneakers shown from the back with black textured soles.
The LDV has been one of the most significant ACG additions in years, reviving the 1978 running shoe as a lightweight hiker for 2026.
Nike

Nike took the climbers’ notes seriously, which stated that a tougher sole and more durable upper would be welcomed, as long as the shoe were to retain its lightweight feel. The feedback was integral when designing early-’80s hiking shoes like the Lava Dome, Magma and Approach — all spiritual predecessors to the ACG brand.

The LDV has now made its triumphant return, but as part of the ACG lineup. However, its latest variant features the most retro-leaning colorway we’ve seen so far.

Close-up of a red and white Nike sneaker with white laces and a grey Nike swoosh.
Now in Varsity Red, the LDV has never looked more retro. The colorway is evocative of ’70s- and ’80s-era track gear and running shoes.
Nike
Pair of red Nike sneakers with white laces, gray swoosh logo, and black soles on a white background.
For the 2026 revival, the LDV has been put on a ReactX midsole foam.
Nike

Old-school cool

Previously unveiled in Wolf Grey, blue-and-orange and the hi-vis yellow-and-blue inspired by Rick Ridgeway and John Roskelley’s K2 trek, the LDV now appears in Varsity Red.

Pair of yellow Nike sneakers with blue swoosh logos, white laces with pink accents, and black soles.
The LDV launched with this hi-vis yellow variant inspired by the original K2 trek.
Nike

The warmer hue recalls ‘70s- and ‘80s-era track gear or even early Cortez and Waffle Trainer models. The color graces the entirety of the upper, save for the gray Swoosh, ACG logo and heel cap. Up top, you have white laces and a white tongue, while the wedge-shaped midsole is also white.

A meaningful comeback

This isn’t the first time the LDV (Long Distance Vector) has returned, but previous offerings were either less faithful to the original or they were limited releases. Even then, the last time it was available in Nike’s catalog was nearly two decades ago now.

Pair of red and white Nike sneakers with white laces and graphic insoles viewed from above.
The original LDV was worn on a famous K2 expedition, with feedback from the climbers on how it could become a purpose-built trail shoe.
Nike
Black rubber shoe sole with square and rectangular tread patterns and small white inserts.
The waffle outsole has also been updated for better grip.
Nike

For the 2026 reissue, the brand has retained the overall aesthetic of the 1978 model but retooled it as a lightweight trail shoe. The overall geometry has evolved slightly, as has the mesh upper material, which is now reinforced for more durability. 

Most notably, the 2026 version is built on Nike’s very modern ReactX foam midsole for improved energy return. The waffle outsole is also more aggressive to handle different terrain.

Red Nike sneakers with gray swoosh and beige ribbed socks featuring a black triangle ACG logo.
The shoe that accidentally helped inspire the ACG lineup now comes full circle as an actual ACG shoe.
Nike

The new LDV fits in perfectly with the ACG relaunch happening this year as it revives one of the most significant Nike sneakers ever, but on its own terms.

Availability and pricing

The ACG LDV will carry a $130 price tag when it arrives on Nike’s website later this summer.

About the Author: Ethan Brehm is an associate editor at Gear Patrol writing about footwear, watches, spirits, EDC and more. When he’s not shopping for his next G-Shock, he spends his time watching movies and planning a future road trip with his family. He firmly believes CDs sound better than vinyl.

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