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Nike’s Toughest Trail Shoe Ever Is the Brand’s Highly Technical Answer to Hoka and Salomon

Can the king of the marathon conquer the mountains? Nike’s latest shoe under the ACG banner shows it means business.

White and red Nike ZoomX running shoe with black swoosh and Vibram sole, showing dirt marks.Nike
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By Jack Seemer

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No one would dare doubt Nike’s prowess on rubber or asphalt.

For decades, the brand has dominated two of running’s primary disciplines, supporting no shortage of world records, Olympic medals and world championships with innovative footwear for distances up to the marathon.

But questions loom large on the trails, where Nike lags behind Hoka and Salomon in terms of technical shoes for races that measure time in hours and days, not seconds.

It will hope its newest release can change that reputation.

White Nike ZoomX running shoe with black swoosh and red Vibram sole, showing dirt stains.
The ACG Zegama, available next summer, is optimized for highly technical ultras.
Nike

All conditions, all distances

Joining the ACG Ultrafly in the All Conditions Gear roster, the ACG Zegama will arrive next summer as one of the most technical trail shoes in the brand’s history. It’s certainly the toughest.

“The ACG Zegama is designed, tested and engineered for max cushioning and comfort for the most rugged trail adventures,” says Brenden McAleese, the director of ACG Footwear.

Like the existing Zegama 2, it utilizes Nike’s lightest and most responsive foam compound, ZoomX, but combines it with Cushlon 3.0 for extra support and stability.

Close-up of a white Nike ZoomX running shoe with black swoosh and red outsole on a dark surface.
It features a dual-compound midsole comprised of Cushlon 3.0 and ZoomX, Nike’s lightest and most efficient foam.
Nike

It also features a forefoot rock plate and modified heel bump to tackle technical terrain, while a new lug pattern on the Vibram Megagrip outsole is designed to inspire confidence on both dry and wet trails.

White athletic shoe with red and black rugged sole and "All Conditions" text on the side.
Nike retooled the lugs of the Vibram Megagrip outsole for more confidence on wet terrain.
Nike

Room to roam

As for the upper, Nike tuned it for all-day comfort.

The ACG Zegama has a wider last than its predecessor, as well as extra padding in the tongue and heel. The gaiter is also stretchier, shielding out debris while adapting to swelling after hours on the trail.

Close-up of a white Nike sneaker with black swoosh and textured knit upper on a black background.
The gaiter is stretchier than the one on the Zegama 2, improving comfort for longer runs.
Nike
White Nike ACG sneaker with red accents and textured sole on a dark surface.
Extra padding on the tongue and heel also help to optimize the shoe for all-day wear.
Nike

“The ACG Zegama has the same comfort and stability as its predecessor, which I already loved as a daily trainer, and adds more responsiveness that makes it really fun to race in,” says Caleb Olson, who won the 2025 Western States Endurance Run.

“It’s a sturdy shoe that’s a great option for more technical races, when I’m moving through rocky terrain and need my feet to be comfortable and cushioned all day.”

White and orange Nike ACG trail running shoe with black swoosh and Vibram sole on a black background.
The ACG Zegama has a wider last than the one on the Zegama 2.
Nike

Availability and pricing

One of Nike’s headline announcements from The Running Event, the ACG Zegama will be available next summer. The brand has yet to confirm pricing but it’s expected to fall in line with the Zegama 2 ($190).

In the meantime, check out the new Gore-Tex-equipped version of the Nike Vomero 18, now available for $180.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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