Nike has announced the upcoming release of the ACG Zegama, a trail running shoe designed specifically for ultramarathoners, set to hit the market in summer 2026. This new model rebrands the existing Zegama trail shoe, which debuted in 2014, and incorporates several enhancements aimed at improving performance without sacrificing the qualities that runners have appreciated.
The ACG Zegama is touted as Nike’s “most rugged” trail sneaker, featuring a reworked design that emphasizes comfort and stability. According to Caleb Olson, a member of Nike’s All Conditions Racing Department, the shoe maintains the same comfort level as its predecessor while delivering increased responsiveness, making it an enjoyable option for racing as well as daily training.
One of the key innovations in the ACG Zegama is the incorporation of exposed ZoomX foam in the sole, which Nike claims provides an impressive 85 percent energy return. Additionally, the shoe includes Cushlon 3.0 foam in the midsole, enhancing stability during runs. The outsole features Vibram Megagrip rubber, which has been updated with an improved lug pattern for better traction on various surfaces.
The design team also introduced a new trail-specific last, creating more room in the forefoot and toe box to accommodate the natural movement of runners’ feet. Tyler Green, another runner from Nike’s All Conditions Racing Department, praised the shoe’s instant comfort, exceptional traction, and aesthetic appeal, stating, “The shoe feels excellent right out of the box; the traction is stellar; and, of course, it looks really good.”
Nike’s ACG (All Conditions Gear) line has a rich history, officially launching in 1989. Although the company has been involved in outdoor footwear since the early 1980s, the ACG line has often been marketed separately from its trail offerings. The introduction of the ACG Zegama follows the August announcement of the ACG Ultrafly, indicating a strategic effort to consolidate and enhance Nike’s offerings in the trail running segment.
The ACG Zegama will be available for purchase on nike.com and at select Nike ACG retailers, although pricing details have yet to be confirmed. As anticipation builds for this new model, it reflects Nike’s ongoing commitment to innovation in the realm of off-road running gear, catering to the evolving needs of athletes around the world.
