Nike ACG isn’t new, but runners are about to start seeing a whole lot more of it on the trails. And the media, thanks to some innovative styles being worn by top Ultra runners.
Nike is putting a renewed focus behind its All Conditions Gear line, bringing trail running, hiking and outdoor exploration under the ACG umbrella. That includes everything from familiar trail shoes to some interesting new performance apparel designed specifically for getting outside. So let’s run through it!
What is Nike ACG?
ACG stands for All Conditions Gear, and while the name has been around for decades, Nike is giving the brand a much bigger role in its outdoor lineup. Instead of ACG simply being the place for rugged shoes and outdoorsy apparel, Nike is positioning it as its dedicated outdoor performance brand, with trail running as one of the major focuses alongside hiking and exploration.
For runners, one of the biggest changes is that Nike Trail is transitioning into ACG.
Shoes like the Zegama and Ultrafly now sit alongside new trail specific apparel under the ACG name. Nike is also expanding its All Conditions Racing Department, where elite trail runners test prototypes and provide feedback that can ultimately influence the gear the rest of us get to wear.
In other words, this isn’t just Nike putting an ACG logo on lifestyle pieces. There’s a much bigger push toward technical gear that’s actually designed for running, hiking and spending long days outside. And that’s why we’ve been especially interested in putting some of the new ACG pieces to the test.
ACG Radical AirFlow Tank
Who is it for: Runners who love to be on the cutting edge.
If you watched Caleb Olson win Western States in 2025, you might remember the very holey white shirt he was wearing. That was an early version of Nike’s Radical AirFlow, and it’s exactly the kind of slightly out there gear that makes Nike interesting to so many.
As a coach and someone who tests a lot of running gear, I love when brands are willing to chase an idea because the science and athlete data say there might be something there, even when they probably know it’s not going to become the shirt every runner owns. At over $100, Radical AirFlow shirts are certainly not replacing your drawer full of basic running tees.
But there’s some really interesting thinking behind it.
Instead of simply creating another lightweight, sweat wicking fabric, Nike started with the question of how they could get more air directly to a runner’s skin to help sweat evaporate and the body cool itself. The result is the extremely open knit construction that gives Radical AirFlow its distinctive look. Nike says the technology went through extensive athlete and lab testing before reaching the version Olson raced in at Western States.
Radical AirFlow is Nike trying to provide sun coverage while leaving a whole lot more room for air to move.
The tank specifically isn’t about it being cooler, but more about what style feels most comfortable to you. I know that the longer I run, the less I want anything touching my body so a tank sounds super appealing!
- Available in men’s and women’s
- White or black
- Long sleeve, short sleeve or tank
- Fabric: 100% polyester (largely recycled)
- $110 on Nike.com for the tank
ACG Zegma Trail Running Shoe
Who is it for: Folks who want great cushion with durability on long runs or big hikes
The Zegama isn’t new, but as Nike Trail moves under ACG, this longtime favorite is getting some meaningful updates.
This has been a popular shoe for a long time (one we’ve enjoyed), so of course not everyone will love that things change. But I think these were all really good choices.
The new version puts ZoomX directly underfoot with Cushlon 3.0 beneath it, giving you that fun, responsive feeling without sacrificing the stability we need on trails. There’s also a little more cushion, a roomier forefoot and toe box, and a rock plate.
Nike thankfully stuck to the incredible Vibram Megagrip, but the ACG Zegama gets a revised lug pattern and rubber placement, ensuring that we get that traction we expect on technical trails.
You can see from the specs this is not a light shoe, and while the 38mm of foam is less than some max cushioned road shoes (cough Nike Pegasus Premium), it’s still a chunky trail shoe. That combo makes it bouncy, grippy, and built for the kind of trail run where you just want to head out and explore without worrying too much about what terrain you’ll encounter.
- Weight: 9.6oz women’s, 11.1 oz men’s
- Stack Height: 38mm
- Heel Drop: 4mm
- Available in 5 colors
- Not available in wide
- $180 on Nike.com
ACG Second Sunrise: Men’s 5′ brief lined Shorts
Ladies often get all the love when it comes to running shorts with plenty of pockets, but not this time! That’s what got me very excited to have our tester, this time around my husband David, put some gear in and head out for a run. (Yes, we luckily got this done pre-mountain bike crash and broken bones) 
His first comment was that 5″ is a bit short for his comfort, so we know that’s a personal preference, but the pockets just made it a must-try. And once he was running, the length wasn’t an issue, as the shorts felt light and did their job of the Dri-FIT, keeping him cool and moving easily.
Most importantly, the long drawstring and compression-style waistband ensure that even as you load up with gels, these shorts are going to stay put.
- Available in 6 colors
- Available in 6″
- XS to 4XL
- 7 pockets
- Fabric: Mostly recycled polyester with spandex in the panels and pockets
- $85 on Nike.com
Dri-FIT UV Protection Hooded Trail Running Shirt
Who is it for: Runners putting in long days needing more protection and cooling, especially at high altitudes.
I’ll admit running sun shirts weren’t high on my list when living in Florida, even if they should have been. BUT here in Colorado where the sun at 9,000 feet can feel like it’s trying to bore into your skin, turns out a sun shirt can make you feel a whole lot cooler.
Coach Laura is a crazy constant ultra runner in Arizona and lives the sun shirt life. So of course the key in all these situations as runner is a light enough fabric that it pulls the moisture away and keeps you feeling cool. For that reason, I’d be less likely to recommend the black fabric, knowing it will trap more heat.
- Available in 4 colors
- Available in men’s and women’s
- XXS to 2XL women’s, XS to 4XL Tall in men’s
- UVA and UVB protection
- Fabric: 100% polyester
- $90 on Nike.com
Have you tested out any of the updated Nike Trail gear? Do you like this move to ACG?
I think it’s a fun way to better differentiate road from trail and give trail a whole new personality! Because let’s be honest, even those of us who run both know that our trail identity isn’t the same as when we lace up for a road race start line.
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