Nike ACG is massively pushing trail with their ACG line.
Nike ACG means "All Conditions Gear" — and that’s a great name for a performance range. Until recently, though, Nike mainly used ACG to release retro-inspired, often self-ironic t-shirts and archive pieces.
That seems to be over now, or at least has shifted significantly over the course of 2025. Back in February, Caleb Olson won Transgrancanaria in a pair of Nike ACG trail shoes that had never been seen before. The internet went crazy. (Find my posting here.)
At Western States — which Olson also won — he wore a wild mesh shirt by Nike ACG, and once again it caused an online frenzy. The material was originally introduced in the early 2000s, but somehow kept away for around 20 years until now, when it’s making a big comeback. (Btw here's a link to a blogpost to the OG tech behind the shirt)
Then came Ultra Trail Chongli100 in Taiwan: a race completely branded in Nike ACG’s white and orange. It looked like a huge kick-off for Nike’s trail ambitions — ambitions that have always been there but rarely fulfilled. (Nike’s UTMB presence two years ago was massive, but it didn’t really kick things off afterwards, to be honest.)
(fyi: pics via @shitinthewoods @acgtaiwan )
But this is different. This is ACG, and it feels 100% authentic. ACG is outdoor heritage, lifestyle-ready, and thanks to their race presence in 2025, already highly visible. ACG brings so much more soul and relatability into Nike’s trail effort. It’s not just the usual “we’re here now, and of course we’re winning” attitude we know from track, street, and so on. ACG has always carried a bit of self-irony — and I think that’s a great match for ultra trail.
At its best, ACG has been a hub for innovation, experimental products, and functional gear for decades. I’d love to see it return to that spirit!
We’ll keep you updated on everything happening around ACG — so keep an eye on Substack and the IG page.
Update: Release for both the shirt and the new ACG Ultrafly will be Spring/Summer 2026.
I guess, not everyone running today knows too much about Nike's ACG heritage as it hasn't been around in performance running too much over the past 5-10 years. Here's some links with ACG history for you:
A retrospective on Nike ACG via Hip Store
2026 Update:
Nike is reintroducing All Conditions Gear (ACG) as a dedicated outdoor-performance brand for athletes who want adventure and thrive in the wild. Building on a 40-year legacy, ACG returns with the same mission: delivering high-quality gear and inspiration for athletes pushing their limits in all conditions — from trails to mountains and beyond.
With a strong focus on trail running, hiking, and exploration, ACG will drive performance innovation through products like the ACG Ultrafly and ACG Zegama footwear, plus apparel such as the Radical AirFlow racing top and Lava Loft down jacket. Nike Trail will also transition into ACG, combining outdoor performance with Nike’s deep running expertise.
ACG’s All Conditions Racing Department continues to grow, supported by an elite roster of trail runners who test prototypes, give feedback, and help shape the future of trail performance. New members joining this season include:
Hiroki Kai (Japan)
Hyunji Kang (Korea)
Minchul Ko (Korea)
Jennifer Lichter (U.S.)
Adam Merry (U.S.)
Takako Takamura (Japan)
ACG is also supporting independent trail events, including Chongli 168 Ultra Trail, and newly added partners Broken Arrow Skyrace and Gorge Waterfalls.
To further expand its presence, ACG is opening its first standalone store in Beijing’s Taikoo Li Sanlitun, designed as an “ACG Base Camp” that represents the brand’s spirit of exploration. A new global campaign and brand voice will reinforce ACG’s identity and inspire athletes everywhere to unplug, get outside, and explore.
