A New Era in Trail Running: Nike ACG Unveils Revolutionary Gear
Nike ACG has made a significant splash in the world of trail running with its latest innovations, inspired by the performance of athlete Caleb Olson at the 2025 Western States men’s ultra-marathon. Olson not only claimed victory with the second-fastest time in course history but also captured attention for his unique choice of attire—a holey crop-top shirt that quickly went viral.
This eye-catching piece of clothing, known as the Radical AirFlow, is now being officially launched by Nike ACG. Alongside it, the brand is introducing the new Ultrafly trail super shoe, both of which are set to make waves in the running community.
The Science Behind the Radical AirFlow
The Radical AirFlow is designed with a focus on "radical cooling," a feature that gives the top its name. It incorporates cone-shaped airducts that enhance airflow and accelerate sweat evaporation. These strategically placed holes vary in size to optimize temperature management. Additionally, the interior side features dimples that further aid in cooling.
The technology behind the Radical AirFlow is rooted in scientific principles. The Bernoulli principle explains how air speed increases while pressure decreases, and the Venturi effect describes how fluid speed increases when moving through a narrower section of a pipe. Together, these concepts contribute to the top's ability to keep runners cool during intense races.
Western States was chosen as the debut race for the Radical AirFlow due to its notoriously hot conditions. Despite the heat, wearing the top actually makes runners feel cooler than they would without it. The top also absorbs and retains 50 percent less sweat compared to other tested garments, making it a game-changer for long-distance runners.
Design Features of the Radical AirFlow
The Radical AirFlow includes large cut-outs at the armpit and elbows, ensuring freedom of movement. Its cropped design allows easy access to a running belt, making it practical for athletes who need to carry essentials during long runs. This thoughtful design ensures that the top is not only functional but also comfortable.
Introducing the Nike ACG Ultrafly
Alongside the Radical AirFlow, the Nike ACG Ultrafly is another groundbreaking product. This new trail shoe is a successor to the original Ultrafly Trail and is part of the ACG line. The Ultrafly features ZoomX cushioning underfoot, paired with a 7/8 length carbon fiber plate that is less rigid than the one found in the original model. This design offers better torsional flexibility and control on uneven surfaces.
For the first time, a full-length ZoomX sockliner is used in a trail-running shoe, providing enhanced comfort. A wider last also offers more room in the toe box, which is especially beneficial as feet tend to swell during long runs.
Performance and Testing
A men's size 10 of the Ultrafly weighs 287 grams, with a stack height of 37mm and a 4mm drop. The Vibram Lightbase outsole features 3mm lugs, providing excellent traction on varied terrain. Nike ACG conducted 13 rounds of testing on the UltraFly, accumulating over 30,000 miles of running to ensure its reliability and performance.
Caleb Olson, who has been racing in the Nike ACG Ultrafly since early 2024, praised the shoe for its versatility. "It's been my go-to, do-it-all racing shoe. It can handle some of the most rugged terrain I've raced on at Transgrancanaria, as well as the singletrack at Western States. It's a great balance between all-day comfort and top-end performance that has helped put me on top of the podium at some of my biggest races."
Upcoming Releases
Both the Nike ACG Radical AirFlow and Ultrafly are set to release in spring 2026. These innovative products are expected to redefine the standards in trail running, offering athletes cutting-edge technology and superior performance. With a focus on comfort, cooling, and durability, Nike ACG continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of endurance sports.
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