Nike Ultrafly Trail: What You Need To Know

Nike has launched its top-of-the-line trail racing shoe, the Ultrafly Trail, promising to revolutionise off-road running with its emphasis on speed, durability and remarkable grip. Born from a partnership with Vibram and backed by more than two years of rigorous testing with elite Nike Trail athletes, the Ultrafly Trail brings new technological advancements and exclusive design to Nike’s trail-running footwear lineup.

Crafted For Trail Performance

The design of the Ultrafly Trail is a culmination of close collaboration between Nike’s running footwear designers and its elite trail athletes. Nike Trail athlete Tyler Green, who logged over 1,000 miles in the shoes, and achieved three consecutive top-five finishes at the prestigious 100-mile Western States Endurance Run, had significant input. Green remarked on his involvement, “It’s exciting to see my perspective and feedback directly inform a product that will help all runners chase their goals on the trails.”

Pioneering Nike and Vibram Partnership

An essential innovation is the incorporation of Vibram’s leading sole technology into Nike’s trail footwear. The Ultrafly Trail features Vibram’s Litebase technology, ensuring a lightweight, agile outsole design. With Vibram Traction Lug technology and Vibram MegaGrip compound, runners can expect exceptional grip and traction on diverse terrains.

Redefining Speed with Flyplate and ZoomX Foam

In another first for Nike Trail, the Ultrafly features a carbon Flyplate, situated between the ZoomX foam and a fabric-wrapped midsole. This combination aids in efficient running, especially on flatter and less technically challenging terrains.

The ZoomX foam in the Ultrafly feels firmer than the foam used in the Invincible 3 and Vaporfly 3, aligning more with earlier iterations of the foam. This firmness enhances stability, a critical factor in handling the changing terrains of trail running.

Comfort and Reliability

With a Vaporweave upper, classic collar construction, and a fit system that ensures lightweight comfort, the Ultrafly is crafted for miles of racing on the trails. Despite not delivering the record-breaking performances of its ‘fly’ predecessors at ultramarathons, the Ultrafly Trail is considered Nike’s finest racing trail shoe to date.

However, its performance at the upcoming UTMB will be crucial in establishing its market reputation. If the Ultrafly Trail manages to secure a few wins, it might just become the next coveted item among trail runners.

The Nike Ultrafly Trail is now available in limited quantities in Europe since July 27, with a wider release scheduled in August at nike.com and select specialty retailers. With a design that favours a more traditional trail runner feel, and eschews the high stack height found in other carbon-plated shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Edge, the Ultrafly Trail could mark a significant shift in trail shoe design.

Will the Nike Ultrafly Trail become the new standard for trail running shoes, delivering unprecedented speed and grip for off-road racers? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for certain: the trail running landscape just got a whole lot more exciting.