Nike trail runners

Trail shoes

Nike debuted its first off-road shoes under the new Hiking department in 1981. Their success led to other outdoor-ready designs like Mark Parker’s 1984 Nike Escape, which many consider to be the brand’s earliest trail running silhouette. In 1989, Nike ACG was launched, signifying a stronger focus on outdoor apparel, and it was out of this innovative sub-label that Nike Trail emerged.

Nike’s foray into trail shoes brought 1991’s Air Terra ACG and the iconic Air Mowabb, and in 1992, the Trail line was officially distinguished. Off-road silhouettes such as the moccasin-inspired ACG Moc slip-on and the sturdy ACG Torre hiking boot were subsequently released alongside trail-focused designs like 1996’s Air Terra Outback and Air Terra Tor. 1997 brought Peter Fogg’s influential Air Humara, which debuted his new trail logo and was followed-up in 1998 by the Air Terra Humara. This distinctive model epitomised Nike Trail’s ability to blend style with function, becoming the first of many to be embraced as a lifestyle sneaker.

By this point, a dedicated Trail Running category had been added to Nike’s catalogue as its designers pushed the boundaries of outdoor footwear. The forward-thinking Alpha Project brought yet more experimentation in 1999, leading to innovations like Mike Friton’s G-TEK outsole, which was based on the remarkable traction of a mountain goat’s hooves, alongside fan-favourite silhouettes including the robust ACG Exploraid and the snug yet durable ACG Izy sneaker-boot.

Nike Trail entered the Y2K era at a creative high point with models like the laidback ACG Rufus slip-on, the quirky ACG Phassad trail shoe and the Pegasus Trail, whose hard-wearing features adapted the road-running icon for the trails. Following this, things went quiet, until in 2014, Nike Trail was relaunched with two brand new silhouettes: the rapid, racing-ready Kiger and the durable, responsive Wildhorse.

These flagship models reinvigorated Nike Trail, bringing renewed success and growth to the trail running lineup. In 2019, the Pegasus Trail returned as a road-to-trail specialist, and three years later, following the release of the powerful ACG Mountain Fly and ACG Gaiadome hiking boots, two new trail silhouettes came out. They were a high-performance ultra-distance racing shoe known as the Zegama and an accessible all-rounder called the Juniper, which together ensured that all outdoor athletes could be catered for, whatever their level.

In 2023, Nike pushed the limits of trail shoe design with the Ultrafly. Made for dedicated outdoor enthusiasts traversing the most challenging technical terrain, the Ultrafly incorporates a suite of high-tech features, including a carbon fibre Flyplate and ZoomX cushioning lifted directly from Nike’s groundbreaking running shoes, alongside a cutting-edge Vibram outsole. Its follow-up, the advanced ACG Ultrafly, has been referred to as the brand’s first “Trail-Tuned Super Shoe”, ushering in a new era of innovation and performance for Nike Trail.

Today, Nike Trail continues to build upon its rich heritage by providing exceptional trail running footwear for everyone from the most inexperienced beginner to the most decorated professional.