I Finally Tested Nike’s First Plated Trail Runner. Here’s What I Liked (and Didn’t)

Performance finally matches aesthetics with this all-new trail racing silhouette.

Published December 2, 2023

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Nike has produced some of trail running’s most stylish shoes over the years. But while the silhouettes have been aesthetically pleasing, there hasn’t been much to write home about in the performance department. Yes, Nike trail runners can handle light off-roading and road-to-trail pathways, but muddy or more technical terrain has historically left athletes clamoring for more underfoot.

Nike Ultrafly Trail Running Shoes
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That all appears to have changed with the new Ultrafly. As the first Nike trail running shoe to utilize the always-popular Vibram Megagrip outsole, this race-oriented shoe looks to be a step in the right direction for the brand. Additionally, this sneaker is Nike’s first plated trail runner, boasting a full-length carbon Flyplate sandwiched between the brand’s coveted ZoomX midsole foam.

The Nike Ultrafly Trail Shoes: What We Think

a man tying a shoe — Great for extended wear; not ideal for technical terrain. Nike’s Ultrafly trail shoe strikes just the right balance for runners looking to get a little off road.

These Ultraflys are frontrunners for my favorite Nikes of the year. The carbon Flyplate blends well to the ZoomX midsole for a ride that’s snappy yet still comfortable enough for extended wear. Of course, it’s hard to ignore that trusty Vibram outsole that’s plenty grippy for wet and muddy conditions alike.

Despite the boost in traction, I still feel these sneakers are best for less technical terrain. The roomier fit limits lockdown, and I’d prefer a deeper lug pattern for more aggressive pathways. All told, though, I’d say Nike Trail is moving in the right direction with these impressive kicks.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

The ZoomX midsole tech translates well from road to trail

a man running on a dirt trail — The full plate tech of the ZoomX midsole provides just the right balance of rebound and comfort.

The ZoomX midsole is the foundation of many popular Nike road running shoes, and I’m happy to see it translate to the trail with the Ultraflys. There’s enough cushioning to keep your strides comfortable, and the energy return pairs well with the embedded carbon Flyplate.

I also appreciate how this full-length plate technology adds spring to your step when needed, yet isn’t too aggressive when worn for longer periods. There’s less rigidity than with Nike’s other plated silhouettes like the Alphafly and Vaporfly, which is well suited to the uneven terrain of trail running.

Lighter lugs and lack of a toe bumper limit how technical your terrain can get

As tacky as the Vibram outsole is, there’s simply not enough lug depth to support aggressive trail running. These sneakers can be overwhelmed by technical crags and loose hillsides, and the roomier last limits how well you can lock down the upper for more intense terrain. Plus, there’s essentially no toe bumper, which limits your protection when navigating over jutting roots, boulders and other obstacles. I’d recommend saving these Ultraflys for more approachable fire trails and the like.

The white upper is tough against the elements, but tougher to keep clean

At unboxing, I recommend taking a good, hard look at the impeccable style across the Nike Ultraflys, because that clean white aesthetic won’t last long. Sure, the Vaporweave mesh upper is plenty durable against the trials and tribulations of trail running, but the Cordura-wrapped midsole easily turns brown when exposed to dust or dirt. Some athletes, like myself, may wear this dirt as a badge of honor across their sneakers … but you almost feel guilty tarnishing the style of this Nike silhouette.

The Vibram Megagrip outsole has the traction Nike Trail needs

a man running on a track — Rather than using in-house tech, Nike tagged in Vibram for an outsole that can handle tougher trails.

Nike typically pairs its trail running sneakers with in-house rubber technologies, which haven’t been the best for trekking through mud and loose gravel. The Ultraflys take full advantage of the full-length Vibram Megagrip outsole to create a grippy, capable underfoot. As much as I winced at taking these sneakers on mud-packed trails (you’ll want to preserve that pristine white profile for as long as possible), I was pleased with the traction I found in my strides.