Lightweight and High-Performance Hiking Shoes! Enjoy the Mountains with the "Nike ACG Zegama Hike"

Outdoor performance brand Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear)—built for all athletes seeking challenge, adventure, and connection in nature—underwent a brand refresh this spring. Focusing on trail running, hiking, and exploration, ACG aims to lead performance innovation for outdoor athletes through its products.

Joining the lineup as a modern hiking shoe suited for today's trails is the Nike ACG Zegama Hike. Powered by Nike's cutting-edge technologies, this model combines the stability essential for hiking with the lightweight agility and comfort of a running shoe. It is designed to redefine trail potential and open up new possibilities. What kind of shoe is it really?

A Highly Supportive and Comfortable Hiking Shoe

The Nike ACG Zegama Hike is the first hiking shoe added to the high-performance footwear lineup since ACG's brand refresh. Inheriting the lightweight build, superior cushioning, and comfortable energy return of the trail running Nike ACG Zegama, it adds the durability, comfort, and support needed for long-distance, extended hikes.

"ACG's trail running and hiking shoes are categorized into two lines: Rapid and Rugged. The Rapid line is built around responsive cushioning, offering a light, springy feel, true to its name.

On the other hand, the Rugged line focuses on maximum cushioning. These shoes deliver high shock absorption and foot protection, providing outstanding support in trail environments. The ACG Zegama Hike falls under the Rugged category—a model engineered to deliver all-day cushioning comfort and serious protection," says Ryo Ota, an EKIN (Nike specialists who communicate product technology, innovation, and design stories).

Leveraging Expertise From Running and Trail Running

As many know, Nike has continued to lead the running world ever since releasing its carbon-plated, max-cushioned running shoes in 2017. Incorporating insights gained from developing a wide variety of running shoes is one of the standout features of ACG footwear.

"The upper layer of the midsole features ZoomX foam—a top-tier, ultra-lightweight, and highly cushioned material familiar from Nike running shoes. Meanwhile, the lower layer uses Phylon foam, which provides ideal firmness and high stability.

This dual-layer midsole structure ensures the stability required for hiking while letting you experience the exceptional cushioning and responsiveness of ZoomX foam."

Compared to trail running, hiking involves longer ground contact time with each step and typically carrying heavier loads, making stability even more critical. Naturally, the outsole utilizes high-friction materials to deliver exceptional traction across varied terrain.

"For the outsole, we used Vibram MEGAGRIP, just like on the ACG Zegama trail running model. The lug pattern and depth have been tuned specifically for hiking, with lugs that are 0.5 mm deeper than those on the trail running version."

Vibram MEGAGRIP is a high-performance rubber compound that provides excellent grip on both dry and wet surfaces, along with high durability.

Of course, it's not just the midsole and outsole—the upper is also built to hiking specifications.

 "Trail running models often feature mesh uppers to prioritize breathability and lightweight performance, but the ACG Zegama Hike focuses on protection."

 Rubberized overlays line the lower upper, with reinforcement added at the toe and heel. Another key feature is the ankle-hugging gaiter, which keeps trail debris out of the shoe while maintaining comfort during long hours of wear.

High Support and Grip Deliver a Secure, Comfortable Fit

I actually wore the "ACG Zegama Hike" while trekking through the mountains of Kamakura. What stood out most compared to standard trail running shoes was its impressive support and stability. Modern trail running shoes are exceptionally high-performing—even used in 100-mile races through rugged mountain terrain—so they can certainly handle casual hikes and trekking.

However, for everyday hikers rather than trained athletes spending long hours on mountain trails, or for those carrying heavy gear, a dedicated hiking shoe like the "ACG Zegama Hike" will offer a much more comfortable experience.

Its exceptional grip also gave me total peace of mind when navigating muddy terrain and steep descents.

 During development, the "ACG Zegama Hike" was extensively tested on trails worldwide, from Oregon to the Alps. As the summer heat fades and autumn foliage arrives, many will be hitting the trails for hiking and trekking—and the "ACG Zegama Hike" is sure to make every adventure far more comfortable.