BI
Ben Is Running Youtube
Best for: Longer trail races (half marathon to ultra distances) on non-technical terrain with road approaches
Trail Light
Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail
A soft, responsive trail racer built for longer distances on moderate, non-technical terrain where its ZoomX cushion and carbon plate shine on smooth ground. Best suited for half-marathon to ultra efforts on runnable trails, though some testers flag its stiffness on steep climbs and shallow lugs in mud.
"suited much more towards the longer Trail Races" — Ben Is Running
Physical blueprint
Where this shoe sits
Weight 269 g
Heel stack 38.0 mm
Drop 8.5 mm
Cushioning High
Best for
Long RunsTrail
Pronation Neutral
Surface Trail
Lifespan 200+ tested with foam still performing mi
Specifications
Weight (M9)
269g (9.5 oz)
Stack (Heel)
38.0 mm
Stack (Forefoot)
29.5 mm
Drop
8.5 mm
Midsole
ZoomX (PEBA, dual-layer)
Plate
Carbon (Full-length split carbon fiber Flyplate)
Outsole
Vibram Megagrip with Litebase
Upper
Vapor mesh
Lacing
Traditional
Fit Profile
Length
True To Size
Forefoot Width
Wide
Midfoot Width
Narrow
Heel Width
Average
Lockdown
Good
Toe Box
Roomy
Sizing
True To Size
Ride Characteristics
Cushioning
High
Feel
Balanced
Energy Return
High
Transition
Smooth
Bounce
Bouncy
Durability
Expected Miles
200+ tested with foam still performing
Outsole
Above Average
Expert reviews
BP
A fast, wide and stable carbon-plated trail racer with excellent Vibram Megagrip on smooth trails, but it is heavy, stiff on steep climbs, lacks lug depth for muddy conditions and is very hard to recommend at this price.
Best for: Fast, smooth, non-technical summer trail and ultra racing (think Western States, South Downs Way, Thames Path), or mixed-terrain park run-style efforts.
DO
A comfortable, smooth-transitioning long-distance trail racer that shines for half-marathon to ultra-marathon efforts on moderate terrain, but isn't suited for short fast races or technical mud/sand.
Best for: Long-distance trail racing, half marathon to ultra marathon distances on moderate trails
TG
An excellent, durable trail racer with bouncy ZoomX cushion and a snappy carbon plate that the Ginger Runner classifies as a Buy despite the steep $250 price.
Best for: Trail racing from fast 10K to 100 miler
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail good for long runs?
A soft, responsive trail racer built for longer distances on moderate, non-technical terrain where its ZoomX cushion and carbon plate shine on smooth ground. Best suited for half-marathon to ultra efforts on runnable trails, though some testers flag its stiffness on steep climbs and shallow lugs in mud.
How does the Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail fit?
Reviewers note: Wider but lower volume toe box with a flexible heel counter; comfortable secure fit
Per Doctors of Running.
How much does the Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail weigh and what is its drop?
The Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail weighs about 269g (men's 9), has a 38.0mm heel stack and a 8.5mm heel-toe drop.
What shoes is the Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail compared to?
Reviewers compare the Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail to Nike Vaporfly 3, Hoka Tecton X, The North Face Vective, Hoka Speedgoat.
Per Ben Is Running, Ben Parkes.
How many experts have reviewed the Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail?
Next Pair aggregates 4 expert reviews of the Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail, including Doctors of Running, The Ginger Runner, Ben Is Running.
Per Doctors of Running, The Ginger Runner, Ben Is Running.
Where it sits among similar shoes
Compared to other trail light in the same lane.
Weight · lower = lighter
Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail 269g
Adidas Adizero Evo SL ATR 272g
Brooks Cascadia Elite 269g
Mount to Coast H1 238g
Heel stack · higher = more cushioning
Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail 38.0mm
Adidas Adizero Evo SL ATR 40.0mm
Brooks Cascadia Elite 41.0mm
Mount to Coast H1 36.0mm
Drop · higher = more heel-leaning
Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail 8.5mm
Adidas Adizero Evo SL ATR 7.0mm
Brooks Cascadia Elite 6.0mm
Mount to Coast H1 6.0mm
Continue reading
Foam guide
How PEBA / Pebax foam works
Methodology. Specs come from manufacturer data and
authoritative third-party catalogs. Reviewer verdicts are summarized
from named, linked sources — never copied verbatim. We weight clinical
and lab-tested sources more heavily than community commentary, but the
specific weights stay internal. Never sponsored, never paid placement.
Last updated 2026-06-19