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Nike Ultrafly Review

With a mediocre performance that makes it hard to justify their price, these are a comfortable carbon pair on moderate terrain
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Nike Ultrafly Review
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Price:  $260 List
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Manufacturer:   Nike
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 3, 2024
66
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#20 of 23
  • Foot Protection - 25% 6.8
  • Traction - 20% 6.3
  • Sensitivity - 15% 5.0
  • Stability - 15% 7.3
  • Comfort and Fit - 15% 7.2
  • Weight - 10% 6.8
Length Sizing
Runs Small
Runs Large
Width Sizing
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide

Our Verdict

The Nike Ultrafly provides all-day propulsive comfort on moderate terrain. Our testing put the model in the middle ground of carbon shoes in our lineup. Not as springy but also not as firm as the competition. This provided good comfort for long runs but made the model more squirrely on technical terrain. With a premium upper, this is the most expensive model in our lineup. But for those who want the benefits of carbon with a mix of bounce and firmness on the trail, these Nikes may fit the (high) bill. Doesn't sound like your bag? Check out the rest of our trail running shoe lineup instead.
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Premium materials
Carbon propulsion
Unique color ways
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Suffers in technical terrain
Durability concerns

Compare to Similar Products

 
nike ultrafly
This Product
Nike Ultrafly
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Trail Running Shoe
Top Pick Award
Best Trail Running Shoe with Ultralight Cushioning
Top Pick Award
Best-Tractioned Trail Runner
Best Buy Award
Best Value Trail Runners
Price $260 List$190 List
$189.95 at Backcountry
$195 List
$194.95 at Backcountry
$122.72 at Amazon
Compare at 3 sellers
$100 List
$79.95 at Amazon
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Bottom Line If you desire a balance of stiffness and energy out of your carbon Nikes, perhaps these are for youA perfectly fitting, comfortable, and very protective shoe that just begs to be worn on long run daysWith each step you are picking up less than the competition, and for advanced runners the precision and speed are unmatchedUnrivaled traction makes this a one-stop shop for mountain athletes and off-trail runnersSome more advanced runners may find this shoe overbuilt with stiffness and support, but we love the protection and comfort
Rating Categories Nike Ultrafly Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 Nnormal Kjerag Salomon Speedcross 6 Brooks Divide 4
Foot Protection (25%)
6.8
9.0
6.4
7.3
7.9
Traction (20%)
6.3
7.5
7.5
10.0
4.8
Sensitivity (15%)
5.0
6.0
8.0
6.0
3.4
Stability (15%)
7.3
8.6
8.5
5.0
9.0
Comfort and Fit (15%)
7.2
9.0
8.8
9.0
7.8
Weight (10%)
6.8
6.7
9.5
6.2
6.5
Specs Nike Ultrafly Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 Nnormal Kjerag Salomon Speedcross 6 Brooks Divide 4
Sizes Available 6 - 15 US regular 4 - 13 US
regular
4.5 - 13.5 US
regular
7 - 14 US
regular and wide
7 - 15 US
regular
Measured Heel Stack Height 36 mm 31 mm 25 mm 33 mm 32 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop 10 mm 8 mm 8 mm 12 mm 9 mm
Rock Plate Carbon Fiber No No No No
Measured Lug Depth 2.9 mm 3.5 mm 3.0 mm 5.5 mm 2.5 mm
Measured Weight 10.50 oz 10.64 oz 8.05 oz 11.08 oz 10.82 oz
Upper Vaporweave mesh Matryx Jacquard Matryx Jacquard Synthetic, textile Mesh
Midsole Zoom X Foam + Fly Plate Energy Save PU foam with Profeel Film rock protection EExpure midsole Salomon EnergyCell+ EVA DNA LOFT
Outsole Vibram MegaGrip and Litebase Salomon Contagrip MA Vibram Litebase Salomon Mud Contagrip TrailTack Rubber
Heel Tab Type Tiny pull tab None None None None
Claimed Heel-to-Toe Drop 9 mm 8 mm 6 mm 10 mm 9 mm

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Nike Ultrafly, featuring a premium upper, is the most expensive model in our lineup. It's ideal for those seeking the benefits of carbon with a mix of bounce and firmness for trail running. Our tests placed it in the middle of our carbon shoe lineup: less springy than some models but not as firm as others. This balance provides solid comfort for long runs, though it can feel a bit less stable on technical terrain.

Performance Comparison


Our team of in-house testers deconstructed the Nike Ultrafly to give you real world specs.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Foot Protection


The 36 mm heel stack of the Ultrafly puts a lot of foam between you and the ground; add in a carbon plate, and these shoes provide solid underfoot protection. Our testing showed little underfoot fatigue, even on longer runs, making this a great shoe for ultra-length distances. Some users may find the toe bumper flimsy, but we don't often strike in this area, so it wasn't a huge dealbreaker for us. For more technical terrain where your foot could be sandwiched in between rocks, you probably will want something more beefy. The tongue is well padded, and the lace bite has minimal interaction with the top of your foot. The Ultrafly is designed for easy to moderate trails, so if you plan on being on ridgelines, scree, or talus for extended periods of time, we'd opt for something more substantial.

The easy-going nature of the Nike Ultrafly cushioning is best suited for long-distance races and ultras rather than short sprints.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Traction


We are big fans of Vibram Litebase used in the Ultrafly, and we think it offers the best all-around traction and performance across different types of terrain. Due to its hardness, it is less ideal in wet, rocky conditions. Elsewhere, this blend is pretty perfect, and this hardness does a good job of shedding mud when it's encountered. The measured 2.9 mm lugs provide decent grip on dry trails but lack bite in loose terrain. Directional lugs are meant for consistent and less technical running, so if your course has lots of sharp turns, you may opt for something with either less stack or larger lugs.

nike ultrafly - the nike ultrafly has a durable vibram megagrip and litebase outsole...
The Nike Ultrafly has a durable Vibram MegaGrip and Litebase outsole that works decently on various surfaces. The short, spaced-out lugs aren't the best for technical terrain, but on easy hardpack they work great.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Sensitivity


The Ultrafly has less sensitivity than most shoes due to its carbon plate and firm Vibram Litebase. Its large stack puts a lot of foam between you in the ground, limiting ground sensitivity. However, the foam does a good job of compressing, providing adequate sensation on most terrain. For technical scrambling and ridgelines, we'd opt for something firmer, but if you are using the Ultrafly on its intended more moderate runnable terrain, we doubt you'll find an issue with the lack of sensitivity.

nike ultrafly - in the middle ground of carbon spring, the ultrafly doesn't...
In the middle ground of carbon spring, the Ultrafly doesn't overwhelm you with bounce - but also doesn't allow for super technical terrain.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Stability


At 4.80 inches, the Nike Ultrafly has one of the widest outsoles of any model in our lineup. This does a great job of contrasting the high heel-toe drop (which we measured at 10 mm!), helping to add better stability. The cushioning, though, reduces the stiffness, which is noticeable when on off-camber terrain. This leads to the shoe feeling less supportive on technical terrain. If you like a locked-in feel or rigidity through the heel, you should opt for more supportive features in a different model. During our testing, we felt the carbon plate provided less stiffness, but the width created a platform that supported our ankles, knees, and hips. Generally, our team prefers subtle stability, letting our muscles do most of the work, and we are impressed with the stability of a model with this high stack. As with any shoe, the model will provide the most stability on its designed surface, so you should plan for the majority of your running to be on smooth or moderate technical trails.

nike ultrafly - a wide platform maintains good stability even with the high...
A wide platform maintains good stability even with the high cushioning and stack. This continues the sentiment of being in the middle ground of carbon models in our lineup.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Comfort and Fit


Throughout our testing, we were impressed with the comfort of the cushioning and the easygoing nature of the Ultrafly. While it's marketed as a race shoe by Nike, we found it to lack a bit of stiffness, which reduced some energy transfer. Luckily this makes it incredibly comfortable underneath the foot for many hours. For shorter races, this may be a downside, but for ultra distances, it was clear this is a great option.

The upper is spacious and comfortable, and we didn't experience any blisters or hotspots. If you have a foot with a higher volume, this could be a great option. Our lead tester, Matthew, has a smaller volume foot, and he experienced a bit of excess fabric on the upper forefoot. While this wasn't an issue, it didn't lock down the forefoot quite as well as other uppers. The padded tongue reduced any interference with the laces and provided great heel lockdown. If you're looking for an upper for all-day comfort, consider the Ultrafly.

nike ultrafly - we are fans of the ultrafly upper. it's comfortable and contains...
We are fans of the Ultrafly upper. It's comfortable and contains lightweight premium features - unfortunately, this makes it extremely expensive compared to other shoes with better overall performance.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Weight


At 10.50 ounces per shoe, in size US men's 10.5, the Nike Ultrafly reduces weight by using a super light upper and Vibram Litebase. While not as light as some of the others we tested, the model still feels very fluid when running fast. Nike uses a unique knit blend around the midsole, which claims increased durability without sacrificing the weight of more durable exteriors.

nike ultrafly - the nike ultrafly weight 10.5 oz per size 10.5 us mens.
The Nike Ultrafly weight 10.5 oz per size 10.5 US Mens.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Should You Buy the Nike Ultrafly?


Out of all the carbon models we've tested, this one offers above-average long-distance comfort and a neutral ride. The Ultrafly has good energy transfer and spring without coming across as “stiff.” Its comfortable upper and wide platform provides good stability on moderate terrain, and the neutral rocker platform allows for comfortable hiking ultra distances.

nike ultrafly - if you want a decent amount of carbon spring without the launching...
If you want a decent amount of carbon spring without the launching feeling that's found on the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra check out the Nike Ultrafly.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?


If you are looking for even more energy transfer and bounce out of your carbon footwear, check out the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra. If you want a model that's even more comfortable, excels in more technical terrain, and has more bite on loose trails, we recommend the Hoka Tecton X 2.

nike ultrafly - we hope this review helped in your decision-making process for the...
We hope this review helped in your decision-making process for the Nike Ultrafly.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Matthew Richardson