The UTMB is much more than just a race. It is one of the world’s major showcases for trail running, the place where brands put their most technical shoes to the test and where runners push every aspect of their kit to the limit.
We’re talking about an ultra-distance race around Mont Blanc, featuring kilometres of ascents, technical descents, alpine trails, accumulated fatigue and many hours of running. In such conditions, a running shoe cannot simply be comfortable. It must provide grip, protection, responsiveness and maintain efficiency when your legs start to feel heavy.
That is why, following this year’s event, several models have particularly caught the eye. These are shoes designed for ultra-trail running, competition and long distances, featuring technologies that are increasingly similar to those found in top-of-the-range road running shoes, but adapted for the mountains.
Among the models our colleague Dani has spotted most frequently are the The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 3, the Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail and the On Cloudultra Pro, also available in a women’s version. Also worth noting are the new prototypes and models that the brands have tested in this race, about which we’ll soon have more information.
What does a running shoe need to tackle a race like the UTMB?
Not all trail running shoes are suited to an ultra-distance race. It’s one thing to run on simple paths or trails, but it’s quite another to spend hours in the mountains, tackling elevation changes, varied terrain and descents where stability is just as important as cushioning.
For a race like the UTMB, a running shoe must combine several key features:
- Sufficient cushioning to withstand many hours of impact.
- A sole with reliable grip on technical terrain.
- Stability on descents and uneven surfaces.
- A durable yet breathable upper.
- Protection against stones, roots and changes in terrain.
- Lightweight construction so as not to become a hindrance as the kilometres mount up.
- Efficient geometry to maintain pace when fatigue sets in.
The major trend is clear: ultra-trail running shoes are becoming increasingly technical. It’s no longer just about protection. Now, efficiency, energy return and a foot strike that helps you run better for longer are also key considerations.
The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 3: performance for ultra trail
The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 3 Canal Blue-Papaya is one of those shoes that perfectly exemplifies the direction in which high-performance trail running is heading.
It is a model designed for mountain racing and ultra-trail races, featuring a highly technical construction and a clear focus: to help runners maintain an efficient stride on varied terrain.
One of its key features is the VECTIV 3.0 system, which combines a full-length carbon fibre propulsion plate with a TPU stability plate on top. The aim is to provide a more propulsive feel, whilst maintaining control when the terrain becomes challenging.
It also stands out for its modest weight, considering it is such a structured ultra-trail shoe. It is an option designed for runners seeking performance, stability and protection on long runs.
Ideal for:
- Ultra-trail.
- Mountain racing.
- Runners seeking efficiency.
- Varied terrain.
- Runners who want a technical shoe with a plate.
- Long runs where stability is key.
Running Shoes Summit Vectiv Pro 3 Canal Blue-Papaya
Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail: The thrill of speed comes to the mountains
The Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail Lt Crimson-Linen-Lt Orewood Brn-Summit White is another model that perfectly reflects the current evolution of trail running.
Nike has brought some of its expertise in fast road running shoes to the mountain terrain, whilst adapting it to the needs of ultra-trail running: grip, protection, durability and stability.
The Ultrafly Trail features ZoomX foam, one of the brand’s most renowned technologies for its responsiveness and lightness. It also incorporates a more flexible full-length carbon plate, designed to deliver a smooth and efficient stride over many kilometres.
It’s a very interesting shoe for runners who want a fast feel on the mountains. It’s not just a shoe to protect against the terrain, but to run long distances whilst maintaining a responsive stride.
Ideal for:
- Ultra-trail.
- Runners transitioning from road running.
- Long-distance mountain running.
- Runners looking for a responsive ride.
- Long tempo runs.
- Races where you want to combine protection and speed.
On Cloudultra Pro: bounce, traction and consistency
The On Cloudultra Pro Ivory-Celeste is a running shoe designed to help you run further whilst maintaining an efficient feel for many hours.
Within the On range, this model is clearly positioned in the ultra-trail category. It combines dual Helion HF hypersfoam, an advanced Missiongrip outsole and an upper designed to provide support, breathability and quick-drying properties.
What’s interesting about the Cloudultra Pro is that it strives for a well-rounded balance: cushioning, rebound, stability, traction and consistency. It’s not just a shoe for running fast over short distances, but for maintaining a comfortable feel as the run goes on.
Its 6 mm heel-to-toe drop and modest weight make it a very attractive option for runners who want a technical ultra-distance shoe without feeling too much bulk underfoot.
Ideal for:
- Ultra-trail running.
- Long mountain runs.
- Multi-hour races.
- Runners looking for rebound and stability.
- Terrain where you need traction.
- Runners who prioritise efficiency and consistency.
Running Shoes Cloudultra Pro Ivory-Baby blue
On Cloudultra Pro for Women: specifically designed for ultra-distance running
The Women's On Cloudultra Pro Ivory-Celeste follows the same philosophy as the men’s version, but is designed for female runners looking for a lightweight, cushioned and efficient ultra-trail running shoe.
It is an all-terrain shoe, ready for long-distance races, mountain training and trails where you need to be able to rely on every step. It combines dual Helion HF hyperfoam, a Missiongrip outsole and rocker geometry to promote a more efficient transition.
Furthermore, it stands out for its light weight within the ultra-trail segment, making it particularly appealing to female runners who want protection and responsiveness without the feeling of a heavy shoe.
Ideal for:
- Trail runners.
- Ultra-distance running.
- Long mountain training sessions.
- Mixed terrain.
- Races where you need grip and cushioning.
- Runners looking for a technical, lightweight and efficient shoe.
Highlighted product:
Women's On Cloudultra Pro
Running Shoes Women ON Cloudultra Pro Ivory-Baby blue
A quick comparison of the main models
| Model | Ideal for | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| TNF Summit Vectiv Pro 3 | Technical ultra-trail and competition | Propulsion and stability |
| Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail | Long-distance with a fast feel | ZoomX and carbon plate |
| On Cloudultra Pro | Ultra-distance and consistency | Bounce, grip and efficiency |
| Women's On Cloudultra Pro | Ultra trail for women | Lightweight, grip and cushioning |
Which one to choose based on your runner profile
If you’re looking for maximum propulsion and stability
The best option would be the The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 3. It is a highly technical shoe, featuring a carbon plate, added stability and a design tailored for trail and ultra-distance racing.
It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a powerful shoe for long runs, varied terrain and situations where you need to feel propelled forward, but also want to feel secure.
If you’re used to running on tarmac and want to run fast in the mountains
The Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail could be a great fit for you. Its ZoomX foam and carbon plate offer a feel closer to that of fast road running shoes, but adapted for trail running.
It’s ideal if you’re looking for a responsive shoe, designed for long distances, but with that touch of speed that many runners value when the terrain allows for running.
If you’re looking for balance over many hours
The On Cloudultra Pro is a great choice if consistency is your priority. It’s a shoe that combines cushioning, rebound, grip and stability for long runs and demanding training sessions.
It isn’t designed to be the most dynamic shoe, but rather a reliable one that keeps you feeling comfortable over many kilometres.
If you’re looking for a women’s ultra-trail running shoe
The Women's On Cloudultra Pro is one of the most appealing options. Lightweight, high-tech, with good cushioning and designed for ultra-distance running.
It’s ideal for female runners who want a fast, protective and stable mountain running shoe, for both training and competition.
What does the UTMB tell us about today’s trail running shoes?
The presence of models like these in a race such as the UTMB highlights a clear trend: trail running is undergoing a massive technological evolution.
A few years ago, mountain running shoes focused almost exclusively on protection, grip and durability. All of these factors remain key, but now there is something else to consider: efficiency.
We’re seeing more and more trail running shoes featuring reactive foams, rocker-style geometries, carbon plates or structures designed to improve transition. The idea isn’t just to cover more kilometres, but to run them better.
In ultra-trail running, cushioning is essential. But it’s also vital that the shoe doesn’t feel clunky. On long climbs, technical descents and sections where you can run, efficiency makes all the difference.
That’s why models such as the Summit Vectiv Pro 3, ACG Ultrafly Trail and Cloudultra Pro are so appealing. They aren’t just basic trail shoes. They’re designed for running long distances, running fast and maintaining performance when the mountains demand the very best.
You don’t have to run the UTMB to benefit from these technologies
Although these shoes are designed for ultra-trail races, you don’t need to be on the starting line of the UTMB to get the most out of them.
They could be a great choice if:
- You’re preparing for a long trail race.
- You regularly train in the mountains.
- You’re looking for more protection on descents.
- You want an efficient shoe for long runs.
- You need more cushioning on challenging terrain.
- You’re going to run ultras, mountain marathons or technical trails.
- You want a premium shoe for competition.
That said, the more technical the shoe, the more important it is to choose one based on your actual goal. Not all runners need a carbon plate or a competition shoe for daily training. But if you’re looking for long-distance performance, these models are clearly designed for that.
Complete your ultra-trail kit
For long runs, your shoes are key, but they’re not the only thing that matters. In trail and ultra-trail running, you also need to make sure you stay hydrated, eat well and have the right kit to carry with you for hours on end.
You can round off your kit with:
Find your Ultratrail shoes at Running Emotion
The UTMB once again demonstrates that today’s trail running shoes are capable of much more than simply protecting against the terrain. The most advanced models prioritise grip, cushioning, stability, rebound and efficiency over many hours.
The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 3, the Nike ACG Ultrafly Trail and the On Cloudultra Pro are three clear examples of this new generation of ultra-trail shoes: technical, powerful and designed for runners who want to go further.
Whether you’re preparing for a mountain race, an ultra-distance event or simply looking for a premium shoe for your most demanding training sessions, these models are well worth considering.
Discover trail running shoes at Running Emotion and find the model that best suits your next adventure.
