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Pickejus is the latest innovation from Nike ACG, specifically designed for long distances and demanding terrain. Named Picklejus after a near-mythical substance for battling muscle cramps, the shoe comes with a dual-density supercritical foam, a GOATEK outsole and a trail-tuned Flyknit upper.
GOATEK outsole for ultimate grip
The creation of ACG Picklejuc started with one important mission: to help athletes overcome challenging mountain trails around Mont Blanc during more than 100 miles of running. That’s where GOATEK comes in: the brand’s proprietary traction platform. Designed specifically to maintain control across a constantly shifting landscape, GOATEK provides secure grip regardless of the terrain.
GOATEK sole helps the wearer stay firmly on the ground on all parts of mountain landscapes, from steep climbs to technical descents. The wet traction features a 45% increase compared to previous models, which allows confident movement across wet rocks, while 25% greater abrasion resistance provides confident running in all conditions.
Made in collaboration with athletes
Picklejus was designed through athlete insight and testing, biomechanical research and real-world mountain experiments. A pinnacle of ACG long mountain running footwear, Picklejus opens a new chapter in serving outdoor athletes. Through a three-year conversation with athletes, the brand identified three main areas for improvement: long-climb fatigue and efficiency, protection during damaging mountain descents, and traction and stability on drastically shifting terrain.
“Validating a shoe that could solve for uphill and downhill savings over extended terrains needed a strong partnership between the NSRL, product-creation teams and our ACG athletes. The footwear design breaks convention for what delivers efficiency, protection or stability. It’s a great example of what happens when we lead with the biomechanical demands of the athlete to take on the challenges of a very precise and nuanced sport.”
Emily Farina, Senior Principal, Running Footwear, Nike Sport Research Lab.
A complete mountain-running system
Picklejus provides both downhill protection and uphill efficiency. The result is a complete mountain-running system that helps athletes maintain efficiency on long mountain climbs and reduce the effects of technical descents through cushioning. The cushioning system combines two ZoomX midsoles. While the soft central core provides efficiency, load protection and cushioning, the second, firmer perimeter stability ring provides support and longevity. The two foams work as one due to a co-moulded construction. This is ACG’s first co-moulded, dual-density supercritical foam support made especially for mountain runs.
Flyknit upper uses knit containment cables to create a stable fit that adapts to the foot and moves with it, through the harshest terrains. The breathable, lightweight upper made of yarns that repel water is particularly useful in wet and muddy conditions. A gaiter-inspired cuff helps keep debris from entering the sneaker while providing a locked-in feel.
Developed through Nike Sport Research Lab, the Picklejus shows how athlete feedback, sport science, and real-world testing can help tackle trail running’s biggest challenges. The ACG Picklejus’ launch is slated for late 2027 at nike.com and select retail locations.
