BUSINESS

Nike's Big Bet on China and Trail Running

NEW YORK, USAFri Aug 22 2025

Nike is making a bold move to grow in China and the outdoor sports market. They are putting their ACG brand front and center.

The ACG Brand: A Legacy of Adventure

The ACG brand, which started in 1989, is known for hiking and biking gear. Now, Nike wants to make it a big player in trail running.

New Trail Running Shoes

Nike is launching new trail running shoes under the ACG brand. These shoes will be tested in a big ultramarathon in France. This is part of Nike's plan to focus more on core sports like running. They are also trying to catch up in markets where they have fallen behind.

The Booming Outdoor Sports Market in China

China's outdoor sports market is booming. Sales of outdoor clothes and shoes have gone up a lot. But Nike has struggled in China lately. They have seen sales drop for three quarters in a row. This is partly because of tough competition and economic problems in China.

Competition in the Trail Running Market

Nike is not the only one in this game. Brands like Salomon and Hoka are already doing well in trail running. Hoka even sponsors the same ultramarathon where Nike is launching its new shoes. This could be Nike's way of showing they can compete with the best.

Nike's Big Plans for China

Nike has big plans for China. They see it as a huge opportunity to grow. They have set up a team to focus on the ACG brand in China. But turning things around won't be easy. They need to inspire more people to get into sports and outdoor activities.

questions

    Will Nike's push into the outdoor market mean that the next big thing in running shoes is a built-in bluetooth speaker for motivational playlists?
    If the ACG Ultrafly is such a game-changer, will it come with a built-in GPS to ensure runners don't get lost and start a new career as a mountain hermit?
    How does Nike's investment in the ACG sub-brand reflect its long-term growth plans in the outdoor recreation market?

actions