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Nike has heard the people’s pleas and given us a second trail shoe with a Vibram outsole. The Nike Zegama 2 brings a ton of that ZoomX goodness we love to the trails, now paired with an outsole that some runners swear is the best in the business. But does adding a reliable outsole make the Zegama 2 a trail crusher, or is it just a flashy new toy for sneakerheads? Find out in today’s review, where I put this shoe to the ultimate test and see if it’s ready to conquer the wild or just look good doing it.
Total Miles: 42
The Good:
- Vibram Outsole – Whenever I see Vibram on a shoe, I know I’m about to get one of the best grippy runs. Nike, in the past, has been notorious for some of the worst outsoles, turning runs into unintentional ice-skating routines. But I am happy to report that Nike + Vibram = fantastic! It’s like they finally found the perfect dance partner. Now, every step feels secure, and I no longer fear slipping into an unexpected breakdance move mid-run.
- Stable – I was surprised when I read the tech specs after my first runs on some gnarly East Coast trails that it had 39mm in the heel. With ankles that are about as reliable as a Wi-Fi connection in a remote cabin, I sometimes fear high-stacked shoes. Usually, it’s a recipe for an epic ankle roll that turns my run into a slow-motion tumble. But I’m happy to report that the Zegama 2 found the magic ingredient for high stack and stability without making it too clunky.
- ZoomX – Road or trail, ZoomX is one of my favorite foams on the market. ZoomX delivers a comfortable ride that makes ticking off the miles feel like a breeze. Just remember, this ZoomX isn’t quite like Nike’s road shoes; it’s not as squishy even with a stack height of 39. So, whether you’re dodging rocks or avoiding a rogue root, this ZoomX has got you covered.
- Design – I will say this until my face is blue: Nike makes some of the best-looking trail shoes! Yes, it’s white and it will get dirty, but I am willing to take that chance! The Zegama 2 not only delivers a great, comfy ride, but it also gives you a shoe you’ll be happy to lace up. Whether you’re hitting the trails or just showing off your stylish gear, the Zegama 2 has got you covered in both performance and looks. From the trailhead to the streets, this shoe is a perfect blend of functionality and fashion.
The Bad:
- Not The Fast Shoe – In my opinion, this shoe is made for slower paces, where you want to cruise and sacrifice speed for comfort. When we see ZoomX in the Zegama 2, we might instantly think of the Ultrafly, which is designed for speed and finding a podium spot. However, the Zegama 2 is all about enjoying the journey, providing a cushioned and relaxed ride that lets you savor every mile without worrying about your pace.
- Rocky Terrain – While I do find the Zegama 2 to be stable, the higher stack still makes it a little more difficult to bomb down a technical East Coast trail. I find myself taking the descents a little slower. These shoes are perfect for buffed-out trails, fire roads, and slightly technical terrain; just not the gnarliest. They excel on smoother paths where you can enjoy their comfort and stability without worrying about the most rugged obstacles.
The Pro:
“I’m a big fan of the Zegama 2, they’re my go-to daily trainer shoe for most of my runs. Overall I think they’re pretty similar to the original Zegama and continue with everything I liked about that shoe, which was a comfortable fit with high cushion that felt like it kept it’s “cushiness” for more miles than most shoes I’ve run in. Even though they’re very cushioned I can wear them on technical rocky trails and feel stable in them. The single biggest improvement I’ve noticed with the 2s is better grip on slippery surfaces because of the Vibram outsole.” – Caleb Olsen Nike Trail Team
The Verdict:
The Zegama 2 has easily become a go-to daily trainer or long run shoe. If you’re in the market for a comfy cruiser, look no further. With its blend of stability, cushioning, and style, the Zegama 2 is perfect for those extended miles and everyday runs, offering a reliable and enjoyable ride every time you lace up.
*** Disclaimer – The Nike Zegama 2 was provided by Nike for review. Nike did not pay for this review, all opinions are our own.***