Monday, August 29, 2022

Nike ZoomX Zegama Trail 100km In Depth Review: ZoomX for long trail hauls!

Article by Jeremy Marie

NIke Zegama Trail (160$/160€)

Editor's Note: Jeremy is joined by 3 other RoadTrailRun testers in the Multi Tester Review of the Zegama HERE



NIke Zegama Trail (160$/160€)


Introduction


After some teasing, and appearances on social media, Nike finally revealed its latest trail shoe, the long-distance oriented Zegama Trail.


One might question the choice of “Zegama” for the name for a long-distance focused shoe, as this famous race is “only” a 42 kms trail with 2900+ meters of climbing, but it’s one the biggest and hottest event amongst the Skyrunning Series…”Zegama is Zegama” they say.


This is the first foray of the mighty ZoomX foam to the trails, and considering how shoes equipped with this midsole rock the road running world, this grand premiere was clearly awaited.


I was pretty interested to see how Nike could tweak its bouncy, energetic foam to make it work on uneven grounds, rocks, steep descents, especially so without a plate to stabilize it. It turns out that they managed to come out with something quite interesting.



Stats

Weight: Men’s 10.22oz / 290g (US9.5), 

sample (left/right): 11.18/11.28oz, 320g/317g (10.5US, 44.5 EU)

Stack: 37mm heel, 33mm forefoot, 4mm drop

Catalog/Specs HERE via our partner Top4 Running


Tester Profile

Jeremy MARIE, French, 40y/o. Running since 2013 and quickly transitioned to trails, focused on ultras since 2015 : TDS, Maxi-Race, “100 miles du Sud”, 90kms du Mt Blanc, GRP 120kms, Some shorter mellow races (Saintelyon 45kms, Ecotrail Paris 45kms…) with always in the mix road and flat running, but not many road races. Recovery/easy runs ~4’45/km - 4’30/km. He has an un-official marathon PR of  2h54 (solo)  and 10K of  36’25. He does few timed road races.


First impressions, Fit, Upper

As it’s usually the case with Nike shoes, the Zegama is a looker. Be it the colors, the general design, the branding, the Zegama has a lot of appeal.


Despite looking heavy with its big midsole, the Zegama ends up weighing just a hair more than the Terra Kiger 8, at an acceptable ~317g for what is a much more cushioned and protective ride. And as in the road ZoomX shoes we know how lightweight the foam is compared to EVA and more conventional blends.

The shoe looks like it has borrowed the rear part of the Wildhorse with the ankle collar bringing softness and annihilating any rubbing risk, as well as providing some protection from debris. The collar looks like a mini-gaiter, and is even reminiscent of the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3, as well as more and more shoes nowadays.


There’s a rigid heel counter going up to the gaiter, and the heel hold is very secure, thanks to the combined effect of the sock-like collar and generous padding. 


The heel loop is very handy, and with the stretch of the collar it allows for a very easy entry. Way easier than on a S/Lab Pulsar, another shoe using this kind of heel collar.


Hop to the midfoot and the front (i.e the dark green and blue parts of the shoe) and you feel like you have a Terra Kiger 8 in your hands. 


The same lacing eyelets, freed from the rest of the upper allowing for a nice, never constricting midfoot hold, the same gusseted protective thin tongue, and a light breathable mesh offering some room for the toes at the front. And just like the Terra Kiger, an inner sleeve under the thin engineered mesh limits debris entrance. 




The protective toe cap is suitably large and covers the toes up to the base of the toe nails. 


It’s very soft and pliable, so I won’t rely too much on it to save my nails in case of an impact.



The comfort when stepping in the shoe is remarkable. It’s soft, stretchy, foot-conforming and gives a good first feeling on how the shoe would manage long hours on the trails.


In the same fashion as the Kiger 8, the Zegama is very dependent on the lacing to ensure a secure midfoot hold. I had to take some time during my first outings to tweak the laces.

Sometimes too tight, or too loose, the sweet spot of secure foot-hold and comfort was tricky to find.


Thanks to my experience with the Kiger, I knew that loosening the laces was the way to go: the upper is sufficiently adjusted and solid to play its role without relying on tight laces.

This is a good thing, considering the high stack of the shoes: it guarantees minimal foot movement on that high platform, helped by the high side walls especially on the medial side.


As I said in my first impression article, during my first run I removed the laces from the top eyelet. This way, only four eyelets (the “loop” like ones) are used, but I found this to work very well for my preferences.


I continued to alternate between this lacing and using the top eyelet, but have had a hard time finding any advantage doing so: my feet are not more securely held, and I feel a bit too much laces pressure.


The toe box is really accommodating, and I feel it’s the same width as the Kiger, but is probably a bit higher, resulting in more volume. Despite wearing mid-weight socks I still had room at the front of the shoe.

I’ve been able to put the breathability of the mesh to the test during my vacation in Crete, with some 35°C / 95F  runs in humidity and couldn’t fault it. I never had hot feet, and moisture wicks quickly. Even after a mid-run rain shower, water has never been an issue and was quickly expelled.


Midsole

The star of the show is the thick ZoomX slab, pushing the stack height up to 37mm at the heel with a 4mm drop.

Nike does not give lots of details on the midsole construction, but it looks like a thin carrier, or protective skin has been added on the external parts of the midsole (as in the ZoomX road shoes) in order to contain the soft ZoomX in high impact zones: the green parts visible at the heel and the forefoot. I cannot really see a clear difference except for the color, being by feel while pressing on it and the exposed ZoomX parts. And the visible wrinkles that’s have started to appear indicate that this is pure ZoomX. The only difference is at the base of the front green part, where the outsole just slightly comes over the midsole forming a very minimal carrier.


The ZoomX used in the Zegama is a different flavor than the one used in its road counterparts. 


Is it as pillowy, soft, bouncy and energetic as the Vaporfly ZoomX? No, and the lack of a plate also plays its role here. But would you want this kind of behavior for a trail shoe? I think the answer is also a no.


The adjustments made to the ZoomX in the Zegama clearly mute its magic, but it makes it way more suitable for running on trails, uneven ground, and with unaligned footstrikes.


The core character of the ZoomX is still here: the midsole compresses nicely, providing an effective protection from the ground and shock while bombing downhill, and has  a very controlled bounce after footstrike.

It makes me think of a bit more dense, bouncier and protective Hoka Torrent, a shoe that I enjoyed a lot at the time.


A thin (yellow) segmented rock plate can be seen through the outsole’s holes. 

It brings just a tad more structure to the forefoot,  but it’s really more of a thin protective skin than a real rock plate. 


Outsole


An all new lug pattern has been developed for the Zegama. Measuring around 4-5mm their multi-directional shapes proved to be very effective on dirt, loose, soft or dry terrain.

The center chevrons at the front of the shoes work nicely on uphills, and the inverted ones at the heel are as effective on downhills.


On dry rock, the compound grips very well, something that was already noticeable in the Terra Kiger 8.

The midfoot part of the outsole is exposed, but doesn't have any sign of wear after almost 100kms: this part never really touches the ground being a bit recessed compared to the heel and forefoot.


Alas, just like the Terra Kiger 8, the Zegama are one of the slipperiest trail shoes I’ve ever run. Put the tiniest amount of wet on rocks, asphalt, roots and it’s Holiday on Ice under your feet.


I can’t understand how Nike cannot listen to endless feedback on the wet grip of their trail shoes and for many years now, and come up with a decent compound for their outsoles.

Just hope for an absence of rain during your next ultra if you’re going with the Zegama…


Ride

My first impressions on the ride of the Zegama were confirmed by the subsequent runs in them.


The shoe is bouncy, but not too much so, keeping a predictable behavior that is dense, protective, and stable, thanks to the wide platform (wider than the Kiger), and which is a must for such a high stacked shoe at 37mm at the heel and 33mm at the forefoot.

For sure on most rolling terrain the shoe really shines. It flows easily thanks to some flexibility upfront, and this is where the ZoomX can best express its qualities.


Sure it's not a nimble shoe, but it’s not designed as a Skyrunning light fast racer. The Zegama is all about leg protection, rapidly cruising on moderately technical and mellow trails during longer events. And it excels at this The ride is smooth, easy-rolling and entices going long.


Of course, given the quality of the midsole, the foothold and the stability of the shoe, downhills are a blast with the Zegama. I never feared rolling an ankle or losing control despite the bounce and the stack.


Conclusions/Recommendations


The Zegama is a hit for me , and despite me being always more inclined towards lower stacked trail shoes. The shoe weighs almost the same as the Kiger 8 while offering much more cushioning, an equal foothold and welcome stability. I can clearly see bringing the shoe to 100K races and with no hesitation. 


It excels on mellow trails and rollers where the finely tuned ZoomX midsole brings its qualities to the trails: bounce, protection and energy return, but it’s far from being limited to that. Except for very mountainous, technical terrain, the Zegama works well everywhere. You just have to get used to the behavior of the midsole.


On road stretches, despite the lugs, the shoe works properly thanks to its bouncy nature. It’s never harsh, the thick midsole giving loads of comfort and still working very naturally - remember that the shoe stays quite flexible. 


The Zegama could have been even better if the outsole was finally at least acceptable on wet surfaces. 

Jeremy’s score: 9.17 /10

Ride: 9.5 Fit : 9.5 Value: 9 Style: 9 Traction 8 Rock protection 9


Comparisons

Nike Terra Kiger 8 (RTR Review)

Weighing the same, the Kiger can be seen as the nimble, low stack, technical cousin of the Zegama. It all goes down to preferences, but the Zegama is much more cushioned, just a bit less agile, has better grip on everything dry, and can handle longer distances.


Hoka Torrent 2 (RTR review)

A very close feeling shoe for me, the Torrent was a shoe I appreciated a lot at the time.

The Zegama is more cushioned, and in a bit more dense way, is more stable despite the higher stack and its fit is way more secure.


Of course the Torrent was around 60g lighter for my US10.5 and this, combined with the stack, makes it way more nimble and agile no matter the terrain. Traction in the Torrent is way better - but the outsole durability was really poor: mine wore out after 400kms - as did the mesh.


If going longer than 50-80km, I think the Zegama is a safer bet given its protection, but what you gain on this front, you lose on nimbleness and agility.


This free sample has been provided by Top4 running and Nike for review purposes.

RoadTrailRun has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased through affiliate links. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.


TOP4RUNNING EUROPE

Nike Trail Zegama available now in Europe

Hommes & Femmes SHOP HERE


Nike Trail ZoomX Zegama available now in the US

RUNNING WAREHOUSE
USA  Men's (for now) SHOP HERE
FREE 2 Day Shipping EASY No Sweat Returns

15 comments:

Eyedea said...

Some good thoughts here. I find it a bit of a bizarre name given the intended nature of the shoe. It's a shame they still haven't got the wet grip aspect figured out. I'm surprised to not see other high stack comparisons, especially against the Pegasus Trail 4? I do feel as though Nike is very slowly "getting there" with their trail shoes. But they still seem to make some odd choices given some of the talented racers in their Trail team.

Nic said...

Nike must have the biggest R&D budget of them all - why can they not develop a proper rubber compound after all these years? This is an absolute deal-breaker for me, nothing worse than not having confidence in your grip on the trials. Maybe Nike should just reach into their deep pockets to pay Vibram for proper rubber, and get it done right...

Jeremy said...

Hello,
Thanks for reading the review and sharing your thoughts.
I did not compare it to Pegasus trail because...I haven't run in the Peg Trail :)
My other references are quite old shoes, therefore not really useful here.

Let's hope for a better grip in the next iteration (or in the ultraFly seen on SM)

Anonymous said...

Isn’t an 8 for traction a bit generous if it’s not the least acceptable for wet? I truly don’t understand the point of a 1-10 scoring system if you give it an 8. Nike ses this and thinks they must be doing great with an 8!

Jeremy said...

@ Anonymous: the point is: traction is so-so on hard wet surfaces. It is really good on ^pavement, dirt, loose terrain, dry rocks, gravel paths, fire paths, moderately muddy terrain...which is, in the grand scheme of things, not that bad for an all purpose shoe.
And, if Nike were to read the reviews and change their plans accordingly, they would have gone with a better compound 5 years ago. The same is true if you switch "reviews" with "user complaints"...I'm not sure they take this into account...

Anonymous said...

Thank much! Nikes always seem to have the most un/non-unanimous reviews. Many YT reviews state that the shoe ride/cushion is just "meh". Is there a chance that the review will be expanded with more opinions from other testers? Kind of thought this would get a broader/larger review given it is Nike's most consequential and substantial trail release in years. Any thoughts about comparisons to similar stacked "ultra" shoes (Xodus Ultra, Speedgoat 5/Mafate Speed 4, Caldera 6, Spin infinity)? It is a sharp looking shoe indeed.

Anonymous said...

Would of course like more perspectives but so far Nike has only provided one pair and indirectly through a European retailer Top4. Will keep trying as it clearly is a significant new shoe Sam/Editor

Bobcat said...

@anonymous Look at the credentials of the YT reviewers. Are they running trail Ultras or not? Fordy runs, Ed bud = No. Run4adventure, Ben Parkes = Yes. Also look where they run. FLAT. At least Run4adventure and Ben Parkes go away from their local forest and do races in the Alps or the Lake district.

Regarding the Zegama, I can't imagine you would want a softer shoe that this on the trails. It would be wobbly like the Invincible Run.

Anonymous said...

Chalk me up as another who really likes the fit and ride of Nike shoes, but won't buy their trail shoes because of the lack of grip in the wet. Sort out your rubber Nike (or work with a 3rd party rubber).

Jeremy said...

As far as I'm concerned, "meh" is the latest thing that comes to mind for describing Zegama's cushioning :)
But to each his own!

Anonymous said...

Zegama trail shoe does seem to have a carrier foam and if you type in react shoes on nike website it does list this shoe, so perhaps that is the outer carrier foam type.

Unknown said...

In the need of autumn/winter road-to-trail, I was so in love with the idea of ZoomX for my muddy-snowy winter runs. Having read this, I despair :) I mostly cover roads, pavements, paved bycicle paths, field and park gravel roads, nothing too technical, but come autumn and winter mud/rain/snow, my intention was to switch from my Invincibles to something more.. luggy and grippy.

Sadly, it appears it's not going to be the Zegama, as much as I wanted it to be.

Any ideas for alternatives, please? cushioned and reasonably bouncy, given the circumstances?

Bobcat said...

The s/lab genesis has a decent stack height and lugs. The Saucony Xodus Ultra is another obvious choice with it's powerrun PB midsole

Jimo said...

I love mine and just got a second pair. I have nothing bad to say about them and they are my all time favorite trail shoe. Nice rocker propels you foreward with plenty of forefoot room, unlike Hokas and the gaiter keeps all debris out. Great traction and good weight considering all the protection the shoe provides. Very fun shoe to run in and all the ZoomX feels great underfoot.

guillet jean jacques said...

j avoue que ma premiere sortie avec ces chaussures m a vraiment deçu , je n etais absolument pas dutout en confiance , mais alors pas dutout , mais il faut dire que c etait une course de 16 km et 600 D+ , pas ce qu il y a de mieux pour une premiere rencontre .
Moi qui ais adoré les terra kiger 7 , j etais vraiment deçu , car j attendais tellement de ces Zegama , pour me sortir des sempiternel Hoka SG4 .
J ai retenté un deuxieme essai , car je ne pouvais pas accepter que cette chaussure ne fonctionne pas , mais un detail important , je changeais de chaussette , et dieu sait que le couple chaussure/chaussette est tres important , car cela peu fausser completement le ressenti d une paire de chaussure , et ce fu le cas ici ........pour ma course j avais mis une nouvelle paire de chaussette , qui tournait dans la chaussure , ce qui n arrive jamais avec mes "vielle" chaussettes , et avec une ancienne paire de chaussette , ce fut le jour et la nuit !!!
je decidais de mettre aussi mes nouvelle chaussette dans toutes mes autres chaussures , et ce fut le meme constat ......la zegama n etait donc pas en cause .
Bon on ne va pas se mentir , mais l accroche sur roche humide n est pas au niveau la non plus , mais peu importe .......dailleur je viens de commander une paire de TK8 , mais pour l annee prochaine il se pourrait que les zegama et autres TK , aillent faire un tour chez le cordonier pour y mettre une semelle vibram .....quand on aime , on ne compte pas , et s il faut en passer par la pour avoir la chaussure parfaite , je le ferais .