Is the Nike Zegama the best Nike trail running shoe? It isn't, but it fits into the Nike trail lineup nicely, offering an option to those who prefer to run a lot in one go off-road. There are more features to admire than 'just' the ZoomX foam, of course, including the diverse lug pattern that applies different lug shapes to different areas of the outsole, an internal heel construction for added support and stability, the engineered mesh upper with reinforced areas for protection and the built-in gaiters to block out dirt and debris. The Nike ZoomX Zegama is an exciting concept, and, more importantly, it introduces the ZoomX foam in the Nike trail running range, which in itself should be enough of an incentive to check the shoes out. (Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3) Nike ZoomX Zegama review – Verdict The rest of the lot is better off with a different model. If you like to run marathon distances off-road, you will appreciate the shoes, I'm sure. My issue with the Zegama is that even Nike has trail shoes that are better suited for off-road running for cheaper, such as the Pegasus Trail, so unless you're a long-distance trail runner, the Zegama isn't for you. It's supportive, somewhat responsive and has a decent grip. And it's indeed a perfectly adequate road running shoe. The Zegama is a trail running shoe with reinforcements, rubber lugs, added protective zones and so on, which means it will be heavier and less bouncy than a road running shoe. There is so much ZoomX underfoot, I thought, 'hey, the shoes will be soft as butter and will move forward easily.' But the Zegama isn't the Vaporfly. It doesn't make sense, I know, but I expected a Vaporfly-like running experience, only on the trail, while using the Zegama. I didn't fall, and that's the main thing! As you were, my ankle nearly went within the first kilometre, thanks to a hidden root under the fallen leaves, but thanks to the lugs on the shoes, I managed to keep my balance relatively well. My initial run in the Zegama was a mixed terrain 15k which included a section in a dense-ish forest, dirt paths and road. Its massive stack of responsive ZoomX foam is supposed to help you keep going mile after mile, at high altitude, or just at sea level, whatever type of trail you prefer or life throws at you. The Nike ZoomX Zegama is designed for long-distance trail runs – ultra distances, even. (Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3) Nike ZoomX Zegama review – Running performance As you can see, the stack height is considerable, although not unusual from shoes using the ZoomX foam. The Nike ZoomX Zegama has a 4mm drop (37 mm under the heel and 33 mm under the forefoot) and weighs 334g/11.9oz (US 11/UK 10 model). The gaiter provides a sock-like fit, which is nice, especially when you're tackling more rugged terrain, as the collar doesn't rub your ankles sore. The upper features overlays "stretched across the toe for extra durability", Nike says, and the ankle gaiter is said to keep trail debris out of the shoes. Two smaller sections, located on the sides at the front, have yet another pattern, with straight lines pointing inwards at an angle.
At the front, the chevrons are pointing forwards, while at the back, they are backwards. The lug pattern is also slightly different than your usual trail shoe: Nike calls this a 'diverse' pattern. You get a nice big wedge of ZoomX underfoot, especially at the rear, meaning you won't feel every rock or root on your path. It's chunky, sure, but thanks to the light ZoomX foam, the Zegama is far from being too heavy. The ZoomX Zegama is a well-padded and comfortable shoe. (Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3) Nike ZoomX Zegama review – Fit
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