Chatting Shoes With Andy Jones-Wilkins! Speedland GS:PGH v. Nike Zegama 2 v. Hoka Speedgoat 6

[@ryanevius]

This is not the Conversational Pace crossover I thought we'd see, but any time it's AJW I'm here for it.

[@ConversationalPace]

Haha it was a great conversation indeed!

[@Anonymous-nu1xf]

Enjoyed this! I'd like to see more shoe reviews with AJW!

[@ConversationalPace]

Glad you enjoyed it! Would definitely be fun to do a follow up with AJW at some point

[@notoriousrjg]

Petition to have AJW be a permanent member of shoe chats. The two of you have a great Old School meets New School vibe.

[@ConversationalPace]

We'll definitely do more of these, especially with AJW's upcoming race schedule!

[@grennangoeshiking]

Totally agree. I loved his take on the shoes.

[@andyjones-wilkins2131]

You are so right, Brett is totally old school!

[@vivi302302]

Great review! As usual ❤I would love to see some conversations with specific recommendations of shoes for certain races (Javeline, I'm looking at you 👀)... and also get an update on which shoes AJW ends up wearing for all his races 😄

[@ConversationalPace]

Javelina is such a tricky one! You can wear almost anything that is comfortable, since there are so many mellow, runnable sections

[@schrottgrenzemedia2194]

I LOVE THIS CHANNEL

[@broweractualtv]

I’ve had 2 Speedgoat 5’s but with the Speedgoat 6 I went for the zegama 2 when I found them on sale I decided to try them instead.

[@veayoislost]

With the humidity here on the east coast (Maine), Vibram is king for sweating rocks.

[@ConversationalPace]

Oh I like that term, sweating rocks!

[@ZekeW208]

Two of the best in the biz 🤘🏼

[@ConversationalPace]

🙏 🙏

[@marcoc2706]

Hummm, the built-in gaiter on my Pegasus Trail 4 GTX has worked very well at keeping out debris and snow. It's actually my favorite feature on the shoe. Perhaps Zegama 2's gaiter is not constructed properly?

[@ConversationalPace]

It looks like the gaiter on the Peg trail might be just a hair higher, which could be the difference maker there

[@TrlRnrRvs]

I’m in with the GS model. Every time they’ve released it, subtle improvements have been made. The GS:PDX also has some iterations from the PGH it looks like (less material bunching from trying them on…will run this week and subsequent weeks to see how they break in. I agree on outsole, 100 miles on CO trails with PGH version and they are slightly worn down but still holding up which is saying a lot, considering where I’ve run in them. AJ- try the adidas Agravic Speed(not the ultra version). Super light, road like upper with fantastic foam/traction combo. (Order half size down :)

[@ConversationalPace]

That's 2 votes now for the Agravic Speed!

[@mitchellsmith9531]

Great review collab. Got speedgoat 6s sick of how mushy 5s had become preferred mafate 4s over speedgoat 5s . I run a wide sg 6 with a softer insole, a lot like the ones in the sg 4s, and find them really stable, roomy, and responsive .Softer insole, take the firm feel away for me .

[@Lag10]

What insole are you using?

[@mitchellsmith9531]

Currently using modified altra insoles, but they are more like a softer foam ortholites compared to the high density ones in hokas .the hoka ones dont hold water have more energy return

[@ConversationalPace]

Softer insole in the SG6 is a combo I'm definitely going to try now!

[@joebfruita]

Liking this guest format. Part interview, part shoe review 👍

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrisreyes7326]

Great video/reviews! Would love to see more guests, maybe David Roche?

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for watching! Definitely hoping to do more of these!

[@suggg]

Was wondering if there were many folks using rroad shoes at States, or any part of the race? Superblast 2 and Mag Max Nitros come to mind. Different shoes can be used for different "trails".

[@ConversationalPace]

There's definitely a handful of people who switched into road shoes at the 100k mark, as the course gets much smoother and less technical after that part

[@Potomekopice]

Watching this wearing new Zegama 2. You made me do it :)

[@ConversationalPace]

🤣🤣

[@RunGlenn]

Okay, im trying the Zegama 2, you've sold me. Plus they're only $109 on Nike right now.

[@ConversationalPace]

That's a steal! Hopefully they work out for you!

[@broweractualtv]

I also grabbed a pair at $109. Made it so easy to give them a try!

[@trailsofanoldrunner]

I tried on a pair of Zagamas and thought I might as well run in my Mafates - similar

[@ConversationalPace]

Yes definitely very similar feeling shoes for sure!

[@zacclowes4999]

Ran an 80km in the prodigios on technical mountain trails last weekend, and it was a bit too far for them for me. I got cuts on my ankle bones that i didnt have so far running two 50k in them. Had to adjust the laces a few times as the race went on (boas would have been nice here. love them on my cyklons for quick adjustment). La sportivas tend to work perfectly for me because they fit snug and feel nice and direct on the trails rather than soft and tippy. I'd love to see an updated boa jackal with the foam from the prodigio. or a prodigio with a softer upper and boas. I feel like the SG6 would be a good choice for me to try next... but the tecton X 3 looks a lot more fun. when will you guys be reviewing those?

[@ConversationalPace]

Both the SG6 and TX3 reviews are coming very soon 👍

[@damienadame3455]

MONTRAIL’S were my first pair of trail shoes too some years back! Not too many choices back then. AJW just took me back in time 😅

[@ConversationalPace]

Montrail made some absolute bangers back in their day. I loved some of their lighter weight models like the Fluidflex

[@damienadame3455]

@@ConversationalPace for sure 👍🏻 I had the fluidflux 1 and 2’s

[@TrailrunnerTroy]

Nice run down memory lane. But if he’d mention my first “trail shoe” - the 1979 Nike LDV Waffle - it would have been even more weirdly comforting;-) PS I likewise would prefer laces on my Speedlands, and also on my Naked T/rs.

[@ConversationalPace]

🤣 🤣 🤣

[@christopherorman5769]

My quick thoughts: (1) the Hoka Speedgoat 5 felt great out of the box but by 150 miles, they were done. The Speedgoat 6 feels awful; (2) the Zegama 2 is all about Zoom X. It is the best foam I've felt in a trail shoe. The Vibram outsole is great too. Nike does need to work on making the shoe lighter, and for goodness sakes give us longer laces; (3)I've been using the Speedland GS:PDX, and the upper fits far better than the TAM or PGH. The Speedland Pebax takes time to break in, but when it does, it is fun to run in. A hot take, but I prefer my Speedlands with the Carbitex plate in them.

[@ConversationalPace]

Great analysis! I also prefer my Speedlands with the Carbitex plate in them. Also cool to hear that the fit has improved with each generation of the Speedland!

[@ClintonTonge]

Haven't tried the Hook or Speedland, but for my feet the Nike Zegama 2 are in the Goldilocks zone. Perfect upper fit, albeit a bit heavy...I actually love the mini gator and do notice how much less sand and grit is in my shoe after a run compared to standard heel collars. Over a long gritty run I think the benefit there shouldn't be ignored. I don't feel it on my ankles at all, so maybe those with larger ankles might notice it more....dunno. But the midsole and grip on the Zegama is really the best combo I've tried. I have 180km on them now, which included a 55km mixed run on dirt, gravel, asphalt and muddy conditions, and they were excellent across all conditions. A few runs on wet rocks and roots really showed the Vibram dominance in grip....can't beat it. It's one of those shoes I might buy a couple pairs of in case they decide to change it up next version. Great episode! Pretty cool to see a comparison like this, especially as they are so different in price....you really can't go wrong with any of the three, just depends on nuance and disposable income available when you are shoe shopping!

[@ConversationalPace]

I agree with you that the Zegama 2 hits me in the Goldilocks zone as well. It could be a little lighter, but for how comfortable and durable it has been for me, I'm ok with a few extra grams. Thanks for watching!

[@pbnotj1]

Picked up that same zegama 2 color on discount with another summer discount for 110 bucks awesome shoe , much better for me on sale . Little heavy and warm in summer . For me it needs some firmer foam in forefoot . If I could take adidas light strike foam and put it in forefoot of zegama and lighten the upper it would be perfect. Ankle collar doesn’t bother me . Maybe keeps a little detritus out .

[@ConversationalPace]

Litestrike on a lighter upper but Zegama fit would be a pretty damn awesome shoe!

[@aaronsmith2929]

Hmm.. something in between a SG5 and SG6 in midsole feel with good stability and a similar type of outsole to the speedland... maybe the Tecton X2?

[@ConversationalPace]

If the TX2 didn't have the plate, it would perfectly slot between the SG5 and SG6. To me the plate mutes the feel of what would be pretty plush cushioning a little too much

[@maxmandudi2902]

Try the Merrell Agility Peak 5, and the ASICS Fuji Speed 2

[@ConversationalPace]

Two great choices for sure!

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Maybe Andy can try the Merrel Agility Peak 5, or Adidas Agravic Speed Ultras?

[@ConversationalPace]

Oh yeah I always forget about that AP5! Great choice

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

@@ConversationalPace Oh and VJ Maxx 2 looks intersting for sure!

[@imaffett]

The GS:Tam’s Michelin rubber did not hold up to east coast/PA running. It could have been they wore down after 100k, but I wasn’t impressed. They worked well on fire roads, but were overkill.

[@ConversationalPace]

yeah that was the experience I had with them as well

[@swiftcolin]

What a cameo!

[@ConversationalPace]

It was an honor to be able to host such a prestigious guest!

[@piotrziolko2430]

Nike needs to sell lot of shoes so often they doing this weird *inspired by... trail in this case* feature that doesn't work but looks good. Then it works better as casual shoe and a lot of people will wear those as such. Hoka with their very often crazy colourway is in lower League on that front.

[@Courtneydoeswalter]

Zegama 2 or Zinal 2?

[@ConversationalPace]

First off, what an honor to be graced by your presence on the channel. second, they're pretty different shoes with the Zinal 2 being much lighter, thinner, and less protective than the Zegama 2. Zinal is definitely more fun of a shoe, but not one I'd be able to use for daily training

[@kimaboe]

Hey look, its Crack a Shoe with AJW!

[@ConversationalPace]

ahhh dang what a missed opportunity! Great name!

[@berry5954]

GS:PGH Outsole is super nice, but I'm sure Andy never is exposed to rain. It's bambi on ice on wet super flat roads, and green rocks. Lacing: i put an additional asics ortholite insole in it, then it dials down like a dream. 0 excess upper is the way to go, like in cycling shoes.

[@berry5954]

Ow and Continental outsoles beat anything else...

[@berry5954]

Ow yeah the Trabuco, i've been saying ad nauseam ;-)) But even i forgot to take to my current trip. (speedland, caldera 7, cascadia 18, olypmpus 5 high, agravic speed ultra.) And every single run in the mountains in the forrest "if only Asics would make the TM with a matryx upper i'd take 5 pairs less with me" Now this is my hope for the Hoka TX 3.. The Cielo X1 is awesome, not the fastest, not the lightest, just awesome (eexcept for th bloody stone scoop)

[@ConversationalPace]

I think you're going to like the TX3

[@berry5954]

@@ConversationalPace music.. Will you have affiliate links for Europe?

[@ConversationalPace]

I won't unfortunately

[@dmac6119]

Whoever thinks the speedgoat 5 is too soft obviously hasnt run in the new balance more trail. Speedgoat 5 feels firm to me.

[@ConversationalPace]

😂😂 very true the NB more trail is an absolute bottomless pit of foam

[@rmsrmsrmsrms]

'everyone's trying to be a speedgoat': ugh. I haven't liked this model since the 2nd version. Surely everyone can do better

[@ConversationalPace]

I love this take. Brands should be striving to be better than the Speedgoat!

[@BowtiedRunner]

A man in the dry desert would have a take like that...

[@ConversationalPace]

🤣 🤣 🤣

[@timlock238]

Love this episode, but as someone who has all three of these shoes, the Michelin outsole is simply NOT as good as Vibram. East Coast wet rock and root requires Vibram. Full stop.

[@ConversationalPace]

Haha I knew it was going to be a spicy take! So which of the three shoes do you reach for the most?

[@andyhighsmith6519]

{Pearl Izumi Trail N2 | Hoka Speedgoat EVO | Salomon Genesis | Nike Zegam 2} … though it was the plain ole basic clunky Salomon sense pro max 2 that was the comfy tank that took me all the way through Tahoe 200.. a perfectly boring shoe!😂

[@ConversationalPace]

Haha nothing wrong with a perfectly boring shoe! I do miss that trail N2 though 🥲

[@andyhighsmith6519]

@@ConversationalPace if someone could rebirth that shoe with modern foam, Matryx upper, and Vibram outsole!!😍

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

@@andyhighsmith6519 sounds like you just described the Kjerag

[@ConversationalPace]

Need a little more rocker and a denser plate and maybe a few mm of more foam. Which now that I type that out, I also described the Brooks Catamount 👀

[@andyhighsmith6519]

@@ConversationalPace Thank You!!! I picked up a Cat2 to test your thought… this shoe is incredible!! Added to the list of shoes I’ve purchased because of CP and I think it sits at the top of that list so far.

[@ricodelavega4511]

for objective purposes, we need feet pics Brett/Andy. Not prurient, we know trail runners' feet are gnarly looking, even from well groomed runners like Finn M. or Leah Y.

[@ConversationalPace]

🤣 🤣 🤣