Cushion + Vibram = Winner? // NIKE ZEGAMA 2 REVIEW // Ginger Runner

[@TheGingerRunner]

Been loving the squish of the Zegama 2s, but gimme version 3 already!

[@briangoldman3316]

Ethan, you are still putting out the best reviews in the industry. Thank you for always being honest and being a voice for runners and not the brands. ❤🎉.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Damn thanks my dude!

[@DavidJones-xt4bi]

The first (for me), the best, and the most accurate running shoe reviewer on the internet. So happy to see you back Ethan!

[@HawaiiFranke]

It just started to rain and I have a trail race tommorow ... using the Zegama 2 with the vibram outsole.

[@TechnicallyNotSteve]

The Zegama was very comfy for me, the grip was acceptable but not good. Winner for me. I just did a wet 8 mile race in the 2 and it was stellar. More comfortable, More responsive, nimble enough and the outsole was stuck to everything. They run well on road as well, less cloppy than the 1. I don't find them unstable, agree with the gaitor assessment and lacing to an extent. They also feel warmer than the 1 but not really noticeable. Absolute winner though, look and run great, I even bought another pair for $79 at a clearance center in a mud friendly colorway.

[@slavasss2189]

Do you find them more narrow compared with ver 1?

[@TechnicallyNotSteve]

@@slavasss2189 maybe a tiny bit in the toebox (like the difference between a thick sock and a thin one) but the upper feels like it opens up after some miles. They are also still lower height in the toe box like v1 as well but I wouldn't call them narrow, I was surprised to see some reviews stating that to be honest. I enjoy them quite a bit and I can't do narrow shoes.

[@edwarddapra7674]

Thanks for the shout out. It was great seeing you out at Cascade Crest 100. Perfect review as always! You’re the man.

[@TheGingerRunner]

I KNEW you’d eventually see the review!! Congrats on the finish!!

[@rexgorman9561]

Love the one-shot feel of this. Great job!

[@jamessimpson9173]

Just picked up my 2nd pair in an UK outlet for £80....an absolute steal....keep up the amazing work 😊

[@jdgio1983]

Got these thanks to the review on sale! Been running in them for a few weeks. Ran a 30K trail race and some wet/snowy conditions in the foothills in Colorado. They remind me a lot of the Pegasus Trail 2. Love how they felt on the flat trails. Didn’t feel the greatest going down on wet rock, but the cushioning is awesome. Will use them similar to how I used the Pegasus Trail 2 for mostly long easy days and races where I’m not trying hard.

[@bikerdie]

I've got two pairs of these in rotation right now - each with over 200 miles on them. Ran the Wasatch 100 in a pair as well. Overall great shoes but do agree that the lacing system takes some readjusting on the longer trail runs. Haven't noticed stability issues - run on a lot of rocky terrain -- but I have issues with little toe numbness on longer outings. Definitely would recommend them though, especially at the current sale prices that you can find out there.

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Also got toe numbness. Think it's from the area where the tongue is sewn in. Cuts into you instep (if your have a high instep).

[@zu_1455]

Just last week I was looking for your review of this shoe! Good timing!

[@janchrisavenant4131]

I have put more than 200miles on my pair of Zegama 2s including a mountain marathon race and can add my praise to the shoe. I had none of the mentioned stability, lacing or fit issues. My only negative will be the massive sole protruding past the heel. Going down steep trails fast (or stairs that are narrowly spaced), I've clipped my heel a few times and man, that could have been a face transplant. Pros: That soft foam- comfort for days, the grip. Cons: Heel protruberence (Michael Scott reference..) and the weight is on the heavier side.

[@zachcondon7848]

I was looking for your review of these at the beginning of the month and said screw it and bought a pair. I don't quite have 50 miles on mine yet, but I love them. I have big, narrow size 14 feet, and the lacing hasn't been an issue. I love these things.

[@simonpollock2799]

can add to the anecdata re: stability and ankle collar weirdness. was able to get them 20% off and have otherwise LOVED them. but, it is a total trip switching between the caldera 7s and the zegama 2s. i’m with you, ethan-gimme version 3!

[@jasonkrasowski4673]

I’ve had my pair for 3-4 months and a good 200 miles now, and I LOVE them. For me, it’s maybe the most comfort on foot of any shoe I’ve ever worn, and I’ve worn allot of shoes in my 48 years. I’m a sneaker guy, and have a ton of shoes, and I just want to wear this shoe everyday. You put it on, and just want to go. I was able to snag a pair for the wife this morning for 130$ on Nike. I’d say these are definitely worth a buy!! I’m curious to know how the comfort level of these shoes are compared to the very expensive Hokas you just reviewed. Love the reviews!!

[@melissafeldhaus4424]

I haven't tried a Nike since foot surgery---need a wider toe box. But I am a vibrant snob lol. I love vibram on my trailshoes so I am intrigued with this shoe.

[@selfcoachedrunner]

Great review, agreed on all points. I loved V1 for racing, but due to what you've covered, V2 is a training shoe only. Still love it though. Hoka Tecton X3 is the go-to race option now.

[@mowsertas]

Loving the Zegama 2s. And loving this review. Would like to know when the 3s will arrive!

[@lizeengelbrecht4179]

Love my Zegama 2s. Have two pairs and expect I will probably buy a few more. The original Zegama was my favorite shoe but I had some serious slips that nearly took me out of the game for a while. These new soles have me trusting every step in a way I never knew I could appreciate so much. My only disappointment is that I feel the toe box is just a smidge less voluminous but I do think it’s gotten a little better once they’re worn in.

[@SoManyMiles]

Looks like a really sweet mix of features. Zoom X is a big plus. Would be a blast with carbon and less material at the heel area. Still waiting for Nike‘s next big trail runner.

[@johanneswehrmann]

Looking forward to the Ultrafly 2.

[@timpmoriarty]

I just wish Nike made the stock laces 2” longer so I wouldn’t have to crank them down for a heel lock

[@slapfan1]

I love this shoe, my favorite shoe in my rotation.

[@ActiveIdeas]

As always, loved it Ethan ❤

[@tylerripley5339]

My partner and I used quite a few trail runners on our thru hike of the pct this year. In southern oregon we tried the zegamas and realized we found something special. We hiked over 800 miles in ours and felt like they still had life left in them but switched them out to finish the trail in some freshies. Been running in them since getting back home and they have been performing even better as a running shoe. My only complaint is with the upper which has two layers of fabric. The space between those layers tends to accumulate dust and sand and leads to excessive dry times after river crossings or rainy day adventures. I hope they take this platform to develop a shoe for thru hiking because there is really something special here.

[@JamieAsareZiegler]

I think that colorway is _sweet!_ That said, the stability issue is a dealbreaker for me. To me, there's West Coast trail shoes and East Coast/European trail shoes and the I think the Zegama 2 is the former. When Nike puts Vibram rubber on the Kiger, they'll have my attention.

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Hope you'll review the Peg Trail 5, that shoe is insanely comfortable and fun!

[@airbromez]

My biggest gripe with the shoes is the lack of drainage. They are absolute sponges if you have water crossings in a race

[@kriskierulff867]

worst thing about nike’s is how they handle wet conditions, so vibram is a great improvement. I loved my first version of zegama’s regardless, that is until they wore a hole on the heel that causes a blister, so even though the sole’s had plenty of life, they are now unwearable.

[@carrjeep7538]

Great review. Bad lacing in a modern running shoe drives me crazy. $180 is really tough to justify.

[@rickjaramillo2288]

found the same colorway at a local nike outlet for $80. If i had the money i would've bought them. Felt really comfortable

[@kpark8k]

Looking forward to the Kiger 10 👍

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Cushlon doesn't excite me.

[@andyhighsmith6519]

Love this shoe! …IF! They could make it a tad more stable w/out losing squish, and could make the upper more breathable (it holds water like a sponge!) without losing any of the comfy fit. That’s my only tweaks though!

[@jamiewakefield6332]

I was thinking of picking these up but I found a pair of ultraflys for less money… wasn’t a tough choice.

[@vprichakk3590]

I loved the original Zegama. The Zegama 2 feels great. I'm curious what your favorite colorway/colorways for the men's Zegama 2 are since you were not a big fan of the one they sent you?

[@vprichakk3590]

I’ve been listening to your reviews for years! You are one of the best in the business especially for trail shoes. Thanks Ethan. We’ve missed your reviews.

[@scotthilton5406]

Just recently ran a 50k in these. Got my first blister (socks have been worn before on ultra's), felt rocks through the open foam area on the outsole and can feel the plugs slightly on harder landings, which is a weird feeling. They need to find a way to lighten these up and improve the outsole coverage.

[@christopherorman5769]

Funny. I like the Zegama 2 a lot, but view it as a lesser version of the Tecton x3. Also, ZoomX seems to die at around 200 miles...so while I liked them, they only felt great for about a month. But a great back shoe to have in the rotation.

[@broweractualtv]

Interesting on the ankle collar issue. Mine keep debris out great and hug right under the ankle bone. Could it be a height of the ankle for certain people that makes that an issue?

[@richardswizz221]

Have you ever reviewed the TOPO brand?

[@79reynevan]

Looking good, however 320g is too much

[@zacharygarner9425]

Just going to say it. Stability is not an issue with this shoe. Just because the core is soft does not make it unstable

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

For me it's not 'stability' so to speak, rather that the shoe is chonky.

[@stefanobianco2201]

Hi! Can Zegama Trail 2 run on road too or just on trail roads? Thank’s 😊

[@MivarWagner]

I find zoom x too unstable on the trail and dangerous on loose terrain even with Vibram sole. Zegama 2 is a nice trail shoe and shine only on the hard surface.

[@rschreck876]

The golf shoe fringe….

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

I wouldn't say they're unstable, rather that they're clunky. The heel is a real chonker.

[@guilletjean-jacques5107]

tres amortie , superbe adherence , mais le pied n a pas de place a l avant de cette chaussure , et je parles du dessus du pied , pour moi cela ne fonctionne pas , c etait tres bien dans la zegama 1 , ici je n aimes pas dutout , je dirais qu elle taillent petit , dommage pour moi , je suis passé sur mes premiers amour , la trabuco 12 , et je dois dire que tout est parfait .

Can’t stand the ankle collar, so unfortunately I can’t run the shoes.

[@jayel7570]

had the Zegama 2 for a couple months now...rocky trail running, disc golf and hiking daily and ive already got the outsole peeling off. Ive also developed the strangest heel pain when wearing them. Maybe my expectations were too high and Altra has spoiled me but also having gone through the ACG Mountainfly 1 (very narrow, somewhat unstable, tough to break in, mostly weatherproof) and 2's (basically wooden clogs) my confidence in Nike trail shoes is.....not high.

[@slavasss2189]

How can you wear tapered narrow Nike after Altra ?? 😅😊

[@JonLeach-y5q]

@@slavasss2189 its not nearly as bad here as it is in something like the Air Max 90 or the Mountainfly's but yea, nothing really comes close to Altra.

[@matthiassventoest6800]

…hmmm nice 😮

[@jansommerlund5497]

I disliked the v1 in every way. It was to narrow, firm and so unstable. This one sounds better but I still think I'll skip it

[@slavasss2189]

Ver 2 is more narrow than 1

[@jansommerlund5497]

@@slavasss2189 well then its definitely a no-go 👍

[@slavasss2189]

Fit is worse, more narrow toe box than in ver1

[@FromTheRightAngle]

Love your reviews, good to have you back, however, technically you ARE compensated …. Free shoes…. So you don’t need to buy running shoes with your own $. It’s just something I struggle with when reviewers get free products and claim they are completely neutral. Anyways it really is good to have you back. And agreed Nike dropped the ball with colour ways for the Z2, mostly pale lame colour ways.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Yes, I am provided with free product from either brands OR third party, Running Warehouse (I literally say that). That’s why I specify FINANCIALLY compensated, because I don’t make shit from my reviews (other than KZbin Adsense which is garbage). And I donate all product after review cycles. FTC requires I tell you everything, so I do.

[@cb4atl]

Skip this at all costs if you enjoy healthy ankles!

[@johnborton4522]

Perhaps that's true for you, but my experience has been very different. I've put 250 miles on these shoes in the last month in the Eastern Sierra (including a 44 mile, 26,000ft elevation change double ascent of Mount Whitney in a single day). Zero ankle issues.

[@christopherorman5769]

​@@johnborton4522I agree. I've put over 300 miles on my pair with no issues to my ankles.

[@cb4atl]

@@johnborton4522that absolutely may be true for you but this is a really commonly-held complaint from both v1 and v2. I’m glad they’re working for you! I really wish they did for me.