Nike Zegama 2 Complete Review

Finding a trail shoe that feels like a premium road cruiser but actually grips the dirt is harder than it sounds. Enter the Nike Zegama 2, released in mid-2024, which aims to solve that exact puzzle by bringing Nike's top-tier ZoomX foam to the great outdoors. Positioned as a rugged, long-distance carrier in the All Conditions Gear (ACG) lineage, this shoe is designed to keep your legs fresh over endless miles while—finally—fixing the traction issues that plagued its predecessor.

Quick Take

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Best For: Long-distance trail running, ultra-marathons, road-to-trail transitions.

Key Strengths: Ultra-responsive ZoomX cushioning, Vibram Megagrip outsole, protective stack height.

Notable Limitations: Inconsistent fit (can be narrow), reduced ground feel due to max cushion, high price point.

Visual Snapshot Summary

What Makes Nike Zegama 2 Stand Out?

Honestly, the headline act here is the midsole. Nike has taken its crown jewel—ZoomX foam, usually reserved for elite marathon racers like the Vaporfly—and encased it in a firmer carrier foam to create a ride that is uniquely bouncy yet stable enough for the trail. This "core-and-carrier" design addresses the fragility of raw ZoomX, ensuring you get that signature energy return without shredding the foam on the first sharp rock you hit.

But the real game-changer? It’s the outsole. After years of runners complaining about Nike’s slippery trail rubber, they’ve finally partnered with Vibram. The Zegama 2 features a Vibram Megagrip outsole with a Traction Lug pattern, a massive upgrade that transforms this shoe from a "dry day only" cruiser into a legitimate all-weather tool. As one reviewer put it, "Nike + Vibram = fantastic! It's like they finally found the perfect dance partner".

Real Customer Experiences

• Plush but Polarizing Fit: Runners consistently rave about the "bouncy" sensation and leg-saving protection on long runs, but a significant number of users report fit issues, citing pressure points or a narrow toe box.
• Traction Redemption: The shift to Vibram has been universally praised, with users noting a massive boost in confidence on wet rocks and loose descents compared to the original Zegama.
• Stability Concerns: While comfortable, the high stack of soft foam can feel "wobbly" or unstable for some runners on highly technical, uneven terrain.

"I can't wear it for more than 10 minutes... I ordered my original size, but it still doesn't fit well." — Verified Buyer

"Extremely comfortable shoes and love the grip on the trails... reliable and perfect for the trails I run." — Verified Buyer

Design and Build Quality

Let’s break down the chassis. The upper is constructed from a single layer of engineered mesh, designed to be stronger and more flexible than standard mesh. It includes a built-in ankle gaiter—a nice touch for keeping out grit and pine needles. While the material feels premium and durable, its lack of stretch contributes to the fit struggles some runners face.

The midsole is a tech-heavy sandwich: a soft ZoomX core for energy return, wrapped in a thin, firmer SR02 carrier foam for durability and stability. This sits on top of a 4mm drop platform (roughly 36mm heel / 32mm forefoot), promoting a more natural foot strike.

Underneath, the outsole sports the aforementioned Vibram Megagrip rubber with a "diverse lug pattern" and wide spacing to shed mud. In terms of weight, it’s not a featherweight racer; the men’s US size 9 tips the scales at approximately 320g (11.3 oz), while the women’s size 6 is around 264g. It’s built for the long haul, not the sprint.

Comfort and Fit

Here’s the thing: when the Zegama 2 fits, it’s arguably one of the most comfortable trail shoes on the market. The ZoomX foam provides a sensation that is often described as "squishy" and "joyful," absorbing impact mile after mile.

However, sizing advice is tricky. While Nike claims to have made the shoe "slightly wider" to account for foot swelling, user reports tell a different story. The fit can feel restrictive in the midfoot and toe box. If you have a standard or narrow foot, you might be fine with your regular size. But if you're on the wider side, this shoe might be a pass—there's no wide version mentioned in standard listings. Break-in is minimal for the midsole, but the upper might take a few runs to loosen up, if it does at all.

"The single biggest improvement I’ve noticed... is better grip on slippery surfaces because of the Vibram outsole." — Caleb Olsen, Nike Trail Team

Style and Versatility

Nike rarely misses on aesthetics, and the Zegama 2 is no exception. With its sleek lines, high stack, and bold ACG-inspired colorways like "Thunder Blue" and "Jade Horizon," it looks just as good grabbing a post-run coffee as it does on a ridgeline.

Ideally, this is your "Sunday Long Run" shoe. It shines on fire roads, buffed single-track, and non-technical mountain paths where you want to zone out and cruise. It’s also surprisingly capable as a "door-to-trail" hybrid; the lugs aren't so aggressive that they feel harsh on pavement, making it a solid choice for urban runners who mix concrete and dirt.

Quality and Durability

Durability looks promising this time around. The decision to encase the ZoomX in a carrier foam protects the sensitive material from abrasion, a common failure point in road shoes. The Vibram outsole is industry-standard for longevity, so you shouldn't see lugs shearing off prematurely.

However, keep an eye on the upper mesh. While "engineered" for strength, lightweight meshes can sometimes be prone to tearing if you frequently run through briars or scree, though specific widespread failure reports are yet to surface for this model. The main "quality" complaint isn't about materials breaking, but rather the inconsistent sizing mentioned earlier—a quality control quirk that seems to plague certain Nike releases.

Decision Matrix

Legend: ✓ = Good ○ = Average ✕ = Poor