Nike Zegama

Zegama

Nike has been making trail running shoes since the 1980s, but it wasn’t until 2022 that its off-road ambitions reached the pinnacle of the sport with the Zegama – a silhouette crafted for challenging ultra-distance runs such as the arduous alpine marathon it is named after.

The original ZoomX Zegama Trail debuted as Nike’s first trail shoe with ZoomX foam. Plush, lightweight and highly responsive, it is generously stacked at 37mm in the heel, giving outstanding shock-absorption and energy return, while its 4mm drop helps maintain control over varied terrain. A durable rubber outsole provides grippy support through deep chevron lugs that face in opposing directions to ensure traction on steep gradients. The wide rubber base has been widened in the forefoot to enhance stability and omitted through the midfoot to save weight without reducing grip. These attributes are bolstered by the upper, which is made of tough engineered mesh that pairs breathable perforated zones with a sturdy heel and abrasion-resistant no-sew overlays. Its lacing system features broad eyelets that reliably secure the foot, while the toe widens out to allow space for swelling, the ankle gaiter keeps debris out, and the heel pull tab makes for easy entry. Aesthetically, the Nike Zegama delivers a bold look via striking Swoosh and Trail logos, intricate stitching and its impressive ZoomX sole.

In 2024, following 35,000 miles of wear-testing and crucial athlete insight, Nike released the Zegama 2. The updated geometry and raised sidewalls of its dual-density ZoomX midsole create a more stable and responsive shoe that propels the runner comfortably over long distances and rugged landscapes. Underfoot, a Vibram Megagrip outsole delivers excellent grip via Traction Lug technology featuring tough V-shaped lugs arranged to produce unrivalled traction without clogging over technical trails. This powerful sole is backed up by a secure engineered mesh upper with a specially designed vamp liner that drains easily. Its upgraded lacing system, gusseted tongue, firm heel and snug ankle gaiter increase lockdown, while its reflective elements are both practical and visually stunning.

Alongside stylish lettering that highlights the shoe’s cutting-edge technologies, some Nike Zegama 2 colourways feature the words: “Designed and tested for relentless forward progress Nike Trail Mountain Division”. This highlights both its forward-thinking design and its support of serious trail running enthusiasts and elite athletes like German ultramarathon star Daniela Oemus and American sub-ultra specialist Bailey Kowalczyk. In 2024, Kowalczyk appeared alongside other athletes in a memorable launch film for the Zegama 2 showcasing its remarkable abilities over rocky crags and steep inclines. Its tagline, “Tame the Terrain”, has been embodied in the performances of Zegama-wearing runners at the highest level, including competitors at the 2024 UTMB ultramarathon. Meanwhile, in the world of fashion, the series has been honoured by Japanese label sacai on the collaborative Zegamadome – a stunning hybrid of the Zegama 2 and 1989’s Lava Dome hiking boot.

With its premium materials, elite-level technologies and sturdy build, the Nike Zegama is a high-performing trail shoe designed for traversing the longest and toughest routes.