Nike - Zegama 2

Mafate Speed 4 is still great. Big fan of the Nike Zegama 2 these days too. Both are on the heavier side but are very protective and have great grip. I feel a bit more nimble in the Mafate though. I have a Kjerag that I really like but I guess I have poor footwork because I think I need more cushion. I really hurt my foot landing on a root in the last race I wore them on. Mafate Speed 4 Lite is very cool but I want to see some reviews from trail runners. Hoka is positioning it as a lifestyle shoe which I think is odd and is causing it to be looked over by real runners (I think).

TX2 is a great choice. I would size up half a size from a Mafate though. The TX2 has a particularly tight toe box. This is one of the things that was updated on the TX3 Now that I think of it though, I would also suggest that you look at the Nike Zegama 2. It's pretty great, if only a tad heavy. Unless you're running some super technical trails, I don't see a reason to stay away from max cushion for a heavier runner, even for shorter races. Unless you are specifically going for highly technical running and very sensitive trail feel, go for the support and give your joints a break

I'm really enjoying the Zegama 2 for all kinds of trails. The lugs are bit overkill for nontechnical trails but it's not going to kill you to haul around a few extra ounces if you otherwise like the shoe. I've used them for nontechnical 100 milers and had no regrets. They're great shoes, at least on my feet. I've had terrible experiences with Challengers, particularly the ankle collar rubbing on my ankle bones. Chafing, bruising, or both. I get the feeling this is just a me problem, though, as these shoes are otherwise quite popular. Every few years I try on the latest Challenger iteration and experience the same problem. If these shoes are working for you already in 100s, I don't see a point in switching. Zegamas aren't going to make you any faster. You could also consider road shoes for a nontechnial trail 100. I wore Hoka Cliftons for my first 100 mile race and had zero issues.

Topo Ultraventure is a solid alternative. Nike Zegama also similar.

I've had fairly good luck with them, they usually crap out for me around 500-600 miles. I feel like that ZoomX midsole starts to get pretty lifeless around 500 miles. Uppers also start to tear for me, but that could just be due to the heaps of sweat and dirt that dry them out. Really great shoe overall, been my go-to for the last few thousand miles of trail running. Wish it was maybe just a touch lighter though, but nothing's ever going to be perfect.

That’s what I’m wearing :)!

The foam on the zegama 2 is more comfortable for me for long efforts than the challenger. My feet get sore in the challengers a lot faster than the zegama.

Same. It’s a great shoe.

I avoid asphalt as much as I can and I don’t think I shuffle too much. I’ve put a decent amount of miles into my Zegama 2s, north face vectivs, Salomon’s, and ultrafly before retiring them and they held up pretty well. This is the first pair of trail shoes that looks like they took a beating early on. It is a great shoe though

Plug for Zegama 2s. I’m only 180 lbs but find the performance and the amount of wear I put on shoes differs greatly from my lighter friends. The Zegamas snappy mid and rugged outsole has held up amazingly well (just replacing them after >600 hard miles). They’re high and not super wide and some complain they’re not stable but they work for me, size 15 probably lending some stability. 

Hi op, fellow 200 pound runner here, I’ve been using a mix of my nike zegama trail 2s and on cloudsurfer trail 2s, I will say the trails near me aren’t the most technical in the world so that may be where they fall short if you decide to try them. Just know the ride on the zegamas is kind of insane

Hi all, Did Scafell Pike in the Lake District today, my first mountain run in 5+ years. Came down the Mickledore path, which is loose scree and relatively steep. I wore my Nike Zegama 2, which whilst ok for the trails I usually do, were hopeless on the wet, slippery rock and scree on the mountain, and I lost footing many times. I’m looking for a trail shoe with excellent wet rock grip for steep mountain trails. Preferably Salomon as I can access stores to try them on, but would consider other mainstream running brands. Any help appreciated.

For what you’re describing, the Zegama Trail 2 are amazing. I just can’t find anything wrong with them, which I find annoying because I prefer smaller/niche brands… They’ve accompanied me on OCC last year, three weeks hiking in Bolivia this spring, and regular training and hiking in Austrian and French alps… Maybe they could shave off some unnecessary weight but I’m never thought « oh these are heavy » For shorter distances and less technical terrain I choose other shoes though

Zegama Trail 2. Comfy, grippy, sturdy

I've the Speedgoat 5 and Zegama 2. The Zegama are way better for me, in particular for long runs 20k+, as I'm getting blisters with the SG5s. Zegama's are so much more comfortable and better fitting and they work very well on tarmac too. Due to the stack height, they are not the most stable, so I wouldn't recommend them for highly technical trails or muddy stuff (but I'd say that's true for the SG5s too). Next trail shoe purchase will be Zegama's again, my feet do love them.

11 Road: - Saucony Endorfine Speed 3 (retired) - Adidas Takumi Sen 8 (intervals, ~5k races) - 2x Adidas Evo SL (daily trainer, 3rd pair ready to go) - Adidas Pro 4 (just used for a HM) - ASICS Superblast 2 (used for long runs, ultras, dislike) - Brooks Adrenaline 22 (retired, just for hikes) Trail: - Saucony Peregrine 13 (stiff, only when muddy) - Hoka Speedgoat 5 (have miles left, but Zegama are infinitely more comfortable - sort of retired) - Nike Zegama 2 (daily trail trainer / trail ultras, new pair ready to go) - Adidas Agravic Speed ultra (short trail races, gives me heel blisters)