Nike Zegama Trail 2 First Impressions: A Second Chance for Nike Trail

Introduction

Nike’s trail running line has had a rocky reputation, and the original Zegama left some runners wanting more. The Zegama Trail 2 is the brand’s chance to make amends, and the early signs suggest Nike has spent that opportunity wisely in some areas while leaving a few old habits untouched.

The headline upgrades are a ZoomX-based midsole tuned for more bounce, a raised and better-supported stack, and the sticky Megagrip rubber outsole that finally gives the shoe a trustworthy footing. This first-look review covers the specs, the fit, and how all of it held up over an initial 7.6 mile test run.

First Impressions at a Glance

The Zegama Trail 2 retails for a fairly steep £165 in the UK, and a UK 9.5 pair weighs in at 337g. That is not the lightest trail shoe around, but you do get a generous amount of cushioning for the weight. The midsole runs a 4mm heel offset with a stack height of 36mm at the heel and 32mm under the forefoot.

Nike claims this is the most tested trail shoe it has ever produced, with thousands of miles logged during development. The upper uses a twin-layer engineered mesh with extensive perforations for airflow, a padded gusseted tongue, a built-in ankle gaiter, and large pull tabs at the heel and tongue. It is a busy-looking construction, and a fair question is whether it is style over substance.

Fit and Upper

The upper is the strongest part of the package. It fits the foot like a glove, runs true to size, and offers an average toebox width that is neither narrow nor especially wide. Lockdown around the midfoot is excellent and the heel hold is secure, with no slippage or internal movement.

Straight out of the box there was no irritation or rubbing, which is impressive for a first run. The only concerns: the layered upper could run warm in hot conditions since the test run took place in roughly 17 degrees UK weather, and there is no toe bumper, leaving the front of the shoe soft and vulnerable on rocky, technical terrain where feet start to drag late in long runs.

Midsole and Stability

The midsole pairs Nike’s pea-based ZoomX foam, known for high energy return and underfoot comfort, with a slightly firmer carrier foam that surrounds it for stability and durability. On the road and compacted trail sections, the ZoomX setup felt bouncier than the previous version, returning good energy on hard surfaces.

The raised stack is misleading at first glance. Because your foot sinks into the midsole, the foam wrapping around the medial and lateral sides acts as a guide rail, and the shoe felt noticeably stable on groomed trails. That said, the heel feels dominant: the 4mm offset genuinely feels more like an 8 to 10mm drop underfoot. The real stability test on technical trails is still to come.

Outsole and Grip

This is the second Nike trail shoe to use Vibram Megagrip rubber, and it is the most meaningful change. The lug pattern features forward-facing chevrons on the forefoot and reverse-facing chevrons at the heel, with a measured lug depth of around 4mm since Nike does not publish the spec.

Dry conditions limited the grip test, but Megagrip has a proven reputation on wet, rocky trails, and the lug pattern looks capable on most surfaces. The shoes may still struggle in the deepest mud and bog, but overall traction should be solid elsewhere.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The Zegama Trail 2 could easily have lost 20 to 30 grams. The big heel and tongue tabs, the stiff fabric around the lace eyelets, and the increased stack height all add weight without clear benefit, and trimming them could have brought the shoe closer to 300g for a lighter, more responsive feel.

Buyers should also weigh the lack of a toe bumper, the potential warmth of the upper in hot climates, and the heel-dominant ride. None of these are dealbreakers, but they matter depending on the terrain and climate you run in.

Buying Advice

The Zegama Trail 2 makes the most sense for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning on mixed trail and road routes rather than pure speed on technical ground. If your running involves rocky descents or hot-weather racing, the missing toe bumper and warm upper deserve serious consideration.

Conclusion

The Zegama Trail 2 is a positive step for Nike trail running. The fit and comfort carry over from the original, the ZoomX midsole adds welcome bounce, and the Megagrip outsole finally delivers grip you can trust. It is not a perfect shoe, but it is a far more complete one than its predecessor.