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 shoe crafted for ultra-distance running over challenging terrain such as the arduous alpine trails of its marathon namesake.

The Nike Zegama has a single-layer engineered mesh upper with breathable perforations across the forefoot, the flanks and the lower part of the well-padded tongue. Strong and flexible, it features no-sew panelling on the toe and heel to combat snags and abrasions. Sturdy eyelets and a gusseted tongue keep the foot locked in during dynamic movement, while the spacious interior provides extra width to accommodate foot swelling and the inner vamp lining facilitates drainage when moving through waterlogged landscapes. Pull tabs on the heel and tongue make for easy on and off, and reflective spots illuminate the wearer in low-light conditions. Lastly, ankle gaiters prevent stones and other debris from getting in around the collar.

The Zegama is known for its full-length ZoomX foam midsole as the 2022 Zegama Trail was the first Nike trail running shoe to contain the highly responsive cushioning. Its rocker geometry has since been altered for greater stability – enhanced by raised sidewalls – and propulsiveness, yet it still offers a supportive stack of dual-density foam with just a 4mm drop for long-range comfort, protective durability and stable control across rugged landscapes. Underfoot, a tough Vibram Megagrip outsole delivers excellent grip via its Traction Lug technology: deep V-shaped lugs arranged in opposing directions across the forefoot and heel with wide spaces between to produce unrivalled traction over technical trails in various weather conditions.

The Nike Zegama has a bold look, with striking branding that incorporates Swoosh logos and Nike’s trail running emblem. Cutting-edge technologies like the ZoomX midsole and Vibram outsole are marked with stylish lettering, and a selection of colourways ranging from bright and eye-catching to classy and neutral are available.

Some Zegamas feature the words: “Designed and tested for relentless forward progress Nike Trail Mountain Division”. This references the 35,000 miles of wear-testing that went into the Zegama 2 and highlights that it is built to support serious trail running enthusiasts and athletes like German ultramarathon star Daniela Oemus and American sub-ultra specialist Bailey Kowalczyk. In 2024, Kowalczyk appeared alongside other top trail runners in a memorable launch film for the Zegama 2 showcasing its remarkable cushioning and traction on 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 most Nike athletes competing in the UTMB ultramarathon in August 2024. Meanwhile, in 2025, the series was 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 running shoe designed for traversing the longest and toughest routes.