Sierre-Zinal, the race it's named after is actually very non-technical. Lots of doubletrack, gravel/access roads and buffed out trail. Of all the Golden Trail series races, it's probably the tamest.
Thank you for pointing out some of the major flaws on this updated Zinal 2. On paper, and by appearances, this shoe looks incredible. My size US12 weighed a mere 250g. First run I did was 12 miles, very comfortable shoe, and stack felt plush enough. The run was single track with rocks and roots, however, where I actually had an issue was in a slight dip or depression in the trail. Landed off, and had an immediate and could have been far worse lateral slip. Like I thought I'd rolled by ankle, but thankfully not. Looking at the shoe closer, I think the flex in the heel counter, the way the upper sit almost on top of the midsole and the lack of lockdown Ginger Runner speaks of... all translate into a shoe that is unstable. And maybe only good on fire roads, or super buffed out and even trails. I returned the shoe. Hope my new Kjerag acts as a good replacement, same weight BTW.
I could not agree more. I could till 2 seconds into the video the upper was going to be a disaster. And yes, very much like the Altra Monte Blanc. I love when you so politely trash a shoe. Thanks a usual. JR
I absolutely love the zinal 2 for trail races up to 8 miles the only down fall to the shoe that I have is the running down hill when the trails are covered in wet leafs
I ended up returning these after a couple runs. With the gaiter collar, low stack and 5mm lugs I thought it would be great for more technical runs but actually found it to be the complete opposite. Also thought the laces were really uncomfortable and agree with your comments re the folding upper over your foot.
hmmm, looks like I can pass on these.., as I more often than not roll with your opinions. I don't buy all that you suggest (that would be a bit much).., but it's a point in the column of possible shoe purchases. great overview.. be well. btw, I am thinking about tiger claw.. soooooooo
Thanks for another honest review. I will give this a miss.... I didn't like the first ones much tbh either 😊 but I'll definitely definitely skip these..... I'm actually liking liking the Torrents and the Machs..... I m looking looking forward to the Mach 6 whenever it comes out (hopefully soon) 🎉and I hope they don't destroy those...... God bless you and thanks for your honesty in your reviews bro 🙏 😇
I've had issues with that elf tale myself. Tried the Speed Goats and stopped to remove stones a couple of times. I'm not sure about the mesh there using now either. I returned my Goats after they tore on the first 12 mile run. It's not very durable.
Hi been watching some of your reviews on hokas specifically! I’m just getting into walking and hiking I’m also over weight with a wide foot, most shoes cause my feet to hurt especially when I walk on paved road. Does anyone have any recommendations for a comfortable shoe for road/off trail walking that’s got plenty room for a wide foot?
If by the race you meant "Sierra-Zinal" in Switzerland then this shoe would probably not be for that race as it's closer to the road race than any even low technicality race out there. You can actually run that race in road shoes if the first climb is dry as some runners do. This is the first review I could feel you haven't run in shoes that much and it's very vogue and it could wrongly affect buyer's opinions. I think this shoe is just not for every body type and foot shape if you want to go fast in them and take advantage of their capabilities.
The Zinal 1 was such a pleasure, and this seems like such a disappointment in comparison. An odd direction for Hoka to take the shoe, not sure what they were thinking...
Sierre-Zinal, the race it's named after is actually very non-technical. Lots of doubletrack, gravel/access roads and buffed out trail. Of all the Golden Trail series races, it's probably the tamest.
My impression as well of the race. I think I'll get another pair of the super duper original while I can
"Duct tape and applesauce" is an amazing statement to throw down so casually! 😂 Great review! As a running hobbit, I'll start away.
Sierre-Zinal is THE mountain race in the world. A great race did it many times
Thank you for pointing out some of the major flaws on this updated Zinal 2. On paper, and by appearances, this shoe looks incredible. My size US12 weighed a mere 250g. First run I did was 12 miles, very comfortable shoe, and stack felt plush enough. The run was single track with rocks and roots, however, where I actually had an issue was in a slight dip or depression in the trail. Landed off, and had an immediate and could have been far worse lateral slip. Like I thought I'd rolled by ankle, but thankfully not. Looking at the shoe closer, I think the flex in the heel counter, the way the upper sit almost on top of the midsole and the lack of lockdown Ginger Runner speaks of... all translate into a shoe that is unstable. And maybe only good on fire roads, or super buffed out and even trails. I returned the shoe. Hope my new Kjerag acts as a good replacement, same weight BTW.
I could not agree more. I could till 2 seconds into the video the upper was going to be a disaster. And yes, very much like the Altra Monte Blanc. I love when you so politely trash a shoe. Thanks a usual. JR
Thnx for the review. I have been wondering how these stacked up against other hoka trails.
I absolutely love the zinal 2 for trail races up to 8 miles the only down fall to the shoe that I have is the running down hill when the trails are covered in wet leafs
I ended up returning these after a couple runs. With the gaiter collar, low stack and 5mm lugs I thought it would be great for more technical runs but actually found it to be the complete opposite. Also thought the laces were really uncomfortable and agree with your comments re the folding upper over your foot.
hmmm, looks like I can pass on these.., as I more often than not roll with your opinions. I don't buy all that you suggest (that would be a bit much).., but it's a point in the column of possible shoe purchases. great overview.. be well.
btw, I am thinking about tiger claw.. soooooooo
For me they are perfect, very similar to the evo jawz that i was missing, it is just a question of feelings and foot shape
Might buy if it gets in -50% sale
Thanks for another honest review. I will give this a miss.... I didn't like the first ones much tbh either 😊 but I'll definitely definitely skip these..... I'm actually liking liking the Torrents and the Machs..... I m looking looking forward to the Mach 6 whenever it comes out (hopefully soon) 🎉and I hope they don't destroy those...... God bless you and thanks for your honesty in your reviews bro 🙏 😇
I've had issues with that elf tale myself. Tried the Speed Goats and stopped to remove stones a couple of times. I'm not sure about the mesh there using now either. I returned my Goats after they tore on the first 12 mile run. It's not very durable.
Looks nice but for the $$ I’ll stick to the zinal 1 or the torrent. The sock fit never works for me.
I gess this shoes take in characteristic points of salomon s/lab pulser!
Hi been watching some of your reviews on hokas specifically! I’m just getting into walking and hiking I’m also over weight with a wide foot, most shoes cause my feet to hurt especially when I walk on paved road. Does anyone have any recommendations for a comfortable shoe for road/off trail walking that’s got plenty room for a wide foot?
Helpful
If by the race you meant "Sierra-Zinal" in Switzerland then this shoe would probably not be for that race as it's closer to the road race than any even low technicality race out there. You can actually run that race in road shoes if the first climb is dry as some runners do. This is the first review I could feel you haven't run in shoes that much and it's very vogue and it could wrongly affect buyer's opinions. I think this shoe is just not for every body type and foot shape if you want to go fast in them and take advantage of their capabilities.
The Zinal 1 was such a pleasure, and this seems like such a disappointment in comparison. An odd direction for Hoka to take the shoe, not sure what they were thinking...
I hope this will be available in the 🇵🇭🇵🇭
I have not been a huge fan of the shoes without aa traditional tongue system. They always wrinkle on my feet.
Toe not breathable at all.. causes consistent heat, toe blisters over 8 miles
It's such a pity this channel became running shoes review channel only. Ethan is such a talented music maker, vlogger, movie creator... 😔
Not trusting a shoe on anything remotely technical is not good for a trail shoe. Definitely won't fly in New England.
Dont like Hokas and this one sounds like it´s not gonna change that