Hoka Zinal 2 trail running shoes

The Hoka Zinal 2 trail running shoe is a lightweight, fast, flexible trail running shoe, just like the previous version, but completely reworked to be even lighter faster. Although the outsole is new and improved, it doesn’t perform as well on harder, more technical terrain. The Zinal 2 is a minimalist shoe, it doesn’t have a lot of cushioning and the midsole isn’t thick, so it’s not the best choice for longer runs. However, if you want to run fast for shorter distances under half marathon on terrain that isn’t muddy, snowy or rocky, the Zinal 2 could be a great choice. For those with a wider foot, it’s also not the best choice as it has a thin build, but for those who have struggled with a narrower foot that makes it difficult to secure the foot in a trail shoe and causes chafing, the Zinal 2 will be a good choice.

Hoka Zinal 2 upper

The upper of the Hoka Zinal 2 trail running shoe is made from a densely woven mesh material, reinforced in several places by a layer of rubber. The heel collar ends in a sock-like section (stretch-knit), which is comfortable and very good at protecting against debris getting inside the shoe. The shoe has no separate tongue, this sock-like upper continues under the laces. This makes the shoe a little harder to put on (not a disadvantage for trail shoes), but the heel collar has tabs to make it easier to put on. The sock-like material is a bit more cushioned and thicker than the heel collar, but still has better abrasion resistance. The fact that the heel collar is very flexible, not stiff, means that the shoe holds the foot well and securely. The densely woven mesh material is lightweight, flexible, fits the foot well and has very good breathability. Because it is thin and lightweight, it is not very durable and the mesh is more easily worn on the toes than average. Although the thin upper is often covered with extra layers of rubber, the upper does not protect the foot from stones and twigs as well.

Hoka Zinal 2 midfoot

The midsole of the Hoka Zinal 2 trail running shoe has been completely redesigned from the previous version. Previously it used ProFly technology, which is made up of two different densities of foam, but the Zinal 2 is made up of just one type of CMEVA foam, which is lighter, softer and more dynamic than a standard CMEVA sole. The shoe is fast not because the midsole material is extremely dynamic, but because the shoe is extremely light and flexible. The Zinal 2 weighs 227 grams, which is very light even for asphalt, street running shoes. The midsole is not high, 25 mm thick at the front and 30 mm at the back, but it’s not as thick as it looks, as it provides more cushioning for its low height, making it suitable for half marathons. Although the midsole thickness is smaller than average, as it is also softer than average, the stability of the Hoka Zinal 2 cross-country running shoe is not as good.

Hoka Zinal 2 outsole

The outsole of the Hoka Zinal 2 trail running shoe has all the right features to grip well even in muddy terrain, yet it is not outstanding. The outsole is made from Vibram Megagrip Litebase material that covers the entire midsole. It has larger than average lugs and a softer than average rubber compound, which provides good grip (better than the previous version), but only on lighter to moderately technical terrain. In rocky, muddy, snowy terrain, the grip of this outsole is no longer enough, perhaps due to the lack of rubber spikes at the toes. The wear resistance of the outsole is average, but considering that Hoka has chosen a softer material for grip, it has good wear resistance.

Summary

Overall, the Hoka Zinal 2 trail running shoe is a lightweight, fast, flexible shoe with good breathability, primarily suited for shorter faster trail runs. As they are not as shock absorbent, they are not so suitable for longer runs than half marathons. The outsole has a lighter grip and construction and performs well on moderately difficult terrain, but is less suitable for more technical terrain.