Nike Zoom Rival XC

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Nike Zoom Rival XC: Review

β€œA lightweight cross country shoe.”

Overview


The Nike Zoom Rival XC is a cross country running shoe designed to provide comfort and speed during races. This shoe is part of the Nike Zoom Rival XC family, known for its performance-oriented design and lightweight construction.

Key Features:

  • Breathable Upper: The upper is made from a well-ventilated material to keep feet cool and dry.
  • Removable Spikes: Equipped with removable spikes for customizable traction on various terrains.
  • Lightweight Design: Weighing only 181 g (6.4 oz), it ensures minimal weight for maximum speed.

The Nike Zoom Rival XC is an ideal choice for cross country runners who prioritize breathability and lightweight design for competitive racing. Its removable spikes offer versatility, making it suitable for different track conditions.

Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently just below the median price of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Nike Zoom Rival XC


The Nike Zoom Rival XC is highly regarded for its performance in cross country meets. Reviewers consistently highlight its lightweight design, which helps runners maintain speed without feeling weighed down. The breathable upper ensures that feet stay cool and dry, even during intense races. However, some users have noted that the shoe may not provide enough cushioning for longer runs. Overall, the Nike Zoom Rival XC offers excellent value for money, especially for those focused on competitive cross country running. It is a reliable choice for runners seeking a balance of speed, comfort, and versatility.

Comparable Shoes


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The Saucony Kilkenny XC8 is another popular choice among cross country runners. It offers a similar lightweight design and breathable upper but is known for its more affordable price point. However, the Nike Zoom Rival XC may provide better traction with its customizable spikes.

4 Nike Zoom Rival XC Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Lightweight design enhances speed and agility.
Breathable upper keeps feet cool and dry.
Removable spikes offer customizable traction.

1 Con

May lack sufficient cushioning for longer runs.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Nike Zoom Rival XC is designed to be breathable, ensuring that runners' feet stay cool and dry. The material used is lightweight and well-ventilated, which is crucial for maintaining comfort during long races.

Outsole

The outsole of the Nike Zoom Rival XC is equipped with removable spikes, providing customizable traction. This allows runners to adapt their shoes to different terrains, enhancing grip and stability. The spikes can be easily removed or replaced, making the shoe versatile for various track conditions.

Comfort

Comfort is a key aspect of the Nike Zoom Rival XC, with many reviewers praising its lightweight design and breathable upper. However, some users have mentioned that the shoe may lack sufficient cushioning for longer runs. Despite this, the overall comfort level is deemed adequate for cross country races, where speed and agility are prioritized.

Breathability

The Nike Zoom Rival XC excels in breathability due to its well-ventilated upper. This feature helps keep feet dry and cool, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort during races. The breathable design is particularly advantageous for cross country runners who often encounter varying weather conditions.

Grip

The grip of the Nike Zoom Rival XC is enhanced by its removable spikes, which provide excellent traction on various terrains. This feature is especially useful for cross country runners who need reliable grip on different surfaces. The ability to customize the spikes ensures that runners can maintain stability and control during their races.

Who should buy the Nike Zoom Rival XC?


The Nike Zoom Rival XC is perfect for cross country runners who need a lightweight and breathable shoe for competitive racing. Its removable spikes make it ideal for those who race on different terrains and require customizable traction. Runners who prioritize speed and agility will find this shoe to be a valuable addition to their gear.

Who should not buy the Nike Zoom Rival XC?


Runners who require significant cushioning for longer distances may find the Nike Zoom Rival XC lacking in this area. Those who prefer a more cushioned shoe for added comfort during extended runs might want to consider other options.

Nike Zoom Rival XC: What's it good for?


The Nike Zoom Rival XC is well-suited for cross country running, offering excellent performance in competitive races. Its lightweight design and breathable upper make it ideal for runners who need to maintain speed and comfort. The removable spikes provide customizable traction, making it versatile for different track conditions.

4 Nike Zoom Rival XC FAQs


Are the spikes on the Nike Zoom Rival XC removable?

Yes, the Nike Zoom Rival XC features removable spikes, allowing runners to customize their traction based on the terrain.

Is the Nike Zoom Rival XC suitable for long-distance running?

While the Nike Zoom Rival XC is designed for cross country races, some runners may find it lacks sufficient cushioning for longer distances.

How much does the Nike Zoom Rival XC weigh?

The Nike Zoom Rival XC weighs 181 g (6.4 oz), making it a lightweight option for cross country running.

Is the Nike Zoom Rival XC breathable?

Yes, the upper of the Nike Zoom Rival XC is made from a breathable material, ensuring that feet stay cool and dry during races.

Nike Zoom Rival XC alternatives

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Nike Zoom Rival XC
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similarity
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released
Released
Mar 2021Nov 2018Mar 2021May 2020
productAthletes
Pro athlete users
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Paul Navesey
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+4
Golden HarperZach Bitter
Weight
Weight
181 g
125 g
M: 156 g
W: 125 g
130 g
184 g
Brand
Brand
Nike
NikeAltraNikeUnder ArmourSaucony
Breathable
Breathable
Spike Sizes
Spike Sizes
1/4 inch
Spike Types
Spike Types
Removable
Removable
PyramidRemovableRemovable
Waterproofings
Waterproofings
Water repellent
Water repellent
0

Nike Zoom Rival XC characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2048)
TerrainTrack (+79)
BrandNike (+260)
FeaturesBreathable (+752)
Spike TypesRemovable (+66)
EventsCross country (+11)
ColorwaysGreen, White
Specificationsvs Average
Measurements
Weight
181 g

Evolution of the Nike Zoom Rival XC product family

Pro athletes using Nike Zoom Rival XC

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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October 17, 2024 at 9:55 AM
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πŸ“Š Stats by geerly πŸ‘Ÿ πŸ•’ Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%