Nike Zoom Victory Waffle 5 review

We highly recommend the Nike Zoom Victory Waffle 5 for:

• Newcomers to cross-country running seeking a high-quality yet affordable shoe to kickstart their journey.
• Enthusiasts of ultra-lightweight spikes in search of a top-notch cross-country racer that doesn't compromise on speed or agility.
• For runners in countries where spikes are prohibited in cross-country races and need a reliable shoe with excellent grip.

If you're considering this shoe for track use and just occasional cross-country races, we believe there are better, equally affordable options. The Adidas Sprintstar, for instance, offers a more versatile performance profile that might better meet the needs of athletes who toggle between track and cross-country environments.

The water-resistant upper of the Zoom Victory Waffle 5 is jaw-dropping in its thinness, making one think it would be highly breathable. However, our findings revealed its airflow is only average, scoring a 3/5.

Our initial tests in the lab confirmed this. When we activated our smoke-pumping machine, we discovered that the upper wasn't as ventilated as it appeared. This underscores the value of this test. Relying solely on a light test, given the material's thinness, would have misleadingly suggested higher breathability. 

Despite the presence of some decent gaps, the smoke stayed mostly trapped inside. We think this actually makes perfect sense for this shoe, as it prevents mud, water and debris from getting in—a crucial feature for XC races. These events, often held in winter, don't typically require an airy upper at all.

The Vaporweave technology—identical to that used in the Nike Ultrafly—attracts mixed feelings among runners, yet gained popularity with the Vaporfly Next%. The tiny gaps prevent water from leaking inside the shoe.

For fans of this technology, this cross-country shoe is bound to provide a familiar and enjoyable experience.

We decided to test the durability of the Vaporweave upper, so we brought out the Dremel for the first time, setting it to 5K RPM and applying 3.2N of force—our standard procedure for all shoes.

Sadly, the razor-thin Vaporweave upper couldn't withstand the test. The extent of the damage was shocking, earning a disappointing 1/5 on our durability scale.

The heel padding showcases decent durability, far surpassing what we discovered in the toebox—an essential feature for a cross-country shoe due to the frequent turns and accelerations.

Following our thorough second Dremel evaluation in the lab, we awarded it a 3/5 score.

In our final Dremel test with the Waffle 5, we focused on the outsole's durability. 

After subjecting it to the tool, we observed a 1.7-mm indentation, effectively smoothing out the lug. This result is quite positive, considering the rigorous nature of the Dremel test, especially on mini-lugs like these.

The outsole stands out as a crucial component of any cross-country shoe. 

True to its name, the Zoom Victory Waffle 5 boasts the iconic waffle-style outsole, enhanced with small, wedge-shaped lugs designed to prevent mud from getting trapped. Our measurements revealed that the outsole thickness is 1.7 mm. We will cover the lugs later.

We then used the Shore C durometer to assess the rubber's hardness and discovered it's exceptionally soft, registering at just 72.8 HC.

This softness significantly contributes to the Waffle 5's great grip and also explains why the lug was completely removed during the Dremel test.

The heel height measured a mere 15.8 mm, reminiscent of a track spike, positioning it notably close to the ground for improved agility.

The forefoot maintains a similar low profile, measuring at just 14.2 mm according to our digital calipers. This design is ideal for a cross-country shoe, aimed at navigating muddy corners swiftly. A bulky foam layer underfoot would only hinder your times.

In fact, many runners prefer to compete in cross-country races barefoot, highlighting the significance of staying close to the ground.

The gap between the two earlier measurements results in a 1.6-mm heel-to-toe drop, which is quite typical for this category of footwear, aligning perfectly with the expectations for cross-country shoes designed for agility and close ground contact.

For those eager to embark on their cross-country journey, particularly if you're new to low-drop shoes, we strongly advise beginning your training with a gradual transition. Starting with zero-drop shoes, such as those offered by Altra, can be a wise move.

This approach allows your calves and Achilles tendon to adapt progressively to the reduced drop, minimizing the risk of discomfort or injury as you adjust to the lower offset.

The midsole of the Victory Waffle 5 features Nike's Cushlon foam, and our testing clocked its softness at 30.3 HA. This provides a firm feel underfoot—a desirable attribute for cross-country running, ensuring stability and responsiveness on uneven terrains.

Given the shoe's affordable price point, expectations for the midsole material were set accordingly in our lab. We knew Nike was going to use EVA foam, which is standard at this price range, ruling out the possibility of the more premium, Pebax-based ZoomX foam.

We then inspected the insole, which, at 3.4 mm, offers an added layer of cushioning that is noticeably felt.

Since it's softer than the midsole, it significantly enhances comfort.

Testing the stiffness is crucial for a cross-country shoe, where agility plays a pivotal role. 

We were thrilled to find that our 90-degree bend test yielded an impressively low result of just 10.9N. This outstanding outcome highlights the Zoom Victory Waffle 5's exceptional agility, ensuring it can effortlessly navigate rolling hills and sharp corners.

Testing not just the longitudinal stiffness but also the torsional rigidity is crucial.

And here, this Nike exceeded our expectations by bending with remarkable ease. We were impressed enough to give it a 1/5 score for its exceptional flexibility—truly fantastic.

When we examined the heel counter, we discovered it was missing, leading to an upper that collapses and offers no support, earning another 1/5.

This feature is beneficial for cross-country races, although some runners might prefer a touch of stiffness in this area.

Shifting our focus to the shoe's dimensions, we're pleased to note its relatively narrow build, which is advantageous for cross-country running where agility is key. A wider design could hinder nimbleness, which is not ideal for XC.

Our initial measurement at the forefoot's widest point registered a modest 91.5 mm.

The heel is also narrow when compared to road running shoes, measuring just 60.5 mm.

However, given its almost zero-drop design, which promotes a forefoot strike, especially at high speeds, we anticipate that very few runners will actually land on the heel with this shoe.

In the toebox, Nike stretched the boundaries to maximize width on such a narrow platform. Remarkably, at 88.4 mm, it's just a tad narrower than the midsole it rests on!

We also noted it still provides the signature super-snug fit characteristic of spikes and cross-country shoes.

The big toe area offers ample space, featuring a nicely rounded shape that isn't overly tapered at 74.6 mm. We were particularly fond of this design for its accommodating and comfortable fit.

The tongue embodies the essence of a racing flat designed for speed. We clocked its thickness at a mere 0.4 mm, practically paper-thin.

Therefore, runners who typically face discomfort in the instep area should tread lightly and exercise caution when lacing up the Zoom Victory Waffle 5.

The shoe's heel boasts a cool and convenient finger loop tab.

Lastly, the weight truly impressed us.

Discovering the shoe tipped the scales at a mere 4.6 oz confirmed our initial impression during testing—it felt unbelievably light!