Nike Zoom Rival XC 5 review
80
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all track & field shoes.
This shoe has a 5% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. It also has a 5% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn moreVerdict from 17 users
Pros
- Awesome for cross country
- Perfect for short distances
- Multisurface traction
- Well-fitting
- Good responsiveness
- Ample cushioning
- Reasonably-priced
- Light
Cons
- Too snug for some
- Not the best for track
Any color
Unisex
100% say it's true to size.
SportsShoes
£70£60
Amazon
Running Warehouse
ASOS
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Rankings
- Our 1st pick in best cross Country shoes
- Top 11% most popular tracking shoes
Comparison to similar track & field shoes
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Table of contents Best PricesCoreScoreVerdictProsConsComparisonWho should buy the Nike Zoom Rival XC5Who should not buy the Nike Zoom Rival XC5It could bite many surfaces wellSnug and breathable upperThe versatility of the Nike Zoom Rival XC5The plush and bouncy sole unitA beautiful racerIt ain't heavyWorth every pennyFacts / SpecsPopularity
Overview
Who should buy the Nike Zoom Rival XC5
The Nike Zoom Rival XC5 is a solid option if:
- You are after a track shoe that could bite and claw the surface well to prevent slips and falls.
- A shoe with a bouncy midsole to protect your foot from getting harmed and injured is what you are after.
- You prefer a shoe that would not burden your feet with its weight.
Who should not buy the Nike Zoom Rival XC5
Don't get it if you are not used to a snug fit. This is an XC shoe and it fits like that. Also, this shoe is not the best for track. It can work, of course, but almost all the praise went to it being perfect for cross-country muddy races. If you want to stick to the track, look at ZoomX Dragonfly or Nike Spike Flat.
It could bite many surfaces well
The underside of the Nike Zoom Rival XC5 offers wearers a safe and protected ride, thanks to the lugs around the outsole that could strongly grip surfaces like rubber, dirt, grass, wood, groomed fields, uneven, and rugged trails. Where it shows limitations is on the track. Its spikes are too long for such a surface.
The removable spikes that come with the shoe could also bite the tracks very well as reported by one reviewer. Wearers would admire the outsole protection against slippage this track and field shoe provides.
Snug and breathable upper
The breathable multi-layer mesh upper of the Zoom Rival XC5 that sits atop a cushioned platform offers a well-fitting experience because of the way it hugs the wearer's foot. This Nike pair also has a true to size and comfortable fit, according to one owner.
Moreover, a reviewer commended this shoe for not having any internal underfoot slippage because of the excellent lockdown courtesy of its knitted texture and quick-tie laces as well as the shoe's "good heel support" that helps secure the foot in place.
The versatility of the Nike Zoom Rival XC5
Based on reports, this shoe is good for cross-country, tracks, hurdles, and speedwork. Owners could even utilize this track shoe when running on treadmills, thanks to its removable spikes. However, many have found it not perfect for track. If that's something you prefer, you might need to order 6mm spikes separately.
The plush and bouncy sole unit
The light Cushlon foam integrated into this shoe provides outstanding and responsive cushioning. The way the shoe's generous platform was constructed delivers a "very good and smooth transition", as observed by a user.
A beautiful racer
To create a racing look, Nike adorned this model with striped overlays. The Zoom Rival XC5's very athletic and "good-looking" design even earned the appreciation of one vlogger while another reviewer praised the shoe for its clean finish.
It ain't heavy
A number of reviewers gave high scores to this model for its lightweight nature.
Worth every penny
The Nike Zoom Rival XC5 is a "steal" because of its beauty and the tons of benefits it provides.
Facts / Specs
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