Nike Zoom Victory 4 XC

Editor rating: 8.5 / 10

User's rating: based on 103 user ratings

1 star

2 star

3 star

4 star

5 star

93%

Add your Rating

By Stacey O'Connor

All Nike Shoes

Nike Zoom Victory 4 XC Review Facts

See more facts

The Nike Zoom Victory 4 XC is a shoe that is designed for the elite cross country athlete. In all aspects of the design process, Nike included features that help the runners move quickly and safely through a variety of terrains. Runners will notice the bright colors and the unique look due to the 360-degree debris protection collar. The shoe is lined with six uniquely shaped spikes that act like aggressive lugs without the worry of holding on to dirt or mud during the run. The shoe features a unisex design that is perfect for the male or female competitive athlete. The shoe is extremely lightweight, at only 5.3 ounces, and with a responsive, lightweight midsole, the entire shoe is designed to help with speed. Even the forefoot of the outsole is lined with a Pebax Plate for superior forward propulsion. The price on the shoe is slightly higher than the average racing spike on the market today, but with the high level of durability provided by this shoe, runners found the value to be unbeatable, especially when athletes viewed this purchase as an investment in a successful cross country season.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

Unbeatable traction
Bright, bold color options
Responsive cushioning in the midsole
Unisex design

Cons

Spikes are hard to replace
Pricey

See How

What are buyers saying?

We have spent 3.4 hours analyzing a total of 590 reviews.

These reviews are then categoried into "Positive" and "Negative" feedback.

Below you will read a summary of them:

Positive

No serious complaints, I am using these, just some advice, make the shoe wider and you will be putting out the best spike shoe available. It looks like Nike copied Under armour but got a few things wrong.
I'm told the wider forefoot gives more space but the shoe feels narrow? Still, I love the flywire tech, the breathability through the mesh upper is good. Grip as usual from Nike is superb.
Fit holds well for my feet due to the flywire and the shoe does not slide so grip is fantastic, could do with a little more flexibility for width, still breaking these in.
I'm really impressed by the midsole, it's a carbon fiber shank, the response level is bang on target, very nice cushioning and the usual high performance grip which is why I'm a Nike fan.
Excellant cross country shoes, as usual the spike platform is the best around, the shoe breathes good, the fit for this model is snug but the snugness starts to feel too tight for width as the miles mount up.

Negative

Keep your money, I wear a size ten and still these were too narrow and too short for me, the sock is very uncomfortable and the overall shoe is not comfortable enough. Face it Nike, some you get right and these updated shoes are wrong.
This just must be the worst spike this year, the previous UA spike was tons better, I know upgrading can be good but this update is so narrow, even on my narrow feet.
Talk about sprinting backwards, whats happened here, I gave this a run and instantly found that they are lacking width, the narrowness in this version is really not good at all, I liked the sock idea but these don’t need it, they are already with problems, I had to send back.
So, Nike take a great shoe, update it and make it too narrow, sent these back and will wait for the next update to see if they give width again. Rethink the sock, seriously, do we really need that?
The uppers belong on a zoom victory or matumbo but this upgrade is simply not wide enough, my width is standard and I can’t wear these as they are so uncomfortable.
Way too uncomfortable, I like snug but this is over the top, these have become so narrow, I really can’t use these. Nike, we accept updates but don’t mess up a good line of shoes, go back to what was liked and working.
If I could give 5 stars for the worst spike I would do it, these have become so narrow it’s close to ridiculous.
Impossible to sprint in a shoe which is so narrow, and the sock feature is not helpful, it’s distracting and get in the way.
I tried because the design appealed but the sock is not needed for these and they need to go back to a wider shoe, this version will kill of interest in Nike Spikes.

7.5

Outsole

The outsole utilizes an aggressive spike system. Racing spikes are ideal for traction and speed, and the Nike Zoom Victory 4 XC provides both to the runner. The spikes use an anti-clogging traction that is designed to hold tight to the ground without picking up rocks or mud. In addition to this, runners can expect to find a Pebax Plate in the forefoot section of the underfoot. This technology is designed to increase propulsion, helping with the runner’s overall speed.

Midsole

Nike went with a more traditional midsole for this shoe. The midsole is Nike’s Cushion material. This provides a lightweight, responsive cushioning that keeps the runners comfortable but also provides amazing energy return and shock absorption. Runners liked that the midsole felt like it molded right to their foot, provided added arch support and helps to keep the runner stable even when they were running on terrains that were uneven and potentially dangerous.

Upper

The upper of the shoe is constructed using some of the best technologies that combine to provide the runner with a flexible, snug, water repellent fit and feel. Runners will first notice the 360-degree collar on the shoe. This is made from a breathable mesh that keeps debris from entering the shoe and slowing down your run. The entire shoe is made using a water-resistant material called Hyper Fuse. The sock-like fit of the shoe can be attributed to the Nike’s patented Flywire cables and the arch band that runs along the midfoot to provide support and stability even on uneven terrain.

Breathability

The upper of the shoe is designed to keep debris and water from infiltrating the upper and leading to a soggy uncomfortable run for the athlete. Even though the upper of the shoe is extremely protective, it is also very breathable. Runners commented that even the 360-degree collar is made using a breathable mesh that allows air to flow to the foot, but also protects the foot from outside elements. For many runners, this was a key addition because they noted that some collared shoes are too tight and don’t have proper ventilation. Even in such tough conditions at this shoe is designed to handle, runners reported that they stayed blister and hotspot free due to the high level of ventilation provided by the upper of this shoe.

Weight

This is one of the lightest shoes on the market today. That is very impressive considering the additional material that is used in the collar and the spikes that line the outsole. All in all, the shoe weighs a mere 5.3 ounces for a size nine. This shoe offers a unisex design, so there are no men and women’s different weights or sizing options. This is a very lightweight shoe and was clearly designed to go fast. Nike did a great job of stripping the shoe of everything except the most important, thoughtfully constructed elements in order to keep the right amount of protection and the right weight for speedy racing.

Comfort

Runners loved the comfort provided by this shoe. The upper is topped with a 360-degree collar. This collar is soft and free from seams with can cause irritation. The entire material of the upper is breathable and flexible and runners loved how the upper molds to the foot. The midsole foam is soft and cushioned but responsive. It keeps the runner feeling connected to the ground but is protective enough that they are safe from the dangerous elements that can be found on the trail.

Style

This shoe certainly has a unique look. The 360-degree collar gives this shoe an individualized feel and runners loved the attention that it got them during their runs and races. Like all things Nike makes, the shoe comes in a unique selection of colors and styles. The color options are bright and vibrant and perfect for the runner who likes shoes with bright colors.

Protection

It is clear that one of the key concerns of the Nike Zoom Victory 4 XC is the protection of their athletes. From the upper to the outsole, Nike included thoughtful design elements that keep the runner safe. The upper is covered with a water repellent material that keeps the runners safe against rain and wet condition. Athletes commented that this gave them an edge on rainy race days against athletes with less versatile running shoes. This helps protect the runner from hot spots and blisters. Since running at a high speed on uneven terrain can be dangerous to the runner, Nike included an arch band long the midfoot that supports and stabilizes the foot on uneven and unpredictable terrains. The outsole is clearly the crown jewel of this shoe in terms of protection. The spikes that are found on the outsole are designed to keep the runner safe in slippery conditions and work to increase speed as well.

Durability

Runners were very impressed with how long the Zoom Victory 4 XC lasted for. They commented that in comparison to other racing spikes they purchased in the past, these held up against tough runs and extensive miles, even through muddy conditions.

Responsivenss

The midsole foam used in this shoe is a Cushlon foam. Nike went with a more traditional midsole foam for this shoe because they wanted something that was both lightweight and responsiveness. This allows the runner to feel safe and protected on the run, and keeps them very comfortable, but also encourages speed by keeping the runner very connected to the ground below them. The responsive nature of this midsole absorbs the shock of each footfall and returns that energy to the runner. This also helps prevent fatigue.

Support

The key support element of the shoe can be found in the upper. The Zoom Victory 4 XC uses a patented arch band for support and stability. This band runs across the midfoot and helps keep the foot stable on uneven or unpredictable terrain. This is important for obstacle races because the terrain is constantly changing and the runner needs to be able to adapt to the variations. Runners also commented that the Cushlon midsole foam conforms to the arch of the foot, providing extra support.

Terrain

This is a shoe designed for the elite cross country athlete. The shoe is uniquely designed to run on the trail during cross country meets or tackle the track for the indoor meets too. The outsole is lined with six uniquely shaped spikes designed to propel the runner forward and keep them secure on a variety of terrains.

Price

This shoe is not for the runner on a budget. Runners should expect to pay above the average price for a spike running shoe in today’s market. However, this shoe is for a particular, elite set of athletes. This shoe doesn’t need to be purchased for the casual runner because it is specifically designed for competitive cross-country running. Elite athletes viewed this shoe as an investment in their athletic careers.

Tracttion

Not only is this shoe a racing spike, the spikes are a unique shape that are particularly designed to assist runner as they make their way through mud, grass or dirt trails. Runners commented that the shoe did particularly well in muddy conditions due to the multiple size and directional lugs. This lug system keeps mud or dirt from building up underfoot and preventing the shoe from gripping the ground.

Flexibility

Runners can expect to find a very flexible upper in this shoe. The material used in the upper is a breathable mesh that molds to the shape of the foot, supporting the natural movement of the runner. What is particularly flexible about this upper is the 360-degree collar. This is a sock-like feature that slides over the foot and wraps the ankle in a flexible material to protect it from rocks and other debris that can be found on the trail.

Stability

This is not a stability shoe. This is a shoe for the neutral runner who doesn’t need the added stability elements to protect the foot from overpronation. Runners can expect to see some stabilizing through the arch band that runs across the midfoot and the Flywire cables that work to keep the foot in place. These cables help to stabilize the foot, even on uneven terrains.

Drop

Runners can expect a low heel to toe drop in this shoe. The flatter platform of the shoe helps runners feel connected to the ground.

Key Features

- 360-degree collar
- Arch bands along the midfoot
- Flywire cables along the side of the shoe
- Cushlon Foam
- Lug system along the outsole
- Uniquely shaped running spikes
- Pebax plate in the forefoot of the shoe

Bottom Line

The Nike Zoom Victory 4 XC is a shoe is that is designed for the elite athlete during their cross country season. This shoe is specifically designed to tackle grass, mud, dirt, and other cross country terrains. The spikes along the outsole provide added traction and help the runner reach their full speedy potential. The lug system utilizes an anti-clog technology that keeps debris from collecting underfoot and slowing the runner down and increasing their risk of slipping. Runners appreciated the breathable, flexible upper and the subtle stability features like the Flywire cables along the side and the Arch band that runs along the midfoot. As always, Nike created another great looking shoe that is unique and eye catching with its bright, bold color choices and styling design. This is a shoe for the elite athlete and should be seen as an investment toward a successful season, and for that reason, the price is slightly higher than the average racing spike on the market today.