Zara Long Distance Trainer Review

When a brand synonymous with fast fashion ventures into the realm of performance footwear, eyebrows and pitchforks are bound to rise. Zara’s introduction of the Long Distance Trainer has created a lot of debate and not just because they have given it the worst name of a running shoe ever. As someone who’s logged countless miles in various trainers, I was eager to see how Zara’s offering stacks up.

Start Line Stats

• Price: £139
• Stack Height: 39mm
• Drop: 8mm

First Impressions

Before I even opened the box up for this shoe I called it the biggest shoe release in the last two years, but why? Simply because it was made by Zara. 

Straight out of the box, the Long Distance Trainer looks the part of a proper carbon plated racing shoe or rather a carbon copy of one. Zara has previous when it comes to artistic license when it comes to other running brands (Norda and Soar will agree!) and using their designs for “inspiration”. This thinking extends to The Long Distance Trainer which has a lot of design call outs from Nike’s super shoe; the Vaporfly. With a lot of the running brands shoes getting made in the same factories it isn’t too surprising that this has happened. But let’s not judge a book by it’s similar looking cover…

The Upper

The upper offers a snug, bootie-like fit reminiscent of certain Nike models, no surprises here. The material is comfortable, elastic, and breathable, though some runners might find it slightly stiff in specific areas. The heel tab adds a touch of flair, albeit with questionable functionality. Overall, considering the price point, the upper’s construction is impressive. The upper is made from a breathable technical fabric, comprising 85% RCS-certified recycled polyester a nod to sustainability that would be commendable but its coming from a brand synonymous with fast fashion so take it with a pinch of mass production.

Midsole and Cushioning

Dubbed “Sponge Foam 2”, the midsole aims to provide a cushioned ride. However, during my runs, I found the foam to be one of the firmer rides I have experienced in a long time. The foam is so stiff that it highlights the fact that you are wearing a shoe designed not by the running stalwarts like Nike, Adidas, etc. A stiff foam is a lot of fun to run in but one thing it doesn’t pair well with is a carbon plate, which leads me nicely on to…

Carbon Plate

Why does it have one? Because it would make people like me write about it? Possibly. Because it will make people buy it? Maybe. Because everyone else is? Ding, ding, ding. In an effort to step up in the running space Zara has followed the masses and in doing so created a carbon plated shoe that doesn’t really need to have one. Because of that stiff foam the carbon plate is an accessory more than anything. The exposed element being the edge of the carbon plate doesn’t bode well for the plate as a whole, if you were to chip the plate or scratch it against anything the plate will start to deteriorate which is why no other running brand has the carbon plate exposed in such a way.

Outsole and Traction

The outsole presents a shallow tread pattern, which, while adequate on dry surfaces, doesn’t inspire confidence on wet terrain.

Conclusion

Zara’s foray into the running world with the Long Distance Trainer is a bold move, I will give them that. They have achieved a lot for the running brand by having this shoe exist because before the running reviewers and influencers alike swarmed on this shoe I bet you didn’t even know they made running gear right?

So if you have £139 to spend use it elsewhere and funnily enough I just used my £139 to but a pair of Vomero 18 so stay tuned for that review. Or if you want a carbon plate for a low price look at the Kiprun KD900X LD or old racers in the sales or second hand.

So why do I think this shoe is one of the most important running shoe releases for the past two years? Because this won’t be the last fashion brand making a carbon plated racer. The flood gates are open and who knows what might come out next…