Table of contents CoreScoreVerdictProsConsComparisonWho should buy the Nike Zoom Matumbo 3Extremely lightweight support and gripZoom Matumbo 3 delivers exceptional tractionResponsive cushioningEnhances speedSnug and comfortable fitIncreases propulsionRight amount of bounce and cushioningSeamless constructionGreat for sockless useNike Zoom Matumbo 3 is proven in the professional fieldProsConsBottom lineWho should buy the Nike Zoom Matumbo 3Extremely lightweight support and gripZoom Matumbo 3 delivers exceptional tractionResponsive cushioningEnhances speedSnug and comfortable fitIncreases propulsionRight amount of bounce and cushioningSeamless constructionGreat for sockless useNike Zoom Matumbo 3 is proven in the professional fieldFacts / SpecsPopularityVideo reviews

Who should buy the Nike Zoom Matumbo 3

The Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 is best suited for:

  • mid-level to professional athletes
  • long-distance events ranging from the 3k to 10k

Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 logo

Extremely lightweight support and grip

The Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 offers extremely lightweight support and an exceptional grip for multi-surface traction. It also to help runners blaze down the track in breathable comfort.

Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 lightweight support and grip

This track running shoe incorporates four non-removable 6.35mm Pyramid stainless spikes. These pyramid spikes are heat-tested to ensure maximum durability.

Zoom Matumbo 3 delivers exceptional traction

The shoe incorporates the Horseshoe-shaped Pebax spike plate with a four-spike layout and robust heel foam. It delivers exceptional traction and reduces impact with each stride.

The Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 is fitted with a flymesh upper with anatomical toe design. It makes the shoe's upper more lightweight, breathable, and it gives a fit that contours to the foot's natural shape for improved propulsion.

Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 breathable

Responsive cushioning

The Zoom Matumbo 3 uses the Nike Cushlon midsole that offers maximum lightweight responsive cushioning to keep athletes comfortable all race long.

Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 responsive cushioning

The Horseshoe-shaped Pebax spike plate with a 4-spike layout and robust heel foam delivers exceptional traction and reduces impact with each stride.

Enhances speed

A Sharkskin heel pad offers you enhanced grip and speed at all times. It does not only provide a better grip on a magnitude of surfaces, but it also aids in reducing the shoe's overall weight.

Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 sharkskin heel pad

The Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 comes in standard track running shoe length, and it is released in the market in men's standard sizes. The shoe is meant to be for unisex use, that is why for women, it is suggested to go down two sizes than the usual shoe size they would go for.

Snug and comfortable fit

The Zoom Matumbo 3 is noted to run narrow in both the forefoot and heel area. The shoe's anatomical shape design makes up for it by making the shoe fit more snugly and comfortably.

Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 snug and comfortable fit

The Zoom Matumbo 3 track shoe by Nike utilizes a horseshoe-shaped Pebax spike plate. This aggressive construction of the outsole's spike plate guarantees even more excellent traction with the least amount of weight.

Increases propulsion

The shoe's Pebax spike plate has four fixed spike pins that were designed to provide support and increased propulsion while providing a low to the ground feel. The Nike Zoom Superfly Elite is another track shoe that uses a Pebax plate.

Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 Pedax spike plate

This track shoe also incorporates the Sharkskin heel pad on its outsole, which is a thermoplastic grid-like piece that enhances grip and traction. It helps reduce the overall amount of the track shoe.

Right amount of bounce and cushioning

The Cushlon midsole foam technology powers the midsole of the Zoom Matumbo 3. It is a full-length midsole foam that is a mix of Phylon and rubber additives which makes this material lightweight and responsive.

Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 midsole

It also creates just the right amount of bounce and cushioning needed to run smoothly through track events. Meanwhile, a robust heel foam helps cushions the runner's foot from the crash.

Seamless construction

The Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 has further improved the breathability and comfort of its upper by using a single layer flymesh material paired with an internal arch wrap.

Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 seamless construction

This seamless construction minimizes the risk of abrasion while the inner arch wrap secures the midfoot lockdown.

Great for sockless use

The track shoe's upper also features zones of ventilation that helps regulate the foot's temperature and guarantees a healthy environment inside the shoe.

Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 great for sockless use

The upper's material does not only help reduce the shoe's weight, but it also offers a snug, and close to the skin feel. This makes the Zoom Matumbo 3 a great choice for sockless use.

Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 is proven in the professional field

The shoe's upper is then complemented with a thin tongue with mesh for an even better fit and greater comfort while running.

Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 thin tongue mesh

Curious to note is that the first athlete who used the Matumbo 1 was Bernard Lagat, a World Champion in 1.5k and 5k track running events. He wore the Nike Zoom Matumbo 1 during the USA Olympic Trials 5k meter final in 2008.

Facts / Specs

Weight: Men 110g
Closure: Lace-up
Event: Running
Spike Type: Pyramid
Spike Size: 1/4-inch
Surface: Rubber
Use: Long Distance

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Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 video reviews

Zack Dunn

Zack Dunn

I race distances between 800 meters and 10K whether it be on the track, the roads, or on cross country courses. My typical training consists of easy days, long days, workouts (fartleks, tempos, interval training, etc.). My typical training paces range from 7'30 a mile on easy days to sub-5 minutes a mile on fast interval days, and with many paces in between. I run anywhere from 40-60 miles a week. My personal bests are 2:00 for 800m, 4:30 for 1600m, 9:50 for 3200m, 15:57 for 5K, and 34:10 for 10K.