Nike - Kiger Series

Here’s my contribution. I haven’t done controlled tests like you did, but I run a lot of rocky vertical terrain and have put lots of miles in all these shoes. Trying to focus here on wet rock grip from the outsole and ignore other shoe attributes (fit, lock down, flexibility/stiffness, weight, cushion, etc) that also come into play with their overall ability to do the job on wet rock 5: VJ Maxx 1&2 VJ Spark Arcteryx Norvan VT (limited mileage) 4. Arcteryx Norvan SL 1, 2, &3 Salomon s/Lab Sense 7&8 Nnormal Kjeraq 3. La Sportiva Helios SR La Sportiva Vertical K & VK INOV-8 F-Lite 195 2. Whole bunch of older inov-8 x-talon and RocLite models NB minimus Salomon s/lab ultra 3 Salomon s/lab sense 7SG 1. Old Nike Terra kiger Salomon s/lab sense 1, 2, 3 For spiked shoes, I actually think they suffer quite a bit on rock because they don’t stick instantly like pure rubber soles. 4. VJ Devil 4 3. VJ bold race, VJ ice hero, INOV-8 ORoc 280

i really like my Nike trail runner, i bought a few pair of the first iteration of the pegasus goretex trail. Looks like they aren't as wide in the newer iterations, but they have held up really well and the react foam is great.

Rotating out Nike Zegama 2 and Terra Kiger depending on run type and/or weather.

I can easily recommend Nike trail shoes. I had the Pegasus trails last year and got a pair of wildhorses this year. It might be the most comfortable (for me) shoe from Nike I’ve worn. The kigers are great too

Peg trails and the wild horses are my favorites right now. Terra Kigers are good too but I’ve just gone through 3-4 pairs of those.

I picked up a pair of Nike kiger 9 really cheap, they are fantastic trail shoes

The last set of kigers or Wildhorses I have had was in 2014/2015. I’ll have to look into the new ones if they have fixed the previous issue.

I picked up the Kiger 10. Initial impressions are good. Nikes fit me well. I was thinking about running it as my 2nd shoe for Tiger Claw. However, I think it's going to be my UltraFly and Speedgoats as a potential swap shoe if needed. Either way, the Kiger feels great on the runs I have done. I'm using it tomorrow as well.

It’s nice to see at least one shout-out in here for the Kigers. It’s currently my favorite shoe and I bought a bunch of extra pairs of the Kiger 9 when they were on sale. Hopefully the Kiger 10’s will be even better when they’re released next year with the Vibram soles. Just out of curiosity, how many miles do you get out of a pair? I’m at ~450 on my current pair and they still have some life in them.

For real. These high stack trail shoes are fine for gravel or packed out dirt but any amount of rocks/roots and these just feel like an ankle roll waiting to happen. I’ve turned my Topo Ultraventure into a road shoe at this point for the same reason. I’m really hopeful the pendulum will swing back to shorter stack heights. Not asking for a second minimalist movement, but come on. I want someone to focus on proprioception in a trail running shoe. I’m looking at the Nike Terra Kiger 10 and it’s checking a lot of boxes, but Nikes are so narrow they don’t work for me.

Like any surface change, mix trail runs in gradually, starting at shorter distances/whatever you're doing now. Your ankles will thank you, and it'll give you some time to build the stabilizing muscles that don't get as much work on pavement. (Though I guess this partially depends on what gravel you're running on, too.) And, what u/medicore_remnants said about hiking, though I'd add that the goal is \*often\* to keep perceived effort mostly even across uphill/flat/downhill segments. That can mean hiking uphills, but doesn't have to be. (I also know trail runners who are very specific about uphill hiking form for efficiency — long strides and a solid hip bend for loading. I wouldn't sweat it.) I run in Nike Kiger/Pegasus Trail (with extra love for the Kigers — they're an amazing shoe and everyone I know who wears them swears by them, but that's also selecting for folks who liked the feel). Beyond that, I'll let other folks take over on shoe & preparation recs (and assume you'll be wise about HM training). For finding trails: whatever you use for hiking. AllTrails, Gaia, Avenza, Hiking Project, Google Maps, Strava, etc. It's all good. TBH sometimes I'll just look at a topo and pick a place that looks like it'd be fun/has trails. >I really want to do a half marathon at a national park. Lastly, and taking unsolicited advice as usual, I suspect I won't be the only one to say: consider setting some intermediate goals along the way. It's easy to get excited about a long race somewhere amazing (and I have done so!!), and just as easy to lose momentum when it feels too far away, either by date or by fitness. Having ways to celebrate milestones along the way (longest/furthest runs, most elevation, fastest split of a given distance) or to be in community with runners (run clubs, running shorter trail races, volunteering for the longer ones, etc.) is a great way to feed that joy and build momentum.

Neutral shoes are fine because the terrain is so varied when trail running. Stability shoes on trails are a recipe for rolled ankles (have flat feet, run in Nike Peg Trails, Nike Terra Kigers, and Saucony Peregrines just fine)

For me in wet terrain with rocks, the best is Asicsgrip (6). After that, probably Vibram (tried in Hoka and Nike shoes), Contagrip in Salomon Speedcross 4 and Continental in various Adidas models. Here, some variation between them (for example, Continental in Adidas Terrex Two Flow is better than in Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2.0 (so a 4 for them). After those, probably the outsole by La Sportiva (in Jackal model) and various Nike outsoles (Kiger 8, Wildhorse 6, Pegasus 4 TR) in wet terrain (btw, in mid Spring to mid Autumn, Nike are pretty nice shoes here)

Kiger 8 was a wide fit and one of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. I bought them on sale) and although they're a disaster on wet rock, they're excellent on dry terrain. Honestly, for the summer, they've probably been the best trail shoes I've ever owned (roomy, breathable, durable). I wear a size 47 (US size 14.5 or 15). wildhorse 8 are more uncomfortable and narrow (my only experience with wildhorse)

The 9s are way more middle-of-the-road than previous gens. I actually preferred the old Kigers because they were minimal which helped differentiate them. Either way these shoes have been changing a lot lately and the 10s could be different again. The one constant so far is they are springy and soft but wear out fast.

The 9s are way more middle-of-the-road than previous gens. I actually preferred the old Kigers because they were minimal which helped differentiate them. Either way these shoes have been changing a lot lately and the 10s could be different again. The one constant so far is they are springy and soft but wear out fast.

>... false sense of security so you roll/sprain your ankle worse. This was very true for me :) In my country the "old hiking rule" was that you always need high boots for mountains because they would protect your ankles. But it turns out that with high boots I had a false sense of security and was thus less careful when descending and consequently often twisted my ankle. The high shoe maybe helped a bit and prevented a harder sprain but it still hurt. I then switched to trail runners and I can see that I now walk way more carefully and have a way more precise foot placement than before. Consequently I haven't twisted my ankle ever since the switch. However it must be said that not all trail runners are equal in terms of stability and ground feel... La Sportiva Bushido which I have now are awesome but some Nike trail runners I had in the past were very bad and unstable.

Terra kiger , thank me later

Meh, probably very similar to the previous 9 versions. I find Nike shoes comfortable, but they're only good in the very dry weather. A slight bit of mud and you're sliding about all over the place.... although as I've typed that, it looks like the Kiger have now got Vibram rubber... oooooohhh, that's actually interesting.

I have haglunds, but it's rarely an issue for my trail shoes (apart from the heel being the main point of wear!). I've almost exclusively run in the Nike trail lineup (terra kiger, pegasus trail) which have softer heel counters, and have also tried Hoka SG 5s with no issues. Having said that, while they have always been fine for my use cases, I don't know if these would be quite aggressive enough for you.

So first: Run Repeat does in-depth reviews which includes measuring and confirms stack height and drops. Their [Zegama 2](https://runrepeat.com/nike-zegama-2) review indicates 4 mm is accurate. Second: From a feels perspective: just recently tried on the wildhorse (9mm drop) and then the Zegama (4 mm) and then afterwards put my Kigers (4mm) back on. Was not a long run with the wildhorse and zegama but the zegama defintilty felt lower and more normal to me than the wildhorse just much more cushioned than the Kiger feel. So if you are looking for lower dropped cushioned shoe then I think Zegama fits the bill. If you want less cushioned and low drop then Nike Kiger is a nice shoe and gives a really good ground feel.

I got nike trail runners and they work great. If theres a nike outlet store you can find them on sale.. I make sure I get just the right size and not too loose so they're not sloppy. Personally I put in the spenco runner gel insoles to reduce impact because I play on turf half the time. I also rock the mcdavid level 3 ankle braces om both feet s. This helps make sure I never roll my ankle. Hope this helps

That is truly impressive. I had to retire a pair of Nike Terra Kigers after ZG 50, some lugs ripped off and they were pretty thrashed generally. I am usually not hard on my gear.

Yes I use these. I just ran 15m of trails in them this am. I hesitate to give anyone shoe advice (everyone's feet are different) but I really like these. I tend to run more difficult and rooty trails. The only thing I don't like about these is that for very rooty trails the heel height really contributed to ankle rolls. I run about 190 pounds. My go to shoe for races and medium distance is the Nike air terra kiger. My system is the wild horse for long training runs, the kiger for races and most training days (they are lighter and lower heel, less padding), then I keep a pair of altra zero drop for an occasional form check. I'll run like a 5k in them to regain more nuanced feel in my form to check myself on making sure my stride length and strike points stay where I want.

It it’s a wide toe-box/ball of the foot, Nike trail shoes are wide enough for me. My feet are super wide at the front, I can’t wear adidas, salomon or hoka due to toes getting squeezed, but seem to do well with Nike (wildhorse, Pegasus trail, kiger are good but wouldn’t suggest Juniper trail)

My feet are very wide at the forefoot, narrow at the heel, high arch. Altra don’t work for me because the seem narrow at the forefoot despite having a wide toebox (almost like a funnel shape). Nike trail shoes suit me well as they’re wide and rounded, like the Kiger. Hear good things about the fit of the Ultrafly and Wildhorse too. So maybe worth a try on

The trails we are running in my country mainly are humid tropical jungle with mountain slope and very muddy rice paddy with stream and I can say Nike outsole ATC outperform any vibram outsole and those Hoka speedgoat. I used Nike Kiger 8 and also owned a pair of NB Hierro. When the Wildhourse 10 released later this year, I will deffinitely grab one pair

Nike Kiger 9. Been using the kiger line for years and I wear them for everything up to 100k.

Look around for Salomon Genesis, Kiger 9.

Zegama 2s probably have the best long distance comfort for your feet, however at the expense of raw performance and agility. But there is a paradox that more cushioning does not always equal more comfort. I find with max stack cruiser shoes I don't have ground feel and run with worse form and more impact. I've run longer distances in the Kiger 9s than the Zegamas for instance.

Norda 005, Agravic Speeds, Catamount Agil, Merrel Skyfire 2, Kiger 10 Kjerag 2 and Salomon has some new Pulsar models planned this summer.

Kiger is indeed great, totally underrated shoe.

Nike Trail is quite different in fit to their road shoes. Kiger 9 has a pretty wide toe box, but is very locked down over the midfoot and heel. Kiger is a bit more of curved last compared with the Zegama 2 which is a bit more straight.

Kiger 1-8 terrible on wet rock. Kiger 9 = pretty good. Kiger 10 = Vibram. Also Kiger 10 is significantly lighter than the 9 as it switches from React to Cushlon. Also one of the rare shoes that uses a thin rockplate which I prefer as I don't sink or distort over stones.

Kiger 1-8 terrible on wet rock. Kiger 9 = pretty good. Kiger 10 = Vibram. Also Kiger 10 is significantly lighter than the 9 as it switches from React to Cushlon. Also one of the rare shoes that uses a thin rockplate which I prefer as I don't sink or distort over stones.

Ye, Kiger will be more demanding that's just a personal preference I guess. Kiger 9 is my favourite shoe for Trailrunning and Hiking, but I'm just light not top 20% or anything.

Peg trail 4 had the old compound, Kiger 9 is updated and is much better.

For me Kiger 9s. They just work for my footshape and cost $70 and last 1200 km. Kiger 10 they changed the foam so won't be durable like React.

For me Kiger 9s. They just work for my footshape and cost $70 and last 1200 km. Kiger 10 they changed the foam so won't be durable like React.

Kiger 1-8 bad wet grip. The K9 is much better than Saucony now. Not quite on Vibram levels though. Currently i think these are the best value trail shoes around as I bought some pairs for $50-90 and they last each 1000+ km (compare that to the Norda 005 for $325 and 300km). Be aware of the fit. It's wide in the forefoot, narrow in the waist and narrowish in the heel. This works well for my high arch feet. I think flat feet won't work, similar to most Nike. Works well for a forefoot strike as low drop and the forefoot is stable and broad. Good lockdown without being restrictive on the toes. Heel strikers would probably want more cushioning though. Cushioning is firm in cold conditions and it's definitely more pleasant in summer. I've run a 90km race in them and no problems (I wish they made a ReactX version though). They are not soft and bouncy, but have good shock absorption and rock protection and good ground feel. Overall there is no special feature in this shoe, it just works and fits my foot shape incredibly well and is cheap and durable. I think this shoe flew under the radar a bit as people were tired of the Kiger series and the poor grip. 'Conversational Pace' did a great review of it.

Kiger 1-8 bad wet grip. The K9 is much better than Saucony now. Not quite on Vibram levels though. Currently i think these are the best value trail shoes around as I bought some pairs for $50-90 and they last each 1000+ km (compare that to the Norda 005 for $325 and 300km). Be aware of the fit. It's wide in the forefoot, narrow in the waist and narrowish in the heel. This works well for my high arch feet. I think flat feet won't work, similar to most Nike. Works well for a forefoot strike as low drop and the forefoot is stable and broad. Good lockdown without being restrictive on the toes. Heel strikers would probably want more cushioning though. Cushioning is firm in cold conditions and it's definitely more pleasant in summer. I've run a 90km race in them and no problems (I wish they made a ReactX version though). They are not soft and bouncy, but have good shock absorption and rock protection and good ground feel. Overall there is no special feature in this shoe, it just works and fits my foot shape incredibly well and is cheap and durable. I think this shoe flew under the radar a bit as people were tired of the Kiger series and the poor grip. 'Conversational Pace' did a great review of it.

Try pick up a pair of Kiger 9s for like $80. Solid heel and it's 4 mm drop similar stack to peregrine, and toebox is wider than you might expect from a Nike. Peg Trail 5 another option, although the heel foam is quite soft and high drop so it's not really for technical terrain. But it handles road and fireroads well.

Yeah I may replace my Kiger 9s just for the extra grip on wet rocks.