Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Introduction
The Terra Kiger is the longest tenured path shoe in Nike’s lineup.
Within the ninth version, they persist with the React foam within the midsole which delivers a clean, responsive journey. Aside from a value of $150 on Nike’s web site, it’s troublesome to seek out specs of this shoe.
A google search reveals web sites weighing the shoe someplace between 10.1 and 10.3 oz in dimension 9. This ends in a 0.7 oz drop in weight from the Terra Kiger 8s. Nike additionally lowered the Heel-toe drop from 6mm to 4.5mm.
Runners in search of a comparable path shoe may need to take a look at Saucony’s Peregrine 13 which can also be constructed for quicker paces. The Peregrine has extra cushion than earlier variations and are nonetheless lighter than the Terra Kiger.
I not too long ago examined and reviewed Nike’s different lengthy standing path shoe; the Wild Horse 8. The 2 fashions turned out to be fairly totally different, but each provide enticing options relying on the runner or scenario.
The Wild Horse comes with a bit extra safety and cushioning which naturally make the shoe heavier than the Terra Kiger. They function a wider footprint and I’d advocate them over the Terra Kiger for runners that plan to log marathon and even ultra-marathon distances.
Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Impressions
I’ve identified in regards to the Terra Kiger for years, however that is my first expertise operating in them. From what I’ve seen and skim, they’ve made nice strides to enhance their lineup and compete within the path shoe market. My preliminary inspection of the shoe resulted in what we’ve come to count on with Nike. A top quality constructed, enticing shoe that folks need to put on.
Slipping into the footwear for the primary time, they felt compact, comfortable, and “racier” than path footwear I’ve owned up to now. I couldn’t wait to place them to the check.
My first run was on a path that consisted of grass, packed filth, sections with smaller rocks and free leaves. There have been additionally some small elevation adjustments. The Terra Kiger’s took the terrain in stride. I used to be capable of rapidly choose up and put down my toes with accuracy and with out slowing down.
I used to be not capable of run within the rain with these footwear however I did put on them by means of a creek a number of occasions on a run to see how they deal with draining and traction when moist. First, operating within the soaked footwear proved to be a non problem. They drained particularly nicely, and I didn’t discover “sloshing” or “squishing” after being within the water. With the circumstances I used to be introduced, there have been no issues with traction. I’ve learn different critiques that state the moist traction of the 9s are a lot better than the earlier mannequin.
The texture of the midsole was energetic and responsive. React foam is the fabric that Nike makes use of on this mannequin in addition to the Pegasus Path 4 and Wildhorse 8. In comparison with different midsole know-how in numerous manufacturers, React is extra spongy and versatile.
A thicker React midsole, like that of the Wildhorse 8 will really feel plush and cushioned. There’s much less React midsole within the Terra Kiger 9 which ends up in a firmer really feel. Outdoors of React, Nike not too long ago launched Zegama Path footwear which use ZoomX know-how. (Go test our evaluate for our impressions of the brand new Nike path shoe).
Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Safety
I instantly took discover of the skinny, mesh higher. Nike claims this materials is stronger and extra versatile than common mesh, however solely time will inform. One misstep on a department or rock might result in a big tear. Beneath the mesh higher there’s a midfoot saddle/liner that seems to be extra sturdy. This materials additionally helps to lock in your foot and decrease motion inside the shoe.
A skinny rubber overlay wraps across the entrance of the toe field. That is constructed into the mesh and when evaluating the function to the earlier mannequin, the Terra Kiger 8s design seems to be superior. The rubber pores and skin within the 9s covers much less of the toe field than it did within the 8s and it’s thinner than earlier than.
In relation to path footwear and rock plates, I nearly all the time want footwear that embrace a full-length rock plate over ones that don’t. There aren’t any particulars on Nike’s web site about this, however from what I’ve learn elsewhere, the Terra Kiger 9s have in-built rock plates within the forefoot and heel.
I seen this instantly on my first run within the footwear. We now have very rocky trails right here in PA and this shoe falls brief on defending a runner’s toes from the pounding of rocks, tree roots and different objects protruding from the bottom. In areas or trails with out these terrain options, the only safety ought to do exactly effective.
Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Sturdiness
Aside from lack of safety, my second greatest concern about this shoe is sturdiness. The shoe ought to maintain as much as gentle trails with no downside. As quickly as you get into extra technical terrain, which incorporates rocks, roots, or downed branches, I’m undecided the shoe will final for so long as runners could hope.
The publicity of the mesh higher within the toe field could improve probabilities of tearing. To not point out the ultra-thin exterior mesh will usually be extra prone to put on and tear as runners log miles.
Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Responsiveness & pace
Remember, these footwear are for quicker paced, shorter distance runs. The footwear do run a bit on the slender facet, however they weren’t restrictive for me. This provides them a nimble really feel and helps with navigating single-track trails. I had no downside choosing up the pace and actually, these footwear bought higher the quicker I ran.
Nike eliminated the midsole Air Zoom pockets within the forefoot and heel for a extra responsive journey. This drops the shoe nearer to the bottom which ought to give runners a extra linked really feel of trails underfoot.
Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Consolation and match
General, the consolation and match of the Terra Kiger’s are good for what they have been made to do. I might see runners using this shoe for runs as much as a half marathon distance. Runs longer than this may go away one wishing for extra cushioning.
The higher hugged my foot and supplied a safe feeling which is a “will need to have” on trails. This helped with locking in my heel which resulted in no probability for blisters.
Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Conclusions
Nike was spot on with the aim of Terra Kiger 9. They precisely describe what the shoe needs to be used for in order that runners could make an knowledgeable determination.
Nike redesigned the Terra Kiger from the bottom up. The recent look nonetheless delivers on pace, responsiveness, and the correct quantity of consolation for the job. They’re a no frills, purpose-built path shoe that comes with unquestioned high quality from Nike.
Designed to be gentle and low to the bottom, runners will take pleasure in choosing up the tempo on trails. The outsole gives the correct quantity of traction for runs on free filth, gravel and thru meadows and fields.
Nike has added to its path shoe lineup over the previous few years, however I feel the Terra Kiger will stay a staple into the long run.
