Nike Kiger 9 Overview – iRunFar

I admit, I approached the Nike Kiger 9 ($150) with a wholesome dose of skepticism. Nonetheless, after slipping them on and taking my first steps, I used to be pleasantly shocked by their exceptional consolation. This preliminary expertise shifted my perspective, and I eagerly started testing them on the paths.

Though Nike is famend because the world’s largest working shoe model, I’d by no means really skilled a pair of their path trainers previous to this testing expertise. Again in my highschool days, I used to be all about Nike monitor spikes although! Contemplating their international dominance within the footwear business, it’s protected to imagine that they possess important experience within the realm of path sneakers, even boasting a devoted group of consultants solely centered on perfecting their path working footwear.

The Nike Kiger 9 weighs in at 10.16 ounces (288 grams) precise weight for a males’s U.S. dimension 9, and has a 4.5-millimeter heel-to-toe drop.

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Nike Kiger 9 Higher

The higher on the Nike Kiger 9 is exceptionally light-weight and minimalist, making it really feel as if it effortlessly melds together with your ft, all of the whereas delivering ample cushioning on the paths. Crafted from engineered mesh, which is notably sturdier and extra versatile than typical mesh, it additionally serves as an efficient barrier towards filth intrusion.

Whereas testing, I felt just like the shoe did job of conserving particles from making its method into the shoe, however one disadvantage of the higher development was its incapability to dry out shortly. I acquired caught in a rainstorm, and after the rain stopped, the sneakers didn’t dry out in any respect through the remaining run.

The midfoot band provides an additional layer of stability and help, successfully lowering any undesirable foot motion contained in the shoe. My foot felt safe and supported within the Nike Kiger 9, however I do want the toebox space was barely wider. My ft felt like they have been testing the structural integrity of the mesh. That being stated, I didn’t incur any blisters whereas working on this mannequin.

The tongue on the Kiger 9 isn’t a full sock-like tongue such as you’ve seen in different manufacturers’ sneakers like these of On or Salomon, however relatively it acts like a no-show sock. The decrease a part of the tongue is linked to the higher, including additional safety from particles getting into the shoe. The tongue is constructed with gentle padding, for added consolation. Whereas testing, I didn’t discover any scorching spots or ache across the tongue and laces.

And I’ll notice, I do like this type of laces — nothing difficult, simply stretchy laces that don’t come untied whereas working.

Nike Kiger 9 Midsole

The midsole of the Nike Kiger 9 is probably the most stunning a part of the shoe for me. Photographs of the sneakers led me to consider the shoe can be heavy and stiff. Not the case. The midsole is constructed of the smooth, but sturdy, Nike React foam. This expertise represents a featherweight, long-lasting foam, designed to offer an effortlessly clean and responsive trip.

After some in depth analysis, Nike has built-in a whole React midsole within the Kiger 9, whereas eliminating the forefoot Air unit that was present in earlier fashions. Nike claims this adjustment lets you expertise a good nearer connection to the bottom, all whereas preserving each consolation and pace.

I’ll affirm that the shoe was extremely snug. I wouldn’t go as far as to say it felt plush, but it surely’s getting there. I discovered myself selecting to put on these sneakers casually as a result of they have been so snug.

Nike Kiger 9 Outsole

The outsole of the Nike Kiger 9 is pretty strong. It options multi-directional lugs, which got here in useful on climbs and descents. I felt fairly assured going up and down hills, even leaping round from one large rock to a different. I didn’t fear about dropping grip or sliding — and I didn’t do both of these issues with the Kiger 9.

The grippy rubber is notably absent in the midst of the outsole, revealing the snug Nike React foam that my ft loved a lot. This protects some weight on the shoe, and I didn’t discover any dip in safety from rocks, nor did I want I had extra traction on the shoe.

Though the Kiger 9 supplied me with a way of confidence and stability throughout my path runs, I did enterprise onto some doubletrack and paved bike paths as a part of my testing. Regardless of not being as quick as highway sneakers, I discovered that these sneakers nonetheless maintained a way of pace, even on much less demanding terrain. In different phrases, the lugs didn’t show to be bothersome or obstructive once I ventured off the path.

Nike Kiger 9 Total Impressions

I used to be pleasantly shocked by the Nike Kiger 9; they undoubtedly exceeded my expectations. Based mostly on the cushioning and development, and after some in depth testing, I believe this shoe can be good for path runs and races beneath six hours, and it seems like a terrific all-around path working shoe. Simply moving into path working? Strive the Kiger 9.

The one actual con for me was the width of the toebox. I usually like sneakers which have a wider platform to land on — I are inclined to supinate a bit, so having extra foam or cushion to land on, on the outer fringe of the shoe, tends to maintain my shins completely satisfied. I largely seen I missed the broader base on non-technical trails.

Apart from that, the Nike Kiger 9 stands out as an distinctive all-purpose path shoe that delivers consolation, help, sturdiness, and glorious traction in your on a regular basis path working wants.

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Name for Feedback

• Have you ever tried the Nike Kiger 9? What have been your ideas?
• Should you’ve worn prior variations of this mannequin, how do that one evaluate?
• Are you a fan of Nike path trainers usually?

[Editor’s Note: If you’re affiliated (i.e., an employee, ambassador, etc.) with a brand, please share your relation in each of your comments on this article. Thanks!]

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