Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Introduction
The Terra Kiger is the longest tenured path shoe in Nike’s lineup.
Within the ninth version, they follow the React foam within the midsole which delivers a easy, responsive journey. Aside from a worth of $150 on Nike’s web site, it’s troublesome to search out specs of this shoe.
A google search exhibits 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 searching for a comparable path shoe would possibly wish to take a look at Saucony’s Peregrine 13 which can be constructed for sooner paces. The Peregrine has extra cushion than earlier variations and are nonetheless lighter than the Terra Kiger.
I just lately 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 supply engaging options relying on the runner or state of affairs.
The Wild Horse comes with a bit extra safety and cushioning which naturally make the shoe heavier than the Terra Kiger. They characteristic a wider footprint and I’d suggest 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 recognized in regards to the Terra Kiger for years, however that is my first expertise working in them. From what I’ve seen and browse, 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 anticipate with Nike. A high quality constructed, engaging shoe that folks wish to put on.
Slipping into the sneakers for the primary time, they felt compact, cosy, and “racier” than path sneakers 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 grime, sections with smaller rocks and free leaves. There have been additionally some small elevation modifications. The Terra Kiger’s took the terrain in stride. I used to be capable of rapidly choose up and put down my ft with accuracy and with out slowing down.
I used to be not capable of run within the rain with these sneakers however I did put on them via a creek a number of instances on a run to see how they deal with draining and traction when moist. First, working within the soaked sneakers proved to be a non situation. They drained particularly effectively, and I didn’t discover “sloshing” or “squishing” after being within the water. With the situations I used to be offered, there have been no issues with traction. I’ve learn different critiques that state the moist traction of the 9s are significantly 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 expertise 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 may be much less React midsole within the Terra Kiger 9 which ends up in a firmer really feel. Exterior of React, Nike just lately launched Zegama Path sneakers which use ZoomX expertise. (Go examine 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 may result in a major 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 characteristic 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 terms of path sneakers and rock plates, I virtually all the time desire sneakers 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 sneakers. Now we have very rocky trails right here in PA and this shoe falls quick on defending a runner’s ft 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 real safety ought to do exactly high-quality.
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 drawback. As quickly as you get into extra technical terrain, which incorporates rocks, roots, or downed branches, I’m unsure the shoe will final for so long as runners might hope.
The publicity of the mesh higher within the toe field might improve possibilities of tearing. To not point out the ultra-thin exterior mesh will typically be extra inclined to put on and tear as runners log miles.
Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Responsiveness & velocity
Take into accout, these sneakers are for sooner paced, shorter distance runs. The sneakers do run a bit on the slim aspect, however they weren’t restrictive for me. This provides them a nimble really feel and helps with navigating single-track trails. I had no drawback choosing up the velocity and in reality, these sneakers received higher the sooner 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
Total, the consolation and match of the Terra Kiger’s are good for what they have been made to do. I may see runners using this shoe for runs as much as a half marathon distance. Runs longer than this would possibly go away one wishing for extra cushioning.
The higher hugged my foot and supplied a safe feeling which is a “should 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 ought to be used for in order that runners could make an knowledgeable resolution.
Nike redesigned the Terra Kiger from the bottom up. The contemporary look nonetheless delivers on velocity, 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 get pleasure from choosing up the tempo on trails. The outsole supplies the correct quantity of traction for runs on free grime, 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 longer term.
