Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Introduction
The Terra Kiger is the longest tenured path shoe in Nike’s lineup.
Within the ninth version, they keep on with the React foam within the midsole which delivers a clean, responsive trip. Aside from a worth of $150 on Nike’s web site, it’s tough 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 decreased the Heel-toe drop from 6mm to 4.5mm.
Runners on the lookout for a comparable path shoe may need to take a look at Saucony’s Peregrine 13 which can be constructed for quicker 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 completely different, but each provide engaging 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 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 concerning 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 count on with Nike. A high quality constructed, engaging shoe that individuals need to put on.
Slipping into the sneakers for the primary time, they felt compact, comfortable, and “racier” than path sneakers I’ve owned prior to now. I couldn’t wait to place them to the take a look at.
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 adjustments. The Terra Kiger’s took the terrain in stride. I used to be in a position to rapidly choose up and put down my toes with accuracy and with out slowing down.
I used to be not in a position to run within the rain with these sneakers however I did put on them by a creek a number of occasions 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 challenge. They drained particularly nicely, 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 opinions that state the moist traction of the 9s are a lot better than the earlier mannequin.
The texture of the midsole was full of life 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 leads to a firmer really feel. Outdoors of React, Nike just lately launched Zegama Path sneakers which use ZoomX expertise. (Go examine our assessment 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 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 reduce motion throughout 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 appears to be like 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 the case of path sneakers and rock plates, I virtually all the time favor sneakers that embody 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 inbuilt 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 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 real safety ought to just do superb.
Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Sturdiness
Aside from lack of safety, my second largest 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 might hope.
The publicity of the mesh higher within the toe field might improve possibilities of tearing. To not point out the ultra-thin outdoors mesh will typically be extra vulnerable to put on and tear as runners log miles.
Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Responsiveness & pace
Take into accout, these sneakers are for quicker paced, shorter distance runs. The sneakers do run a bit on the slim aspect, however they weren’t restrictive for me. This offers them a nimble really feel and helps with navigating single-track trails. I had no downside selecting up the pace and in reality, these sneakers received higher the quicker I ran.
Nike eliminated the midsole Air Zoom pockets within the forefoot and heel for a extra responsive trip. 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 offered 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 ought to be used for in order that runners could make an knowledgeable resolution.
Nike redesigned the Terra Kiger from the bottom up. The recent look nonetheless delivers on pace, responsiveness, and the correct amount 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 selecting up the tempo on trails. The outsole offers the correct amount 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 long run.
