Review: Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5

Written by

Henry Howard

Ultra runner and certified running coach.

This expert review is written by

Henry Howard

Ultra runner and certified running coach.
Henry Howard has come a long way since a teacher called him "molasses" during a fifth-grade track and field event.


Now living and running in Indiana, he has completed more than a dozen marathons and is a regular age-grouper in shorter distances.

Weight

We usually consider 10 ounces a "medium" weight for a running shoe: less than 10 and we are entering the lightweight category and above 10 the shoes start to be heavy.

Heel-to-toe drop

Heel drop is the measurement in mm of the difference between the height of the heel and the toe of the sole.

A lower drop (0mm - 5mm) promotes running on mid-foot and fore-foot, while higher drops (8mm - 12mm) are more traditional and meant to support a heel-striking gait.
Expert score
10/10

Expert Review: Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5

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Quick overview

Best for
Speedwork on flat surfaces, ultra distances, 50 miles and greater
Terrain
Best for on dirt trails, on paved trails, through grassy sections or cross-country courses, along moderate trails
Grip
The Zoom Terra Kiger 5 provides good traction on most types of terrains and surfaces
Lack Traction
Average Traction
Provide Traction
Cushioning
The Zoom Terra Kiger 5 offers just the right amount of cushioning
Little cushioning
Medium cushioning
Highly cushioned
Weight

9.75

 oz
276 g
Heel to toe drop
Drop

4

 mm

Pros and cons according to our running expert

Pros and cons according to our running expert

  • Fast and quick
  • Comfortable, secure fit
  • More responsive than past models
  • Upgrades from previous model work well
  • Does not handle mud well
  • Rocky terrain can be a challenge

Our verdict

The Nike Terra Kiger 5 was created with speed on the trails in mind. From toe to heel, the shoes are designed to let the runner blaze down dirt trails, paved trails and roads. The more technical the terrain, the less effective the Kigers can be.

Introduction Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5

Nike instituted many changes into the fifth version of its Terra Kigers, making them faster and more durable.

I had put about 40 miles on the Kigers before strapping them on for my first 100K, which included some very technical rocky terrain, a half-dozen stream crossings and some muddy sections.

Cushioning Type
The Zoom Terra Kiger 5 is more responsive... Read more than plush: provides energy return and some
Responsive
Plush
Cushioning Amount
The Zoom Terra Kiger 5 offers just the right... Read more amount of cushioning
Little cushioning
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
The Zoom Terra Kiger 5 has a good mix between... Read more flexibility and structure
Rigid
Flexible
Stability
The Zoom Terra Kiger 5 has some inherent... Read more stability and support
Not particularly stable
Very stable

Impressions Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5

The Nike Terra Kiger 5 is light (9.9 ounces for men’s size 10), which allows the runner to accelerate quickly and confidently. Yet it is also more protective and durable than others in its class.

The Kigers performed extremely well on the flat sections, allowing me to push the pace when I felt like it. However, it does not perform as well in mud or during the rocky sections in my 100K.

At those times, I wish I had a shoe that was built more for technical terrain. Still, the Kigers proved to be durable — they came out of that punishing race ready for the next run.

Overall, Nike instituted a sizeable overhaul to the Kiger 5s. Among the changes:

• A new seamless upper that delivers comfort without compromising breathability and durability.

• Nike React foam replaces the Phylon foam used in the previous version. The React foam is designed to deliver a responsive and energized running experience — and it delivers.

• The midfoot now features a sticky rubber pod for added traction and durability to the outer sole.

Protection Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5

Changes made to the Nike Kigers have increased their protection from previous versions. In addition to the rubber pod mentioned above, a rock plate has also been added.

The rock place is in between the midsole and outsole to provide underfoot protection on rough running surfaces.

While my legs took a pounding during the rocky sections of the 100K, the Kigers protected my feet more so than I would have thought.

I didn’t experience pain, injuries or blisters from the rocks that I had to traverse during much of the second half of the race.

While the speed of the Kigers was not a surprise, their ability to protect my feet was a welcome relief. I found them to be more protective than other trail shoes that also prioritize speed.

Rockplate
The rock plate in the Zoom Terra Kiger 5... Read more provides adequate protection from sharp rocks
Not present
Solid protection
Lugs
The Zoom Terra Kiger 5 provides good traction... Read more on most types of terrains and surfaces
Lack Traction
Provide Traction
Water resistance
The Zoom Terra Kiger 5 offers great water... Read more protection. Not completely waterproof but
Poor
Water Resistant

Durability Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5

I was pleasantly surprised about the durability of the Kiger 5s. After my race, the shoes did not look or feel like they had just put in 62 miles, and more than 100 total.

The midsole had a similar feel to when I first put the shoes on my feet.

Same goes for the upper. I could easily see myself putting in more than 400 miles, possibly 500, depending on the ruggedness of the terrain.

So how did Nike accomplish that? The Kiger 5’s forefoot and heel are made of high-abrasion rubber. On the bottom, Nike increased the size of the lugs and placed them in a slightly different pattern.

These changes allowed me to navigate easily through dirt trails, paved segments and grassy sections without issues.

Rocky trails do provide some challenges. But the Kiger’s arch nemesis is clearly mud.

The size of the lugs gives them a chance to secure the feet in mud but I found myself more unstable than in other shoes. They did handle the minor creeks easily and dried fairly quickly.

Responsiveness & Speed Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5

As mentioned, the Kigers are among the speediest and most responsive trail shoes that I have worn. The changes Nike made while keeping the Kigers slimmed down is impressive.

Give credit to the lightweight React foam, which Nike uses in some other models. It offers a soft and long-lasting cushioning, while boosting responsiveness with a high-energy return.

Knowing this and how well the Kigers perform, I will be (hopefully) saving enough miles on them to trot them out for a faster ultra distance or marathon trail race later this year.

Comfort and Fit Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5

The Nike Terra Kiger 5’s upper has a new perforated mesh material that gives the foot a breathable and flexible wrap.

In addition to the mesh, there are skin overlays which work together to secure a comfortable fit and experience.

The lacing system is designed to give runners a snugger fit in the midfoot. Nike still utilizes a six-eyelet construction with ghillie style lacing like the Kiger 4, but has eliminated the Flywire cables.

I found the lacing system to be helpful, quick and easy and provide a comfortable fit.

The rest of the Kiger 5 upper is fantastic. There are two layers of mesh around most of the shoe. An engineered mesh outer layer, that is quite open, lightweight, but still very strong feeling.

It doesn’t have much stretch to it at all. The inner layer, closest to the foot is very soft and thin, leaving little to get in the way or cause any blister issues.

Also noteworthy is the construction of the tongue. It is simply engineered to seemingly part of the upper.

There is an overlay to provide some shape and stiffness to the tongue, which keeps is secure. So simple yet so effective.

I did find the heel counter to be a little stiff, especially in the early miles. Not a deal-breaker by any means but notable nonetheless.

Sizing
The Zoom Terra Kiger 5 has average sizing:... Read more buy the usual size
Buy size smaller
Buy size bigger

Conclusion Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5

The Nike Terra Kiger 5s have come in with a lot of hype and attention by some well-known ultra athletes.

Putting that marketing and hype aside, these are the real deal, especially for those wanting to put the hammer down on fast trails.

I have been very pleased with my experience with the Kigers. They are meant for speed, pure and simple, and are challenged with technical issues such as mud and rocky sections.

Still, the Kigers know what class they are in — fast shoes that runners can use in trail marathons, 50Ks and other ultras where the trail conditions allow for speed.

In fact, the Kigers are at the top of the class.

Price comparison:
Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5

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Jack

I run over 40km per week, I use them primarily for running
I’ve had 2 pairs of these lasted me way longer than they should have. My current pair I’ve had for 2 and a half years. Though I mainly used them for trail... Read more running I also used them for swimming and goofing around in the creeks and going on multiple day back packing trips. They will take you anywhere and dry fast.

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