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Nike React Terra Kiger 9 review

6 expert score
2 user's score
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples. We purchased this pair at Running Warehouse with our own money.
Review written on 03rd April by Jeremy Yoder Jeremy Yoder lives in Marietta, PA with his wife and 2 kids. In an earlier life, he used running to stay fit for his soccer career, where he was a co
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Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Verdict

The Nike Terra Kiger 9 received a complete makeover from versions 7 and 8. But while looks may be different; function and purpose remain the same. Nike continues to design and promote the Terra Kiger for speedy runs and a nimble feel.

The pros

  • Better traction than previous model
  • Responsive ride
  • Great option for shorter trail races or speed training

The cons

  • Forefoot rockplate lacks protection
  • Thin mesh upper may not hold up on trails

Where to buy

Best offers today in United Kingdom, all prices in GBP

Rating breakdown

Comfort
6.0
Build quality
7.0
Upper
7.0
Sole unit
6.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
6.0
Value / Price
7.0

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
React Terra Kiger 9
Type
Weight
9.8 oz (278 g)
MSRP
£0.00

Heel
31 mm.
Toe
28 mm.
Heel drop
3 mm.
Carbon plate
No plate

Size/Fit

Sizing
True to size
Heel fit
Normal
Midfoot fit
Normal
Toebox fit
Normal

Cushioning & ride

Type of cushioning
Responsive
Amount of cushioning
Medium cushioning
Stability
Not particularly stable
Flexibility
Medium

Trail specs

Rockplate
Lacks protection
Traction
Average Traction
Water resitance
Good

Best for these distances

Road-to-trail
Max cushion
Trail racing  
Technical

Best for these terrains

Moderate trails  
Technical trails
Rocky areas
Muddy areas  
Through creeks and streams  
Through snowy or icy sections
Dirt trails  
Paved trails  
Through grassy sections  

Who should buy the Nike React Terra Kiger 9 ?

This shoe is designed for trail runners that plan on going fast for shorter distances on easy to moderate terrain. In addition, casual trail runners that want a stylish shoe to take in the woods on occasion.

Who should not buy the Nike React Terra Kiger 9 ?

This shoe is not built for highly technical terrain or runners that plan on logging higher distances. They may also lack the plush cushioning that some runners are looking for.

Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Introduction

Picture of Nike React Terra Kiger 9

The Terra Kiger is the longest tenured trail shoe in Nike’s lineup.

In the 9th edition, they stick with the React foam in the midsole which delivers a smooth, responsive ride. Other than a price of $150 on Nike’s website, it’s difficult to find specifications of this shoe.

A google search shows websites weighing the shoe somewhere between 10.1 and 10.3 oz in size 9. This results in a 0.7 oz drop in weight from the Terra Kiger 8s. Nike also reduced the Heel-toe drop from 6mm to 4.5mm.

Runners looking for a comparable trail shoe might want to check out Saucony’s Peregrine 13 which is also built for faster paces. The Peregrine has more cushion than previous versions and are still lighter than the Terra Kiger.

I recently tested and reviewed Nike’s other long standing trail shoe; the Wild Horse 8. The two models turned out to be quite different, yet both offer attractive features depending on the runner or situation.

The Wild Horse comes with a bit more protection and cushioning which naturally make the shoe heavier than the Terra Kiger. They feature a wider footprint and I’d recommend them over the Terra Kiger for runners that plan to log marathon or even ultra-marathon distances.

Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Impressions

Picture of Nike React Terra Kiger 9

I’ve known about the Terra Kiger for years, but this is my first experience running in them. From what I’ve seen and read, they’ve made great strides to improve their lineup and compete in the trail shoe market. My initial inspection of the shoe resulted in what we’ve come to expect with Nike. A quality built, attractive shoe that people want to wear.

Slipping into the shoes for the first time, they felt compact, snug, and “racier” than trail shoes I’ve owned in the past. I couldn’t wait to put them to the test.

My first run was on a trail that consisted of grass, packed dirt, sections with smaller rocks and loose leaves. There were also some small elevation changes. The Terra Kiger’s took the terrain in stride. I was able to quickly pick up and put down my feet with accuracy and without slowing down.

I was not able to run in the rain with these shoes but I did wear them through a creek several times on a run to see how they handle draining and traction when wet. First, running in the soaked shoes proved to be a non issue. They drained especially well, and I did not notice “sloshing” or “squishing” after being in the water. With the conditions I was presented, there were no problems with traction. I’ve read other reviews that state the wet traction of the 9s are much better than the previous model.

The feel of the midsole was lively and responsive. React foam is the material that Nike uses in this model as well as the Pegasus Trail 4 and Wildhorse 8. Compared to other midsole technology in different brands, React is more spongy and flexible.

A thicker React midsole, like that of the Wildhorse 8 will feel plush and cushioned. There is less React midsole in the Terra Kiger 9 which results in a firmer feel. Outside of React, Nike recently released Zegama Trail shoes which use ZoomX technology. (Go check our review for our impressions of the new Nike trail shoe).

Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Protection

Picture of Nike React Terra Kiger 9

I immediately took notice of the thin, mesh upper. Nike claims this material is stronger and more flexible than regular mesh, but only time will tell. One misstep on a branch or rock could lead to a significant tear. Underneath the mesh upper there is a midfoot saddle/liner that appears to be more durable. This material also helps to lock in your foot and minimize movement within the shoe.

A thin rubber overlay wraps around the front of the toe box. This is built into the mesh and when comparing the feature to the previous model, the Terra Kiger 8s design looks superior. The rubber skin in the 9s covers less of the toe box than it did in the 8s and it’s thinner than before.

When it comes to trail shoes and rock plates, I almost always prefer shoes that include a full-length rock plate over ones that do not. There are no details on Nike’s website about this, but from what I’ve read elsewhere, the Terra Kiger 9s have built in rock plates in the forefoot and heel.

I noticed this immediately on my first run in the shoes. We have very rocky trails here in PA and this shoe falls short on protecting a runner’s feet from the pounding of rocks, tree roots and other objects protruding from the ground. In areas or trails without these terrain features, the sole protection should do just fine.

Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Durability

Picture of Nike React Terra Kiger 9

Other than lack of protection, my second biggest concern about this shoe is durability. The shoe should hold up to mild trails with no problem. As soon as you get into more technical terrain, which includes rocks, roots, or downed branches, I’m not sure the shoe will last for as long as runners may hope.

The exposure of the mesh upper in the toe box may increase chances of tearing. Not to mention the ultra-thin outside mesh will generally be more susceptible to wear and tear as runners log miles.

Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Responsiveness & speed

Picture of Nike React Terra Kiger 9

Keep in mind, these shoes are for faster paced, shorter distance runs. The shoes do run a bit on the narrow side, but they were not restrictive for me. This gives them a nimble feel and helps with navigating single-track trails. I had no problem picking up the speed and in fact, these shoes got better the faster I ran.

Nike removed the midsole Air Zoom pockets in the forefoot and heel for a more responsive ride. This drops the shoe closer to the ground which should give runners a more connected feel of trails underfoot.

Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Comfort and fit

Picture of Nike React Terra Kiger 9

Overall, the comfort and fit of the Terra Kiger’s are just right for what they were made to do. I could see runners utilizing this shoe for runs up to a half marathon distance. Runs longer than this might leave one wishing for more cushioning.

The upper hugged my foot and provided a secure feeling which is a “must have” on trails. This helped with locking in my heel which resulted in no chance for blisters.

Nike React Terra Kiger 9 Conclusions

Picture of Nike React Terra Kiger 9

Nike was spot on with the purpose of Terra Kiger 9. They accurately describe what the shoe should be used for so that runners can make an informed decision.

Nike redesigned the Terra Kiger from the ground up. The fresh look still delivers on speed, responsiveness, and the right amount of comfort for the job. They are a no frills, purpose-built trail shoe that comes with unquestioned quality from Nike.

Designed to be light and low to the ground, runners will enjoy picking up the pace on trails. The outsole provides the right amount of traction for runs on loose dirt, gravel and through meadows and fields.

Nike has added to its trail shoe lineup over the past few years, but I think the Terra Kiger will remain a staple into the future.

How does the React Terra Kiger 9 compare?

Asics Gel Trabuco 11
Nike React Terra Kiger 9
Brooks Cascadia 16
Expert score
9
6
7
User score
Retail price
US$139.95
US$149.95
US$130
Brand
Shoe type
Weight
10.6 oz
9.8 oz
11.1 oz
Heel Drop
8 mm
3 mm
8 mm
Recommended for
Moderate trails, technical trails, rocky areas, muddy areas, through creeks and streams, dirt trails, paved trails, through grassy sections
Moderate trails, muddy areas, through creeks and streams, dirt trails, paved trails, through grassy sections
Moderate trails, through creeks and streams, dirt trails, through grassy sections
Cushioning type
responsive/balanced
responsive
balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Flexibility
medium
medium
rigid
Stability
some stability
not particularly stable
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
true to size

Why you can trust us

As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of Nike at Running Warehouse  with our own money.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.
Lowest price:

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Nike React Terra Kiger 9 price comparison

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Best offers today in United Kingdom, all prices in GBP

Reviewed by Jeremy

This review was written by Jeremy Yoder on 03rd April.
Jeremy Yoder lives in Marietta, PA with his wife and 2 kids. In an earlier life, he used running to stay fit for his soccer career, where he was a collegiate All American. Jeremy is an avid hunter and now running keeps him prepared for outdoor advendutres. He and his wife Olivia enjoy competing in trail races in the mountains of Pennsylvania. If he could pick, every run would be on a trail run but when life gets busy, the road will do just fine.

User feedback (2)

  • avatar-comment-1038695
    Tristan B author rateauthor rateauthor rateauthor rateauthor rate
    4 months ago
    2 score

    Couldn’t run for a couple of years due to hip issues, so went from a pair of Kiger 6 to these. They’re heavier, stiffer and have a thicker/higher stack. I found them incredibly unstable, especially around the heel, on my treadmill test run. This isn’t helped at all by the extreme amount of spring generated by the sole material. It feels like running on pogo sticks.

    It would be hard to put any trust in these out on the trails, so back in the box and back to the store they’ll go.

    It’s hard to make sense of what Nike are doing here. Those of us who have *loved* the Kigers, I ran the Kiger 2 and Kiger 4 to death before the Sixes, have done so because they’re stripped back, minimal, low drop and fit like gloves. If we wanted something cushioned and bouncy, there are plenty of options out there already!

    I really hope Nike bring this shoe back to basics. Until they do, I guess it’ll be Inov8, Salomon or Altra. These are Kigers in name only.

    • avatar-comment-1038711
      Ruggero Loda
      4 months ago

      This is absolutely true, the Kiger is a different shoe now.

Lowest price:
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Where to buy

Best offers today in United Kingdom, all prices in GBP

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