Nike Terra Kiger 10 Introduction

The Nike Terra Kiger 10 stubbornly stays true to its roots while other trail shoes built for speed are evolving with carbon-fiber plates. This is at least the third version of the Kigers I have reviewed and they stay true to their mission, even as others in their category have adapted modern technology for improving speed and responsiveness.

Nike Terra Kiger 10 Impressions

That said, the Nike Terra Kiger 10s are still a very fast shoe, designed for fast trail races on light or moderate terrain. While Nike says they are good for going up to 50K, I would scale that back.

They are ideal for distances up to a half marathon and I could also see running a fast trail marathon in these. Perhaps it’s better to think about the time rather than the distance. Nike’s 50K recommendation may be based on an elite athlete who could cover that distance in 3 or 3 /12 hours. So think about your own race time when considering the Kigers for a longer effort.

Also notable is that the shoes are unisex, with no true women’s option available. A men’s size 10 weighs 9.8 ounces.

As is usual, Nike made some changes in the 10th version from the Kiger 9s. Improvements to the Terra Kiger 10 include the outsole being upgraded from a grippy rubber to the Vibram megagrip and a change to the Cushlon 3.0 foam.
The stack height (29 mm in heel, 24 mm in forefoot, 5 mm drop) has dropped by 2 mm. The outsole has been upgraded to the Vibram megagrip with a slightly different lug pattern.

The Cushlon 3.0 foam in the midsole is firm but less responsive than I anticipated. Perhaps that is a reflection on my experience running in carbon-plated shoes since I last tried the Kigers, the 8th version.

Nike Terra Kiger 10 Protection

These running shoes feature a forefoot rock plate, while the midsole has adequate protection from moderate trail issues. The shoes feel rigid but it’s a necessary rigid to a degree to keep the feet protected. And that’s pretty crucial for short, fast runs and races.

The lugs are fairly shallow at 3.5 mm, which supports the idea that these are not meant for mud or terrain that can be considered above moderate level. I did wear these on a very flat cross-country cross after a long night of rain. The shoes did show their weakness in the few muddy sections, not fully gripping and springing me forward.

Nike Terra Kiger 10 Durability

Just like my experience with previous Terra Kigers, I would expect the 10th iteration to be durable throughout the course of its lifetime as long as you follow its intended usage.

Its durability won’t be seen in longer runs (20+ miles or exceeding four hours). But I see it more in the sense that the shoe will hold up, as long as the runner keeps it to low-grade to moderate trail experiences. If half marathon trails that are easy to moderate are your jam, the Kigers could very well prove to be a good option for years to come.

Nike Terra Kiger 10 Responsiveness & speed

This is, of course, where the Terra Kiger 10s shine. You want to go fast on a light to moderate trail? These are still among the speediest and most responsive trail shoes, though the carbon-plated options are providing new competition.

The Terra Kigers offer good energy return and respond quickly when scooting around obstacles in the trail or winding through a single-track section with lots of twists and turns.

The Kigers are at their best on flat and fast dirt and grass trails.

Nike Terra Kiger 10 Comfort and fit

As with previous versions of the Terra Kigers, it took longer to break in the 10s than I usually find with Nike and other trail shoes.

The Kiger 10 is a narrow fit, especially noticeable in the mid-foot with the connection of the tongue. The arch appears to be a bit higher than in other shoes, which allows for more confidence and a supportive feel.

The toebox is middle of the road, not too tight and not too loose.

Nike Terra Kiger 10 Conclusions

As I mentioned, my previous Nike Terra Kiger experience was the 8th version. The 10s are very similar to the 8s, as Nike is continuing the tradition of the fast Terra Kigers. I would expect fans of this model to still embrace the new version.

While the improvements are subtle like the change to the Vibram megagrip outsole, Nike relied on what has made the Terra Kigers stand out perhaps to a fault. It is still a fast shoe that is roomy yet offers a secure fit and okayish traction. Its responsive performance and underfoot protection make it a great option for fast and flat runs.

The Nike Terra Kiger 10, which feels light, uses a leno weave technology in the mesh upper. There is no padding at the top of the foot or the tongue but the ankle is padded all the way down. There is an openness to the weave that makes it super breathable. It is not waterproof but dries quickly.

That is all to say, in summary, the Nike Terra Kiger 10 is a fast shoe, built for speed for shorter distances on light to moderate trails. While once a standout in its class, the advancements in technology adapted by other shoes in this category are starting to create a separation between them and the tradition of the Terra Kigers.