Here they are! After updating their competition shoes it is now time for the thoroughbreds of Nike’s trail line. Nike presents the latest versions of the Wildhorse, the Air Zoom Terra Kiger and the Pegasus Trail shoes. If you hadn’t yet fallen for their predecessors, then you will certainly do now. Besides that the shoes deserve a prize for their cool design, they are also super functional and are certainly among the best trail shoes of this season. Where the Wildhorse 6 has actually been revised from heel to toe, the Terra Kiger’s have been less rigorously changed. In short we can say that the Wildhorse has become even more comfortable and that the Terra Kiger 6 has a stronger and more durable upper.
Read on to find out exactly what Nike has improved in these new versions of the Wildhorse and the Air Zoom Terra Kiger, but also discover what these models are suitable for and in what they differ.
Wildhorse 6, Terra Kiger 6 and Pegasus 36 Trail
Discover the unique characteristics of these trail running shoes
Nike Wildhorse 6
Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 6
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail
THE BEST HORSE ON SHOW
The Wildhorse 6 is made for the adventurer who likes to trample untrodden paths. The shoe has a rough look, a comfortable fit and can handle any type of terrain. With the Wildhorse 6 you can go into the wild, with or without David Attenborough.
The previous version of the Wildhorse was very durable already. It was celebrated for the EVA foam midsole, the protective layer around the toes and the protective plate in the sole. The so-called Toe Bumper and Rock Plate are also included in the new version of the shoe. The EVA foam midsole, on the other hand, has been replaced with a React foam midsole. This new material is a lot more responsive and provides a springy and soft feeling during your runs. Yet another newity is found in the heel piece shaped like a horseshoe (yellow in this version). This heel piece is made of a firmer foam and makes the shoe a lot more stable. Because you often encounter uneven surfaces during trail runs, a stable shoe is essential. In addition, the shoe now also features a high collar which reaches up to just below the ankle and fits snugly around the feet. This collar keeps out mud, stones, twigs and such.
THE MUSTANG OF TRAIL SHOES
The Air Zoom Terra Kiger 6 is a lightweight trail shoe which is ideal for running fast trails. The sleek design of the shoe allows you to swiftly gallop over forest paths and prairie roads.
The previous version of the Kiger was already a very fast and comfortable model, and was also very well received by trail runners around the globe. Therefore, much has stayed the same in this sixth version. At Nike, however, they did see some room for improvement and thus made two significant changes to the shoes. Firstly, the shoe has become sturdier; and secondly, its fit has been improved. To offer better protection to the feet, Nike has used a renewed mesh material in the shoe’s upper. This mesh material consists of two layers and provides the feet with protection as well as ventilation. Secondly, the shoe’s forefoot has been optimized to provide a better fit and to prevent pressure points on the feet.
Worn to be Wild
Clearly both models are ideal for trail runs. Although they are very similar in appearance as well as function and even share some technologies, there are also some interesting differences between the two. Of course, Nike does not design the exact same shoe twice. So, what are these differences and on which of the two should you put your money?
The Wildhorse looks a lot rougher and more bulky, where the sleek design of the Terra Kiger is more reminiscent of an all-round running shoe like the Pegasus. The fit and feel of the models is also a bit different. The Wildhorse, for example, features a high collar that helps to keep out debri, but also features more structure in its upper to ensure stability during rougher trails. The Kiger doesn’t have a high collar and also has less structure in its upper. Thanks to this the Kiger provides a somewhat freer feel. Another difference is found in the midsoles of the shoes. The Wildhorse has a React foam midsole over its entire length. The Kiger, on the other hand, uses a combination of React foam and Air Zoom units.
THE LEGENDARY WINGED HORSE
Are you looking for a shoe that isn’t too bulky or too much oriented towards speed? Then Nike has yet another trail shoe up its sleeve: the Pegasus 36 Trail, which also comes in a GORE-TEX edition. This trail model fits perfectly in-between the Wildhorse 6 and the Terra Kiger 6. The shoe offers a comfortable ride, but is very dynamic at the same time. Because the Pegasus Trail is a road-shoe turned trail-shoe it can be seen as an amphibian; a shoe that works well on the road, but also stands its ground when things get wet and muddy. The shoes road-heritage is also seen in some of its characteristics. Take for instance the mesh upper, this provides a lot of ventilation to the feet, but doesn’t repel water very well. This might not be ideal during wet trails. Thankfully there’s also a GTX version of the shoe; an excellent choice for wet trail runs.
The Pegasus 36 Trail gives a lot of room to the toes thanks to the widened toe-box. Next to this the upper also features some padding which ensures a comfortable fit. The lugs on the outsole help to provide you with grip on grass and other soft terrain. To make sure that the shoes are also road-ready the lugs aren’t too large in size. The midsole of the shoes features Air Zoom units, making the shoes very responsiveness and soft.
A Real Workhorse
“I encountered a bit of a mental blockade when I headed for my first mud pool in my lightly coloured Wildhorses, but once the first mud stains were a fact I could really go for it. Through the forests, the meadows, the mountains and over trails and mud paths; these rough shoes can tackle anything. Going uphill on wet grass? With the Wildhorse 6 this is possible without losing grip. They had a bit of a hard feeling on the streets, but as soon as I went off-road, my feet were comfortable and the shoes really came into their own”.
The Finishing Lines
The Terra Kiger is actually a faster model. It is therefore lighter and has a lower offset than the Wildhorse. Where the Kiger’s focus lies on keeping the feet dry and providing them with protection. The Wildhorse focuses on providing comfort and stability.
Yes, the Wildhorse is a bit heavy and a bit bulky, but therefore also perfect for ploughing through the mud. The Wildhorse is a training shoe for daily use and for trail runs on rough terrain, while the Terra Kiger is a trail shoe for competitions. If you are looking for a faster experience, then go for the Terra Kiger. If you are planning on roughing it in the bush then the Wildhorse is a better choice for you. Are you looking for a shoe that fits precisely in the middle and is also suitable for road running, than opt for Nike’s Pegasus 36 Trail shoes, or their waterproof sisters the Pegasus 36 Trail GTX.
In short, the Wildhorse is a workhorse, the Terra Kiger a racehorse and the Pegasus Trail a wonderful all-terrain shoe.
Curious? Check out these models in our webshop. Still have a few question to ask first? Don’t hesitate to contact our customer service.
