The Nike Kiger 10. All images except in any other case famous: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
There are two varieties of trainers I typically gravitate towards: these with most cushioning and softness, and people with a low profile, snappy really feel, and pace. The Nike Kiger 10 ($170), which the model places in its path racing lineup, falls into the latter class.
With an precise weight of 9.3 ounces (264 grams) for a U.S. males’s 9, they’re definitely not the lightest racing shoe — even within the path racing world, the place footwear are typically heavier than street racing. However for what they lack in lightness, they greater than make up for in snappiness. The comparatively low stack top of 29 millimeters on the heel and 24 millimeters on the toe, and the resultant 5-millimeter drop, positively helps the shoe really feel nearer to a racing flat or spike than different path racing footwear.
However don’t let all of this racing speak flip you off in case you’re not on the lookout for a path racing shoe. I’ve logged greater than 150 miles to date within the Kigers, and none of these had been racing. These footwear will work equally nicely for somebody on the lookout for a quick race-day shoe as somebody like me who likes the texture of faster, snappier footwear for on a regular basis runs and coaching on trails or gravel roads.
Apparently, the shoe is simply out there in a single mannequin that the model’s web site identifies as males’s, whereas many working retailers determine it as unisex. Earlier variations of the shoe, together with the Nike Kiger 9, Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7, and Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 5, have are available each males’s and girls’s variations.
Nike Kiger 10 Higher
A lateral view of the Nike Kiger 10.
The Nike Kiger 10 has an up to date higher made with engineered mesh. The Kiger 9 additionally had an engineered mesh higher, making it troublesome to discern a lot of a distinction, however that’s not a foul factor. The higher stays light-weight and extremely breathable — you’ll be able to see via it barely — and it matches comfortably and securely round my toes.
The opposite spotlight of the higher is the plush heel collar. Nike may’ve simply saved weight by slicing again on the cushioning within the heel collar, however they selected consolation over saving a number of grams, and I respect it. I used to be testing the Hoka Mafate Pace 4 Lite similtaneously the Kiger 10, and the footwear couldn’t have extra excessive approaches to heel consolation. The Mafate Pace 4 Lite ripped the pores and skin on my heel aside, whereas the Kiger 10 was like stepping right into a pillow. I had no situation with rocks or particles getting contained in the shoe.
Working within the Nike Kiger 10 on singletrack trails in Silverton, Colorado. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
The lacing system and tongue are pretty normal. The lacing system supplied a locked-in really feel when achieved proper. I did have a difficulty with my proper heel being unfastened when not being intentional about tying the laces correctly. Total, the higher is unquestionably on the narrower facet, particularly within the toebox.
From the get-go, I by no means skilled blisters or scorching spots. These had been a kind of uncommon footwear the place I felt assured taking them for a ten miler proper out of the field.
Nike Kiger 10 Midsole
A medial view of the Nike Kiger 10.
The Nike Kiger 10 additionally obtained an replace within the midsole, transitioning from Nike React midsole foam to Cushlon 3.0 foam. React and Cushlon are each base-level, workhorse midsole foams utilized by Nike, and also you don’t get the spring, bounce, or power return of a higher-end racing shoe.
The midsole foam has a low sufficient profile that when coupled with the shoe’s gentle weight, it offers the shoe an agile and fast really feel. Even throughout my longest path run of the 12 months, I may really feel assured navigating a technical downhill in the direction of the tip due to the agility of the footwear. A brand new rock plate within the forefoot offers further safety over tough terrain, and I by no means had any points with sharp rocks hurting my toes.
Nike Kiger 10 Outsole
The outsole of the Nike Kiger 10.
The outsole of the Nike Kiger 10 supplied grip that exceeded my expectations. Nike makes use of a Vibram Megagrip outsole, and the lugs are multi-directional and broadly spaced. They’re additionally not tremendous deep, however they work. I discovered myself hardly slipping on rocky, sandy, and gravel trails and roads. The outsoles encourage confidence, which is essential contemplating these are racing footwear.
One factor that makes me actually love a working shoe is when it has sufficient versatility to deal with a number of varieties of surfaces and runs. I respect footwear that may deal with pavement, gravel, crushed rocks, and filth, and work as a day by day coach or for quick miles and exercises. The Kiger 10 does a reasonably good job of hitting a variety of these classes. Whereas not splendid for pavement, they’ve positively labored nice for me when my runs require a mile or two of pavement to get to the paths. These footwear can deal with something from day by day miles to lengthy runs to quick miles and races, and a variety of that has to do with the flexibility of the outsole.
Nike Kiger 10 Total Impressions
A prime view of the Nike Kiger 10.
The Nike Kiger 10 has change into one among my go-to path trainers and one I attain for once I wish to simply exit and run, not worrying about what’s on my toes. It’s additionally a shoe I attain for when my legs are drained and I need a shoe I do know will assist me really feel a bit higher than I ought to.
I’m nearing 200 miles on these footwear, and there are nearly no indicators of damage and tear. These aren’t essentially the highest-end racing footwear available on the market, however they supply a variety of versatility and can work simply nice in a racing setting.
For anybody on the lookout for a do-it-all day by day coach for filth, rocks, and gravel, or somebody on the lookout for a strong and reasonably priced path racing shoe, the Nike Kiger 10 is a superb selection.
Name for Feedback
- Have you ever run within the Nike Kiger 10? What do you consider it?
- What different reasonably priced, race-ready footwear do you want?
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