Details
Brand
Nike
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Simple design• Environmentally friendly• Unique waffle design pattern on the outsole• Flymesh upper gives breathability and snug feel• Available in many color schemes• Zoom Air units in heel and forefoot• Overall lightweight
Upper
The design of the upper on the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 4 is a very simple design compared to other shoes that Nike has on the market. The look and the feel of the shoe are the perfect combinations. The upper is a seamless design that includes the Nike Flymesh technology. This gives the shoe great ventilation. While the upper lets air in and out it does not let dirt particles in which make it ideal for a trail shoe. Like with any well-ventilated shoe this also allows water to enter, but the technology in the Flymesh allows the water to quickly drain out and dry fast. Along with the super technology used in the mesh upper, Nike uses a Flywire lacing system to lock in your midfoot securely as you take on tough terrain. The upper is a well-designed system that makes this shoe a pleasure to wear on the trails.
Midsole
The midsole in the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 4 is the same style and construction that has been offered through the whole series of Terra Kiger. It is a solid design with two Zoom pods cushioned with the Phylon Midsole materials. The combination is firm, but also is very forgiving allowing the runner’s foot to be supported while still being able to feel the ground below them. The super foam midsole works along with the Zoom Air features in the heel giving this shoe a springy step.
Outsole
Nike brings to the market this interesting and effective waffle sole pattern. This is a unique design to the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger series. The pattern on the outsole is great for trail running and offers a gripping action that is very helpful during race days. The outsole of this shoe is aggressive looking and is excellent in mud, on rocks, and wet conditions as well. The multi-colored rubber outsole is constructed from recycled rubber.
Breathability
The breathability of the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 4 is great. The upper has been updated since the previous version. With the use of the Flymesh technology in the upper, allows a good amount of air flow. This keeps your feet cool and dry while keeping dirt and rocks out. The wider toe box also allows a bit more air flow as well.
Comfort
The comfort that the design offers is wonderful. The shoe is comfortable for both hard races or long training runs. The upper is snug, but comfortable and keeps your foot locked in place. Along with the firm support of the outsole and the cushion of the midsole the shoe offers a very comfortable ride.
Style
The Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 4 is a great sample of the simple designs that Nike as to offer. This is a well designed and environmentally friendly shoe that has a simple smooth feel. The Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 4 offers a variety of color combinations for both men and ladies.
Durability
The durability of this shoe is something that can be noted. The outsole features a waffle pattern made out of recycled rubber that is great on the ground and lasts through tough terrain. The Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 4 features an improved durability of previous versions of this shoe. Trail running and racing offer no mercy on a pair of shoes. These shoes stay true to the Nike brand and hold up well.
Protection
The Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 4 offers an underfoot protection that makes shoe ideal trails. The firm supported cushion in the heel and forefoot give the runner added protection from rocks and debris. This model does include a rock plate. While this shoe offers a lot of protection from the elements it does not take away from the sensitivity of the shoe with the feel on the ground below. The firm support and springy cushion feel give the added protection that is needed when on the trail without taking away from the feel of the ground below your feet.
Responsiveness
This model offers a responsive feel that is ideal for a trail shoe thanks to the design of the midsole. In particular, the Air Zoom pockets in the heel and forefoot provide cushioning but also additional responsiveness. For a trail running shoe, it is relatively flexible, allowing for natural movement and adding to the overall responsiveness of the shoe. The lighter weight of this shoe makes it great for trail races.
Support
The Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 4 offers super support for trail runners. The support system is made up of the impact absorbing waffle lug gripping sole, the cushion and support from the midsole, and an upper that features the Flymesh technology that hugs your foot. The key features designed in this shoe display a solid support system from heel to toe.
Terrain
The design of this shoe was built with tough terrain in mind. From the lugged rubber outsole with the waffle pattern design to the snug mesh upper that keeps the foot in place the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 4 is an all-terrain trail shoe. The mesh upper also gives the shoe the ability to be worn near or around water. The water runs right through the mesh and quickly dries. So whether you plan on hitting the mountain or running through streams, the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 4 is a great all-terrain shoe.
Price
The shoe comes right in at around $125 which is a standard price for a good quality trail running shoe. When you look at the features versus the durability, the price makes these shoes a great value.
Drop
The drop of the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 4 is just 4 mm. This 4mm drop is well below the average for a trail running shoe. The below average drop helps reduce the chance of a rolled ankle along the way. However, when transitioning from a higher drop, make sure to slowly get used to it in order to prevent injury.
Stability
The low stack height of this shoe measuring in at 20mm gives it a closer to the ground feel and adds to the stable feel when running over rough terrain. The design of the shoe also offers a wider forefoot than the heel that allows the forefoot to splay out with the natural landing of the foot with each stride. This increases the stability of a runners stride. The snug feel of the Flymesh upper gives the foot a very stable feeling along with the addition of the great lacing system. Though the shoe provides good stability for trail runners, it is not a stability shoe, and will only provide enough support for neutral runners. The Kiger 4 will not correct pronation issues.
Flexibility
The design of this shoe gives it a very unique flexibility. The forefoot of the midsole material design has a softer cushioning that gives the shoe a firm, yet flexible feel. Adding to the flexibility is the Flymesh upper allows your feet to move naturally. The Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 4 allows a good range of motion while still offering a great support system that you need in all trail shoes. The flexibility overall in this design is good.
Traction
The pattern on the bottom of this shoe is a waffle-like design that has remained the same over the course of many different models of this shoe. It is made up of a high-abrasion rubber and a recycled rubber that offers a sticky like traction. The design is both durable and gives the right amount of traction needed. The waffle pattern gives the lug design a ton of interestingly deep and impressive squares that cover the whole outsole making climbing over mountains with rocky terrain easier. The aggressive sole gives the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 4 the traction that trail runners need.
Bottom Line
Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 4 is one of the best all-terrain shoes that Nike on the market. For the price and the features, the Kiger is a great value. Nike has been making improves to this model over the last few years. The upper has been redesigned to be more breathable and give a snugger, yet natural feel. What has not changed about this shoe is the midsole and outsole. They have maintained the great cushiony yet firm feel of the midsole and keep the unique waffle design pattern of the outsole. The outsole not only looks super cool, but it is environmentally friendly as well. The construction on the outsole uses recycled rubber which is a great move from Nike. This shoe has a great set of attributes for an all-terrain trail running shoe. It offers comfort, great traction, and breathability, but is super supportive and durable enough to be used on rough runs. This trail running shoe is worthy of any trail runner’s shoe arsenal.
