Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. It also has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn moreVerdict from 2 experts & 5 users
Pros
- Energetic and responsive ride
- Grippy on light mud, dry rocks & loose trails
- Protective cushion
- Amazing heel hold
- Upper doesn't need break-in
- No lace bites
- Airy even during hot days
- Cheaper price
- A stunner
Cons
- Poor grip on wet surfaces
- Might hurt feet on hard surfaces



100% say it's true to size.
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us.
Rankings
- Our 1st pick in best low drop running shoes
- Our 2nd pick in best running shoes for hiking
- Top 22% in trail running shoes
- Top 24% in Nike running shoes
- Top 8% most popular running shoes
Comparison to similar running shoes
Add shoe to compare | Add shoe to compare | Add shoe to compare | Add shoe to compare | Add shoe to compare | Add shoe to compare | Add shoe to compare | |
CoreScore | |||||||
Users rating | |||||||
Experts | |||||||
Best price | |||||||
Ranking | |||||||
Popularity | |||||||
# of colorways |
Who should buy the Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8
Cop the Terra Kiger 8 from Nike if you're looking for a:
- responsive trail shoe for mid to long distances that can handle moderate to fast tempos
- light running shoe for training runs and even races
Who should NOT buy it
Skip the Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8 if you want smaller lugs that don't hurt the feet, and go for the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 or the Nike Pegasus 36 Trail instead.
If you want ultimate grip on technical terrains and on wet trails, experts recommend the Inov-8 TerraUltra G 270. And if you want something lighter, get the Scott Supertrac RC 2 (9.5 oz vs. 10.5 oz in US M 9).
Nike Terra Kiger 8 vs. 7
The Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8 carries over the same midsole and outsole design from its precursor. The only changes seen are found in the upper, including:
- an even more breathable mesh cover
- modified heel for a more locked-in fit
Sticks like glue
This is especially true on light mud, dirt, loose forest trails, and dry rocks. However, the lugs can be overbearing and can pain the foot when used on hard-packed trails.
Outsole needs an overhaul
The outsole of the previous Terra Kiger 7 has been called out by many trail runners for its poor grip on slick surfaces (rocks and roots included). And with the Kiger 8's unchanged outsole, the same problem continues.
Maximizing control, minimizing strain
Despite its low-to-the-ground design, experts agree that it still offers plenty of protection. It has a segmented rock plate in the heel that prevents any poking sensation, and a set of overlays in the forefoot that act as toe bumpers.
Feel your strides come to life
The Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8's React foam is neither soft nor harsh, creating the right blend for a responsive ride.
No more heel slips with the Kiger 8
One of the gripes many runners share with the Kiger 7 is the poor heel clutch. With the eighth iteration, they say the redesigned heel "works wonders" in preventing slips.
Step-in is uh-mazing
The upper looks plasticky but is the exact opposite to the touch. Even more, it offers ample protection from lace pressure when tightening the fit. And it's plenty breathable too; those who have tested under warm weather all claim that it remains breezy.
Pinches pennies
The Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 8 now costs less. From $160 (in version 7), it now retails for only $140.
Looks fire!
Apart from its colorways, the Kiger 8 has a sleek yet aggressive look about it that makes it a standout among most trail shoes. It looks so good; testers say Nike really "knows how to design nice-looking shoes."
The Nike Terra Kiger line could use a diet
Iteration after iteration, the Nike Terra Kiger gains a few more grams. And in this version, it's no different. For all the cushion and protection you get, the price to pay is weight gain. It goes from 295 g/10.4 oz to 298 g/10.5 oz in US M 9.