Nike Wildhorse 10
Pros
- Cushion-packed midsole
- Modernized upper
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Better build quality
- Bold new look with better finish
- Versatile
- Improved energy return
- Forefoot rock plate
Cons
- Still too heavy
- Mesh upper is fragile
- Brutal price hike
- Less agile than predecessors
Key Features
- Engineered mesh upper: Combines breathability with open holes for improved airflow.
- ReactX foam midsole: Offers lightweight energy return, ensuring a comfortable ride.
- Nike Trail ATC outsole: Made from an all-terrain compound suitable for various weather conditions, including wet surfaces.
- Ankle collar: Designed to prevent debris from entering the shoe while you’re on the move.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: A blend of mesh and textile, featuring a rubber outsole.
- Inner material: Engineered mesh for added comfort and breathability.
The Nike Wildhorse 10 is well-suited for hikers seeking strong shock absorption, energy return, and stability during outdoor adventures. Our lab tests confirm its effective cushioning and wide platform, making it one of the best options in the category of Nike hiking shoes.
With ample cushioning providing comfort on long trails, the shoe boasts a stack height of 38.3/27.4 mm, which contributes to gentle landings. During our shock absorption tests, it demonstrated superior impact reduction, recording 144/105 SA compared to the average of 120/97 SA.
The bouncy cushion enhances each step with notable energy return, as evidenced by an impressive score of 61.3% in our tests. Additionally, the Wildhorse 10 features a wide platform measuring 120.6/93.8 mm, which provides more stability than the average 112.4/89.5 mm width.
Its roomy toebox accommodates various foot shapes; however, it may not be suitable for individuals with narrow feet who prefer a more secure fit. Overall, while the cushioning and stability are significant advantages, potential users should consider their foot shape when choosing this model.
Nike Terra Kiger 9
Pros
- Bouncy and durable React foam
- Excellent grip on dry terrain
- Built-like-a-tank upper
- Adequate cushioning for long runs
- Fantastic choice for wide feet
- No heel slippage
- Light and agile
- Remarkable value at $150
- Outstanding choice for forefoot strikers
Cons
- Subpar grip performance on wet terrain
- Could be more stable
Key Features
- Nike React technology: A lightweight, durable foam that provides a smooth and responsive ride.
- Full React midsole: Offers enhanced ground connection without compromising comfort or speed.
- Multi-directional traction lugs: High-abrasion rubber aids in grip during ascents and descents, even in wet conditions.
- Breathable upper: Made from engineered mesh that is stronger, more flexible, and keeps dirt out.
- Midfoot band: Provides stability and support to minimize movement within the shoe.
- Durability: Constructed with abrasion-resistant materials for longevity, particularly in high-wear areas.
Specifications
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Engineered mesh, stronger and more flexible than regular mesh.
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Nike Terra Kiger 9 is a notable option for those seeking a lightweight shoe suitable for hiking and trail running. Its updated features enhance both comfort and stability while maintaining a reduced weight, making it an excellent choice for active outdoor enthusiasts.
Weighing in at just 10.2 oz (288g), the Nike Terra Kiger 9 is 9% lighter than its predecessor, the Kiger 7. In comparison to the average hiking shoe, which typically weighs 13 oz (374g), this model stands out as exceptionally lightweight, allowing users to cover more distance without fatigue.
The React foam cushioning provides a soft ride with remarkable comfort, with our durometer measuring the midsole softness at 17.3 HA. This is significantly softer than the average hiking shoe midsole, recorded at 30.7 HA, ensuring a comfortable experience regardless of temperature fluctuations, as the midsole only hardens to 22.9 HA in lab-simulated winter conditions.
While a soft midsole can raise concerns about stability, the Nike Terra Kiger 9 effectively addresses this issue. The measured forefoot width is 115.3 mm, which is 4.1 mm wider than average, and the heel width at 89.9 mm is also 2.2 mm wider than average, creating a stable landing surface that minimizes foot roll on uneven terrain.
Despite the 4.4 mm lugs being around average for hiking shoes, the Nike Terra Kiger 9 shows limited performance on soft terrain, such as mud or snow. Therefore, this model may not be suitable for hikers requiring reliable traction on wet, soft surfaces.
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
Pros
- Fully gusseted tongue
- Reflective elements
- Durable upper construction
- New rockered sole
- Great for heel strikers
- Reasonably priced
- All-around comfort
Cons
- Weight increase
- Possibly too plush for trails
- Still lacks traction
Key Features
- Water-Resistant GORE-TEX Upper: Keeps your feet dry in wet conditions.
- ReactX Foam Midsole: 13% more responsive than previous React technology, offering excellent energy return.
- Air Zoom Unit: Positioned in the forefoot for additional cushioning and responsiveness.
- Nike Trail ATC Outsole: Designed for all-terrain adaptability, ensuring stability even in wet weather.
- High Ankle Cuff: Prevents dirt and debris from entering the shoe.
- Reflective Elements: Enhance visibility during low-light conditions.
Specifications
- Model Number: FQ0908-400
- Upper Material: Waterproof GORE-TEX
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Shaft Height: Ankle Strap
- Cushioning: Air Zoom Unit
- Midsole: ReactX Foam
- Origin: Imported
The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is a hybrid trail running shoe best suited for runners seeking reliability and versatility. It performs well on both rugged terrain and urban environments, effectively combining the necessary toughness with comfort for long-distance runs.
During extensive testing, the outsole exhibited minimal wear, with our durometer indicating a robust 87.9 HC All Terrain Compound. Testing with a Dremel revealed exceptional resistance, showing only slight damage of 0.8 mm. The 3.2 mm lug depth ensures excellent grip on moderate trails while remaining lightweight for city running.
Highly cushioned, the ReactX foam is measured at 51.1% softer than average, which aids in absorbing impact upon landing and propelling during takeoff. This cushioning significantly enhances the overall running experience. Its durability allows it to endure multiple training cycles without significant wear.
The upper section is padded and features layers of mesh for added protection, achieving a perfect score for durability in lab tests, as the Dremel barely affected its integrity. However, the shoe has limitations regarding ventilation, receiving a breathability rating of 2/5, making it less suitable for warmer weather conditions.
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX
Pros
- Versatile road-to-trail performance
- Grippier than the standard version
- Surprisingly light for a GTX shoe
- Accommodates wide feet with ease
- Delivers a really stable ride for neutral runners
- Upper showcases remarkable durability
- Fantastic option for heel strikers
Cons
- Non-gusseted tongue allows water and debris to enter the shoe
- Not suitable for technical terrain
- Excessive drop for midfoot or forefoot strikers
Key Features
- Waterproof Gore-Tex Layer: Keeps your feet dry during wet conditions.
- Responsive Nike React Technology: Provides cushioning and support for a soft feel.
- Generative Traction Pattern: Offers enhanced grip on both technical trails and roads.
- Minimal Rubber Outsole: Facilitates smooth transitions between different terrains.
- Durable Upper Material: Protects against water and dirt entering the shoe.
Specifications
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Shaft Height: Knöchel (Ankle)
- Outer Material: Composite
- Inner Material: Manmade
The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX is a waterproof hiking shoe designed for outdoor enthusiasts seeking protection from the elements. It effectively prevents wet feet, fatigue, and slips during various activities.
The Gore-Tex membrane provides significant waterproofing, supported by multiple TPU layers in the shoe's construction. With a breathability rating of 2/5, it offers protection against cold and moisture while the outsole demonstrates notable durability, achieving a score of 4/5 in our Dremel test for resistance to premature wear.
The middle layer features React foam, which delivers a gentle yet lively feel underfoot. Our measurements show a 37.7 mm heel that ensures impact protection while being 29.3% lighter than average, enhancing comfort during extended hikes.
The outsole, equipped with 3.5 mm lugs, provides stability and control on mixed terrains, wet surfaces, and steep descents, thus ensuring safety throughout various trails.
However, it's important to note that the waterproofing effectiveness is limited to the ankles, as the tongue is not fully gusseted, allowing water to enter beyond that point.
Nike ACG Watercat+
Pros
- Outstanding water drainage
- Immensely breathable
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Very light on foot
- Amazingly grippy on wet
- Very grounded platform
- Bends along with the foot
- Adaptable fit with a roomy toebox
- Easy on-and-off
- Comfy in-shoe feel
- Bold aesthetics
Cons
- No arch or ankle support
- Catches debris and small pebbles easily
Key Features
- Quick-Drying Material: The minimalist upper is crafted from woven materials with non-wicking cords, ensuring lightweight breathability and quick drying capabilities.
- Streamlined Design: Pull tabs made from cord extend from the shoe body for a sleek, modern look.
- Comfortable Fit: The drop-in midsole provides a sandal-like feel, which helps keep your foot securely in place.
- Enhanced Traction: The sticky rubber outsole delivers excellent grip, making it suitable for various terrains, from rocky paths to city streets.
- ACG Branding: Features distinct ACG logos that highlight the shoe's heritage and outdoor capabilities.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Woven upper
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- Size: Available in Size 8
The Nike ACG Watercat+ is a specialized shoe ideal for water hiking enthusiasts. Its notable breathability, quick-draining capabilities, and excellent grip make it well-suited for waterside activities.
This shoe stands out in the Nike lineup due to its highly breathable construction, which has been verified through lab testing. The durable woven cord upper maximizes airflow and drainage while being soft and pliable to accommodate various foot shapes. After testing in streams, water effectively drained through both the woven upper and midsole holes, keeping our feet dry and reducing the risk of blisters.
Lab measurements indicate that the lugs of the ACG Watercat+ are smaller than average by 1.3 mm. Nonetheless, their multi-directional honeycomb design alleviated our initial concerns regarding traction. These lugs provide reliable grip on all surfaces, particularly wet rock, where they perform effectively like suction cups.
Despite its minimalist design, the Nike ACG Watercat+ delivers significant comfort and responsiveness underfoot. We noted the midsole’s high energy return rate of 57.0%, contributing to a livelier ride during use.
However, we do not recommend the Nike ACG Watercat+ for hikers who need substantial ankle and arch support. It received a rating of 1/5 in our manual tests for torsional flexibility, indicating that while it offers great flexibility, those requiring additional support may want to explore other options.