Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 6 Review
Refined Fit, Same Speedy Shoe
Likes
- Great Fit
- Outstanding Traction
- Balanced Cushioning
- Lightweight
Dislikes
- Not Enough Cushioning for Long Distances
What's New
With small changes to the upper, the Nike Terra Kiger 6 refines Nike's "fast" trail running shoe. This shoe features a full length React foam midsole with a Zoom Air unit in the heel for extra cushioning upon landing. Meanwhile, a segmented rock plate protects your feet from stone bruising without inhibiting the shoe's flexibility, and the outsole boasts multi-directional rubber lugs and a rubber midfoot pod for added grip on wet trails. Although a minor update, the new upper has been modified for more breathability and has repositioned overlays for an enhanced fit.
The Bottom Line
Low profile, nimble, and speedy, the Nike Terra Kiger 6 is a great option for faster training and trail racing. The cushioning offers a balance of softness and responsiveness that is great for those who enjoy feeling connected to the ground, but many will find it better suited for shorter runs rather than ultramarathon distances. The changes to the Terra Kiger 6 are minimal and include a tweaked upper for added breathability as well as a more secure fit. Our tester's agreed that it felt almost exactly like the previous version, but they loved the new aesthetics and added pull tab. If you're a fan of the Terra Kiger 5, this new model will not disappoint.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium to low (Men's: Low) | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to Low | |
| Heel Width | Medium to Narrow | |
| Arch Height | Men's: Medium to high | Women's: Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.3 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.3 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 27mm (Heel), 23mm (Forefoot) | 5 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Trail | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
The low-to-the-ground design of the Nike Terra Kiger 6 is paired with a full-length React foam midsole for a comfortable underfoot feel. Our testers agreed that the shoe may not have enough softness for longer runs but offered a pleasant feel for daily training.
Tracie: "The Terra Kiger 6 is not what I’d call a “super soft” shoe. Although, for me, it has plenty of cushioning to provide comfort over all types of trail terrain for distances up to about a half marathon. The only time these shoes feel a tad too firm is if I run on the road when headed to the trailhead."
Erik: "The React foam provides a certain level of softness while still delivering good responsiveness."
Ride/Energy Return i
The React midsole featured in the Terra Kiger 6 gives it an energetic ride that works at any pace. Our testers enjoyed the shoe's ability to keep them pressing forward on the trail.
Tracie: "The Terra Kiger 6, like the previous version, feels responsive, although I wouldn’t call it “bouncy”. Rather, it feels efficient and makes it easy to keep my legs turning over quickly."
Erik: "Again, the React foam does the job. It has a very responsive platform underfoot that allows the runner to move along the trails at any pace needed."
Underfoot Protection i
With a Zoom Air unit in the heel and a segmented rock plate, the Nike Terra Kiger 6 offers a balance of underfoot cushioning and nimbleness. The shoe protects the runner from rocks underfoot, but our testers agreed that it may not offer enough cushioning for ultramarathon distances.
Tracie: "While there isn’t a ton of underfoot cushioning, the Terra Kiger 6 does feel fairly protective, even over rocky, chunky terrain. The rock plate helps add a layer of protection while keeping the shoes light and nimble."
Erik: "The Terra Kiger is built for speed, not cushion. You will feel some of the more gnarly rocks. You will feel some of the longer miles. BUT that is the tradeoff for the lightweight package."
Underfoot Flexibility i
The Terra Kiger 6 features a segmented rock plate that offers a very flexible and nimble ride for a trail shoe. Our testers enjoyed the smoothness that it gave the shoe at a variety of paces and terrains.
Tracie: "Even with the plate, the Terra Kiger 6 is plenty flexible, providing a natural feel and extremely smooth transition."
Erik: "The shoe is very flexible, which is favorable for moving fast over a variety of terrain. The flexibility feels great for on both hard-pack or scrabbling down a rocky hillside."
Upper Feel i
The new mesh upper is still light and adaptable while offering a more secure fit through the midfoot and toebox. Our testers especially liked the addition of a pull tab at the heel for easy on and off.
Tracie: "With many trail shoes, I struggle to get what feels like a solid lockdown on the midfoot, but the Terra Kiger wraps and hugs my foot so comfortably! On really loose or off-camber stuff, there is a tiny bit of slippage, but it’s not a deal-breaker for me."
Erik: "I feel there is a little sloppiness in the midfoot of this shoe. I’d like a little tighter or more supportive fit to help with some of the lateral movements that occur on the trails. Overall, it is a good upper that appears to have the durability needed for rough trails."
Nike Terra Kiger 10
Nike Men's Terra Kiger 10
Individual Thoughts
I tested the Terra Kiger 5 last year, and since then, they have become my go-to trail shoe. I’ve put a lot of miles on them and really enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to testing version 6. To be honest, they feel basically identical to me. Since I really really like version 5, I’m pretty happy with the 6s! The underfoot feel remains snappy with a hint of softness, the traction is still fantastic, and the upper still hugs my foot while remaining adaptable and comfortable. Nike has made a few minor modifications, all of which I like. The new pull tab on the heel, for example, is a very small detail, but the design makes a lot more sense than the previous version. Aesthetically, I think Nike upped their game with this new version as well – the colors look great!
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
If you want to move fast over a variety of terrain (single track, rocks, roots, fire roads, and even paved roads) the Terra Kiger 6 is a great option. The shoe performs well in a variety of conditions. There aren’t any substantial updates from the 5 to the 6, but rather a refinement to an already great shoe.
