Nike Kiger

Kiger

In early 2014, Nike launched its modern trail running series with two high-performance shoes. One was the Kiger – a lightweight, low-profile silhouette built for fast-paced agility across mixed terrain at distances up to 50km. It has since become the brand’s flagship rapid trail racer.

The original Nike Kiger’s breathable mesh upper features densely woven sections and minimal overlays for durability, with Flywire lacing producing excellent lockdown alongside the midfoot wrap and gusseted tongue. Its full-length Phylon sole has dual Zoom Air units for a balance of comfortable cushioning and responsiveness, and its 4mm drop brings stability and control. Shallow lugs on the durable outsole offer reliable grip over both tarmac and moderate trails, while a stylishly minimalist esthetic sets the tone for the series.

Small changes on its successors improved elements like comfort, responsiveness, lockdown and grip, with 2017’s Kiger 4 adding a no-sew toe bumper and reducing the Flywire lacing to decrease snagging. The Nike Kiger 5 made significant alterations, introducing lightweight, responsive React foam and removing the forefoot Zoom Air to make way for a protective rock plate. Solid eyelets replace the Flywire cables, and a convenient pull tab adorns the heel, while the outsole is divided into three sections, with high-abrasion lugs on the forefoot and heel, and wet-traction rubber through the midfoot. Nike’s Trail logo appears on the heel and medial flank for the first time, and its fashion credentials were affirmed in an eccentric 2019 collaboration with Virgil Abloh and Off‑White™.

In 2020, eye-catching midsole text emphasized the trail-ready design of the Kiger 6: “Engineered to the exact specifications of trail runners. Worn to be Wild.” One year later, the Nike Kiger 7 swapped the Zoom Air and rock plate to deliver flexible protection and smooth transitions. Following minimal changes to the Kiger 8, 2024’s Kiger 9 removed the Zoom Air and rock plate, relying entirely on React foam for shock absorption, energy return and durability. Its engineered mesh upper is incredibly hard-wearing, with a substantial rubber toe bumper, sturdy lacing and updated multidirectional lugs for even better grip. French trail runner Baptiste Chassagne demonstrated its improved durability and performance by taking second in the demanding UTMB race.

In 2025, the Kiger 10 greatly enhanced performance and speed. Its fast-draining leno weave upper incorporates strategic zonal weaving to optimize durability, breathability and lockdown, while plush collar padding softens the ankle. Full-length Cushlon 3.0 offers responsive cushioning, the forefoot Rock Shield returns and its reduced stack height improves control and stability. A highly durable Vibram Megagrip outsole produces outstanding traction on wet and dry surfaces, allowing it to function well over challenging terrain, as proven by elite athletes like sub-ultra runner Bailey Kowalczyk, who describes it as “fast, precise and stable”.

The Nike Kiger is secure, durable and comfortable, supporting athletes across flat roads, rough gravel tracks and the steepest of rocky inclines. Its stable, grippy outsole and plush yet responsive midsole allow fast, precise movement, making it a powerful trail racing shoe.