Nike Terra Kiger 2 vs Wildhorse 2 (and Lunar Tempo)

Both trail shoes are going to feel quite a bit different than your Pegasus Trail 29. The 2nd version of both shoes have a 4mm offset and have lower stack heights than the Pegasus. Pegasus offset is 12mm I believe in the 29.

If you can wait for the 3rd versions to come out. I would go with the Wildhorse. The 3rd version of that shoe will have an 8mm drop which won't be as drastic of a difference from the Pegs.

With that said, I personally, prefer a lower offset on trails because the transition is smoother and I have more control. Also, I feel like my footstrike is different so the lower offset is actually more comfortable. They are all good shoes so it just comes down to your comfort level.

I cant speak specifically for the Lunar Tempo but when I was in college I used LunarRacers. We did lots of long intervals and tempo runs of 4-7 miles and i never had any issues. I also raced a marathon in them.

The Kiger and Wildhorse are built on the same platform, but there are a few differences. The Kiger has Zoom Air in the forefoot and heel, the Wildhorse just in the heel. The Kiger has a more socklike upper with less seams/stitching. The Kiger also has a "sticky rubber" oursole that gives a little more grip when wet (not sure if you would notice). I think the Kiger feels much better for the slightly higher price, but both are good shoes. Both of these shoes are much more minimal than the PEG with a 4mm drop (14mm-10mm). I would say they are similar in feel to the pure connect or pure flow. Hope that helps.

I went from the Pegasus Trail 29 to the Wildhorse 2 because I was looking for something a little more minimalist. I liked the Wildhorse 2, but I would have preferred just a little bit more protection as most of the trails I run on are sharp rocky trails in Arizona. My only problem with them was the tread only lasted about 150 miles before I started to experience noticeable slip because of the lack of tread. I finally switched them out after about 250 miles.

I've since switched to the Pearl Izumi Trail N1 which are just about perfect for me. Not sure about tread life just yet, but after about 50 miles I would bet they will last more than twice as long as the Nikes.

3rd versions of Kiger and Wildhorse differ more. Wildhorse not 4mm anymore. 8 I think. Early on, Zoom in forefoot was noticeable. Kiger one of my favorite shoes ever. Sticky runner blows out fast. Have tons of miles on 2 Kigers. One maybe 1500, just use on road runs as Streak LT hurts forefoot now. I am old and sucky. Tread on Wildhorse has held up well,and theynfeel good now. Do 2-3 2 hour plus trail runs a week in them. That said, not to be douchey, but will not run in 8-10mm shoe. Old and sucky, know what works for my sorry ass now.

Thanks for the useful comments. I see the Wildhorse 3 (and Terra Kiger 3) are out now - anyone tried them yet?

Also anyone happen to have the Flyknit Lunar 3? I'm thinking of getting these two for day to day road mileage (I currently use Lunarglide 3 and Zoom Elite 7).

Thks

I have two pairs of the first version of the Terra Kiger and I liked them, but the Kiger 2 has a noticeably stiffer forefoot, which I didn't like. I think I saw both the Wildhorse and the newer Kiger today on display, but they both seem to be stiffer (maybe have a rock plate). Does anyone have a suggestion for a more flexible trail shoe, preferably one with some cushioning in the forefoot? Thanks.

You may want to check out the zoom fly 2 for longer tempos. It's a trainer but not clunky.

I have the Streak LT2s and I love them: they're responsive, light, and the upper feels luxurious. However, your assumption about them is correct: they're definitely designed as a racing flat and have very little midsole cushion. I use them for track work, racing, and tempos (which for me go up to about seven miles because I run the 3k/5k). I've never felt like they were too light for my longer tempos but I agree with you that they're probably too light for 10 milers. I'm also a smaller guy (5'6" 130lbs) so it probably depends on your build too.

As far as trail shoes, I personally have never bothered with them and have never had an issue with slipping just wearing road shoes. Trails here in the PNW can get pretty muddy and I've found that trail shoes don't make really any difference if you're just using them for easy/long runs. Racing may be another story.

It looks like Running Warehouse has the Kiger 3 and Wildhorse 3 in stock already.

Hmmm maybe the rock plate might make it too stiff for my liking too then as more looking for a standard road trainer but with increased grip for off road. That said, if I buy from Nike online can return within 30 days even after running in them so will probably go down that route.

Also come across the Nike Wild Trail which looks to be a much cheaper option.....anyone tried this / comparisons versus the others?

Drachma wrote:

Hmmm maybe the rock plate might make it too stiff for my liking too then as more looking for a standard road trainer but with increased grip for off road. That said, if I buy from Nike online can return within 30 days even after running in them so will probably go down that route.

Terra Kiger 3 does not have a rock plate.