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Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 5 - Women's Review

A lightweight and sensitive trail shoe that fits a regular to narrow foot best
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Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 5 - Women's Review
Credit: Nike
Price:  $130 List
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Manufacturer:   Nike
By Amber King ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Aug 2, 2019
72
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Foot protection - 20% 6.0
  • Sensitivity - 20% 8.0
  • Traction - 15% 6.0
  • Stability - 15% 9.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 15% 5.0
  • Weight - 15% 9.0

Our Verdict

If you're looking for a lightweight and stable shoe, the Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5 delivers. One of the most durable and high-performance shoes in this review for its weight class, it offers minimal protection and balances sensitivity and stability fantastically. The outsole features super sticky rubber that performs well over wet surfaces but fails to deliver on sloppy surfaces or super steep slopes. The fit is best for those with a regular to narrow foot, offering a more tapered fit in the toe box that can squish for those with a wider foot. We tested this shoe for over 60 miles through the Spring and early Summer in the San Juan mountains. After our in-depth field testing, we deem this a great lightweight trail option that you can take on most trail surfaces.
REASONS TO BUY
Responsive cushioning
Stable
Sensitive
Lightweight
Durable for its design
REASONS TO AVOID
Not protective
Lacks comfort elements
Tight toe box
White material stains
New Color Options

Though the color combo we tested in our review isn't offered anymore, Nike still offers the Terra Kiger 5 in several bright pops of color. One of the current options is pictured above.

March 2020

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5 is a lightweight, stable, and low-profile shoe. It's an excellent option for those with a regular to narrow foot profile that are seeking a racing option for shorter distances.

Performance Comparison


nike air zoom terra kiger 5 for women - the terra kiger 5 in all its glory looking over the san juan...
The Terra Kiger 5 in all its glory looking over the San Juan mountains in Colorado. This lightweight trail running shoe has the affinity to tackle technical terrain and cross-over for a responsive ride on dirt roads. While the colors are pretty 'euro' a white color is not so functional for true trail runners that are going to get dirty.
Credit: Joanne Marcyzk

Foot Protection


This shoe offers minimal protection with the use of both its midsole and a segmented rockplate. The midsole has a stack height of 24 mm in the heel with 20 mm in the forefoot. For a trail shoe, it offers sufficient protection, but in comparison to other trail shoes out there, it could be better.

nike air zoom terra kiger 5 for women - while the upper does some work to wick away water, it doesn't offer...
While the upper does some work to wick away water, it doesn't offer the best dry time. After hiking through the snow for over an hour, then running for another, the shoe is still wet and has not dried out. We do appreciate the underfoot cushioning that is responsive and protective.
Credit: Joanne Marcyzk

While running on a super sharp and rocky trail, we noticed rocks protruding and poking the bottom of our feet. Testing determined this to be a result of the squishier midsole and segmented rock plate, which do not have continuous construction.

nike air zoom terra kiger 5 for women - the toe cap isn't the most protective and is quite flexible. we'd...
The toe cap isn't the most protective and is quite flexible. We'd like to see a harder a burlier option. As a result, this shoe isn't our favorite if you're going to be encountering a lot of 'fixed' rocks on the trail.
Credit: Amber King

The overlay mesh does a good job of keeping out debris, but it's not very water-resistant or breathable. It fairs well on more technical trails; you just have to be careful where to put your foot.

Sensitivity


With its lightweight and more flexible design, you can feel most things underfoot. This shoe offers quite an intimate trail experience overall.

nike air zoom terra kiger 5 for women - jo tests the sensitivity of two different shoes. in this case, the...
Jo tests the sensitivity of two different shoes. In this case, the Terra Kiger 5 definitely won with her feeling more rocks and trail treasures underfoot.
Credit: Joanne Marcyzk

Traction


The outsole is composed of a sticky rubber that excels on wet surfaces. The shoe itself is flexible, so it does turn under pressure, making it less apt to kick in a snow step or the like.

nike air zoom terra kiger 5 for women - a look at all elements of the outsole.
A look at all elements of the outsole.
Credit: Amber King

The lugs are small, flexible, and multidirectional. While the rubber does a great job holding on to slippery surfaces with rocks, water, or small quantities of mud, the lugs don't grab very well when heading down steep trails.


While hiking uphill, we didn't notice much slippage, but on the down, we found ourselves not trusting the integrity of the grip. Overall, traction is decent. It performs well on most trail surfaces but is limited with super-soft surfaces filled with lots of mud or snow. It also has trouble gripping on steep slopes.

nike air zoom terra kiger 5 for women - we test the traction of those lightweight runners over snow. while...
We test the traction of those lightweight runners over snow. While they aren't the best for this function, we found ourselves moving through snowfields for a few miles before the terrain got too steep.
Credit: Joanne Marcyzk

Stability


Stability is wonderful; this shoe has a low-profile design (4 mm drop) that makes you feel one with the trail. The shoe's sensitivity allows you to adjust your positioning for better stability overall. The shoe itself is quite flexible, and molds around trail hazards that you might come across. Overall, we were happy with the performance in the stability metric.

nike air zoom terra kiger 5 for women - this shoe is flexible and wraps around trail hazards for increased...
This shoe is flexible and wraps around trail hazards for increased stability. This is largely due to the responsive yet flexible midsole foam material used through its body.
Credit: Joanne Marcyzk

Comfort & Fit


Our testers were across the board when it came to this metric. First, this shoe fits those with a more narrow foot but does well with a regular width. The toe box feels a bit tight for those with a wider foot, making them feel cramped. The collar does a good job wrapping the foot, but the heel cup is not as snug as we wish. There is minimal arch support.

nike air zoom terra kiger 5 for women - a look at the internal elements of the shoe. the elements are not...
A look at the internal elements of the shoe. The elements are not 'plush' but they are smooth and comfortable.
Credit: Amber King

The cushioning underfoot is quite responsive and bouncy, making this an excellent option for flatter or faster terrain. The materials lining the shoe are smooth and soft to the touch. However, we are not psyched on its lack of breathability or the drying ability, which we experienced on a super hot day where we encountered snow at a high altitude.

nike air zoom terra kiger 5 for women - the collar is also comfortable and provides a nice, specific fit.
The collar is also comfortable and provides a nice, specific fit.
Credit: Amber King

Overall, comfort and fit are sub-par in comparison to the other more cushioned options out there.

nike air zoom terra kiger 5 for women - the lacing system integrates into the body of the shoes to...
The lacing system integrates into the body of the shoes to adequately wrap your foot as needed.
Credit: Amber King

Weight


This is a lightweight shoe, weighing only 8.4 oz for a size nine. It would make a great trail racing option.

nike air zoom terra kiger 5 for women - the weight of a size nine shoe. this lightweight option is great for...
The weight of a size nine shoe. This lightweight option is great for racing or days where you are feeling more like a minimalist.
Credit: Amber King

Value


While the Terra Kiger 5 didn't top any charts in our metrics, it's still a great option for those seeking a lightweight and sensitive shoe. Since there aren't many out there with this profile, it might be worth the value. However, there are other trail shoes out there that are a little heavier and offer better performance for a better price.

nike air zoom terra kiger 5 for women - the mountains are a great place for this shoe! as long as the trails...
The mountains are a great place for this shoe! As long as the trails are dry, they'll keep you logging the miles. It's not a favorite for long distances, but many runners out there have used them for ultra distance distances and races with less mileage. If you want a shoe that'll help you increase your turnover, this lightweight contender might just be the ticket.
Credit: Joanne Marcyzk

Conclusion


The Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5 is a lightweight and low-profile trail running shoe. It has its caveats, like a lack of comfort and protective elements, but it's super stable and sensitive. The outsole delivers performance on all surfaces except for the super steep, snowy, and muddy, which not all trail runners will encounter.

nike air zoom terra kiger 5 for women - the terra kiger 5 is a lightweight trail shoe that can take on most...
The Terra Kiger 5 is a lightweight trail shoe that can take on most trail obstacles that a trail will throw at you.
Credit: Amber King

Amber King