08/29/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/29/2024 11:04
Nike Trail is marking a decade of serving adventurous athletes the world over by announcing the release of its Kiger and ReactX Wildhorse 10 silhouettes - complementary models designed to the exact specifications of trail runners everywhere.
Nike launched its modern trail franchise in 2014, tailoring its learnings from road and race cushioning, as well as off-road innovation dating to the 1980s, to empower runners to enjoy nature with best-in-class performance and protection. In the ensuing decade, the brand has developed a suite of eight world-class trail running shoes engineered to meet the demands of a rapidly growing segment of the industry.
The Kiger and Wildhorse are Nike's original trail franchises, meeting the needs of contemporary trail runners with consistent, year-over-year innovation that demonstrates Nike's commitment to athletes whose pursuits begin where the pavement ends.
"One thing I've always appreciated about Nike Trail is how everyone involved with the brand is always thinking, 'How can we do this better? How can we be more innovative? How can we be on the cutting edge? What is it that the athlete actually needs?'" says ultrarunner Sally McRae, a Nike Trail athlete for over a decade. "I love that as a Nike Trail athlete, I'm involved in that process, making sure we create the best shoes and continue to advance this sport."
Nike knows that the trail can serve as an entry point to running for athletes of all backgrounds, and the new Kiger and Wildhorse models deliver an inspired blend of comfort and performance for training runs, ultramarathons and everything in between.
The Kiger 10 is among Nike's most minimal and lightweight trail shoes to date: a low-profile silhouette built for trail races under 50K.
For the first time in its lineage, the forthcoming Kiger employs a Vibram Megagrip outsole, offering superior traction and durability focused in the high-wear forefoot and heel areas. A multidirectional 3.5mm lug design helps runners grip the trail on the ascent, then brake with confidence on the way back down, even in wet conditions.
A forefoot rock shield inspires additional confidence, no matter the terrain, and a responsive Cushlon 3.0 midsole bolsters runners' protection underfoot.
Meanwhile, a sleek, leno weave upper features specific durability, breathability and containment zones, providing protection and performance where runners need it most, as well as excellent drainage that keeps pace on even the wettest runs. A soft collar provides enhanced comfort, and a secure heel pocket helps keep the foot firmly in place.
While the nimble Kiger 10 slots alongside Nike Trail's flagship Ultrafly racing shoe in the brand's Rapid footwear construct, the ReactX Wildhorse 10 joins the burly Zegama 2 in the brand's rugged category of off-road models.
With an abundance of traction, cushioned responsiveness and trusted containment, Nike optimized the Wildhorse to serve a wide spectrum of trail uses - from short neighborhood training runs to steep, technical 100Ks.
The updated Wildhorse packs in new features that make the silhouette stand up to nearly any trail challenge, offering a 3mm taller stack height, forefoot rock shield and updated toe protection - all while dropping 35 grams from its predecessor.
Nike's long-lasting ReactX foam provides 13% more energy return while cutting the midsoles' carbon footprint by at least 43% in comparison to Nike React foam, and its All-Terrain Compound outsole with 4mm lugs provides excellent grip and durability in all conditions.
That boils down to a dependable, durable silhouette that will help runners reach their goals, whether they're working up to a trail 5K or taking aim at their next ultramarathon.
"The Wildhorse is very personal to me. It's always been dependable, always been reliable: No matter the terrain or the weather, the Wildhorse performs, holds up and goes the distance," says Sally, the longtime Nike Trail muse for the Wildhorse silhouette. "I'll be running my next 200-mile race in the Wildhorse - both because I truly love this new model and because I want to show athletes that you can dream big without wearing the most expensive flagship shoe."
The 10th editions of the Kiger and Wildhorse, beacons of Nike's trail innovation, will be available globally in April 2025.