How we test trail running shoes
We have our independent shoe testing lab to help us identify which shoes are good and bad. And with the data we’ve gathered, we can definitely help you. To do so, we strictly execute the following during our tests:
- We buy all shoes with our own money to prevent bias-filled reviews. This prevents us from being corrupted while giving our feedback.
- Run in them for 30-50 miles. We test the shoes on trails, wet and dry, uphill and downhill, rocky and muddy, and other more varied environments.
- Slice each shoe into pieces. We do this to spot all the techs and details inside the shoes. Also, we measure them in 30 different parameters like breathability, sturdiness, cushion, etc.
Nike is no stranger to designing and manufacturing footwear with innovative footwear technologies. It’s no different with their lineup of trail running shoes.
Nike’s trail running shoes combine many of their tried and true running shoe technologies with extra features that prepare their shoes for the rough conditions you find on the trail.
Let’s have a look at some of the core components that make Nike trail running shoes so effective. And some proprietary Nike technologies you can expect to benefit from by purchasing Nike trail running shoes.
How to select the best Nike trail running shoe for you
With such a strong lineup of impressive trail runners, it’s tricky to delineate which shoe is best for you. Here are some things to think about that will help you make your decision.
Consider the terrain you enjoy
The trail running shoes you purchase should possess characteristics and features that lend themselves to the terrain you most often run on.
Think about it this way– trail running shoes are tools you can employ to accomplish the task of trail running. You want to employ the best tool for the job. For example, you wouldn’t use a crescent wrench to hammer in a nail.
Nike shoes with shallower lugs are better for transitioning from road to trail. Example:
- Nike Pegasus Trail (3.4 mm lugs)
- Nike Wildhorse (3.5 mm lugs)
Trail shoes with deeper lugs are better for mud, slush, and other types of soft and loose terrain. Example:
- Nike Terra Kiger (4.4 mm)
Think about the volume, intensity, and duration of your trail running
Volume is how often you go trail running. Intensity is how hard your trail running typically is. And duration is how long your trail runs can go for.
Do you prefer long runs in the backcountry? Do you want a shoe for casual runs nearby town? Do you run every week or every day?
Ideally, you want to select a Nike trail running shoe that can stand up to your typical routine. For example, if you cover longer distances (10K+) or have long stretches of road or hard-packed terrain, go for Nike shoes with more cushioning:
- Nike Pegasus Trail (heel stack: 35.5 mm)
- Nike Wildhorse (heel stack: 34.2 mm)
And if you go on shorter but want to feel speedier and more maneuverable on technical terrain, try:
- Nike Terra Kiger (heel stack: 30.1 mm)
Consider if you need waterproofing
If you live in a geographic region that has consistent wet weather, you may need to invest in a pair of Nike trail running shoes that feature a GTX membrane.
On the other hand, if you live in a dry and arid region, you may not need GTX trail running shoes. In that case, you may be better off with a pair of Nike’s super breathable trail runners.
The difference in breathability is very apparent in our smoke-pumping machine test:
Waterproof GTX shoe vs. non-waterproof shoe
Think about versatility
Are you looking for a specialized purpose-built trail running shoe that you deploy for trail running missions? Or do you need a more versatile shoe that you can put on for various activities, including trail running, hiking, and maybe even running errands?
The Pegasus Trail is Nike's most versatile trail running shoe.
What makes Nike trail running shoes effective?
Lightweight materials are used in the upper
One of the most important characteristics of Nike trail running shoes is that they are lightweight. Nike accomplishes this by utilizing synthetic materials in the shoe’s upper. For example, many Nike trail running shoe designs incorporate mesh in the construction.
Uppers constructed with synthetic materials like mesh facilitate unprecedented breathability when compared to other materials like leather. Breathability is very important for trail running shoes because the more the shoes can breathe, the better your feet can ventilate and avoid overheating.
In addition, trail running shoes made with breathable materials dry quickly. That’s because synthetic materials hold onto less moisture in the first place. In addition, synthetic materials like mesh ventilate more effectively than heavier and thicker materials.
Therefore, when given the opportunity to dry, Nike trail running shoes will dry super fast after getting soaked in an afternoon thunderstorm or slipping in a creek.
The midsoles are made with EVA foam
Trail running is hard on your body, in particular your feet. That’s why Nike trail running shoes utilize ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam in their midsoles. When it comes to dampening vibrations and absorbing shocks, EVA foam is the best in the business.
Plus, the material is lightweight and relatively durable. What’s not to love?
Of the Nike trail running shoes we reviewed, the Nike Wildhorse 8 had the softest cushioning. This makes the Wildhorse 8 ideal for long-distance trail running and ultra running.
Based on our durometer measurement, the Wildhorse 8 is 70% softer than trail shoes on average
The midsoles have integrated rock plates
Rock plates are super important for the effectiveness of trail running shoes. They are harder plastic (normally polyurethane) shields that are integrated into a shoe’s midsole.
The extra rigidity from the harder plastic adds stability and support to the shoe. But most importantly, they protect your feet from sharp objects on the trail, like rocks and roots.
Rock plates are found in the Nike Terra Kiger and the Nike Wildhorse
One fallback of rock plates is that they can add some weight to the overall design of the shoe. However, unless you’re a gram-counting trail runner, the difference is negligible.
The outsoles are designed for offroad use
Another way that Nike trail running shoes stand out from the rest is with their outsole design.
The outsole of a trail running shoe is important because it’s the first point of contact between you and the trail. Its purpose is to provide you with traction as you move over varied terrain such as dirt, rocks, gravel, mud, grass, snow, and ice.
Trail running outsoles feature specially designed lug profiles and patterns. When compared to traditional running shoes, trail shoes have aggressive chevron-shaped and large lugs. In addition, wide lug spacing allows mud to clear out quickly from the tread.
Nike Pegasus Trail is the brand's most road-ready trail shoe
Nike trail running shoes also rely on special rubber compounds for off-road usage. Typically, the rubber used in trail runners is thicker, harder, and more resistant to abrasion. That way, the outsole can remain durable and outlast the lifespan of the shoe.
Nike trail running technologies
Nike has been at the forefront of footwear technology since the very beginning. When it comes to their trail running shoes, it’s no different. Let’s take a look at some of the impressive technologies you can look forward to in Nike trail running shoes.
Nike React technology is super responsive
Nike React is one of Nike’s most responsive foam types. It’s 11% softer and offers 13% more energy return. Plus, it’s more durable and lightweight.
To achieve its unique characteristics, Nike combined multiple polymers– thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
ZoomX foam gives you the greatest possible energy return
ZoomX foam uses cutting edge technology to offer you the greatest possible energy return. The foam and the midsole’s shape literally help you turn the impact of your step into energy for your next stride.
Zoom X is Nike’s lightest foam type. And it offers 85% energy return– the greatest of any Nike foam.
Gore-Tex waterproof materials keep your feet dry
For trail runners who don’t want the threat of rain or river to slow them down, Nike has created some of the shoes in their trail running lineup with Gore-Tex.
Gore-Tex (GTX) is a high-performance material made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Due to the unique qualities of ePTFE, GTX materials are water and windproof. Even better, GTX fabrics are still breathable and allow for ventilation.
Vibram rubber outsoles give you traction
For the first time, Nike has collaborated with Vibram to offer a trail running shoe that combines Nike’s innovative shoe technologies with Vibram’s tried and true rubber.
The Nike Ultralfy Trail features Vibram’s Litebase technology. Vibrams Litebase uses Vibram's award-winning traction lug technology and its Megagrip rubber compound.
Carbon Flyplate protects your feet
Nike’s Carbon Flyplate is a thin and rigid carbon fiber plate embedded in the shoe’s midsole. The Flyplate is featured in many different Nike shoes and is designed to provide support, minimize fatigue, ease pressure in your Achilles, and reduce slipping inside the shoe.
As an added bonus in Nike trail running shoes, the Carboon Flyplate also functions as a rock shield protecting the bottoms of your feet from aggressive impacts with sharp objects on the trail.
Vaporweave mesh allows your feet to breathe
Vaporweave is a proprietary Nike material used to construct the uppers of many of their running shoes, including some trail running shoes. The Vaporweave mesh is a mixture of thermoplastic polymers and nylon and is inspired by boat racing sails.
Due to its construction, it absorbs much less water than other Nike meshes. Plus, it’s super breathable, lightweight, and relatively durable.
