Nike Terra Kiger vs. Pegasus Trail: Which One? (2022 Comparison)

Nike Terra Kiger 8 vs Pegasus Trail 4

The Terra Kiger and the Pegasus Trail are the two spearheads of Nike’s trail running collection. Granted, it’s a bit limited as the American brand only offers a few models. Indeed, Nike has long focused on running and track. As a result, the brand’s ambitions in trail running are relatively new.

These two models have different vocations. They both come with relatively high-stack cushioning, but the Terra Kiger 8 has deeper and more aggressive lugs for technical terrains. The Pegasus Trail 4‘s outsole features smaller lugs, making them insufficient in mud or on wet rocks.

However, the Pegasus Trail 4’s configuration has one notable advantage: it makes it a hybrid shoe capable of comfortably venturing onto the road. With the Terra Kiger, this is still possible, but it will be much less comfortable.

The cushioning is also different. The Terra Kiger has a firmer, more responsive platform, while the Pegasus Trail 4 has a softer, more flexible platform.

Similarly, the Terra Kiger provides a more precise (and wider fit) foot lockdown.

Terra Kiger or Pegasus Trail: Which One to Choose?

The answer depends on your running practice and your goals. If you’re looking for a versatile shoe to easily alternate between road and accessible trails, then the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 seems a better choice.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an exclusively trail running shoe that can tackle technical terrain, then the Nike Terra Kiger 8 is the right choice.

Side-By-Side Comparison Table

9.2
Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 8 Check Prices
9.2
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Check Prices
Overview
Description The Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 8 combines protection, grip, and firm cushioning for a safe ride on most trails. Nike upgraded an already impressive hybrid road-trail shoe with the release of its updated and lighter Nike Pegasus Trail 4.
Comfort
9
Grip
9
Protection and foot lockdown
9.5
Responsiveness
9.5
Durability
9
Value
9
Design
9.5
Comfort
9.5
Grip
8
Protection and foot lockdown
9.5
Responsiveness
9
Durability
9
Value
9.5
Design
10
Facts
TerrainTrailTrail
Support NeutralNeutral
Heel stack height30 mm36 mm
Forefoot stack height24 mm26 mm
Heel-to-toe drop6 mm10 mm
Lugs4 mm3.5 mm
Weight (men)280 g289 g
Weight (women) 258 g267 g
Features Rock plateToe bumper
Athletes
Release year20212022
Technologies
Outsole RubberRubber
Midsole Nike React, Zoom Air Nike React
UpperEngineered MeshEngineered mesh, Pull tab, Flywire, Extra Skin Overlay
Cushioning
Cushioning Firm Soft
ResponsivenessHigh Medium
Use
DistanceShort, Mid, Long Mid, Long, Marathon
Speed Slow, Moderate, Fast Slow, Moderate, Fast
WorkoutsDaily running Daily running
Kevin Le Gall

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner's Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He's also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.