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

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
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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. |
9
9
9.5
9.5
9
9
9.5
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9.5
8
9.5
9
9
9.5
10
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Facts | ||
Terrain | Trail | Trail |
Support | Neutral | Neutral |
Heel stack height | 30 mm | 36 mm |
Forefoot stack height | 24 mm | 26 mm |
Heel-to-toe drop | 6 mm | 10 mm |
Lugs | 4 mm | 3.5 mm |
Weight (men) | 280 g | 289 g |
Weight (women) | 258 g | 267 g |
Features | Rock plate | Toe bumper |
Athletes | ||
Release year | 2021 | 2022 |
Technologies | ||
Outsole | Rubber | Rubber |
Midsole | Nike React, Zoom Air | Nike React |
Upper | Engineered Mesh | Engineered mesh, Pull tab, Flywire, Extra Skin Overlay |
Cushioning | ||
Cushioning | Firm | Soft |
Responsiveness | High | Medium |
Use | ||
Distance | Short, Mid, Long | Mid, Long, Marathon |
Speed | Slow, Moderate, Fast | Slow, Moderate, Fast |
Workouts | Daily running | Daily running |