Finally Nike has created a real trail running shoe with the recent release of the Nike Zoom Terra Wildhorse.

This shoe is well put together with a design that proved effective on my test runs around the University of California Santa Barbara?s campus lagoon, Sands Beach and a hike up to Santa Barbara?s popular trail, Inspiration Point.

Frances takes the trail shoes for a spin up to Inspiration Point, a popular hiking trail in Santa Barbara.

The most notable thing about this shoe, next to its funky-fun bright colors, is the strong traction its waffle outsole creates. Nike has clearly improved its design from earlier trail running shoes like the Nike Flex and Air Pegasus 29 Trail.

Immediately I noticed the great grip just running on cement. On my downhill hike from Inspiration Point and my downhill runs on dirt paths near the UCSB campus, I felt much more traction and grip with minimal slippage compared to my other regular running shoes. The grip is good.

While traction seems to be key to this shoes design, the waffle outsole doesn?t seem to be too heavy. This shoe felt light while running compared to many trail shoes that can feel a bit clunky sometimes. Its mesh upper helps keep the shoe light and provide breathability for long hot runs as well. It remains to be seen, however, how well that light-weight mesh will hold up over time.

Although it is relatively light in weight, the Terra Wildhorse still provides moderate cushioning and support. Hitting the downhill trail and rockier surfaces, I felt the give provided by the shoes’ cushioning which definitely absorbed shock and lightened impact.

I could feel the extended width in the heel while running. Making turns and moving on uneven surfaces allowed me to feel the stability of the shoes’ heel and other support. With a slight tendency to pronate in, I still felt very sturdy in this shoe around sharp turns and over rocky surfaces. It provided the stability I needed over a variety of terrain and slopes at different speeds.

The shoe’s qualities really stood out on rocky surfaces. In most running shoes, stepping on a sharp or protruding rock on a trail tends to send pressure straight to the point in my foot where it hits. The well-cushioned waffle outsole of the Terra Wildhorse helped spread this kind of pressure more evenly across my foot which made for a more comfortable and safer run. This is a key factor in cross country running. With varying running surfaces it’s important to have a trail shoe that can handle the bumpy terrain and provide effective support.

After testing this product out, I can?t really say I have any complaints with the shoe. The only thing I did note is that the shoes seem to run a bit small and so I ran in a half size larger than I ordinarily would have.

Other than that, Nike seems to have done well with the Terra Wildhorse trail shoe making it effective in both support and grip. And it?s done so while keeping the shoe at a light weight.

BUY LOCAL: Santa Barbara Running Company is an authorized Nike specialty running store. The Terra Wildhorse, released in the late spring, has a suggested retail price of $110.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

---

—Weight: 9.6 ounces (men’s size 10)
—Anatomical heel is rounded for more natural range of motion
—Mesh inner sleeve wraps the foot for a plush, comfortable fit
—Molded sockliner enhances underfoot support
—Mesh upper with strategically placed overlays for breathability and support
—Dynamic Fit technology for adaptive comfort and support
—Reflective elements for visibility in low-light conditions
—Compression moulded Phylon and Cushlon midsole for dual-density cushioning and a responsive ride
—Nike Zoom unit for low-profile, responsive cushioning
—Rubber Waffle outsole for durability and multisurface traction

Santa Barbara Running Company is an authorized Nike specialty running store