9/5/13: Today in Performance Kicks

Prose: Jake Sittler (@jtsittler)

In order to get us some more consistent content, we’re testing out a new theme here at TGRR. It’s called Today in Performance Kicks, and I’ll basically be highlighting the top news of the day in performance sneakers. We’ll range from running to training to hoops shoes and will highlight more or less options depending on the news flow.

Nike Presents Three New Trail Running Options
As the fall season approaches, Nike is releasing three lightweight trail options for those outdoor running enthusiasts. The Zoom Terra Kiger, Zoom Wildhorse and Free Hyperfeel Trail each present high performance options in a lightweight package.

The Zoom Terra Kiger boasts a lugged outsole with sticky rubber portions for grip in all conditions and is complimented by a responsive Zoom midsole unit. The heel-toe drop is a barefoot-like 4 mm and the heel is rounded off to provide a more natural midfoot stride. Dynamic Flywire is featured within a mesh upper for solid lockdown.

The cousin to the Terra Kiger is the Zoom Wildhorse. Featuring a similar midsole/outsole setup (including a classic Waffle outsole, rounded heel and Zoom cushioning), the Wildhorse differs by employing a lightweight Dynamic Fit lockdown system under a single layer of mesh. The Wildhorse is probably considered a slight takedown model from the Terra Kiger as the upper materials aren’t quite as nice, but you’re still getting quality Zoom cushioning in a lightweight trail shoe for right around $100.

The Nike Free Hyperfeel Run Trail takes Flyknit to another level, employing it on a trail shoe for the first time. The Hyperfeel uses a combination Flyknit and synthetic upper to provide a simultaneous sock-like fit and outdoor-worthy durability. The collar is where you’ll find the Flyknit hugging the ankle like a sock in order to provide the best fit as well as keeping out debris. The unique rear lacing system also plays a role in providing a snug fit. A Lunarlon midsole takes care of the cushioning while the outsole is finished off in a Nike Free-inspired Waffle pattern. The outsole lugs are heavier in higher-wear areas, as evidenced by the heat map graphic on the outsole.

news via Nike, Inc/images via Nike.com

Nike Sonic Flight

For now all we have are a few images, but it appears we’ll have a new Nike Basketball hybrid model at some point in 2014. It’s being dubbed the Sonic Flight, and appears to be a mashup of the Nike Zoom GP and Afterburner Flight (the lateral vamp), the Zoom Garnett III (heel Air unit) and Gary Payton’s “Glove” model (the exposed monkey paw ankle structure). It’s an interesting hybrid of 90s Nike Basketball models, and it’s a shoe I haven’t fully formed an opinion of. Either way, it’s worth paying attention to in the future and we’ll relay more news to you as it comes in.