Nike Wildhorse 8 trail running shoes

The Nike Wildhorse 8 trail running shoe is a comfortable, well-cushioned everyday running shoe that’s suitable for heavier, muddy trails. The shoe’s benefits are best utilized on longer trail runs due to its great comfort, as well as its good grip on more technical, muddy terrain. You won’t break any speed records in this shoe because it’s heavy and less dynamic, but you’ll love it on everyday trails.

The upper of the Nike Wildhorse 8 trail running shoe is made up of two layers. The outer layer is a tougher mesh material complemented by rubber protective layers, and the inner layer is a soft insert that is one with the tongue of the shoe. This solution, called Dynamic Fit by Nike, prevents any debris from entering the shoe and hugs the foot extremely securely. The thick tongue further enhances comfort. The heel section is stiff and moderately cushioned, keeping the foot well supported and comfortable despite its stiffness. Roomy at the toes, the Wildhorse 8 will be comfortable for those with wide feet. The laces are not punched through holes, but through sections of the upper that protrude from the material. The upper is clearly all about comfort, very comfortable. The foot protection isn’t as strong, the inner lining absorbs moisture easily and the outer mesh isn’t very durable, but in return you get a very comfortable upper.

The midsole of the Nike Wildhorse 8 trail running shoe is made entirely of Nike React foam. This foam is a soft comfortable foam and prioritizes comfort rather than performance. Its density and weight also doesn’t allow for fast dynamic runs, but it can provide a very persistent comfortable feel for longer runs. The average midsole thickness is 31.5mm, which is high in the world of trail running shoes. Despite being so high, it doesn’t become unstable, which the shoe designers achieved by adding a stiffer saddle at the top of the midsole where it meets the upper. As well as being soft, the midsole is also flexible and doesn’t feel stiff, despite the fact that there is a rock cushioning plate in the heel. The 8mm drop, for trail shoes, is high and encourages more heel landing. This is also in line with the fact that the shoe is not designed for fast runs, and is probably also a k for the fact that there is only a rock protection in the heel.

The outsole of the Nike Wildhorse 8 trail running shoe is thick and fully covers the midsole. Learning from the mistakes of the previous versions, they changed the rubber compound and made it from a blend of high-abrasion rubber and Mitton rubber, which has much better traction and wears out less quickly. The thicker rubber base is also more flexible and does not stiffen the otherwise soft and comfortable midsole. The grip is further enhanced by 3.5mm thick rubber spikes on the sole, which provide good traction on wet or frozen ground, mud and wet rocks.

Overall, the Nike Wildhorse 8 trail running shoes are one of the most comfortable trail running shoes that stand out from other trail running shoes for their comfort and good grip. Best suited for longer, slower runs that don’t get you into trouble when you hit muddy, wet, difficult terrain, the Wildhorse 8 can handle it. It’s not a racehorse, but it’s not designed for speed, but rather for long endurance.