Nike Wildhorse

Wildhorse

Nike launched its modern trail running lineup at the very end of 2013 and into 2014, signifying a new era for the brand’s athletic footwear. One of the key silhouettes in this collection is the Wildhorse – an excellent all-round shoe with a comfortable yet protective design suitable for moderate-paced training runs, mixed-terrain ultramarathons and everything in between.

The original Nike Wildhorse featured a thin nylon ripstop upper that was breathable and soft against the foot, with durable structure coming from synthetic leather overlays. This was succeeded by a lightweight mesh on the Wildhorse 2 and a heavy duty, dual-layered version on its successor, while recent versions use the most up-to-date engineered mesh for its blend of durability, flexibility and comfort-giving properties. Nike’s Dynamic Fit system has remained throughout, offering a snug, secure fit, and the toe box has been widened to allow for swelling and splaying. Secure lockdown has been a hallmark of the series, created by elements like the Flywire cables of Wildhorses 3 and 4, the internal lacing bands of the 5 and the stitched-in supports along the flanks of the 10, as well as the gusseted tongue, which also helps to keep debris out. Ankle gaiters were used to enhance this effect on the 6 and 7, but newer models achieve a similar outcome via a specially contoured collar. Other key features of the series include firm heel support, reflective elements, generous tongue padding and convenient pull tabs.

The sole of the Nike Wildhorse is founded upon comfort, protection and traction. The original featured Phylon foam and a Zoom Air heel unit to offer a well-cushioned, semi-firm and springy feeling alongside solid shock absorption. In 2020, the Wildhorse 6 dropped Zoom Air for lightweight, responsive React foam, while 2025’s Wildhorse 10 introduced sustainable ReactX foam for the first time, further improving its cushioning capabilities. The first two Wildhorse soles had a 4mm heel-to-toe drop, but the latest sits at 9.5mm. This prioritises cushioning support, as does the ever-increasing stack height. A sturdy Rock Shield protects the forefoot, and the powerful outsole incorporates both sticky rubber for grip on slick surfaces and a high-abrasion compound that delivers hard-wearing durability. Since the original Nike Wildhorse, its tread design has evolved from reliable Waffle-style lugs to deep-set chevrons that offer traction across multiple terrain types.

The Wildhorse has long been considered stylish, and though its look has changed, it has always been known for its minimalist uppers, striking use of colour and bold detailing such as classic Swooshes, exaggerated Trail logos, bumpy texturing, eye-catching topographical patterns and colourful lettering. Nike’s trail running team often trains and sometimes competes in the Nike Wildhorse, with elite athletes even using it to tackle races in the challenging UTMB World Series.

The Nike Wildhorse is a versatile trail running shoe and one of Nike’s most reliable flagships. It offers powerful traction, solid protection and responsive support over any distance, excelling on moderate trails and allowing the wearer to traverse diverse landscapes in confidence and style.