Are you looking for a trail shoe that can handle everyday runs in the woods as well as more demanding trails? The Nike Wildhorse 10 is an “all-purpose” trail shoe that is comfortable and well-cushioned with a solid grip. The tenth edition is a clear improvement over the ninth—it has new ReactX foam, a higher midsole, and better protection and grip. Check out what this versatile Nike shoe can do.
Purpose
The Nike Wildhorse 10 is a solid shoe designed for running on challenging forest and mountain terrain. While it provides good cushioning, it is far from a maximalist shoe. It’s ideal for lighter runners and those who prefer a balance of protection and ground feel over ultra-soft foam. If you run on rocky trails, hard paths, or slightly muddy forest paths, the Wildhorse 10 will most likely get the job done.
Pros
- very good cushioning
- comfort on long distances and moderately technical trails
- versatility — works well on both dry and slightly muddy trails
- low weight for a shoe with such solid cushioning
Cons
- limited traction and stability on very muddy or very technical trails
- fairly delicate upper for a trail shoe
What’s New in the Latest Edition
| NIKE WILDHORSE 9 | NIKE WILDHORSE 10 | |
|---|---|---|
| tack height | 35/27mm | 38/28.5mm |
| Drop | 8mm | 9.5mm |
| Weight | n/a | 295g men’s 244g women’s |
| Midsole | React + Rock Protection Plate | ReactX + React Protection Plate |
| Upper | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh |
| Outsole | ATC | ATC |
| Lug depth | approx. 3.5mm | 4mm |
Nike Running Shoes – Lineup
The Nike Wildhorse 10 is one of five trail models in Nike’s running collection and the most versatile. Each Nike trail shoe has its own specialty, and the differences between them are clear. The Wildhorse is a middle-of-the-road shoe that performs well on soft forest trails but can also handle more technical mountain trails. If you’re looking for an “all-purpose” trail shoe, the Wildhorse is a great place to start.
Want to know more about the other models? Check out our Nike running shoe guide.
| COMFORT | FAST | |
|---|---|---|
| ultra trail |  Zegama 2 |  Ultrafly |
| all terrain |  Pegasus Trail 5 | |
| long trail |  Wildhorse 10 | |
| short & fast trail |  Terra Kiger 9 |
Similar to Nike Wildhorse 10
There are plenty of alternatives to the Wildhorse 10. This remains one of the most densely populated categories of trail shoes. These are models that offer good, but not excessive, cushioning. They’re just right for longer runs, without the feeling of floating in foam. Another advantage of these shoes is their versatility. The Wildhorse and similar models perform well on technical mountain trails, as well as on everyday runs in the woods or on gravel paths.
Want to learn more about versatile trail shoes? Check out this shoe guide.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asics Gel-Trabuco 13 | 35.5/27.5 | 8 | 285 | 250 | 160 |
| Brooks Cascadia 17 | 33/25 | 8 | 298 | 278 | 150 |
| Mizuno Wave Daichi 7 | 33/25 | 8 | 308 | 255 | 150 |
| New Balance Hierro v7 | n/a | 8 | 301 | 235 | 160 |
| Nike Wildhorse 10 | 38/28.5 | 9.5 | 295 | 244 | 150 |
| Salomon Genesis | 34/26 | 8 | 269 | 242 | 160 |
| Salomon Sense Ride 5 | 29/21 | 8 | 293 | 247 | 130 |
ReactX Gets the Job Done – More Comfort, More Miles
Compared to the previous edition, the midsole of the latest Wildhorse has undergone a noticeable metamorphosis. Instead of the familiar React foam, Nike used a newer version: ReactX. According to Nike, ReactX is several percent more responsive, meaning it returns energy better and makes the shoe more dynamic. The result? The Wildhorse 10 is slightly softer and more springy, making it more foot-friendly, especially over longer distances.
The change in the midsole’s character is not only due to the new foam; the higher midsole also plays a role. Compared to its predecessor, the Wildhorse 10 has grown and now has 38 mm of foam under the heel and 28.5 mm under the forefoot. That’s substantial, but it’s already standard in the world of trail shoes with such characteristics and intended use. In this respect, the Nike Wildhorse is no different from its competitors.
The Wildhorse 10 has increased softness and a long-distance character. While it does not have the “cushioned” comfort typical of maximalist models, it provides enough cushioning for really long runs — up to 100 kilometers. It is also an excellent choice for everyday training on forest trails, gravel, and moderately technical terrain. In such conditions, it can even support runners weighing up to around 90 kilograms.
Another important element of the midsole is worth mentioning: in addition to ReactX foam, there is a protective Rock Protection Plate. This thin layer of material, placed between the foam and the outsole, disperses point pressure. In other words, when you step on a sharp stone, the pressure is distributed over a larger area of the foot instead of being concentrated in one place. This significantly reduces the risk of stones “sticking” to the midsole and causing discomfort. This solution is especially useful in combination with a thicker midsole, which provides additional insulation from hard, uneven ground. This improves comfort, especially if you run on stony ground often.
Ready for (Almost) Any Trail
The Wildhorse 10 outsole features moderately high (3.8 mm) studs arranged in two directions. The front studs provide good traction on uphill sections, and the rear studs grip the surface effectively when running downhill. This is a popular, tried-and-true solution in trail shoes.
The combination of these relatively large lugs and Nike’s All Terrain Compound rubber provides a versatile mix. The outsole performs well on hard, rocky trails and adequately on muddy or soft forest surfaces. However, this model is not designed for muddy or technical trails. It is, however, perfect for everyday running in the woods, on gravel, and on light terrain.
Urban Comfort with a Trail Twist
As in previous versions, the upper of the Wildhorse 10 does not resemble the classic construction of trail shoes. It is soft and flexible, and it is mainly made of technical mesh. This is good news for those who prefer a comfortable, soft feel around the foot. In this respect, the Wildhorse is more like a hard-surface running shoe than a trail shoe with a stiff, “armored” upper.
The only noticeable reinforcement is a solid toe cap, which protects the toes from accidental impacts with stones or roots. This is sufficient for moderate, stony terrain but may prove too delicate in more difficult mountain conditions. The Wildhorse 10 is not designed for extremes; it is a comfortable trail shoe for “everyday adventures.”
The soft and thin construction of the upper naturally raises concerns about its durability. Mesh materials, especially those without reinforcements, usually cannot withstand contact with difficult trail conditions. Mud, sand, sharp stones, and protruding sticks can quickly leave marks on the delicate mesh.
Of course, the durability of the shoes depends on how intensively they are used and the type of terrain. For recreational running on forest trails and gravel, however, the upper should serve you well for a long time. However, in more demanding conditions, you should expect the mesh to wear through or become damaged more quickly than with more heavily armored trail models.
The upper of the Wildhorse 10 has a distinctive shape. The middle part of the shoe holds the foot relatively tightly and stably, while the front is noticeably more spacious. This design provides more room for your toes, offering greater comfort, especially during longer runs when your feet naturally swell.
At the rear is a classic stiffened heel counter with generous soft padding. These features are not surprising, as they are common in many running shoes. The heel counter and the entire upper work together to create a predictable construction that keeps the foot firmly in place without sacrificing comfort.
Perfect Balance – Not Too Light, Not Too Heavy
According to the manufacturer, the Nike Wildhorse 10 weighs 295 grams for men and 244 grams for women, which is impressive for trail shoes. For size 12 US (46), the weight was 338 grams, which is almost exactly the average weight of trail shoes of this size.
What does this mean in practice? The Wildhorse 10 strikes a happy medium in terms of its application as a versatile shoe for different types of terrain and in terms of weight. It’s not as light as a competition shoe, nor is it as heavy as an armored model for extreme conditions. It’s a reasonably balanced compromise between weight and functionality.
Final Thoughts
The Nike Wildhorse 10 is a versatile and comfortable trail shoe best suited for moderately difficult trails and long runs. It offers balanced performance and versatility. As an everyday trail running companion, it can be indispensable. However, it is not ideal for extremely technical trails or very muddy conditions. It will not perform well in such conditions.
