Nike Juniper Trail

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Nike Juniper Trail: Review

β€œAn affordable and lightweight trail running shoe for beginners.”

Overview


The Nike Juniper Trail is a trail running shoe designed for off-road adventures. This shoe is part of the Nike Juniper Trail family and is known for its affordability and suitability for beginners. It offers a balance of comfort, durability, and lightweight design, making it a versatile option for various trail conditions.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight Design: Weighs 227 g (8 oz), making it easy to move quickly on trails.
  • Durable Outsole: Provides good traction on compact dirt and gravel trails.
  • Comfortable Fit: Features a roomy toe box and a secure lacing system for a snug fit.

The Nike Juniper Trail is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize comfort and affordability for everyday trail running. Its lightweight design offers ease of movement, making it suitable for beginners and those running on well-maintained trails.

Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently just above the median price of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Nike Juniper Trail


The Nike Juniper Trail is a budget-friendly trail running shoe that excels in comfort and lightweight design. Reviewers appreciate its secure fit and roomy toe box, making it a good option for beginners and those running on compact dirt and gravel trails. However, it lacks a rock plate, which means it may not provide enough protection on technical terrains (challenging and uneven surfaces). The grip is also not ideal for wet or highly technical trails. Despite these drawbacks, the shoe's affordability and comfort make it a solid choice for entry-level trail runners. Overall, the Nike Juniper Trail offers good value for money for those looking to start trail running on easier terrains.

Comparable Shoes


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The Nike Terra Kiger 9 is a good alternative for those seeking more advanced features for technical trails. It offers better traction and includes a rock plate for added protection. While the Juniper Trail is more affordable, the Terra Kiger 9 provides superior performance on rugged terrains, making it a better choice for experienced trail runners.

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The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX is ideal for runners who need a waterproof option. It offers better protection in wet conditions compared to the Juniper Trail. While the Juniper Trail is lightweight and breathable, the Pegasus Trail 4 GTX provides enhanced durability and grip, making it suitable for more challenging weather conditions.

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The Salomon Speedcross 5 is a popular choice for those seeking aggressive traction and stability on technical trails. It offers deeper lugs and a more robust design compared to the Juniper Trail. While the Juniper Trail is more budget-friendly, the Speedcross 5 excels in performance on rugged terrains, making it a preferred option for serious trail runners.

7 Nike Juniper Trail Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Great lockdown and secure fit.
Lightweight and comfortable design.
Affordable price point.
Roomy toe box for added comfort.

3 Cons

Lacks a rock plate for protection on technical trails.
Grip is not ideal for wet or highly technical terrains.
Forefoot can slip over the edge of the midsole.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Nike Juniper Trail is made from a lightweight and breathable technical mesh. This material allows for continuous air circulation, keeping the foot cool and comfortable during runs. The shoe also features an inner bootie that wraps around the foot for a more anatomical fit, enhancing stability. The Flywire cables (strong, lightweight threads) integrated into the lacing system provide additional support, ensuring a secure lockdown. This combination of features makes the upper both comfortable and supportive, ideal for trail running.

Midsole

The midsole of the Nike Juniper Trail is designed to offer a balance of cushioning and ground feel. It uses an unbranded foam, likely EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), which provides a firm yet responsive ride. While it lacks a rock plate, the midsole still offers decent shock absorption, making it suitable for daily running on well-maintained trails. The 6 mm heel-to-toe drop promotes a natural stride, making it easier to maintain a steady pace on various terrains.

Outsole

The outsole of the Nike Juniper Trail is made from a durable rubber compound designed to provide traction on compact dirt and gravel trails. The lug pattern is somewhat minimalistic, with pyramid-shaped lugs around the edges and smaller lugs on the forefoot. While this design offers decent grip on dry surfaces, it may not perform well on wet or highly technical terrains. This makes the shoe more suitable for muddy terrain and less challenging trails.

Size/fit

The Nike Juniper Trail fits true to size and features a roomy toe box, making it comfortable for runners with wider feet. The secure lacing system, enhanced by Flywire cables, ensures a snug fit, preventing the foot from sliding forward during downhill runs. However, some reviewers noted that the forefoot can slip over the edge of the midsole, especially on steep descents. This issue may be a concern for those running on more technical trails.

Comfort

Comfort is a standout feature of the Nike Juniper Trail. The shoe's lightweight design, combined with a breathable mesh upper and a roomy toe box, ensures a comfortable fit for long runs. The midsole provides adequate cushioning, making it suitable for daily training on well-maintained trails. However, the lack of a rock plate means it may not offer enough protection on more rugged terrains.

Cushioning

The cushioning in the Nike Juniper Trail is provided by an unbranded foam midsole, likely EVA. This material offers a firm yet responsive feel, providing adequate shock absorption for everyday running. While it lacks the advanced cushioning technologies found in higher-end models, it still offers a comfortable ride for beginners and those running on less technical trails.

Breathability

The Nike Juniper Trail excels in breathability, thanks to its lightweight mesh upper. This material allows for continuous air circulation, keeping the foot cool and dry during runs. The breathable design makes it an excellent choice for daily training in warmer conditions, ensuring a comfortable running experience.

Stability

Stability is a key feature of the Nike Juniper Trail, thanks to its secure lacing system and anatomical fit. The Flywire cables integrated into the lacing system provide additional support, ensuring a snug lockdown. However, the lack of a rock plate and the minimalistic lug pattern may compromise stability on more technical terrains. This makes the shoe more suitable for trail running on well-maintained paths.

Durability

The Nike Juniper Trail is built to last, with durable materials used in both the upper and outsole. The rubber compound outsole provides good traction and is resistant to wear, making it suitable for daily training on compact dirt and gravel trails. The upper, while lightweight, is reinforced in key areas to withstand the rigors of trail running. However, the lack of a rock plate may limit its durability on more rugged terrains.

Grip

The grip of the Nike Juniper Trail is adequate for well-maintained trails but may fall short on more technical terrains. The outsole features a minimalistic lug pattern with pyramid-shaped lugs around the edges and smaller lugs on the forefoot. While this design offers decent traction on dry surfaces, it may not perform well on wet or highly technical trails. This makes the shoe more suitable for muddy terrain and less challenging paths.

Who should buy the Nike Juniper Trail?


The Nike Juniper Trail is ideal for beginner trail runners looking for an affordable and comfortable shoe. It's perfect for those who run on well-maintained dirt and gravel trails and need a lightweight option. Runners who appreciate a roomy toe box and a secure fit will find this shoe particularly appealing. The shoe's breathable design also makes it suitable for those running in warmer conditions. If you value daily training on less technical trails, this shoe is a great choice.

Who should not buy the Nike Juniper Trail?


The Nike Juniper Trail may not be the best option for runners who frequently tackle technical terrains or need extra support. Overpronators (runners whose feet roll inward excessively) should look for stability trail shoes instead. If you require a shoe with a rock plate for added protection, consider other models like the Nike Terra Kiger 9. Those running in wet conditions might prefer the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX for its waterproof features. If you need a shoe with more advanced cushioning, this model may not meet your needs.

Nike Juniper Trail: What's it good for?


The Nike Juniper Trail is well-suited for daily running on well-maintained dirt and gravel trails. Its lightweight design and breathable upper make it ideal for everyday training in warmer conditions. The shoe's secure fit and roomy toe box provide comfort for longer runs. While it lacks a rock plate, its cushioning is adequate for less technical terrains. Overall, it's a great choice for beginner trail runners and those looking for an affordable option for daily training.

5 Nike Juniper Trail FAQs


Is the Nike Juniper Trail suitable for technical trails?

The Nike Juniper Trail is best suited for well-maintained dirt and gravel trails. It lacks a rock plate and has a minimalistic lug pattern, making it less ideal for technical terrains.

Does the Nike Juniper Trail have good breathability?

Yes, the Nike Juniper Trail features a lightweight mesh upper that allows for continuous air circulation, keeping the foot cool and comfortable during runs.

Is the Nike Juniper Trail a good option for beginners?

Yes, the Nike Juniper Trail is an excellent choice for beginner trail runners. Its affordability, comfort, and lightweight design make it ideal for those new to trail running.

How does the Nike Juniper Trail fit?

The Nike Juniper Trail fits true to size and features a roomy toe box. The secure lacing system ensures a snug fit, preventing the foot from sliding forward during runs.

Is the Nike Juniper Trail waterproof?

No, the Nike Juniper Trail is not waterproof. If you need a waterproof option, consider the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX.

Nike Juniper Trail alternatives

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Nike Juniper Trail
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Nike Juniper Trail
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priceBand
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released
Released
Aug 2020
Aug 2022Mar 2018
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Expert Review Score
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productAthletes
Pro athlete users
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+5
Elov OlssonRyan Woods
Weight
Weight
227 g
11 g
M: 204 g
W: 170 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
23 mm
23 mm
M: 18 mm
W: 16 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
8 mm
3 mm
Heel
Heel
29 mm
31 mm
M: 21 mm
W: 19 mm
Terrain
Terrain
MudTrail
MudSnow/iceTrailMudTrailMudSnow/iceTrailMudTrailMudSnow/iceTrail
Brand
Brand
Nike
SalomonHokaSalomonSalomonScarpa
Support Type
Support Type
Neutral
NeutralNeutral
Stability
Pronation Type
Pronation Type
Neutral pronation
Neutral pronationNeutral pronation
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strike
Arch Type
Arch Type
High arch
High archHigh arch
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
MaximalistLightweightLow drop
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Breathable
Breathable
Techs
Techs
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex
Waterproofings
Waterproofings
Waterproof
Waterproof
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan β“‹
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Nike Juniper Trail characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2048)
TerrainMud (+97)Trail (+533)
BrandNike (+260)
Support TypeNeutral (+1602)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1577)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1524)
FitWide toe box (+272)
FeaturesOrthotic friendly (+453)Removable insole (+436)
MaterialsMesh (+941)
Events10k (+711)Fell running (+59)Half marathon (+711)Marathon (+711)Obstacle course racing (+168)
ColorwaysBlack, Black / Grey, Blue, Dark Teal Green / Light Silver / Black, Ghost / Laser Orange / Pure Platinum, Green, Grey, Navy, Pink / Purple
Specificationsvs Average
Model
Trail
Released
Aug 2020
Measurements
Weight
227 g
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
Heel
29 mm
Forefoot
23 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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