Nike Pegasus Trail 5 — Tried, tested and reviewed
Weight: 300g (UK size 9)
Stack height: 37mm (heel), 27.5mm (forefoot)
Heel-to-toe drop: 9.5mm
Lug depth: 3.5mm
Type: Road to trail
Who it's best for: Those running easy, non-technical trails and road
Midsole foam: ReactX
The shoe
Rick: On the road, the Nike Pegasus is something of an institution. Now on its 41st iteration, it regularly ranks among the world's best running shoes. As its name suggests, the Peg is positioned as something of a workhorse or daily trainer, offering comfort and reliability rather than speed and excitement. Though the Pegasus Trail lacks the heritage of its road-based cousin, it has many of the same qualities: cushioning, good looks and daily comfort.
Ali: We've really loved the Pegasus Trail 3 and 4. In fact, the 4 was the trail shoe I wore for the majority of my five-day 220km ultramarathon this February, given how comfortable it is over longer distances. And now it's back for the v5, with a few key updates: namely, a new reformulated midsole that switches from React foam to ReactX (the type used in the InfinityRN 4 and Pegasus 41) and an upgraded rubber outsole. It's being positioned as the ideal road-to-trail option by Nike. But, does it deliver?
Nike Pegasus Trail 5: The positives
Rick: If there’s a better-looking trail shoe on the market, I’ve yet to see it. The Peg Trail is so slick, you’ll be happy wearing it in a variety of non-running environments. If looking the part is a priority, or you want your running shoe to double as your day-to-day shoe, then it’s a brilliant option.
The upper, tongue and lacing system have a premium-feeling comfort to them. There’s something luxurious about the Peg Trail – it feels like the Rolls-Royce of off-road shoes.
Ali: To echo Rick, this is a seriously good looking shoe. On the foot, its midsole and underfoot comfort are excellent, too, offering plenty of cushioning without sacrificing a decent amount of ground feel. I'd go as far to say that the Pegasus Trail is one of the most comfortable trail shoes out there right now. The new ReactX midsole definitely feels softer than the 4's standard React foam, too, and adds a touch more bounce. This makes the shoe suitable for more than just easy plodding.
The mesh upper is similar to the v4, with tighter woven fabric in high-wear areas like the toes, and the Flywire lacing system allows you to get a good lockdown through the midfoot. For me, the upper was a key flaw on the v3 (you had to pull the laces really tight, and they'd often come undone mid-run), so the v5 wins points here. I also like the pull tab on the heel — it helps you to get the shoes on and off with ease.
Rick: The outsole doesn’t provide much in the way of grip in muddy surfaces (more on this), but the relatively small lugs do make the Peg Trail a decent road-to-trail option. In my opinion, the road-running capabilities of a trail shoe should be a consideration as most of us will need to navigate some tarmac on our way to and from the trail. It’s also relatively well priced at £129.
Nike Pegasus Trail 5: The negatives
Rick: When you look beyond the Peg Trail’s good looks, it becomes harder to make the case for it as a must-have trail shoe. As noted, cushioning is improved on the previous iteration, but purely in terms of running ability, there are better options out there at this price point.
I did experience some aching in the arch areas after wearing these shoes for several hours, so there are question marks around it in terms of all-day comfort. Tellingly, these shoes have become ones I wear more for non-running activities rather than running ones.
Ali: I'd agree mostly with Rick, here: all that cushioning on the upper does take away some of the shoe's breathability. Sure, you're probably not going to be wearing it in super hot environments (think desert races), but even during a warm day in the UK my feet were noticeably sweaty after an entire afternoon's wear. Best to wear thinner running socks with these. However, I haven't had any foot pain with these.
While the outsole grip is definitely an improvement on the v4, and useful on hard trails and road, it struggles on anything too muddy or wet. If you’re a year-round trail runner living in the UK, that’s likely to be an issue. It would be good to see the Peg Trail given the same Vibram rubber outsole as the Zegama 2, even if this ups the price marginally.
Additionally, while the shoe's wide toe box may be accommodating for wide feet, those with narrower or average-width feet may struggle to get a good lockdown. Plus, all that cushioning does take away some of the shoe's stability on more technical terrain. If you're prone to rolling an ankle, I'd stay away, or stick to harder-packed trails where these shoes are really at home. On a positive note, they do run true to size.
RW verdict
Rick: As a stylish road-to-trail option, the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 represents a compelling multifunctional offering. Soft and cushioned underfoot, it’s particularly at home on hard trails and road, though it can struggle on more technical terrain — even with the new outsole.
Ali: I'd say if you're new to trail running, or live in a more urban environment where your nearest trails consistent of more tightly-packed gravel paths, the Pegasus Trail 5 is a fantastic option. In fact, it also doubles up well as a walking shoe, with plenty of cushioning to keep you comfortable over several hours. While it's by no means the most responsive trail shoe out there, the new ReactX midsole definitely injects some newfound bounce into the Peg Trail and it doesn't feel heavy or cumbersome on foot.
Overall? An impressive multi-purpose option, much like its road counterpart, that irons out some previous gripes and will serve you well in the comfort department.
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