Nike Pegasus Trail shoes

Pegasus Trail 

Nike’s iconic 1983 Pegasus running shoe was first adapted for off-road use in 2003 as the sport of trail running became increasingly popular. Initially a one-off variation, it eventually inspired the Nike Pegasus Trail line following a modern revival of the brand’s trail collection.

The original Pegasus Trail is highly durable, with a rubber toe guard, mesh upper, leather overlays and sturdy heel. Its hefty sole features full-length Phylon foam with Air cushioning for solid support, and its rugged outsole offers reliable grip, but it is also heavy, so for its long-awaited successor, 2019’s Pegasus 36 Trail, Nike made sweeping changes. Minimal no-sew panels support its perforated mesh upper, while snug, locked-in comfort comes via a gusseted tongue, generously padded collar, laminated eyelets and Flywire lacing. The heel is protected by a rigid counter and dynamically scooped collar, EVA foam and dual Zoom Air provide springy responsiveness and shock-absorption alongside a comfort-focused 10mm drop, and sticky Duralon combines with tough carbon rubber to deliver durable outdoor-ready traction, making it a great road-to-trail shoe.

Following the success of the 36 Trail and its waterproof Gore-Tex variant, Nike launched the Pegasus Trail 2 in 2020. React foam provides all of its cushioning, bringing propulsion, durability, comfort and impact protection, while its robust, tyre-inspired outsole is grippy over varied terrain and steep gradients. Breathable mesh covers the front, a durable ripstop-type material protects the heel and a rubber toe bumper reinforces the forefoot. A broad pull loop wraps around the heel, and a debris-blocking ankle gaiter combines with a sock-like neoprene inner and sturdy Flywire-free lacing to deliver excellent containment.

A new upper was introduced on the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 in 2021, with a dynamic midfoot band, solid textile loops and rubberised eyelets giving greater lockdown alongside a more traditional collar and upgraded heel pull. Its predecessor’s ankle gaiter only remains on the GTX version. Flywire cables return on 2023’s Pegasus Trail 4, with a restructured heel enhancing containment and varied lugs on its flexible outsole improving traction and easing transitions. Meanwhile, the Gore-Tex edition’s alternative outsole is tuned for even greater wet-weather traction. Extended midsole walls offer stability without compromising on comfort or responsiveness, and its bold Swoosh outline, eye-catching Trail logo and inspirational midsole text culminate in a striking look.

In 2025, Nike launched the Pegasus Trail 5. Its single-layer lightweight engineered mesh upper creates breathability and durability through perforations and abrasion-resistant zones, with more space inside for the toes to splay and practical additions like a tongue pull loop and reflective heel tabs. A highly responsive ReactX midsole makes it supportive and sustainable, and its new rockered geometry and bevelled heel encourage forward propulsion. Nike’s durable Trail All-Terrain Compound rubber outsole delivers outstanding traction, while its sleek, minimalist style looks as good in the city as it does on the trails.

With its cushy stack of responsive foam, its hard-wearing outsole and its durable yet stylish upper, the Nike Pegasus Trail is a powerful road-to-trail specialist for the modern adventurer.