Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Review

The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 continues the series firm but responsive cushioning. I found the model great for tackling easy to moderate terrain. The model works well at speed and the moderate cushioning helps prevent fatigue without ever feeling heavy or clunky. The upper is comfortable and supportive, but does have a more performance minded narrow lockdown. If you're looking for a trail runner that doesn't break the bank and offers speedy performance this is a great model to consider. For more technical mountainous terrain you may opt for a more aggressive lug pattern and cushioning for added comfort in large descents.

Performance Comparison

Comfort and Fit

I've long found Nike's to be comfortable and the Pegasus Trail 5 is no exception. The model has a performance fit upper, but I found slightly less compression in the toebox leading to long distance comfort. The tongue has medium density, with slight padding but not enough to feel overkill, and the microfiber liner is smooth and comfortable. I had no issues with blisters or hotspots. The underfoot cushion is subtle but responsive leading to a snappy feel. I'd recommend it most for the sub 30k distance as longer may feel somewhat fatiguing unless you are very well adapted to firm shoes.

Stability

Dense cushioning leads to a stable ride that is supportive of the ankles, knees, and hips. While the platform isn't wide this denser midsole provides a surefooted feel on and off trail. Its moderate stack also does a good job of making the model feel less tippy on off-camber terrain. While the model is capable on technical terrain it's most at home moving quickly over buffed trails and gravel roads. Throughout my testing I appreciated the fact that that model felt supportive but maintained its agile feel.

Traction

The directional diamond tread pattern on the Pegasus is built for speed. While the 3.8mm lugs do offer good bite, the number of lugs made the shoe feel a bit less secure when descending or cornering on loose ground. The model felt most at home on roads, gravel, and buffed semi-loose trails. This groundfeel made the model very versatile and was a great option when the run went from the streets to the trail. Those looking for more technical rocky terrain or ridgelines should opt for something with a more aggressive lug pattern. For beginners and intermediate trail runners this pattern offers a great starting point for more technical trails and I was able to push the boundaries of what the model is capable of.

Foot Protection

The Pegasus Trail 5 has good foot protection thanks to its dense cushioning and stack. You should feel protected over long distances and there should be minimal impacts from trail features. While there isn't a physical toe cap I found the model to be well suited for easy to moderate trail. Those looking to spend time in talus, scree or above treeline should opt for something with a bit more protection.

Weight

The biggest downside is the weight and at 10.92oz this is one the heaviest in our lineup. While the model does have great comfort it comes at cost making the model feel heavier than it should, especially in technical terrain. This should only be a dealbreaker for those that want the lightest, most agile feel in their footwear. Those that want a good blend of comfort, durability, and support should be able to overlook the weight. While I'd love to see Nike reduce the weight they'd most likely have to sacrifice benefits of the model which should attract beginners and intermediate trail runners. The responsiveness and performance feel of the shoe helps counteract this heavier weight and I still found the model to feel lively especially when running faster straightaways and on firm ground.

Should You Buy the Nike Pegasus Trail 5?

The Pegasus Trail 5 is a good option for those that are fans of Nike and appreciate a performance blend of responsiveness and cushioning. While there are more versatile options on the market there is nothing wrong with this shoe and plenty of people will find it more than capable for their style of running. I'd recommend it most for gravel paths, moderate trails and those that like the unique design.

What Other Men's Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?

If you're looking for a similar style running shoe but want something more capable for technical trail check out the Saucony Peregrine 15. This is an excellent all-arounder that doesn't sacrifice speed or performance. If you're wanting a bit more cushioning than the Peregrine or Pegasus check out the Hoka Torrent 4 this should provide some more comfort over long-distances.