Nike Pegasus Trail 5 for men: review and price

The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 for men is a training shoe designed to handle roads, dirt tracks and non-technical trails. Its ReactX midsole and moderately lugged outsole address a specific need: running from the city to the hills without changing shoes.

Released in 2024, it had a reference price of €139.99 and comes in a waterproof alternative, the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX. Choosing between them largely comes down to climate and route: the mesh version prioritises ventilation, while the waterproof model focuses on protection from rain.

A trail shoe for mixed routes

This model is at home between the road and technical mountain terrain. A run that starts on a pavement, crosses a park and continues along a forest track suits its design. The outsole uses Nike Trail ATC rubber, placed to provide traction without the aggressive tread of a shoe dedicated to mud.

In the Valencia region, that combination can be useful on paths at the edge of town, compact dirt tracks and paved approaches to the hills. It also makes sense for runners venturing off-road for the first time who spend most of their sessions on easy trails and moderate gradients.

Its limitations become clearer when a route demands more grip and foot protection: deep mud, loose rock and long technical descents may call for a dedicated mountain shoe. On wet rock, grip also varies with the surface and should not be taken for granted.

ReactX cushioning and lab measurements

The midsole uses ReactX foam, one of the main changes from the Pegasus Trail 4. Nike says it delivers 13% more energy return than its previous React foam. That comparison refers to the material: it does not mean a runner will use 13% less energy or improve their pace by the same amount.

In published lab testing, forefoot energy return was 58.7%, compared with an average of 59.8% across the shoes measured. That places this model close to the sample average and does not by itself contradict Nike’s comparison between its two foams.

Midsole hardness measured 31.1 AC, against an average of 38.1 AC. On that scale, the lower figure indicates a softer material in the test. It is relevant for runners seeking cushioning on steady runs, although the overall feel also depends on the shoe’s geometry and fit.

Measured stack height was 34.6 mm at the heel and 25 mm at the forefoot, describing the amount of material beneath each part of the foot. The difference gives a lab-measured drop of 9.6 mm, very close to the stated 9.5 mm. That height difference should not be confused with the amount of cushioning.

Flexibility also helps explain the hybrid design: the shoe recorded 13.3 N of resistance to bending, compared with a 14.9 N average. The measurement suggests it bends slightly more easily than the sample average, consistent with routes that include firm surfaces.

Outsole and grip: where the lugs work best

Lab-measured lug depth was 3.2 mm, against a 3.5 mm average. That differs from the 4 mm listed in one retailer’s product specifications. The tread is moderate for a trail shoe and is designed to remain versatile when pavement forms part of the route.

On compact dirt and gravel tracks, the rubber and tread are intended to provide traction when pushing off and braking. In deep mud, longer lugs may penetrate the ground more effectively. The choice depends not just on whether a route is wet, but also on how far the foot sinks and how steep the slope is.

Road sections are a reasonable transition on a mixed run, but sustained use on abrasive surfaces also wears down the rubber. To assess a used pair, looking at lost tread, uneven wear and the condition of the midsole is more useful than applying a fixed lifespan to every runner.

Weight, gait and runner profile

The men’s version weighs around 300 grams according to the product specifications; the lab recorded 286 grams, against an average of 285 grams. Weight varies with size and the version measured. It is not an exceptionally light racing shoe, but an option designed for training miles.

Its construction is neutral: it does not include a dedicated pronation-control system. Pronation is part of the foot’s natural movement, and that label alone does not determine which shoe a runner needs.

Body weight does not establish a universal limit either. A heavier runner may use the shoe if its fit and cushioning suit their runs; another may prefer a different platform or more protection. It is more useful to consider body weight, session length and terrain together than to treat a fixed weight range as a rule.

For medium-distance runs or long outings on straightforward terrain, the design combines cushioning and support without the specialisation of a racing shoe. Other designs may better suit fast road intervals or mountain races with very technical sections.

Fit, shape and sizing

The mesh upper combines ventilated areas with reinforcements in places exposed to wear. Flywire cables work with the laces to secure the midfoot; a padded tongue and heel pull tab complete a construction intended for regular training.

Lab-measured width was 95.4 mm, almost identical to the sample average of 95.7 mm. It is a comparison point, not a guarantee of fit: instep volume, toe shape and sock choice also matter. A wider version is available in some markets and colourways.

Nike recommends ordering half a size up for this model. The advice is worth considering, particularly for downhill running, but it does not replace checking the fit: toes need room without the heel slipping when walking or jogging.

For an online purchase, measure both feet and compare the longer measurement with the Nike size chart. It is also worth checking the retailer’s exchange policy before removing labels or taking the shoes outside. Runners who use custom insoles should check that there is enough room over the instep and that the heel remains secure.

Mesh or GORE-TEX

The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX has a waterproof membrane and a gaiter-style collar. Its benefit is limiting water entry through the upper during rain, on wet grass or through splashes; it does not turn the shoe into a sealed boot.

Water can still enter through the ankle opening, for example when crossing a deep puddle. Once inside, the membrane can also slow the escape of moisture. On mild days, the mesh version is usually the more logical choice for ventilation; the waterproof model makes more sense when cold and rain are frequent.

The collar and construction of the waterproof version can also change the fit compared with the standard model. They are different versions: the lab-measured weight and drop of the mesh shoe should not automatically be applied to the GORE-TEX model.

Price and differences between men’s and women’s models

The standard version had an original reference price of €139.99. The GORE-TEX model has appeared on the European market at around €159.99. These are catalogue references, not guaranteed current prices: cost and availability can vary by size, colour and retailer.

The Pegasus Trail 5 was also sold in a women’s version. Published figures include approximately 300 grams for men and 243 grams for women, although the weights should not be compared without knowing the size used for each measurement. When choosing between versions, actual fit is more useful than applying a size conversion without checking the brand’s chart.

What changed from the Pegasus Trail 4

The fifth generation introduces ReactX in place of React, updates the outsole with ATC rubber and changes the mesh construction and midfoot support. The changes matter to runners familiar with the previous version, but they do not guarantee an identical fit or make the newer shoe preferable for every route.

Nike also attributes to ReactX a reduction of at least 43% in the carbon footprint of a pair of midsoles compared with React, linked to a manufacturing process requiring less energy. The figure concerns the midsole, not the full environmental impact of making, transporting and using the shoe.

The value of one shoe for several surfaces

The main buying decision is not simply to choose the shoe with the most lugs or the most cushioning, but to identify which part of the route really shapes the training. Someone who runs mostly on compact tracks with some road sections may benefit from a compromise outsole; someone who regularly descends rough trails needs to give greater weight to dedicated grip and protection.

Weekly mileage matters too: if nearly every run is on the road, a road shoe may be better suited to that main use. If the trail is only part of the route, the Pegasus Trail 5 has a clear role in a rotation: covering the whole journey without requiring a second pair to reach the trailhead.

How we put this review together: we have not tested these shoes. We wrote it by reading published lab tests, brand information and runners’ opinions.

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