Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Review: Specs, GTX, Comfort

You know that feeling when you’re standing at the trailhead, wondering whether your road shoes can handle a muddy patch—or if your trail shoes will punish your ankles on the pavement back home. The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is built for exactly that split.

Weight (Men’s US 10): 11.4 oz / 323 g ·
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm ·
Cushioning Foam: Nike ReactX ·
Waterproof Option: Gore-Tex (GTX model) ·
Outsole: All-terrain rubber with modified tread

Six key specifications, one pattern: the Pegasus Trail 5 packs modern midsole tech into a package that deliberately blurs the line between road and trail. Here’s the full spec sheet.

The takeaway: the ReactX foam is the headline upgrade, and the 10mm drop puts it firmly in the “traditional ride” camp. For runners who want a gait-friendly platform, this is a familiar number.

What are the key specifications of the Nike Pegasus Trail 5?

What is the weight and drop?

The standard men’s US 10 weighs 11.4 oz (323 g) according to Believe in the Run, while Nike’s product page lists the GTX model at roughly 300 g. The heel-to-toe drop is 10 mm in most sources, though Nike’s GTX page cites 9.5 mm. The difference is negligible for most runners, but anyone sensitive to drop will want to note the slight variance.

What type of cushioning is used?

Full-length ReactX foam replaces the older React foam. Nike claims a 13% improvement in energy return over previous React versions. RunRepeat confirms the updated foam feels more responsive than the Pegasus Trail 4. The stack height is 37 mm in the heel and 27.5 mm in the forefoot, per Believe in the Run.

What outsole pattern does it have?

The Trail All Terrain Compound (ATC) rubber outsole uses a modified lug pattern designed for smooth road-to-trail transitions. Nike’s standard product page states it provides enhanced grip in wet weather while maintaining a smooth ride on pavement.

The implication: the ATC compound is the shoe’s secret weapon for hybrid runners. You get enough bite for loose gravel and fire roads without the aggressive, punishing tread of a dedicated trail shoe.

How does the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX compare to the standard version?

Is the GTX version heavier?

Yes. The GTX model adds roughly 0.8 oz over the standard men’s US 10, according to Trail & Kale — they measured 9.8 oz for the GTX compared to 10.5 oz for the standard in women’s sizing. For men’s, Believe in the Run puts the standard at 10.5 oz; the GTX likely runs slightly heavier.

Does the GTX version affect breathability?

Significantly. RunRepeat’s lab test rated ventilation 1 out of 5, calling it “nearly nonexistent.” The Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane blocks water but also traps heat. Trail & Kale notes the GTX version includes a built-in gaiter to keep debris out, which further reduces airflow.

Which version is better for wet conditions?

The GTX, without question. Nike’s product description emphasises wet-weather protection, and the waterproof upper keeps feet dry. But RunRepeat warns that the lack of ventilation makes this a cold-weather shoe only — for warmer wet runs, you’ll be swimming inside the shoe.

Seven points of comparison, one pattern: the GTX version trades breathability for waterproofing. The midsole and outsole are identical, so your choice hinges entirely on climate.

The trade-off: if you regularly run in rain, snow, or slush, the GTX’s protection is worth the premium. If you run in mixed conditions and value airflow, the standard version will feel more versatile.

Is the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 comfortable for long runs?

How does the cushioning feel on pavement?

Believe in the Run describes the Pegasus Trail 5 as “a fantastic option” that doubles as a walking shoe. The ReactX midsole provides soft yet responsive cushioning that absorbs road impact without feeling mushy. Running Shoes Guru agrees, noting the shoe handles paved miles comfortably.

Is the shoe supportive for trail running?

The ATC outsole delivers reliable traction on fire roads, packed gravel, and moderate single-track. For technical trails with loose rocks or steep inclines, Nike says the outsole offers “enhanced grip,” but reviewers note it’s not a full-on aggressive trail lug.

Does it cause hot spots or blisters?

The padded collar and tongue are widely praised. Running Shoes Guru reports no hot spot issues in testing. That said, the GTX version’s reduced breathability can lead to moisture build-up, which increases blister risk on warmer days.

The verdict: comfortable enough for a half-marathon on roads and easy trails, but true trail purists may want more aggressive grip for steep, loose terrain.

Does the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 run true to size?

Should I size up or down?

Most reviews suggest ordering true to size. Running Shoes Guru and Believe in the Run both report a standard fit that matches typical Nike sizing. The toe box has moderate room — enough for toe splay but not overly wide.

Is it available in wide widths?

No. Neither the standard nor the GTX version is offered in wide sizes. Runners with broader feet may need to try before buying or consider a competitor with a wider last.

How does sizing compare to other Nike running shoes?

If you wear a size 10 in the Pegasus road shoe, the Trail 5 will fit the same. The design uses the same last architecture, so there’s no break-in surprise.

For runners in between sizes, sizing up is safer because the padded collar doesn’t stretch much.

What is the price and availability of the Nike Pegasus Trail 5?

Where can I buy the Nike Pegasus Trail 5?

Both versions are available directly from Nike (official store) and through major retailers like SportsDirect and Life Style Sports, according to the product listing. The GTX version is also on Nike’s GTX page.

What is the MSRP?

The standard version retails at $140 USD, the GTX at $160 USD (Nike direct price). Trail & Kale lists the GTX at $170, so prices vary slightly by retailer and region.

Are there discounts available?

No current official discounts, but Nike occasionally runs sales on previous-season colorways. For readers in Ireland, check Lorna Jane discount codes for athletic apparel, though shoe-specific deals are less common. The related guide on New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam offers a comparison for those weighing alternatives.

Confirmed facts and what remains unclear

The pattern: the confirmed facts come from official and independent sources, while the unclear points highlight areas where further testing or regional variability exist.

What the experts say

The Pegasus Trail 5 provides wet-weather protection for trail running. A waterproof GORE-TEX upper, an all-terrain outsole and reflective design details.

— Nike product description (Nike.com)

The updated foam in the Pegasus Trail 5 GTX is shared with the regular version and offers better responsiveness than the Pegasus Trail 4.

— RunRepeat (independent shoe lab) (RunRepeat)

Both expert voices confirm the GTX’s waterproof focus and the upgraded foam performance, reinforcing the shoe’s hybrid strategy.

Related reading: New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Running Shoes Compared · Lorna Jane Discount Code: Get 20% Off + Student Discount

The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 review on ReportDesk UK thoroughly evaluates its performance on both terrain types.

Frequently asked questions

The FAQs cover practical care and usage, confirming the shoe’s versatility for hybrid runners while acknowledging its limitations for heavy hiking.

For hybrid runners who split their miles between pavement and packed dirt, the Pegasus Trail 5 delivers on its promise. The ReactX foam makes it more responsive than its predecessor, and the ATC outsole handles the transition without the clunkiness of a dedicated trail shoe. But the lack of wide sizing and the GTX version’s poor breathability mean it’s not a one-shoe solution for everyone. For the runner in Ireland who faces wet winters and dry summers, the standard version is the smarter year-round pick — unless you’re willing to accept the GTX’s trade-off for dry feet in the rain.