The Nike Pegasus Trail 2 is constructed to offer a cushioned and responsive design with the ability to help you transition easily between roads and trails.
This shoe was built to get the job done on any and all surfaces, with the ability to add some bounce into your stride AND keep you comfortable for the long haul.
The outsole rubber tread lugs were made so that they could keep you from slipping on the wet roads and muddy trails alike.
Nike Pegasus Trail 2 Review
As a daily-training neutral trail shoe, the Pegasus Trail 2 includes some immense cushioning that tries not to get in the way, some durable outsole rubber lugs to offer better traction on all surfaces, and a busy upper mesh with the intention of giving your foot a mix of sturdy protection and airy breathability which is comparable to some of the other high-level running shoes.
Specification:
- Stack Height: 31 mm (Heel), 21 mm (Forefoot)
- OFFSET: 10mm drop from heel to toe
- Weight: 11.1 oz / 314g (US M9) and 9.4 oz / 266g (US W8)
- FIT: True to size (½ size down for some)
- Category: Neutral
Nike is really trying to do a lot with the Nike Pegasus Trail 2, but when all is said and run, does it actually get the job done? Let's get going to find out!
Our friend Noble drops some great insight on the Pegasus Trail 2 in this video:
UPPER - Materials and Lockdown
Nike wastes no time getting busy with this upper material. There are plenty of big and small features set to provide some holistic performance and minor qualities of life. They truly spared no expense on this design.
Nike starts it all off by constructing the upper with a Durable Mesh throughout that also increases airflow and helps drain water, so you can stay cool and dry.
To air in coverage, there is a around the collar that helps keep dirt and debris out.It’s a pretty solid design feature that helps the shoe drain water more effectively than some others, but the airflow is also there to aid in that process. It works to some extent, but in cold, wet runs the shoe tends to still hold onto some moisture.
To aid in lockdown, there is a Midfoot Cage on the top of your foot integrated into the lacing system that helps your foot stay secure and contained even on the sharp turns or steep downhills.
To go along with further drainage there is a Perforated Sockliner to help the mesh stay water resistant and increase drainage.
The sockliner is honestly so comfortable you could probably wear the shoe without any socks, not suggesting that for obvious reasons, but I think it could still be done in some cases.
Faux Gaiter Piece
Finally, there are Toe Fangs at the forefoot to help enhance traction and protect your toes from getting stubbed.
This is a solid addition that may definitely aid in traction on a rough trail, but the rest of the shoe does not necessarily feel designed for a “rough” trail so it feels a little out of place.
Overall, there are a lot of features to consider with this upper design and I think it does check a lot of boxes as a comfortable commuter shoe for the roads and trails.
POSITIVE: Breathable and strong midfoot lockdown
DRAWBACK: Toe Fang feels a little too bulky.MIDSOLE - Bouncy Foam, Solid Feedback
For all of the features on the upper material, the midsole stays pretty plain, simple, and easy. Not a ton of stuff going on, just some awesome cushioning with a nice mix of soft and responsive elements that can get you through a variety of runs.
The now prevalent Nike React Foam is what is featured in this shoe to provide a lightweight, springy, and durable. We have seen React foam be used in a lot of different ways, some have been good and others have fallen flat.
I think this interaction really gets it right.
Contrary to its road counterpart, the Pegasus 37—which I thought was too stiff and firm for a road daily trainer—The Pegasus Trail 2 offers a super versatile react foam that fits the mark for a pretty soft underfoot feel, with a hint of bounce and solid ground feedback on the trails.
Furthermore, there is a midsole taper on the back of the shoe to aid in aerodynamics and add a little extra stylistic flair to the shoe.
I don’t think there is a practical or noticeable difference with this addition (especially as a trail shoe), but I can appreciate the effort and personally enjoy the look so that gets a thumbs up.
Overall, the midsole really adds to the enjoyment you’ll feel on a run, and while it may be heavy for some, it can be a great option for most.
POSITIVE: Soft and springy ride with solid ground feedback.
DRAWBACK: Dense foam will feel heavy for some.
OUTSOLE - Durable Traction
The outsole offers a durable rubber that comes with some solid lugs to aid in trail grip, but not cause too much slip on the roads.
Generally speaking, the Pegasus Trail 2 features a full Rubber outsole that gives you traction and a smooth ride between trails and the road. This is simple enough, but let's talk about the lugs and the grip.
On buffed out trails these lugs will provide excellent grip, even on some muddy or wet dirt surfaces you will have few problems getting up and down a mountain with these.
The lugs are not deep enough to catch on the ground and trip you, but they are deep enough to sink in to make sure you can take a tight turn. On most dirt trails you are going to be just fine, although the outsole may allow for mud to cake on the bottom.
Furthermore, the lugs will not hinder your ability to run on the roads, if the roads are icy or have snow, then this may be a better shoe to wear than a traditional road shoe. When the roads are wet, then you have some slipping at the toe-off, but nothing major.
Although the lugs will nail it on the dirt surfaces and roads, I do not think this is the shoe to wear on extra rocky or technical trails, as it just does not provide enough grip or traction for those kinds of surfaces.
This is something to be aware of when deciding on the trail shoe of your dreams.
The outsole and the lugs check many boxes, but for some that like to run extra rocky or technical trails, then you should seek out something designed with more intention for that setting.
POSITIVE: Great traction on dirt and roads.
DRAWBACK: Not enough grip for rocky or technical terrain.DURABILITY PREDICTION - 500 to 600 miles (805-965km)
To keep it simple, if you run exclusively on trails, then you will probably get closer to 600 miles (965km), but if you get some solid mileage on roads too then the lugs may wear down faster and you’ll probably get around 500 miles (805km).
Most trail lugs just aren’t designed for the roads and as a result, they wear down faster and you lose your grip. Although the Pegasus Trail 2 is designed to get the job done on the roads as well, I just don’t see it lasting as long as if you were just on the dirt.
BEST USES - Trail Runs, Winter Road Runs, Long Trail Runs, and Long Trail Racing
This shoe checks quite a few boxes for the general trail runner. It is comfortable and responsive enough to get in a large array for trail runs from short and easy runs to long runs or even some longer trail ultramarathons (50 miles, 100km, etc.).
Furthermore, the lugs on the bottom have provided me with plenty of grip on the snowy and icy road surfaces above a traditional road rubber outsole. I feel more secure on my easy road runs with just a little extra grip to get the job done.PRICE
This shoe checks quite a few boxes for the general trail runner. It is comfortable and responsive enough to get in a large array for trail runs from short and easy runs to long runs or even some longer trail ultramarathons (50 miles, 100km, etc.).
Furthermore, the lugs on the bottom have provided me with plenty of grip on the snowy and icy road surfaces above a traditional road rubber outsole. I feel more secure on my easy road runs with just a little extra grip to get the job done.Nike Pegasus Trail 2 Conclusion - A Reliable Option for Dirt Trail Running
Between the breathable and secure mesh upper, the springy react foam, and the outsole lug grip you’re looking at a really great all-around shoe that will make a trial run worth your while.
The Pegasus Trail 2 does not get in your way for most occasions and offers a nice blend of running options.
It really does come as a “commuter shoe” because it can take you between roads and trails without much thought, and that is not something that can be said for most other road or trail shoes out there.
With plenty of upsides and only some minor grievances with grip, weight, and fit, there are plenty of reasons to be excited to get a pair of the Nike Pegasus Trail 2.Should you get the Pegasus Trail 2?
So if you are looking for a well-rounded shoe that can accomplish most goals on the trail and not hinder your road running, then this is a great option for you.
Anyone who is a casual and neutral trail/road runner will probably find enjoyment and good quality of life with this shoe.
If you are a beginner in trail running, then it is a great starter shoe for you to get used to how a trail shoe feels on the ground compared to a road running shoe, and it's versatile enough to work for you on the roads as well.
This shoe is not for an extreme trail runner that wants to take on the technical and rocky terrain on some advanced trails. Go in for something more specialized if this is your desire.
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API