Nike Pegasus Trail 2 Review

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.).

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.).

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.

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.