Men’s Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX Review

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for comfy, versatile trail shoes for year-round running in wet weather, the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX are a good bet. They’re the only waterproof footwear to make our best trail running shoes for men guide. Editor Ian Krammer’s put them to the test for 300 miles in winter and spring slush in Denver, Colorado.

The Pegasus Trail 5 gets an updated foam midsole and an improved rocker shape for easy transitions and a plush ride between pavement and well-groomed trails. Compared to the 4, this iteration is slightly wider for improved comfort, although they’re still fairly narrow. These are in the middle for weight with a balance between cushioning and responsiveness. Gore-Tex waterproofing and a tall heel cuff keep water out.

However, the Pegasus Trail 5 GTX falls short on technical trails and extremely slick terrain, where the squishy midsole and shallower lugs can sometimes feel unstable. The high heel-to-toe drop won’t work for everyone’s running style. And, the waterproof liners sacrifice breathability in warmer conditions.

But for runners who prioritize cushion, weather protection, and a smooth ride on gentler routes, it’s a dependable option no matter the weather.

Comfort

The Trail 5 earns decent marks for comfort. Sliding into them is easier than ever thanks to double loops – with one on the heel, and another on the tongue, put-on is fast and simple. Ian finds they have a cushy feel right out of the box. With no break-in period, he took them on a 10 mile run on his first test with no issues. 

Nike updates the 5’s with new midsole foam that’s softer than the 4’s. The ultra-cushioned tongue and soft upper minimized pressure points and friction. Combined with a more dramatic rocker shape and tall stack height, this design is most comfortable on rolling singletrack.

The Trail 5 won’t feel comfortable for everyone, though. The Gore-Tex liner means they run a bit hot. The fit is fairly narrow, too, so folks with bigger feet may be disappointed. We needed to go up by half a size, and they don’t come in wide.

Also, the high stack and softer midsole make the shoe feel less stable on technical trails, so it’s not our top choice for tricky footing. But, for folks who stay on well-maintained trails, none of these are a dealbreaker, and their foam feels excellent.

Traction

The Pegasus Trail 5 gets a complete overhaul of its outsole material from the 4. Instead of the smoother, tackier blend of the previous iteration, Nike swaps in an updated textured rubber composite called All Terrain Compound (ATC).

When testing on wet trail runs near Breckenridge, Colorado, including patches of snow and ice, this new blend felt reliable and kept us moving quickly and confidently. Ian also found the outsole’s design sheds mud efficiently, making it feel stable on fall trails and slushy sidewalks.

The lug pattern also gets an upgrade with more diamond-shaped lugs from toe to heel than the third version. The 3.2mm lugs aren’t aggressive, but keep in mind this is a road-to-trail shoe, and testing finds that’s where it thrives. The uniform pattern offers better ground contact, more lateral stability, and improved bite on packed dirt, gravel, and even light snow. 

We don’t recommend this shoe traction for high angle or technical places, though. The shallow lugs struggled to dig in when terrain gets really slick and steep, which is why it earns a lower score for traction than the competition.

Also, a large section of the midfoot lacks tread altogether. This design improves flexibility, but left us vulnerable to slipping on uneven ground.

Weight

When it comes to weight, the Pegasus Trail 5 is average. At 1 lb, 4.4 oz, it lands squarely in the middle of the pack on our best trail runners list – it’s not the lightest option out there, but far from heavy. The main bulk of the weight comes from the midsole foam and the Gore-Tex uppers.

On cool, wet spring and fall days, we keep them in the rotation because they feel reasonably agile and fast on mixed-terrain runs up to 20 miles.

But if you want an ultra-light shoe, the Pegasus Trail 5 is a bit much for what it delivers. Often, heavier shoes provide more support and durability, while lighter ones boost speed and efficiency. The Trail 5 sits in a middle ground that may not satisfy either camp.

In our book, waterproofing is a plus, but the Gore-Tex liner adds some grams without adding versatility. If you’re tackling mild trails in bad weather, the Trail 5 work well, but don’t expect a super fast ride.

Durability

The Pegasus Trail 5 GTXs has some durable elements. The combo of a Gore-Tex liner with a single-layer knit upper adds more protection against roots and debris. A gaiter-like ankle cuff helps keep out dirt while adding a bit of structural support. The outsoles shield against water and mud, and a winged toe bumper protects from sharp rocks.

But longevity is not this shoe’s strength. Ian tested this pair mostly on gentler trails and established routes, but around 300 miles, things started falling apart – literally. The toe bumper lifted, overlays peeled, and stitching inside the cuffs unraveled.

We also found these shoes needed regular maintenance to keep the moisture out. We regularly added a quality waterproofing spray to keep the moisture from sneaking in. This shoe offers solid performance, but don’t expect it to last forever.

Breathability

Gore-Tex trail runners aren’t known for breathability, and the Pegasus Trail 5 is no exception. As a result, it scores low for breathability. Their GTX status and sock-like cuff blocks out water from puddles, mud, and soaking wet underbrush, but also traps sweat and heat. 

That said, this shoe is a solid choice for shoulder season runs and hikes when the temps drop. They’ll add a bit of warmth and good protection against puddles, debris, and splashback.

Responsiveness

Nike’s switch to ReactX foam gives the Pegasus Trail 5 a softer, cushier feel without completely losing their energy return. A more pronounced rocker and tall 37 millimeter stack height make these things great for cruising, though they’re less responsive than their previous version overall. Heel strikers will appreciate the comfort and 9.5mm drop, while the forefoot stays stable for a smooth toe-off.

Still, the taller stack height means there’s not much ground feel. We don’t recommend these for tricky technical trails or bombing down rocky descents where careful stepping is crucial. It’sThe Pegasus Trail 5 are not the most quick or sure-footed ride on rough trails – although for road and packed dirt, these hit the nail on the head.

Should You Buy the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX?

The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX are best for runners who want reliable comfort and decent weather protection on well-groomed trails. Their updated foam midsole delivers a soft, slightly bouncy ride for long miles and moderate paces on a mix of gentler trails and asphalt. Gore-Tex uppers keep feet dry through puddles and light rain, while the snug ankle cuff helps block out debris. A rocker shape encourages smooth transitions, and the flexible forefoot allows for a natural stride. If you’re sticking to established trails in cooler conditions and want a plush, protective ride, this shoe works well. 

However, folks tackling technical routes in hot weather should look elsewhere. These run a bit narrow and shallow, and their tall heel-to-toe drop won’t work for everyone. The midsole is cushy, but it lacks the stability needed for steep and rocky terrain. Gore-Tex limits breathability, causing sweaty feet in warm weather, and the Pegasus Trail 5’s waterproofing requires regular upkeep. It’s also not the most durable shoe beyond the 300 mile mark.

But for those who want good comfort, traction, and a smooth ride on lower-incline and mixed trails, the Pegasus Trail 5 GTX delivers year round fun mile after mile.

What Other Trail Running Shoes For Men Should You Consider?

The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX are the only waterproof footwear on our trail running shoes for men guide. But if you’re looking for breathable and lighter-weight options, check out these other favorites: 

Brooks Catamount 4 Review: The Brooks Catamount 4 is like the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX in terms of price and snug fit. However, it outperforms the Pegasus 5 with a lighter build, more responsive ride, and top-tier breathability.

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Review: The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 shares the good lacing system and higher weight as the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX. But, it stands out for a wider toe box, better affordability, and comfier fit.

Saucony Peregrine 15 Review: The Peregrine 15 has a similar traction pattern and comfort as the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX. It’s not waterproof, but it’s better for runners looking that want to pay less for an excellent all-around trail shoe.