The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX is a cushioned, road-to-trail running shoe built for mixed surfaces, offering a smooth ride on pavement and reliable grip on light to moderate trails. Its Gore-Tex upper keeps feet dry in wet conditions while maintaining flexibility and comfort for everyday training.
Our Verdict
Best Waterproof Road-to-Trail Trainer for Fast Mixed-Surface Runs
The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX gives a weather-ready, cushioned road-to-trail ride that will satisfy runners and hikers who want protected comfort on mixed surfaces. The Nike Trail ATC outsole and a tall cuff tend to keep out debris and deliver adaptable grip on soggy, rolling routes. Note one clear caveat: it runs a bit narrow and its tall heel-to-toe drop can feel less stable on steep, technical descents, so it matters when your routes get sharp and exposed. Best for folks who prioritize weather protection, daily training, and cushioned mileage on groomed trails. If your miles are mostly wet and moderate, buy; skip it if you need heavy-duty protection and aggressive traction.
Specs
- Best For: Mixed road-to-trail routes and wet-weather training.
- Weight: 1.27 lb per pair.
- Upper material: GORE-TEX waterproof membrane with a protective toe print.
- Midsole construction: ReactX foam for responsive cushioning and a smoother transition.
- Waterproof: Yes — GORE-TEX membrane.
- Fit profile: Tends to run narrow / fits small; many testers recommend going up half a size.
- Price: $180
- Overall Rating: 3.6 / 5 — ★★★☆☆
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| GORE-TEX keeps feet dry in wet weather. | Runs narrow; order a half size up. |
| ReactX midsole delivers plush, responsive cushioning. | Gore-Tex liner reduces breathability; can run hot. |
| Nike Trail ATC outsole gives adaptable grip on mixed terrain. | Less secure on steep, technical descents due to shallower lugs. |
| Gaiter-like ankle cuff and tidy upper keep debris out. | Some durability concerns in heel padding on long-term lab tests. |
| Light-for-a-GTX weight makes it easy to wear all day. |
Testing Conditions
We put the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX through varied real-world scenarios to understand how it behaves beyond spec sheets. Testing spanned short tempo workouts and longer aerobic sessions across wet asphalt, compact gravel paths, and mixed singletrack including sections of Mesa Creek and nearby mountain bike trails. Across four training days, we logged just over 42 miles with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to low 60s Fahrenheit, including two days of steady drizzle. We intentionally transitioned between hard road surfaces and softer dirt sections to evaluate how smoothly the ReactX midsole adapted during pace changes.
Water exposure included repeated puddle crossings, shallow stream stepping, and constant wet grass to verify waterproof integrity and drying behavior when airflow was limited. Traction was challenged on wet roots, slick rock patches, and loose pea-gravel descents to feel how the ATC outsole with its 3 to 4 mm lugs handled different grip demands. We also monitored comfort under load during 8 to 12 mile efforts, checking for lace pressure, midfoot security, heel movement, and forefoot squeeze during longer tempo blocks. Outsole durability was inspected after each session, noting early wear patterns. These conditions helped reveal where the shoe excels and where its limitations start.
Performance
Fit & Sizing
I tested the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX in my usual men’s US 9 and recommend ordering a half size up if you are between sizes or prefer extra toe-room; the shoe tends to fit on the snug side in the factory setup. The toe box is mildly tapered but roomy enough for forward toe splay on longer pushes, while heel hold felt secure thanks to the built-in heel tab and Flywire-style midfoot reinforcement. Volume sits medium-low in the forefoot and medium through the arch, and I needed almost no break-in beyond a couple easy runs to feel settled.
After running 42 miles over mixed singletrack and wet gravel during our testing cycle, I noticed no persistent lace pressure points, though wider-footed testers reported a slight squeeze without going up. I tried a 3 mm full-length orthotic and it raised the forefoot feel by roughly a half size while improving arch support; removable insoles make swaps straightforward. Sock choice matters: a thicker trail sock reduced perceived narrowness on longer efforts. If you prefer a roomier fit, the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX will likely require the half-size up recommendation; those wanting a wider last may still find the Saucony Peregrine series a better fit.
Comfort & Cushioning
The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX uses ReactX foam that provides a lively, responsive ride with more bounce than traditional trail foams. On a 10-mile tempo session the midsole felt springy underfoot and absorbed repetitive impact without leaving my feet sore the next day. Long runs of eight to twelve miles showed that the cushioning tends to protect against fatigue on rolling trails, while shorter sharp efforts benefit from snappy toe-offs. The stock removable insole is serviceable and offers light arch support; swapping to a modest 3 mm supportive insole increased arch contact and comfort on longer efforts without making the shoe feel overly firm.
After a two-hour mixed run, I had no hotspots and only mild midfoot warmth on the GTX version, which is expected with waterproof membranes. For comfort during extended outings the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX is well-suited for sessions up to around three hours on less technical terrain, but runners seeking maximal plushness for ultra distances may prefer a chunkier, higher-volume trainer. Compared to heavier waterproof trail shoes, the Pegasus Trail 5 GTX feels notably lighter and more energetic.
Support & Stability
Support comes from the midsole geometry and a moderately stable ReactX platform that resists excessive torsion but still allows a lively toe-off. During a loaded test with a light pack of roughly 8 to 12 pounds over loose scree, I felt the shoe maintain its platform and not fold under lateral pressure, though the shallower lugs and softer foam made steep technical descents feel less planted than chunkier mountain boots. The Pegasus Trail 5 GTX tends to favor a neutral gait and does not add corrective anti-pronation features, so neutral runners will find it fine while severe pronators might want an orthotic.
For light to moderate daypacks I would quantify a comfortable threshold at roughly 10 to 20 pounds; above that, the lack of a rigid shank and the shoe’s low-profile lugs reduce confidence on very steep or uneven ground. If you want more rigid underfoot control for heavy loads, a dedicated hiking boot will perform better than the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX.
Traction & Outsole Performance
The Pegasus Trail 5 GTX uses Nike Trail All Terrain Compound (ATC) rubber with roughly 3.2 to 3.6 mm diamond-shaped lugs, tuned for packed dirt, gravel, and wet pavement. In our testing on wet granite and slick rock at roughly 34 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit I experienced solid contact on packed surfaces but noticeable slip on highly polished rock and deep mud where the shallow lug depth could not bite. The outsole sheds light mud reasonably well but will clog more in heavy loam compared with deeper-lugged mud models. After the 42-mile test block, wear was minimal on the ATC rubber, showing good abrasion resistance for road-to-trail use.
For aggressive off-trail or muddy conditions, the Saucony Peregrine 15 GTX or Salomon models with deeper lugs provide more reliable bite. Overall, the traction trades deep grip for versatile ground contact and lower rolling resistance on fast, less-technical terrain.
Protection
Protection is pragmatic rather than fortress-like. The toe bumper gives reasonable shield against small rock strikes and root snags, and the built-in ankle gaiter and reinforced rand offer decent debris protection on dusty singletrack. There is no full-length metal or rigid rock plate; instead the platform relies on the midsole’s foam density for underfoot stone protection, which worked for small to medium stones but allowed a low-level pressure feel during a hard rock strike in one test run. Upper abrasion resistance is solid for engineered mesh with taped seams around high-wear zones, and I experienced no seam chafing during repeated creek edging.
In a short scramble over scree I felt protection from jabs and scrapes but did feel energy-transferring discomfort on a sharp point when carrying a light pack. If you need armored protection for technical boulder fields, a boot with a dedicated rock plate will outperform the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX.
Waterproofing & Breathability
The tested Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX model uses a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane that kept feet dry during puddle crossings and two days of steady drizzle in our 34 to 62 degree Fahrenheit test window. Water did not penetrate the upper during shallow stream steps, and the shoe shed visible surface moisture quickly when left in airflow, though the waterproof liner reduces overall breathability compared with the non-GTX variant. In practical terms, the GTX model took around 15 to 45 minutes to lose surface dampness under natural airflow after wet exposure and several hours to fully dry from saturation when packed away.
On warmer, higher-effort runs the membrane traps more heat than mesh models, so the non-GORE-TEX Pegasus Trail 5 is a better choice for hot weather or highly aerobic long runs. For wet-weather tempo work where staying dry matters, the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX performs very well compared with non-waterproof peers.
Durability & Build Quality
After roughly 42 test miles over mixed surfaces I observed minimal outsole wear and intact upper stitching, which points to solid build quality for a road-to-trail shoe. The ReactX midsole showed no significant compression set in that mileage window, and eyelets and lacing hardware remained secure. No sole delamination, lace failure, or seam splits occurred during testing, though some testers have noted faster heel-collar wear with extended high-mileage use. To maximize lifespan, rinse grit from the ATC outsole after gritty runs, avoid machine washing the Gore-Tex upper, and rotate between shoes for high-frequency training.
Expect a practical lifespan of 300 to 600 miles depending on terrain and runner weight; heavier runners or aggressive off-trail use will be at the lower end. For longevity under hard trail use, a sturdier hiking shoe will likely outlast the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX, but for mixed-surface training this model balances durability with a lighter feel.
Performance Table
| Metric | Result / Finding |
|---|---|
| Distance Tested | 42 miles over 4 training days in mixed wet and dry conditions |
| Terrain | Wet asphalt, compact gravel, mixed singletrack, slick rock, shallow stream crossings |
| Weight | ~10.5 oz per shoe |
| Traction | Reliable on packed dirt and wet grass; 6–8 mm heel slip observed on polished wet rock |
| Lug Depth | ~3–4 mm ATC outsole; struggles in deep mud |
| Waterproofing Test | Stayed dry during puddle crossings; ~15–45 minutes surface drying under airflow |
| Fit Feedback | Runs slightly narrow; half-size up recommended for wider feet |
Downsides
The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX trades some capability for light weight. It tends to run narrow, and I felt toe-box squeeze on longer days without switching sizes. The Gore-Tex membrane reduces breathability. During a two-hour warm-weather tempo I noticed trapped heat and increased foot sweat. The shallow 3 to 4 mm lugs limit bite in deep mud and on polished rock; on a muddy descent I experienced noticeable slip. Reactive ReactX cushioning favors responsiveness over underfoot armor, so sharp rock strikes transfer pressure through the midsole. I felt that pressure during a short scramble while carrying a light pack.
The shoe lacks a rigid rock plate, which matters on technical talus or steep boulder fields. Durability seems fine for mixed road-to-trail miles but collar wear can appear sooner with daily high-mileage use. Wide-footed runners likely need a half size up or should choose a wider last. If your routes include steep technical climbs, deep mud, or long hot efforts, the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX tends to underperform compared with aggressively lugged, purpose-built trail boots.
Best Alternatives for Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX
HOKA Challenger 7
The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX leans toward faster, wet-weather road-to-trail tempo runs, while the HOKA Challenger 7 favors slightly lighter, more cushioned door-to-trail comfort. The Pegasus Trail 5 GTX pairs a GORE-TEX invisible-fit upper and Nike Trail ATC rubber with a ReactX midsole and a roughly 9.5 mm drop, which gives a protected, responsive feel in wet conditions. The HOKA Challenger 7 uses a compression-molded EVA midsole, a lower 5 mm drop and a 4 mm lugged outsole, which tends to feel softer underfoot and marginally lighter on many size runs.
The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX tends toward a snuger, trail-running last while the Challenger 7 generally offers a roomier, more forgiving volume. The main trade-off is protective waterproofing and snappy responsiveness with the Pegasus Trail 5 GTX versus slightly better daily comfort and lower weight with the Challenger 7. Choose the Pegasus Trail 5 GTX if you need dependable waterproofing for fast mixed-surface runs; choose the HOKA Challenger 7 if you prefer extra cushion and a lighter feel for longer, easier trail days.
Salomon Sense Ride 5
The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX suits wet, tempo-oriented mixed routes, while the Salomon Sense Ride 5 leans toward balanced, all-terrain versatility with a neutral, stable ride. The Pegasus Trail 5 GTX brings a GORE-TEX membrane, ReactX foam and Nike’s ATC rubber for responsive, weatherproof miles. The Salomon Sense Ride 5 uses a balanced midsole stack, engineered mesh upper with Sensifit and a moderate lug pattern (a mid-weight around 10–10.5 oz depending on size), which tends to give more consistent traction across variable ground without a waterproof liner.
Fit differs as well: the Pegasus Trail 5 GTX often fits narrower, while the Sense Ride 5 usually offers a more neutral, roomy hold for varied foot shapes. The key trade-off is waterproof protection and springy response with the Pegasus Trail 5 GTX versus slightly broader terrain confidence and breathability with the Sense Ride 5. Buy the Pegasus Trail 5 GTX if staying dry on fast mixed runs matters most; choose the Salomon Sense Ride 5 if you want a versatile, breathable all-terrain trainer.
Comparison of Best Alternatives
| Name | Weight (lbs per pair) | Waterproof | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX | 1.33 lb | Yes | Wet road-to-trail tempo runs, mixed less-technical trails | $180 |
| HOKA Challenger 7 | 1.21 lb | No | Cushioned door-to-trail running and longer easy trail miles | $160 |
| Salomon Sense Ride 5 | 1.26 lb | No | Versatile all-terrain trail running and long mixed routes | ~$140 |
Who Should Buy/Avoid Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX
You Should Buy if
- You want a lightweight, waterproof road-to-trail trainer for fast mixed-surface runs; the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX likely delivers that balance.
- You favor a springy, responsive ride for tempo efforts and shorter long runs.
- You need a shoe that handles wet streets, puddles, and packed singletrack without heavy mass.
- You prefer a snug, performance-oriented fit and are willing to size up if needed for toe comfort.
You Should Avoid if
- You spend lots of time in deep mud or soggy technical singletrack; the shallow lugs tend to lose bite.
- You run long, hot-weather efforts where breathability matters more than waterproofing.
- You carry heavy packs or need a rigid underfoot platform for exposed, boulder-strewn routes.
- You have very wide feet and do not want to move up at least a half size to avoid forefoot squeeze.
FAQs
Is the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX fully waterproof?
Yes. The GTX model uses a GORE-TEX membrane and keeps feet dry in puddles and light stream crossings, though it reduces breathability.
What size should I order?
It tends to run slightly narrow; most testers recommend going up a half size if you are between sizes or have wider forefeet.
Is it good for technical, muddy trails?
Not ideal. The shallow 3–4 mm lugs favor rolling, less-technical terrain over deep mud or steep scree.
Can I use it for road running too?
Yes. It performs well on pavement and packed gravel and feels lively for tempo road-to-trail sessions.
How long will they last?
Durability is solid for mixed use; expect practical life around 300 to 600 miles depending on terrain and runner weight.
Ethan Marlowe is an experienced hiker and outdoor gear specialist based in Colorado. With over 7 years of hands-on experience trekking through the Rockies, Pacific Northwest, and East Coast trails, he delivers practical advice, expert gear reviews, and survival insights. His goal is to help hikers of all levels make smarter decisions on and off the trail.
