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When I thought the Pegasus Trail 5 couldn't get any better, the GTX version comes along, winning me over in 2 major shoe categories. BRAVO Nike! Mens Casual Work Shoes
If you’re a runner looking for versatility in your footwear, the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX (Gore-Tex) most likely what you’re looking for. With its Gore-Tex waterproof upper and other thoughtful upgrades, this shoe takes the solid foundation of the original Pegasus Trail 5 and adds features to handle wet and muddy conditions while still performing on road-to-trail transitions.
It’s also an ideal running shoe for travel as it can handle trail hikes or everyday use really well too. I’ve been wearing my pair on trail runs, and daily lifestyle for the past couple of weeks and here’s my take on what is quite possibly the best GTX take on a running shoe that I have ever reviewed – keep reading to find out why.
The Pegasus Trail 5 GTX fits true to size, fits securely and has a medium width overall. The Gore-Tex Invisible Fit upper flexes very really well which is a rarity in most waterproof trail running shoes, without adding excess bulk, and the built-in gaiter around the collar adds a secure, locked-in feel while keeping out trail debris.
This gaiter also allows jeans to fit better as they slide over the collar rather than get bunched up like they do on the Peg Trail 5, something I’m sure those who plan to use these as their lifestyle shoe will appreciate – like I do.
I didn’t think this would be the case, but I prefer the fit of the GTX upper design to the original version.
For me, the best feature of the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX version is its ability to adapt to varying conditions in total comfort, right out the box – a rarity among GTX shoes.
You get waterproof protection in the upper, without additional bulk, stiffness or terrible breathability – traits that tend to come hand in hand with Gore-Tex versions of running shoes – oh, and the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX is also lighter – that never happens!
This is a testament to how much the upper has been redesigned just for this GTX version, as the midsole and outsole are identical in both versions. See below for a side by side image of both shoes to get an idea of how different they look.
The Gore-Tex Invisible Fit upper excels in keeping feet dry without feeling stiff or heavy—a common issue with waterproof trail shoes. It’s also surprisingly breathable for a GTX shoe, although not quite as airy as the standard model.
The ReactX foam in the midsole deserves praise, delivering a noticeable bounce and improved energy return.
It feels lively during climbs and cushioned enough for longer runs, even on harder surfaces like asphalt. On downhills, the ATC outsole grips securely on muddy and rocky paths, (as it does on the Peg Trail 5 too) giving me total confidence on steep descents.
Another highlight for me is the weight, at 9.8 oz, the GTX version, somehow, manages to be lighter than its non-waterproof sibling, an impressive feat considering the added protection – and one that quite honestly, never happens. This weight reduction makes the shoe feel nimble, whether you’re running on technical singletrack or transitioning onto pavement – it makes and already great shoe feel even better on the run.
The built-in gaiter is another bonus that the GTX version brings to the table, keeping dirt and trail debris out of the shoes affectively. Pair this gaiter with the shoe’s excellent heel lock, it provides a stable and comfortable fit even during more aggressive runs or all day use as a everyday lifestyle shoe.
While the ATC outsole performs admirably on moderate trails, the shoe’s lack of aggressive lugs does limit them to light-moderately technical terrain.
Lastly, while the Gore-Tex upper is awesome in wet conditions, it does compromise breathability slightly, but honestly this is one of the much more breathable GTX uppers I have tested.
On particularly hot days, especially when conditions are dry, the standard version may be a better choice for keeping your feet cool but for everything else, I’d recommend the Pegasus Trail 5 GTX version over the original.
The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX are, in my humble opinion, the best road-to-trail running shoes right now for runners who want a waterproof option that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or performance. Its ability to handle road-to-trail transitions makes it perfect if you don’t want to own separate shoes for different terrains, or if you simply want the best shoe for traveling with.
Never, in my 10+ years of reviewing running shoes, have I ever preferred a GTX version of a trail running shoe, until now! Nike is on to a real winner with the Pegasus Trail 5 GTX and it’s one of my top 3 surprise running shoes of 2024.
I love the wide selection of colorways and the $170 price tag is very reasonable for such a versatile, and waterproof road to trail running shoe that is quite honestly the perfect travel shoe too. It’s now my top pick as a lifestyle shoe for all the reasons outlined in this review – bye bye On Cloud, hello Peg Trail 5 GTX!
While it’s not built for extreme technical all-mountain trails, mostly due to the outsole lugs not being deep enough for that, the GTX shines on moderate trails, wet paths, and mixed conditions. For everyday runs and even adventurous outings in unpredictable weather, this shoe is a really reliable companion.
➡ Have you tried the Nike Peg Trail 5 GTX, yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter and Youtube Channel, for more authentic, honest, and reliable running gear reviews just like this one.
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