I’ve reviewed several waterproof trail shoes over the years. A previous version of the Pegasus 36 Trail can be read here and about the On Cloudventure Trail shoe here.

 

My Pegasus 36 Trail are still going, but they’ve turned into a walking/gardening shoe as the sole, or at least the lugs have worn down through to the midsole, and no longer provide much grip.

 

I’ve been on and off the Nike website for the last few months looking at the Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX, checking prices and colours, but due to it being summer, the real need for them was low.

 

On a chance visit to the Nike Unite shop in Croydon, I happened upon a pair at half price (from the RRP of £145). Whilst they were not in the colour I wanted; I thought the offer was too good to pass up. After 4 weeks of use here are my thoughts.

First Impressions

The Khaki/Citron Tint Light Bone-Ironstone colours quickly grew on me and sliding them on, they fitted well and had a nice bounce to them. Trail shoes can sometimes be a bit stiff, but these felt like a normal running shoe. The cuff around the ankle is not noticeable and again feels no different to a normal running shoe. The lacing felt strong and sturdy.

Upper and Lacing

Talking of lacing, that has been one of the major takeaways for these shoes, the lacing is very snug and doesn’t slip at all, which has been a problem I’ve had with several shoes. It’s good to know you’re not going to have to stop after 10 minutes to re-tighten your laces. The tongue is slightly padded is the laces don’t dig in.

 

The Upper feels light and flexible. Again, some waterproof shoes can feel stiff due to the waterproofing or the upper being slightly thicker. It’s not quite like a standard running shoe that has light mesh, but there must be compensation for the waterproofness. The toe box is roomy and allows your toes to spread  out. There is reinforcement around the toe which will help reduce wear and aid waterproofing.

 

The cuff up at the back of the heel is subtle and almost unnoticeable. This is probably due to it not being incredibly snug. When you flex your foot, the cuff does come away from the ankle, so it’s still possible for water and debris to get into the shoe. I think it do a job to minimise things getting in, but it’s not foolproof. It should be noted the cuff at the back is not waterproof.

Sole

 

The lugs are again, not massive and are similar to the previous Pegasus 36 Trail. The smaller size of the lugs was one of the points that delayed my purchase. However, up until now, they have been exactly what I needed. The autumn in the UK has been particularly dry. It’s mid-October now, and we are still having some days in the mid-20s temperature-wise. My current training is on grass and involves plenty of shuttle runs, so quick turns are a priority, and the sole has been excellent. It’s been dry, with only some wet grass in the mornings due to dew.

 

The shoe is not trying to be an aggressive trail shoe though. Described as providing a “smooth transition from road to trail” the shoe does exactly this.
The rubber outsole wraps around the front of the shoe to provide extra durability and is useful to help maintain position in exercises like the plank. The rubber on the sole is gripper than the previous version I’ve worn, so use on tarmac is much less precarious.

 

One thing I am doing with these shoes is minimising the amount I use them on the road or walking around on tarmac, so as to maintain the sole and the effectiveness of the lugs.

Waterproof

 

I hate wet feet, hence my push for good trainers. Working out on wet grass, the shoes have kept my feet “reasonably” dry. There has been a very slight dampness. Comparing them to normal running shoes, where my feet would have been soaked, they do a good job. Again, I have found that damp patches seem to form on the upper suggesting water is being retained. Water does not bead off the shoes after a few wears. It should be noted the cuff at the back is not waterproof.

Cushioning

On the first try, the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX feel lovely and bouncy (if that’s your thing). They are not too bouncy due to some of the robustness needed to deal with the terrain they are designed for.
The shoe has Nike React technology throughout the full length. I’ve always liked the React foam since getting a pair of Epic Reacts, which were my favourites for a long time. The foam is lightweight, durable and gives a responsive ride.

 

The drop is 9.5-10mm, so it feels very much like a road shoe.

Conclusion

The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX are a step up in many ways from the earlier version I had. The fit is better, the lacing is secure, the cushioning is softer and bouncier and the rubber on the sole is grippier.

 

This is not a technical trail shoe; it is very much for mild to medium terrain trails and for use on the roads to get you to the trail/path.

 

The waterproofing is of slight concern. There are several reviews stating similar concerns. For what I need them for – wet grass and light trails they will do a very good job and keep the worst out. So far, I’m very pleased with my purchase.
It may not be Nike’s target market, but the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX make excellent walking shoes and would be just the job for dog walkers.