Nike Pegasus Trail 2 Trail Running Shoes

Find your wings on the path less travelled. The Nike Pegasus Trail 2 delivers durability and responsiveness to runners, trail athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Versatile enough for your everyday miles, it features an ideal fit with plush cushioning and tough traction.

Durable Mesh Upper

Durable mesh uppers encase each foot in breathable comfort. Perforations in the fabric increase airflow, creating a better, healthier environment for your feet to thrive in. When temperatures begin to rise the well ventilated upper ensures a constant cooling effect so you can power through any workout with ease. The mesh at the forefoot combines with materials along the toe to help prevent abrasion and increase overall durability. As well this, the durable mesh also helps to drain water so you can stay cool, dry and comfortable at all times. A midfoot cage exists to provide added support; it helps your foot to stay secure and contained as you move through uneasy terrain. The perforated tongue helps to resist water and increase drainage whilst a faux gaiter piece at the collar keeps out dirt and debris. A pull tab also exists on the back to ensure an easy on and off. Completing the shoes is a lacing system which locks down the midfoot to reduce in-shoe slippage so you can enjoy distraction-free strides.

React Foam Midsole

A full-length platform of React cushioning resides underfoot to deliver feathery durability plus smooth responsiveness. To produce this startlingly lightweight and springy midsole, crafted from synthetic rubber, Nike listened to the voice of the athlete. Their in-house sports research lab plugged footstrike data into a proprietary algorithm that determined how much cushioning was needed where. They simulated testing on (about) one hundred possible shoe geometries to quickly determine the handful they knew would work best for most runners and then merged the science with an elegant design, intended to feel like a slipper on a mattress. The reactive nature of this clever midsole material means it absorbs impact and then expels it back out for a bounce-like effect. This energy-return technology reduces the use of superfluous muscle power, diminishing fatigue and enhancing performance, keeping you going for longer. Soft, generous and substantial, React will spare your joints as you strike down onto hard, unforgiving concrete and infuse every stride with the kind of zealous power that is often elusive in the running world.

Full-Rubber Outsole

Developed using a durable rubber the outsole of the Nike Pegasus Trail 2 Running Shoes ensure durable protection on the trails. The forefoot and heel have been constructed using abrasion-resistant materials to ensure long-lasting durability and grip. The durable rubber provides a strong grip on the most challenging terrain; it works to protect itself from damage, and protect users from losing control and slipping. Placed specifically in these two areas of the outsole the abrasion-resistant rubber protects as you strike down and take off. A shockwave-like pattern not only provides a fast, bike tire-inspired look but, it also ensure increased grip when changing direction. Grippy outsole nubs mean optimal grip and easy mud shedding, never killing your pace with weight, and they're strategically placed with a sharp, crisp shape to amplify grip in every direction, in every condition. Lastly, Toe fangs at the forefoot help enhance traction and protect the upper from the trails and tribulations of the trail.

Shoe Review

The Nike Pegasus Trail 2 is a very striking-looking shoe with a brightly coloured and bold design. Comfort and cushioning are clearly the main features. I particularly love the sock-like material around the back of the heel and ankle, coupled with the snug fit of the perforated tongue, which has an in-built gaiter to help keep out dirt and debris. Also, inside the back of the shoe, is a cushioned pillow for added comfort and protection which has been ergonomically designed to sit behind the heel. These key features collectively help to make this one of the most comfortable pairs of trail shoes that I have tested.

In my opinion, it is also the most breathable, with perforations in the fabric to increase airflow and enhance ventilation. However, it does leave certain parts of your feet more exposed to sharp rocks, particularly at the front of the shoe. And although the lightweight upper does provide adequate support, I would personally prefer even more help prevent lateral movement inside the shoe, especially on uneven and challenging terrain.

With substantial grip capable of tacking a multitude of off-road surfaces, this shoe is a great all-round model and a sure-fire hit for anyone looking for a plush and comfortable ride. In terms of sizing, I found the Nike Pegasus Trail to be true to size, standard width but plenty of room in the toe box.

Ben Mounsey - SportsShoes Trail Athlete