Is the Nike Pegasus 36 Trail Gore-Tex the best winter trail shoe?

Nike recently released the Nike Pegasus 36 Trail Gore-Tex waterproof trail running shoe. But how does it perform when the weather turns nasty, after all, that’s what it’s intended for right?

Fit & Design of the Pegasus GTX

The Nike Pegasus 36 Trail Gore-Tex fits true to size, comparing to other major running brands, so it should fit as expected. The main noticeable factor is the larger toe-box, which some with larger feet will find useful, but others with thinner feet might find a touch spacious. However, due to the less porous nature of the gore-tex upper, your feet might get hotter than you’d typically experience, and when your feet get hotter, they expand, so allow for that.

Comfort while running in the Nike Pegasus 36 Trail Gore-Tex is nearly as dreamy as its non-waterproof version. Naturally, it’s better suited to running in the soggy stuff due to the Gore-Tex upper that keeps your feet warm and dry. There are a couple of areas where it falls short when compared to the summer running shoe alternative though. The two design elements that adversely affect the comfort of the Pegasus 36 Trail GTX are:

• The lacing system is different from its non-waterproof alternative.
• The Gore-Tex version does not use the same Flywire Cable lacing system that is loved so much on the non-Gore-Tex versions.

The superb Gore-Tex waterproof upper on the pegasus Trail GTX

The Flywire Cable system adds an extra layer of flex and stretch to the upper which is something this shoe would certainly benefit from. However, they are by no means uncomfortable, in fact, they are very comfortable, just not quite as cozy as the Pegasus 36 Trail.

As you might expect, the waterproof Gore-Tex upper is slightly stiffer than the standard version. This means there’s less flex in the shoe as you run. This is typical in waterproof versions of running shoes due to the fact the materials used have to be able to stop water from getting in, which these do brilliantly well. They’re effectively 100% waterproof!

Deeper outsole lugs optimise traction on roads and trails

The shoes have been described as door-to-trail which really does explain their purpose well; so if you went for a run that involved road, trail, woodland, heath, towpaths and most other things you want to throw at it, you should be covered. For full cross-country mud, you’d probably want a more specialist shoe with deeper lugs.

Upper Construction

The mesh upper is very durable and 100% waterproof but you are likely to find it warmer than your typical running shoe, this will keep your feet dry and warm though, which is perfect for cold weather winter runs. The Nike Pegasus 36 Trail Gore-Tex upper wraps your feet comfortably and securely as you tackle technical trail sections.

100% Waterproof Gore-Tex Upper

There’s also an inner sock that attaches the padded tongue to the forefoot area adding to that slipper-like fit. This design keeps the tongue in place, stops chaffing and prevents filth from getting between your foot and the shoe walls.

The much-discussed curved Achilles heel support, similar to that of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 an the Nike Pegasus 36 Trail, works very well for me as it allows for a little bit of over-striding when running fast downhill, without agitating your Achilles.

Available in 3 colour variations:

• Galactic Jade/ Juniper Fog/ Khaki/
• BlackBlack/Total Orange/Thunder Grey
• University Gold/Noble Red/Midnight Turquoise/Black