NIKE React Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-Tex: My Feet Stayed Dry, But Was It Worth It?
ReviewLiving in the Pacific Northwest, where it feels like it rains more often than not, a waterproof trail shoe sounds like a dream come true. So, naturally, I was stoked when the NIKE React Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-Tex showed up. I’ve always had a soft spot for the regular Pegasus – they’re my go-to for road running – so I was really hoping these trail versions would live up to the hype.
First impressions? They look pretty sharp. The design is clean, and the “Stardust-Bicoastal” colorway I snagged is surprisingly stylish for something I’m planning to get covered in mud. But slipping them on, I immediately noticed something: they’re a bit snug. I’d seen some rumblings about a narrow toe box online, and yeah, I felt it. I’m usually a size 10, and these felt a little tight, especially around the middle of my foot. Word to the wise: if you’ve got wider feet, you might want to think about bumping up half a size.
Time to hit the trails! My first run was a mixed bag – a few miles of pavement to warm up, then onto a trail with some decent hills and, of course, plenty of mud. Right away, the ReactX foam felt great – super responsive. It’s got this nice bouncy feel that made the road sections almost effortless. Once I was on the dirt, the outsole gripped pretty well on the softer stuff. But honestly, I wasn’t quite as confident on the really rocky bits. These are definitely better for those well-maintained trails, not so much for scaling mountains.
Now, the big question: did the GORE-TEX keep my feet dry? Absolutely! I splashed through puddles, slogged through mud, and my feet stayed bone-dry. But here’s the thing about waterproof shoes: they don’t breathe. Even on a pretty mild day, my feet were noticeably warmer than usual. I can only imagine how sweaty they’d get on a hot summer run.
Here’s the Lowdown:
- The Waterproof Magic: Seriously, the GORE-TEX works. If you hate soggy socks, these are your shoes.
- That Springy Midsole: The ReactX foam is a winner. It’s comfy and gives you a nice boost, especially on the road.
- Good Enough Grip: The outsole does its job on most trails, just don’t expect miracles on super technical terrain.
- They Look Good Doing It: Hey, style points matter, right?
But…
- The Fit Can Be Tricky: That narrow toe box might not work for everyone.
- Breathability? Not So Much: Prepare for warmer feet, thanks to the GORE-TEX.
- Not a Mountain Goat: These aren’t the shoes you want for tackling super gnarly trails.
- Ankle Support Could Be Better: I felt a little wobbly on some of the more uneven sections.
The Bottom Line:
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The NIKE React Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-Tex is a solid choice if you need a waterproof shoe for those everyday trails and runs that mix road and dirt. The bouncy midsole and stylish look are great. Just be aware of the fit and the breathability. If keeping your feet dry is your number one priority and you’re not planning on climbing Everest, then give them a shot. But if you need something for hardcore trails or run in scorching heat, you might want to keep looking. They’re good, but they’re not perfect, and definitely not a one-shoe-fits-all kind of deal.