Nike Pegasus Trail 3

Review Score
82%
🏅 Highly Rated
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+3
Isla ShortCesar PicininRyan Miller Vlad Ixel
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Nike Pegasus Trail 3: Review

“A trail shoe that offers a cushioned, protective ride for diverse terrains.”

Overview


The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is a trail running shoe designed for runners who seek a blend of comfort and versatility on their off-road adventures. Part of the esteemed Nike Pegasus Trail family, this model is known for its ability to handle a variety of terrains while providing a cushioned ride.

Key Features:

  • React Foam Midsole: Offers a soft, responsive cushioning experience.
  • Protective Toe Bumper: The outsole extends over the toe-box for added protection.
  • Adaptable Traction: Outsole pattern inspired by mountain bike tires for grip on diverse terrains.
  • Improved Upper Design: Features a breathable mesh with strategic overlays for support and stability.

The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is an ideal choice for trail enthusiasts who prioritize comfort and protection for long distances. Its React Foam midsole offers a plush feel, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor activities.

With an average review score of 82%, it's rated just above the median rating of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the cheapest 30% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Nike Pegasus Trail 3


The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 has garnered appreciation for its plush React Foam midsole, which provides a comfortable and responsive ride on trails. The shoe's upper design, featuring a breathable mesh with synthetic overlays, offers a secure fit and adequate support for uneven terrain. However, the shoe's outsole traction has been noted as a weak point, particularly on wet surfaces. Despite this, the Pegasus Trail 3's versatility as a road-to-trail option and its stylish appearance make it a popular choice among runners. Overall, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is a commendable option for runners seeking a hybrid shoe that can handle both trails and roads with ease.

Updates to Nike Pegasus Trail 3


The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 maintains the successful React foam midsole from its predecessor, the Nike Pegasus Trail 2, while introducing a redesigned upper for improved stability and support. The removal of the small gaiter from the collar area and the addition of a more flexible ankle design are among the notable updates that enhance the shoe's fit and protection.

Comparable Shoes




The Asics Cumulus 23 AWL is a comparable shoe that offers a similar level of cushioning and comfort for trail running. However, it may provide a better fit for runners with wider feet and potentially superior traction in wet conditions.



The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro 6 is another alternative that excels in cushioning and durability. It might be a better option for those seeking a more breathable upper and a shoe that performs well in hotter temperatures.



The Salomon Ultraglide is known for its exceptional grip and stability on technical trails, making it a strong contender for runners who prioritize these features over the plush cushioning of the Nike Pegasus Trail 3.

Special versions of Nike Pegasus Trail 3




The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX is a special version of the standard model, featuring a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane for enhanced water resistance. This version is ideal for runners who encounter wet conditions and require additional protection against the elements.

6 Nike Pegasus Trail 3 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

The React Foam midsole provides a soft, responsive cushioning experience that is comfortable for long distances.
The redesigned upper offers a secure fit and added support, making it suitable for uneven terrain.
The outsole pattern inspired by mountain bike tires provides good traction on diverse terrains, particularly on dry trails.

3 Cons

The outsole's grip on wet surfaces is a concern, with many runners reporting a lack of confidence in these conditions.
The shoe's overall breathability may not be sufficient for very hot temperatures, potentially leading to discomfort during intense runs.
A break-in period may be necessary for runners with extra wide feet, as the shoe can feel constricting initially.

In Depth


Upper

The Nike Pegasus Trail 3's upper is crafted with a breathable mesh, reinforced with synthetic overlays for added durability. The dynamic midfoot strips and redesigned laces enhance support, especially on uneven terrain. A perforated tongue improves water drainage, and the removal of the small gaiter from the previous version has led to a more flexible ankle area, reducing unwanted infiltrations while maintaining a comfortable fit.

Midsole

The midsole of the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is its standout feature, made entirely of Nike React foam. This material provides a soft, cushioned ride that is responsive and comfortable for long distances. The midsole's performance varies with temperature, offering a firmer ride in colder conditions, which some runners find to be more stable and protective on trails.

Outsole

The outsole of the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is designed with a pattern inspired by mountain bike tires, providing good traction and grip on uphill and downhill sections. However, the outsole's performance on wet surfaces has been criticized, with many runners finding it lacks the necessary grip, leading to a slippery experience.

Size/fit

The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 offers a true-to-size fit with a comfortable upper that accommodates a variety of foot shapes. The toe box is roomy, and the shoe is noted for being wider than typical Nike offerings, making it suitable for runners with slightly wider feet. A break-in period may be necessary for those with extra wide feet.

Comfort

Comfort is a key strength of the Nike Pegasus Trail 3, with the React foam midsole providing a plush underfoot feel. The shoe's upper materials are soft and less bulky than expected, contributing to the overall comfort. The padded tongue and secure fit add to the shoe's cozy feel during runs.

Cushioning

The cushioning of the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is highly praised for its softness and bounce, thanks to the full-length React foam midsole. This cushioning is suitable for long-distance runs on non-technical trails, offering a comfortable ride without feeling overly marshmallowy or dull.

Breathability

While the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 features a breathable mesh upper, the shoe's overall breathability is not optimal for very hot temperatures. The full sock liner inside the shoe hinders heat escape, making the shoe run warm during intense runs or in hot climates.

Stability

The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 provides stability through its wide platform and flared midsole shape. Despite its high stack height, the shoe remains stable on a variety of terrains, although it may feel a bit wobbly on very soft or uneven ground.

Durability

Durability is a strong suit of the Nike Pegasus Trail 3, with a thick outsole and reinforced upper materials that withstand wear and tear. The shoe is built to last, making it a good investment for runners who frequent trails and require a durable shoe.

Grip

The grip of the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is effective on dry trails, with lugs that dig into the surface for traction. However, the shoe's grip on wet or slippery terrain is a concern, with many runners reporting a lack of confidence in these conditions.

Who should buy the Nike Pegasus Trail 3?


The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is well-suited for runners who enjoy trail running and are looking for a shoe that can handle both trails and roads. It's ideal for those who value a cushioned ride and a versatile shoe for long distances. Runners who prefer a wider fit and a stylish design will also appreciate this model.

Who should not buy the Nike Pegasus Trail 3?


Runners with super wide feet may find the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 still too constricting, despite its wider fit compared to other Nike models. Those who frequently run in wet climates or on very technical trails might want to consider other options with better outsole grip and water resistance.

Nike Pegasus Trail 3: What's it good for?


The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is excellent for long-distance trail runs and is versatile enough to handle road sections, making it a good choice for runners who transition between different surfaces. Its cushioning and comfort make it suitable for intermediate and easy paces, while its stylish design also makes it a great option for casual wear.

4 Nike Pegasus Trail 3 FAQs


Is the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 suitable for road running?

Yes, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is a hybrid shoe that can handle both trail and road surfaces, making it a versatile option for runners who transition between different terrains.

How does the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 perform in wet conditions?

While the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 offers good traction on dry trails, its performance on wet surfaces is less reliable. Runners have reported a lack of grip on slippery terrain, which is something to consider if you frequently run in wet conditions.

What are the key updates from the Nike Pegasus Trail 2 to the Nike Pegasus Trail 3?

The key updates include a redesigned upper for improved stability and support, the removal of the small gaiter from the collar area, and a more flexible ankle design for better fit and protection.

Does the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 offer a wide fit?

The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 is noted for being wider than typical Nike offerings, making it suitable for runners with slightly wider feet. However, it may still be too narrow for those with very wide feet.

Nike Pegasus Trail 3 alternatives



Nike Pegasus Trail 3
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productAthletes
Pro athlete users

+5
Ryan Miller Vlad Ixel
Weight
Weight
320 g
M: 295 g
W: 244 g
M: 323 g
W: 261 g
M: 298 g
W: 261 g
M: 301 g
W: 298 g
M: 295 g
W: 264 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
26 mm
26 mm
26 mm
22 mm
33 mm
27 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
10 mm
10 mm
10 mm
10 mm
6 mm
6 mm
Heel
Heel
36 mm
36 mm
35 mm
32 mm
39 mm
21 mm
Terrain
Terrain
Trail
TrailTrailMudSnow/iceTrailMudSnow/iceTrailTrail
Brand
Brand
Nike
NikeNikeSalomonMerrellOn
Strike Type
Strike Type
Heel strike
Heel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHeel strikeHeel strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
ComfortableMaximalist
BreathableComfortableMaximalistMaximalistMaximalistComfortableMaximalistMaximalist
Rock plate
Rock plate
Rocker
Rocker
Breathable
Breathable
Techs
Techs
Gore-Tex
Waterproofings
Waterproofings
Waterproof
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
Sustainable
0

Nike Pegasus Trail 3: what the experts say (2 reviews)

Nike Pegasus Trail 3: 5 Expert video reviews

Nike Pegasus Trail 3 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+1943)
TerrainTrail (+514)
BrandNike (+246)
Support TypeNeutral (+1523)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1503)
Strike TypeHeel strike (+1155)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1450)
Shoe TypeComfortable (+269)Maximalist (+519)
FitMedium toe box (+843)
FeaturesOrthotic friendly (+322)Removable insole (+302)
MaterialsMesh (+883)
Events10k (+688)Half marathon (+688)Marathon (+688)
ColorwaysBlack, Blue, Burgundy, Dark Teal Green / Pink Glow / Amory Navy, Green, Grey, Navy Blue, Orange, Pink, Purple
Specificationsvs Average
Model
Trail 3
Released
Jun 2021
Measurements
Weight
320 g
Heel to toe drop
10 mm
Heel
36 mm
Forefoot
26 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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