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I’ve loved every minute of testing and writing this Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX Review! These women’s trail running shoes came highly recommended and have not disappointed…
So Nike just dropped the latest iteration of the Pegasus Trail running shoes – the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX and I had to get them. Of course.
WoMen’s Colourways:
Men’s Colourways:
One of my favourite places to run is my local parkrun course on Roding Valley Recreation ground. Over the years as the weather has gotten less predictable though, it’s turned into something that resembles tough mudder. So having the right running shoes to tackle the course has become imperative.
Finding The Best Gore Tex Trail Running Shoes
Over the Summer a few years back, I had grand plans of taking part in the first Ultra Black Trails event – a Maverick Race Powered by MOJU. However, I couldn’t make it on the day, but I was still in the WhatsApp group with others who were attending.
Of course the chat turned to footwear, and finding the best gore tex trail running shoes, when the Nike Pegasus Trail shoes (the II’s at the time) were recommended by several of the group members.
When I did a search for them they were coming back as sold out so I figured it was only a matter of time until an updated version would be launched. And so they were, in October 2021 – the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX landed and now in 2022, the Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX have launched.
I didn’t hesitate to order them, and so far, I’ve not been disappointed.
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX Features
More than anything, I loved the colour way of my 3’s. I went for the green ones – Alligator/Mint Foam/Canyon Rust/Orange Trance – for the 4’s as they were my favourite ones without white. Like, why would I but white trail shoes which are gonna get caked in mud?
When I first wrote this review, I’d not tested them in real muddy conditions… but as you will see from the pictures in my archive gallery at the bottom of this post, they (the III’s) got throughly tested in no time at all.
These are my go-to trail running shoes for my parkrun course which is a mix of tarmac path, grass, [lots of] mud and water. So far, I’ve always finished with dry feet despite having to run through large bodies of icy water. Icy water is a weird feeling… it’s so cold, it makes you feel like your feet got wet, but they haven’t.
I’ve not yet bothered to clean them as it seems pointless, but I do ensure they dry properly between each run. Check out these tips on how to look after your trail shoes.
It’s also been a while since I’ve run in Nike shoes (other than my recent love for the ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit) and one thing that stood out was the tongue of the shoe.
Nike describe the collar and tongue as being “traditional” to bring the classic look of Pegasus to the trail. I guess I’ve been used to either a sock like upper or a tongue that you can properly pull to secure your laces. Either way, it works.
Another feature I like is the pull tab at the heel which is to make life easier getting the shoes on and off.I can imagine when you’ve come back from a proper muddy run, it’s even more useful so you don’t have to get your hands dirty.
The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX shoes run true to size despite the Nike website advising to go half a size up. I wear a 5 in all Nike shoes, and regular shoes and when I ordered the 5.5 there was no way they were gonna work for me.
What is GORE-TEX?
Gore-Tex is a waterproof, breathable fabric membrane which was invented in 1969. It can repel liquid water while allowing water vapour to pass through. It is also designed to be a lightweight, waterproof fabric for all-weather use which means you can still wear your React Pegasus Trail 4 GTX running shoes when it’s dry.
Are The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX Waterproof?
In short, yes! The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 shoes with GORE-TEX technology are waterproof. These trail running shoes were made for wet weather with a waterproof upper. The GORE-TEX technology keeps the water out so your feet stay dry.
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 For Trail Running
Shop My Full trail running outfit:
When I think of trail running, I kinda think of it as anything that doesn’t count as road running. So grass, mud, gravel… uneven stuff.
The product description for these trail running shoes seem to call out rocky trails a lot which makes me curious to see how they will perform on grass and mud. They promise tough traction with a rubber sole featuring a shockwave-like pattern to mimic mountain-biking tyres.
I’ve tried them on gravel and road so far; the nubs on the sole give you traction whichever surface you’re on. More traction at the heel and toe also helps with grip when going uphill or downhill.
Comparing The Nike Pegasus Trail 4
Let’s look at the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORETEX compared to some other popular Nike running shoes. If you’re specifically looking for nike running shoes that are waterproof, then the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX are gonna be the winners… but you have the option to go non GTX too…
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORETEX – vs Nike Pegasus Trail 4
First off, I just love the look of the GORE-TEX version over the plain trail version. Visibly, it’s the additional gaiter at the collar on the GORE-TEX ones to stop extra debris and water from getting inside your shoe, that creates that difference in look.
And of course, the biggest difference being the GORE-TEX technology which the plain Nike Pegasus Trail 4 running shoes do not have. For a (now) £20 difference, I think it’s well worth adding it.
They both share the same offset: 9.5mm (Forefoot: 15mm, Heel: 24.5mm)
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Options:
FOR MEN:
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORETEX vs Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit
I tested out the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit just before I got the Pegasus trail shoes, and they’d positioned themselves in my top 3 running shoes. So hard to beat, huh? They’re everything I love in a running shoe: comfort, cushioning, smooth heel-to-toe transition and increased stability.
However, the colour way I have is just not made for off road or wet weather, nor are they waterproof. I got the tiniest bit of mud on them and they’re stained, forever. The fit and feel is similar to the Pegasus trail though – same traditional tongue which I’m getting used to again.
However, when you compare the offset there is a difference:
- ZoomX – 8.4mm (Forefoot: 25.8mm, Heel: 34.2mm)
- Pegasus Trail – 9.5mm (Forefoot: 15mm, Heel: 24.5mm)
The ZoomX are definitely more suited to road running and that’s what I will continue to use them for. But I’m loving having the choice of a shoe which is perfect for off road, wet weather and varied terrain but still with comfort and cushioning.
More Nike Shoe Reviews
Where To Buy Nike Pegasus Trail 4
Unsurprisingly, these trail shoes are proving to be popular so if you want a pair, be quick! The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 and Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX are available for men and women in various styles and colours.
If you jump to the official Nike website you’ll find a section of models to choose from, with some colour ways on sale if you’re lucky. The only other site I’d recommend is JD Sports.
In Summary…
You are gonna love these if… you love a cushioned, responsive running shoe and wanna take your runs off the beaten path in all weathers.
Think twice if you… are a fair weather runner! You can still get the same shoes without GORE-TEX at a slightly reduced price.
So, what are you waiting for? The great outdoors awaits…
Elle
My Nike Pegasus Trail Image Archive:
Because I don’t want these fab pictures to go to waste and I don’t wanna forget the versions that came before.
