Best Cross Over Trail Shoe

Nike has always been highlighting versatility in their shoes, whether it is footwear mainly for fashion or for road running. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail is no exception. It delivers adequate performance on the trail, but it comes second to none in the aspect of comfort and versatility.

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See Our Best Trail Shoe Review 2021

The Pegasus transitioned from pavement to trail with the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail. New additions like the trail-specific lugs plus the reinforced toe bumper make the shoe ready to easily tackle dirt paths. Fans of the Pegasus, however, will be glad to know that most of its road shoe qualities were still retained, making it our top pick for the best crossover shoe on the list as the Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail is just as at home on the trail as it is on the road.

Grip & Foot Protection

When you’re running or hiking on dirt, you may come across terrain that’s uneven or inclined. Because the lugs of the Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail are not as deep as the lugs on most of the trail shoes on our list, you might not get as superior a grip or traction. Unlike the Salomon Speedcross 5 which has 6mm lugs, the Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail  has 3mm lugs that work best on dry, less rocky, and flat terrain.

The outsole is slightly more aggressive than the outsole of a typical road running shoe but less robust than the outsole of a mountain running shoe. If your priority is comfort and speed over superior traction and protection, the Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail will likely be the trail shoe that you reach for.

Although there is a toe guard to spare your foot from the pain of running over objects, the thickness of the material is questionable. It may give a bit of structure to the upper, but it likely won’t give you enough protection from impact because of its thinness.

Durability

The Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail weighs only 291g (for the men’s version). It’s not the lightest trail shoe on the market, but it is considered to be lightweight. In fact, it’s one of the most lightweight trail shoes on our list. If you’re running up a hill or running in an ultramarathon, you will undoubtedly appreciate the lightness of this shoe. 

One the other hand, you should balance out your expectations in terms of the shoe’s lifespan. Its construction is not flimsy at all, but the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail may show some signs of wear and tear earlier compared to other trail shoes on our list because it is not as equipped. For example, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 has a stack height of 32mm plus outsole lugs that measure 5mm. Compare that to the Pegasus 36 Trail’s 23mm stack height and 3mm lugs, and you’ll see: there is just simply less material to wear through.

Stability

The upper of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail has been reinforced with synthetic overlays in areas that are more prone to tearing, but these reinforcements don’t lock the foot down in place completely. They do give the upper some structure but not a stable fit.

The toe box has enough room for your toes to splay, encouraging steady toe-off and landing. But, if you’re going to hike or run on a trail that’s a bit more challenging, you might not feel sure-footed and confident because of how roomy the toe box is. The Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail definitely doesn’t deliver a snug fit like the Salomon Speedcross 5, but it makes up for it in the level of comfort it provides.

The midsole feels springy which may result in a less stable ride on uneven terrain. Although it may give you that close-to-the-ground feel in spite of its moderate stack height, it would be most suitable on leveled and more manicured paths.

Comfort & Fit

The Pegasus has been a well-received series, primarily, because of how comfortable the shoe feels. Most fans describe the comfort as slipper-like, and they even say that it is hard to take the shoe off because their feet feel right at home. It’s mainly because of the two-layer upper of the Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail. The inner layer is plush, ensuring that your foot is set in place without feeling too restricted.

Because the outer layer of the upper is made of light mesh, it can breathe well even under hot conditions. It’s not the best choice for cold weather, but you will breeze over roads or trails on warm summer days.

Versatility & Value for Your Money

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail is a mid-priced trail shoe at $130 MSRP. It’s up there when it comes to the prices of the trail shoe on our list, so it’s best if you purchase this pair of shoes for the right reasons. If you don’t want to switch your road shoes for trail shoes when you’re changing from running to hiking, then this is a great option. Bear in mind, however, that this may not be the best shoe to handle rugged terrain. You will find better performing shoes on this list with the same price tag.

Additional Features

On the back of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail there is a decorative detail that glows in the dark. It is the strip on the heel that has slanted stripes. It may help with visibility during low light conditions.

The Bottom Line

While the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail attempts to be the trail shoe that has the best of both worlds, it comes out as a decent trail shoe for running and hiking as well as an acceptable road shoe. As they say, you can’t have your cake and eat it too.

It’s similarly-priced with the Salomon Supercross 5 and just a few bucks less than the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 and Brooks Caldera 4. If you want a high-performing shoe, it’s best to look at other options on our list. On the other hand, if it’s a comfortable trail running or hiking experience you’re seeking, then this is the shoe to consider.

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