Men’s Nike ACG Pegasus Trail Review

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a comfy, versatile trail shoe for year-round running, the Nike ACG Pegasus Trail is a good bet. It’s our favorite intro trail running shoe, earning a spot in our best trail running shoes for men guide for being a great all-around option for training runs that hit a mix of road and trail.

The ACG Pegusus Trail is the latest iteration of the Pegasus 5 Trails. Instead of going with the expected “Pegasus Trail 6,” Nike rebrands its classic trail-running shoe slightly, calling it the Pegasus ACG Trail. ACG stands for “All Conditions Gear,” reflecting some of those changes. 

The ACG Pegs get an updated outsole for increased traction, more underfoot midsole foam for a higher stack, and a wider toe box. These updates work, creating a versatile and comfortable off-road cruiser.

While we haven’t yet logged a full season on the ACG,  we do know a lot about its predecessor, having just crossed over 500 miles on the Nike Pegasus Trail 5s. We also have thousands of miles on previous iterations of the Peg road running shoes and the Peg trails. Both the Pegs and Peg Trails are durable and excellent all-around shoes. Most people could probably do every type of training necessary on most surfaces rotating the two.

One downside: the Pegasus ACG Trail are some of the heaviest on our list. And while we appreciate the upgraded outsole and think they handle technical trails better than previous versions, that bar was low, and we still view the Pegs as versatile road-to-trail and gravel shoes rather than technical crushers. And the high heel-to-toe drop won’t work for everyone’s running style. 

But for runners who prioritize cushion, versatility, and a smooth ride on mild to moderate trails, it’s a dependable option.

Comfort

The Nike Pegasus ACG Trail earns decent marks for comfort. Sliding into them is easier than ever thanks to double loops: one on the heel, and another on the tongue. They have a cushy feel right out of the box. With no break-in period, we immediately took them on a 10-mile run on the first test with no issues. 

Nike updates the ACG Pegs with 37 millimeters of ReactX midsole foam underneath the heel. That’s the highest stack height ever for the Peg Trails and ties for the second highest on our best trail running shoes list. The ultra-cushioned tongue and soft upper minimized pressure points and friction. Combined with a more dramatic rocker shape, this design is most comfortable on rolling singletrack. 

We also appreciate that Nike widened the toe box, which makes this version of the Peg Trails better suited for a wider range of foot types. However, the high stack and softer midsole make the shoe feel less stable on technical trails, so it’s not our top choice for tricky footing.

Traction

The Pegasus ACG Pegasus Trail has the same textured rubber composite outsole called All Terrain Compound (ATC). But that outsole got an update, increasing the traction. We could feel the slight difference, as this version handled less-than-ideal trail conditions better than previous versions.

When testing on wet trail runs near Breckenridge, Colorado, including patches of snow and ice, this new blend felt reliable, keeping us moving quickly and confidently. Ian also found the outsole’s design sheds mud efficiently, making it feel stable on fall trails and slushy sidewalks.

The 4-millimeter lugs aren’t the most aggressive, but keep in mind this is a road-to-trail shoe. It’s designed for casual singletrack, asphalt, and mixed terrain runs, and testing finds that’s where it thrives. The uniform pattern offers better ground contact, more lateral stability, and improved bite on packed dirt, gravel, and even light snow. 

That said, we don’t recommend this shoe traction for high-angle or technical places. The lugs struggled to dig in when the terrain got really slick and steep, which is why it earns a lower score for traction than some of the competition. Also, a large section of the midfoot lacks tread altogether. This design improves flexibility, but it leaves us vulnerable to slipping on uneven ground.

Weight

When it comes to weight, the Nike Pegasus ACG Trail lands on the heavier side. At 1 pound, 5.6 ounces per pair, there are only three heavier shoes on our best trail runners list. The main bulk of the weight comes from the midsole foam, plush uppers, and outsole.

That said, on cool, wet spring and fall days, we keep them in the rotation because they feel reasonably agile and fast on mixed-terrain runs up to 20 miles.

But if you’re chasing an ultra-light shoe, the ACG Pegasus Trails might feel like a bit much for what it delivers. Often, heavier shoes provide more support and durability, while lighter ones boost speed and efficiency. But the Peg Trail sits in a middle ground that may not satisfy either camp.

Durability

The Nike ACG Pegasus Trail has some durable elements. The combo of an engineered mesh upper and an ATC outsole adds more protection against roots and debris. A gaiter-like heel cuff helps keep out dirt while adding a bit of structural support. And a toe bumper protects from sharp rocks.

We’ve had conflicting reports about the longevity of previous versions. One tester had the Pegasus Trail 5s begin falling apart around 300 miles. The toe bumper lifted, overlays peeled, and stitching inside the cuffs unraveled, and he retired this shoe at the 350-mile mark. But another tester put in over 500 miles on trails with no issues.

Breathability

Nike’s engineered mesh upper, which is what’s found on the Nike ACG Pegasus Trail, is a decently breathable upper. We found that it was able to breathe and mostly offload heat in temperatures into the 80s. 

While there are definitely more breathable options out there, there are also less breathable options. The Peg Trails fall in the middle with a nice blend of breathability, comfort, and plushness.

Responsiveness

Nike’s switch to ReactX foam gives the Nike ACG Pegasus Trail a softer, cushier feel without completely losing its energy return. A more pronounced rocker and tall 37-millimeter stack height make it great for cruising, though less responsive overall. Heel strikers will appreciate the comfort and 8-millimeter drop, while the forefoot stays stable enough for a smooth toe-off.

Still, the taller stack height means there’s not much ground feel. We don’t recommend it for tricky technical trails or bombing down rocky descents where careful stepping is crucial. It’s not the quickest or sure-footed ride on rough trails — although for road and packed dirt, it hits the nail on the head.

Should You Buy the Nike ACG Pegasus Trail?

The Nike ACG Pegasus Trail is best for runners who want solid comfort, decent traction, and responsiveness on well-groomed trails. If you’re sticking to established trails in cooler conditions and want a plush, protective ride, this shoe works well. 

However, runners tackling technical trails on a daily basis should look elsewhere. The tall heel-to-toe drop also won’t work for everyone. The midsole is cushy, but it lacks the stability needed for steep and rocky terrain. And the durability might be questionable, depending on which of our testers you ask.

But for those who want good comfort, traction, and a smooth ride on lower-incline and mixed trails, the Nike Pegasus ACG Trail delivers.

What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

The Nike ACG Pegasus Trail is our favorite beginner trail running shoe on our best trail running shoes for men gear guide. But if you’re looking for other all-around options, check out these other favorites: 

Brooks Cascadia 19 Review: The Brooks Cascadias are another classic trail running shoe from a classic running brand. They’re similar in weight, stack height, and drop as the Pegasus Trails, but handle technical terrain slightly better.

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Review: The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 shares the good lacing system and higher weight with the Nike ACG Pegasus Trail. But, it stands out for a wider toe box, better affordability, and a comfier fit.

Saucony Peregrine 16 Review: The Peregrine 16 has a similar traction pattern and comfort as the Nike ACG Pegasus Trail. But it might be better for runners looking for an option better suited for more technical trails for a similar price tag.