The most recognized brand in footwear has been in the running shoe market for a long time. But it has only been in the past few years that Nike has started designing shoes specifically for the trail market. Enter two of the brand’s most popular models. The Nike Pegasus Trail vs Wildhorse.
One is the trail version of Nike’s most popular running shoe. While the other is trail specific shoe bolstered with traction and rock guards. But which one is right for you? Let’s take a look.
Nike Pegasus Trail vs Wildhorse
- The Nike Pegasus is lighter than the Wildhorse, but not by much. The latest model comes in at 0.8oz less per shoe.
- The Nike Wildhorse has a more aggressive / multi directional lug pattern. If you’re concerned with traction then you may want to look at the grip heavy Wildhorse.
- Both models are considered cushioned. Although the Pegasus has slightly more even being a little lighter.
- The Wildhorse are designed with forefoot rock plates. These and the added traction are what add to the shoes overall weight.
Nike Pegasus Trail 3
MSRP Price: $130
Men’s – Click Here
Women’s –
Surface: Trail Running
Weight Men’s: 18.6oz (Pair)
Weight Woman’s:
Stability: Neutral
Drop: 9.5mm
Cushion: Max
Nike Wildhorse 7
MSRP Price: $130
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link:
Surface: Trail Running
Weight Men: 20oz (pair)
Weight Women:
Stability: Neutral
Drop: 8mm
Cushion: Moderate
Performance Summary
It’s easy to understand why you would look at Nike for your trail running shoes. They are known for making some of the fastest road shoes on earth. So why not take that tech to the trails. But when looking at the Nike Pegasus Trail vs Wildhorse they are really two different shoes. One feels fast and cushioned enough to fly through a 50k. While the others feel built to handle more rugged trail conditions.
The Nike Pegasus Trail inherits its overall design from one of Nike’s most popular running shoes. Also named the Pegasus, the road modal is on it’s 38th iteration. So you know they have put some time into the design of these shoes. The Pegasus Trails themselves feel good on the feet and with 9.5mm drop (changed from a 10mm in the 2s) they feel fast. The tread on the bottom is more than sufficient for most trails but I may want something more if it was going to be wet on more slick services. Overall the Pegasus transferred to the trail very well.
The Nike Wildhorse was built to live up it’s name. Allowing runners to tackle almost any terrain. The Wildhorse features built in forefoot rock guards and aggressive multi directional lugs. These added trail features do come at a cost in the form of some added weight. Overall these shoes perform very well on the trail and feature impressive traction in wet conditions. This is where these shoes really shine. When the weather or trail gets bad, this is the modal I want to be wearing between the two.
Image Comparison
Below is a side by side comparison of the Nike Pegasus Trail vs Wildhorse.
Nike Pegasus Trail 2 Profile
Nike Wildhorse
The top view of both models. You can notice the slightly larger tongue on the Wildhorse to prevent rocks from getting in.
Nike Pegasus Trail 2 Top
Nike Wildhorse 7 Top View
Below you can see the difference in lugs on the two shoes.
Nike Pegasus Trail 2 Sole
Nike Wildhorse 7 Sole
Conclusion – Nike Pegasus Trail vs Wildhorse
I can understand why so many people run in Nike shoes. And it’s nice to see that they have continued their tradition on the trails with the Pegasus and Wildhorse. Another thing I appreciate is that these shoes are clearly designed with two different purposes. With both fitting into many runners kits.
Which trail runner to buy?
If you are looking for the faster of the two shoes then the Pegasus is the shoe for you. It’s built for speed and racing. That said, they are going to perform best in clear weather conditions. On the other hand if you are looking for the more rugged trail runner then the Wildhorse is the model for you. If you are going to be running on a steep slick trail the added grip will really help.
