6 Best Nike Trail Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
6 Best Nike Trail Running Shoes in 2023
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Nike is a household name in the running world. Although it’s better known for its road running shoes, Nike doesn’t cut corners when it comes to its trail shoes. They’re sturdy, traction-ready, stable, and responsive, helping you can blaze through the trails with no sweat. 

Because there’s so much hype over Nike trail running shoes, we tested them out ourselves, and ended up picking the best models from five different categories. 

These shoes have been tested meticulously, and we are confident they can help you run the gnarliest terrain with ease.

How we test trail running shoes

We have our independent shoe testing lab to help us identify which shoes are good and bad. And with the data we’ve gathered, our aim is to help you. To do so, we strictly execute the following during our tests: 

  • Buy all shoes with our own money to prevent bias-filled reviews
  • Run in them for 30-50 miles  
  • Slice each shoe into pieces 
  • Measure them in 30 different parameters like breathability, sturdiness, cushion, etc.
  • Rank them against other shoes through our CoreScore

The CoreScore is a rating from 0-100 that gives you an idea of how good or bad the shoe is. It is generated based on thousands of expert and user reviews. 

Best Nike trail running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

The Pegasus road series just holds a special place in many runners' hearts (feet?), and now it is ready for some trail action too. The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 has won many people over with its uber-plush landings as well as the cloud-like comfort and stability. As long as you stay away from slick surfaces, it is an excellent option.

Pros

  • Soft, bouncy ride
  • Very comfortable
  • True to size
  • Wide for a Nike
  • Wide loop on heel
  • Built to last
  • Reflective swoosh
  • Killer grip on dry trails

Cons

  • Not grippy in wet
  • Runs warm
Full review of Nike Pegasus Trail 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Total Orange/Signal Blue (DA8697800)
004 black/ashen slate/celery/green (DA8697004)
Dark Beetroot/Black/Bright (DA8697600)
Laser Blue/Habanero Red (DA8697400)
Green (DA8697300)
Black (DA8697001)
Black/Khaki-game Royal-iron Gr (DM6161010)
Dusty Sage/Black-smoke Grey (DV3035001)

Nike trail running shoes with best cushioning

What makes it the best?

The React Pegasus Trail 4 is one of the top road-to-trail options from Nike. Cushiony and responsive on the roads yet grippy and stable on the trails, the shoe makes a perfect hybrid. It also remains surprisingly light given all the features packed into it. Experienced runners are happy that it feels a lot like the original Pegasus Trail 36 but with an enhanced grip.

Pros

  • Efficient road-to-trail
  • Well-cushioned
  • Stable ride
  • Excellent, secure fit
  • Very breathable
  • Great traction
  • Unexpectedly light
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • Not for muddy areas
  • Not for wide feet
  • Could be more stylish
Full review of Nike React Pegasus Trail 4

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (DJ6158004)
002 light iron ore/cobblestone/foo (DJ6158002)
Blue (DJ6158400)
Black (DJ6158003)
Black (DJ6158001)
Light Silver Mineral Teal Racer Blue (DJ6158005)
Black/Olive Flak/Spring Green (DJ6158006)
gold (DJ6158700)
More colors

Best Nike trail running shoes for long distance

What makes it the best?

The Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8 remains the brand's staple lightweight and nimble trail running shoe fit for mid to high-mileage runs. It offers a protective and responsive ride that's perfect for moderate to fast paces on almost all trail surfaces. Overall, if you want to up your speed may it be on training or race days, the Terra Kiger 8 will deliver without fail.

Pros

  • Energetic and responsive ride
  • Grippy on light mud, dry rocks & loose trails
  • Protective cushion
  • Amazing heel hold
  • Upper doesn't need break-in
  • Airy even during hot days
  • Cheaper price
  • Stunning looks

Cons

  • Poor grip on wet surfaces
  • Might hurt feet on hard surfaces
Full review of Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Red (DH0649600)
Black/Laser Blue-Vivid Purple (DH0649003)
002 football grey/kumquat-volt-bar (DH0649002)
Green (DH0649300)
Orange (DH0649801)
Black (DH0649001)
Deep Royal Blue/White/Yellow Strike (DH0649400)

Nike trail running shoes with best comfort

What makes it the best?

Whether raining or snowing, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX is a waterproof trail shoe that will keep your daily runs not only dry but also comfortable. On top of this, it's full of pop and support; it won't tire your feet out. And if you want a road-to-trail hybrid, the Pegasus Trail 3 GTX from Nike can do the job.

Pros

  • Fantastic waterproofing
  • Grips on everything dry and wet
  • Great for road-to-trail transitions
  • Also for hiking
  • Responsive
  • Stable on rocky terrain
  • Supports moderately flat feet
  • Straight-out-the-box comfort
  • Lighter than other GTX shoes
  • Locked-in heel
  • Worth every penny

Cons

  • Lacks durability
  • Not for summer runs
Full review of Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (DC8793001)
Black/bright crimson (DC8793002)
300 celery/volt-black-dusty sage (DC8793300)
Rattan Campfire Orange Thunder Blue (DC8793200)
Brown (DO6728200)
Brown (DR0137200)
Orange (DC8793800)
Blå (DC8793401)
Oil Green/Iron Grey/Total Orange (DO6728300)

Best lightweight Nike trail running shoes

What makes it the best?

The Nike Juniper Trail is an affordable off-road shoe that seems ideal for beginners and people who want a little more grip for easy trails. With durable materials, trail-specific design features, and an excellent ground feel, this is an excellent choice for compact dirt and gravel trails.

Pros

  • Great lockdown
  • Fits true to size
  • Lightweight
  • Comfy
  • Affordable
  • Sturdy
  • Good lacing system

Cons

  • Forefoot can slip over the edge of the midsole
  • Lack of rock plate
  • Grip is pretty bad on anything technical
Full review of Nike Juniper Trail

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (CW3808001)
Blue (CW3808401)

Comparison of the 6 best Nike trail running shoes

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.