6 Best Nike Trail Running Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
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
Nike Pegasus Trail 3
88
Great!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$46
Stadium Goods
$85
Fleet Feet
$98
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$100
Nike
$110
Nike trail running shoes with best cushioning
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4
88
Great!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Free shipping
$77
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$84
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$90
Nike
$98
Backcountry
Free shipping
$104
REI
Free shipping
$140
Best Nike trail running shoes for long distance
Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8
86
Great!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$70
Nike
$98
Marathon Sports
Free shipping
$120
Stadium Goods
$120
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$140
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$140
Nike trail running shoes with best comfort
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX
87
Great!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$83
Stadium Goods
$100
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Best lightweight Nike trail running shoes
Nike Juniper Trail
80
Good!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$100
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Most popular Nike trail running shoes
Nike Wildhorse 7
88
Great!
What makes it the most popular?
Pacing it through rocky and off-trail terrain, hands down, the Nike Wildhorse 7 just rocks! It makes the steps confident and its protection just took everything to a whole new level. For a trail shoe, this is what is considered comfortable. It's not pillowy soft but has enough give to keep the foot cushioned and strain-free. All of this, however, comes at the price of heft.
Pros
- Superb grip in dry conditions
- Very rugged and protective
- Smooth transitions
- Perfect for losing trails & soft ground
- Pull tab that actually works
- True to size
- Great for hiking as well
- Awesome looks and colorways
- Perfect for colder days
Cons
- Runs hot
- Not for technical terrain
- Not for wet conditions
- Gaiters look better than they work
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$86
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$100
Backcountry
Free shipping
$130
Zappos
Comparison of the 6 best Nike trail running shoes
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