Nike ACG Pegasus Trail: Mastering the Mix of Road and Dirt

For many runners, the perfect route isn't just paved, it isn't just dirt…It's a little bit of everything. You might start at your front door, run two miles of asphalt to reach a trailhead, navigate a technical loop, and then pound the pavement back home. Historically, this "door-to-trail" scenario has forced a compromise. Do you wear road shoes and risk slipping on the dirt? Or do you wear aggressive trail shoes that feel clunky and harsh on the concrete?

Why Trust Us?

ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts, including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure that the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature highly rated products.

Nike’s All Conditions Gear (ACG) division has just announced a solution that refuses to compromise. The new Nike ACG Pegasus Trail is designed to be the ultimate hybrid, a "do-it-all" silhouette capable of transitioning seamlessly from city streets to gravel roads and technical single-track.

By blending the trusted architecture of the legendary Pegasus road shoe with rugged, trail-specific innovations, Nike has created a versatile tool for the modern adventurer. Here is a detailed breakdown of why this shoe might be the most adaptable footwear in your rotation.

The Hybrid Challenge: Why Versatility Matters

In the world of running, specialization is common. You have carbon-plated racers for marathons, spiked shoes for the track, and heavy-duty lugs for muddy fells. But for the everyday athlete, versatility is often more valuable than specialization.

Most runners don't have the luxury of driving to a trailhead for every workout. They run where they are. This requires a shoe that can handle the transition between different surfaces without losing performance. The ACG Pegasus Trail addresses this specific need. It is built on the philosophy that you shouldn't have to change your shoes just because the terrain changes under your feet.

This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for:

• Urban Trail Runners: Those who live in cities but seek out green spaces and dirt paths within the concrete jungle.
• Travelers: Adventurers who want to pack only one pair of running shoes that can handle a morning jog, a hike, or a gym session.
• Gravel Enthusiasts: Runners who prefer the softer impact of fire roads and crushed gravel over hard asphalt.

Under the Hood: Key Technical Features

The ACG Pegasus Trail isn't just a road shoe with a different paint job. It features specific engineering decisions that make it capable off-road while keeping it comfortable on-road.

All Terrain Compound 2.0 Outsole

The most critical component of any trail shoe is traction. If you can't trust your footing, you can't run with confidence. The ACG Pegasus Trail features the new Nike All Terrain Compound (ATC) 2.0 outsole.

This rubber compound is formulated specifically to improve traction in wet environments. Whether you are navigating slick rocks after a rainstorm or damp morning grass, the ATC 2.0 provides the stickiness you need to stay upright. Unlike aggressive mud-specific lugs that can feel jarring on pavement, the lug pattern here is designed to be smoother and more consistent. This ensures that when you hit a stretch of asphalt, the transition feels natural rather than clunky.

ReactX Foam for Energy Return

Cushioning is the second pillar of this shoe's design. Trail running often involves uneven surfaces that can fatigue the small stabilizing muscles in your legs. To combat this, Nike has utilized its ReactX foam in the midsole.

ReactX is a significant upgrade from standard foams. It offers a plush underfoot sensation that absorbs the impact of jagged rocks and roots. However, it is also highly responsive. This means that as you push off, the foam springs back, returning energy to your stride. On the road, this feels like a propulsive bounce; on the trail, it provides agility and pop, allowing you to dance over obstacles rather than slog through them.

Breathable, Quick-Draining Upper

Conditions on the trail are rarely perfect. You might encounter stream crossings, puddles, or intense heat. The upper of the ACG Pegasus Trail is engineered with a breathable mesh to prioritize moisture management.

The design features a quick-draining system. If you step fully into a creek, the shoe is built to shed that water rapidly, preventing you from running with heavy, soggy feet for the next five miles. Simultaneously, the engineered mesh allows for maximum airflow, keeping your feet cool during high-output efforts in warm weather.

To add durability, a rubber wrap has been integrated onto the toe. This "toe bumper" protects your toes from painful impacts with rocks or roots, a common hazard when fatigue sets in, and you stop picking up your feet as high.

Developed with Elite Insight

Shoe validation comes from testing, and the ACG Pegasus Trail has been put through the wringer. The development process involved close collaboration with the All Conditions Racing Department, a team of elite trail runners who push gear to its absolute limit.

Lauren Gregory, a standout athlete for the All Conditions Racing Department and the 2025 Golden Trail World Series Final champion, cites the shoe's responsiveness as its key strength. "It’s responsive and comfortable," Gregory notes. "I use it for everything in all conditions — from trails to gravel roads, pavement, and a mix of all three."

This elite feedback loop ensures that the features aren't just marketing buzzwords. They are functional solutions to problems that serious runners face every day. However, testing wasn't limited to pros. Hundreds of everyday runners also contributed to the development, helping refine the fit, durability, and comfort to ensure it works for a wide variety of foot shapes and running styles.

Fit and Comfort: The "Pegasus" Feel

One of the biggest selling points of this shoe is right in its name: Pegasus. For decades, the Pegasus has been known for its consistent, reliable fit. It holds the heel securely, offers a comfortable midfoot lockdown, and generally fits "true to size" for most runners.

The ACG Pegasus Trail carries this DNA forward but with trail-specific tweaks. It features an updated last (the mold the shoe is built on) that provides a slightly wider toe box. This is crucial for trail running. When running downhill or over long distances, your feet tend to swell and splay. A wider toe box helps prevent blisters and black toenails by giving your toes room to move naturally.

The result is a shoe that feels familiar to Pegasus loyalists but offers the extra volume needed for rugged endurance efforts.

When Can You Buy It?

If you are looking to upgrade your rotation for the spring season, you won't have to wait long. The Nike ACG Pegasus Trail will be available in April.

One Shoe, Many Paths

The Nike ACG Pegasus Trail represents a shift in how we think about running gear. It moves away from the idea that you need a different shoe for every single activity and embraces the reality of a varied, active lifestyle.

With the grip of the All Terrain Compound 2.0, the energy return of ReactX foam, and a quick-drying upper, it eliminates the excuses that might keep you indoors. Whether your route is paved, gravel, dirt, or a muddy mix of all three, this shoe is built to handle the journey. If you value adaptability and performance, keep an eye out for the ACG Pegasus Trail this April.