Every Runner Needs a Hybrid Shoe

With four decades as the leading shoe for generations of runners, the Nike Pegasus is a household name in the running world. And its legendary performance continues with the latest iteration—the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX.  If you want to take your running from wet sidewalks to park trails, the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX is your waterproof, rain-or-shine kick with all the durability and protection you need. Natasha Lewis, senior product manager at Nike Running, and Kirk Christensen, global product specialist at GORE-TEX, explain why this new version of the Pegasus may be the best yet. 

What’s the origin of the Nike Pegasus?

Natasha Lewis: The Pegasus is at the core of Nike’s history and heart. Launched in 1982, coinciding with the New York City Marathon, the Pegasus has been Nike’s most consistent and popular running shoe of all time. The Pegasus is about trusted fit and comfort, with responsive cushioning. Runners have loved and trusted the Pegasus for 40 years—when it was created, it was intended to be for all runners, and that’s still true today. 

Why make a trail version of the Pegasus?

Natasha Lewis: We heard from runners that they wanted the trusted comfort and fit of the Pegasus, made for trails. We designed the Pegasus Trail model to offer a road-to-trail hybrid shoe for athletes who leave their house and cover a mix of road and trail terrain during their run. So you still get the road-worthy cushioning and responsive ride of the Pegasus, but with trail running features like increased traction, as well as durability and protection in high-wear areas. And because we know runners like to get out in variable conditions, we leveraged GORE-TEX product technology to make a waterproof Pegasus Trail model for all-weather running.

Who is the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX designed for?

Natasha Lewis: Most runners don’t have the good fortune to live right next to a trailhead. That means they have to run on roads to get to a park. This shoe is perfect for runners who leave their house, run a couple miles on the road to get to the trailhead, run a few miles on the trail, and then head back home on the road. With the added GORE-TEX INVISIBLE FIT in the upper, the Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX is an all-conditions shoe—both waterproof and breathable.

What sets the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX apart from other trail running shoes?

Natasha Lewis: It’s Nike’s most versatile trail shoe. The hybrid design features a generative traction pattern combined with rubber that provides extra grip for technical trails, while maintaining a smooth ride for the road—meaning you can run on any surface and still get the legendary fit, cushioning, and responsive ride of the Pegasus. And with the waterproof Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX, we have you covered for adventures in the rain, snow, and more.  

What’s special about the GORE-TEX INVISIBLE FIT lining?

Kirk Christensen: We use GORE-TEX INVISIBLE FIT, which is engineered with the runner in mind. The GORE-TEX material is seamlessly integrated so that the shoe’s fit and feel is not affected by the additional waterproof protection. Runners now have the optimal performance product—waterproof and windproof protection and elimination of excess heat and sweat, without compromising fit or comfort. In addition, the integrated materials add minimal weight, improve dry time, and have low water pickup. Runners can focus on their run, walk, or hike—not the weather or trail conditions.

Nike, Inc., named for the Greek goddess of victory, is the world’s leading designer, marketer, and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities.