Best Nike Trail Running Shoes in 2026

The release of the latest Nike Trail running shoes has come with a bit of confusion surrounding which are the best Nike Trail running shoes for a particular type of terrain, and also for the ability level of the runner who plans to wear them.

In this Nike Trail Shoes buyer's guide, I'm going to make it super easy for you to choose the perfect pair of Nike Trail running shoes for you, and how you plan to run with them.

MY FAVORITE: If you're short on time - my favorite all-round Nike Trail running shoes right now are the Zegama 2. Visit our Nike running shoe reviews page next to read our in-depth reviews.

To discover the best trail running shoes and road running shoes right now, bookmark those two linked posts for later.

All the Nike Trail running shoes in this buyer's guide offer neutral support, and are available in both men's and women's; the features are the same for both, the only difference is the colorways which Nike likes to update regularly. The currently available colorways can be explored using our links below.

➡ This roundup is all about Nike trail running shoes. But if you're hunting for the best Nike shoes for pounding the pavement, check out my Best Nike Road Running Shoes roundup instead.

There are now 7 different Nike trail running shoes to choose from in the Nike Trail running shoe range, and you should be able to quickly identify the best Nike Trail running shoes for you by clicking our 'jump links' below. These links will scroll you down to the best Nike Trail shoes for the category you click - and this information is based on their performance in my in-depth reviews of each shoe.

So, all you have to do is prioritize what you need from your Nike Trail running shoes (by choosing 3 links to click below), then click those links, and whichever shoe pops up the most frequently is the trail running shoe for you!

Best Nike Trail Running Shoes

Quick reference list - to learn more about each shoe, scroll down to read my reviews:

• best overall: Zegama 2
• lightest Nike Trail running shoes: Pegasus Trail 5
• most waterproof: Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
• best grip in wet conditions: Zegama 2
• best road-to-trail / hybrid: Pegasus Trail 5
• best for ultra marathons: Zegama 2
• best for beginners: Pegasus Trail 5
• lowest drop Nike Trail shoes: Zegama 2
• cheapest Nike Trail shoes: Juniper Trail 2
• most breathable Nike Trail shoes: Zegama 2
• most cushioned: Zegama 2
• best for hiking trails: Wildhorse
• best for racing: Ultrafly

Nike Kiger 9

"Most versatile Nike Trail running shoes for technical trails"

To learn more, read my Nike Kiger 9 review - or watch the video review.

The Nike Kiger 9 is a great option for trail runners seeking a blend of speed, lightness, and versatility. With its $160 price tag, the shoe offers true-to-size fit, medium cushioning with a React foam midsole, and an improved aggressive traction suitable for technical terrains.

Weighing in at 9.9 oz for a US Men's size 9 and featuring a 4.5mm drop, it's designed for intermediate to advanced runners. The Kiger 9 improves upon its predecessor with a more aggressive outsole and a comfortable, supportive fit, making it ideal for long trail runs and varied terrains.

• Weight: 9.9oz (280g) - for men's size US 9
• Cushioning: Medium
• Drop: 4.5mm

Nike Pegasus Trail 5

"Best Road/Trail Transition Nike Trail shoes"

For a more detailed look read my Nike Pegasus Trail 5 review - or watch the video review.

The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is a high-performance trail running shoe for those who need a shoe that can run on the roads as well as it can run light trails to moderately challenging trails. The 9.5mm drop forces a more forward-leaning stance which is typical of a running shoe for runners who want to run fast and keep that forward momentum pushing them forward.

The Pegasus Trail 5 is well suited to running fast downhill and they also pack a punch while running uphill due to Nike's all-new, aggressive ATC tread on the outsole and that new cushioned, yet responsive ReactX foam in the midsole. The ReactX foam midsole protects the bottom of your feet from spiky rocks extremely well too.

The Nike Pegasus Trail's construction is very durable and you'll be the envy of other trail runners due to how nice the design is.

• Weight: 10.2oz (289g) - for men's size US 9
• Cushioning: Maximum
• Drop: 9.5mm

Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX

"Best road/light trail hybrid for wet weather"

To learn more, read my Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX review - or watch my video review.

The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX is my top pick for trail-to-road shoes right now, offering unbeatable versatility for mixed terrain runs – but also its a bloody great lifestyle shoe too. With its GORE-TEX upper for weatherproof protection and ReactX foam midsole for a smooth, cushioned ride, it’s perfect for runners who love to explore trails without skipping road miles. Whether it’s wet or dry, this shoe delivers consistent comfort and traction.

• Weight: 9.8oz / 278g for a size US(M)9
• Cushioning: balanced
• Drop: 9.5mm

Nike Zegama 2

"A cushioned ride that's optimized for technical trails and long distances"

For a more detailed look read my Nike Zegama 2 review - or watch the video review.

The Nike Zegama is tailored for runners who face technical trails, emphasizing superior traction with the introduction of a Vibram Megagrip outsole, durability, and cushioning to navigate challenging terrains confidently over long distances.

With a focus on grip, cushioning, and protection, it suits those looking for a shoe that can handle diverse and demanding trail conditions - I'm looking at you ultra runners. Zegama 2 is much more stable than the original and can handle technical terrain far better than before.

• Weight: 10.7 oz (303g) for a size US(M)9
• Cushioning: Maximum
• Drop: 4mm

Nike Ultrafly

"The race day trail shoe for the fastest Nike Trail experience yet"

For a more detailed look read my Nike Ultrafly review - or watch the video review.

The Nike Ultrafly is engineered for trail racers seeking peak performance, combining Nike's best speed components with trail-specific features. It introduces a carbon fiber Flyplate for propulsive energy and ZoomX foam for a springy feel, enhancing endurance and speed throughout long distances.

The shoe features a Vibram exclusive Ultrafly outsole with Megagrip and chevron lugs for superior traction in various conditions, including wet weather.

Its design focuses on stability, with a flat bottom and minimal cross rocker, while Vaporweave mesh and a foam midsole offer breathability and cushioning, respectively. Durability is ensured through abrasion-resistant materials and a fabric-wrapped midsole to protect against trail elements.

• Weight: 10 oz (283g) for a size US(M)9
• Cushioning: Medium
• Drop: 8.5mm

Nike Juniper Trail 2

"Entry level trail shoes for beginners looking to explore light trails"

The Nike Juniper Trail 2 is crafted for runners navigating rough trails, offering a balance of stability, traction, and durability. It features a lightweight design, with a mesh upper for breathability and a tapered outsole to grip the ground, ensuring a secure run on diverse terrains.

• Weight: 10.6 oz (301g) for a size US(M)9
• Cushioning: Medium
• Drop: 9.5mm

Nike Wildhorse 8

The Nike Wildhorse 8 is designed for challenging trail runs, offering rugged traction, responsive cushioning, and secure containment.

Inspired by the scenic trail #440 in the Pacific Northwest, its design features colors that reflect the area's natural beauty. The shoe incorporates Nike React technology for a smooth ride, a rubber outsole with abrasion resistance for durability, and a midfoot saddle for foot containment.

It's built to ensure comfort, stability, and breathability, making it suitable for diverse and demanding terrains and of course a wide range of trail runners who want a comfy durable ride.

• Weight: 11.73 oz (333g) for a size US(M)9
• Cushioning: Medium
• Drop: 9mm

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