Nike Trail Running Shoes: 5 Picks for Off-Road Miles

Nike trail running shoes are built to go the distance...
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🏃‍➡️Just ask Nike-sponsored athletes like Anthony Costales and Riley Brady, who will be racing the 2025 Western States 100 in just a few weeks.
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👟From fast and light to rugged and ultra-cushioned, Nike’s trail lineup has evolved into a legit choice for every kind of off-road runner. 
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🏃‍♀️‍➡️Whether you're chasing finish lines or just peace and quiet on your favorite single-track routes, these five Nike trail running shoes are ready to help you go the distance. 
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Here's what you need to know...

Nike running shoes may be famous for road dominance, but its trail lineup has quietly become a legit force off-road.
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And it keeps getting better.
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👟Over the past few years, Nike has fine-tuned its trail shoes with:

• ✅Better grip
• ✅Improved cushioning
• ✅Lighter upper materials, and most recently...
• ✅A new partnership with Vibram for elite-level traction

🏃‍♀️‍➡️Athletes like Sally McRae have trusted Nike Trail shoes to carry them through the highs and lows of the world’s toughest ultras. 

• McRae won't compete in Western States 100 because of a radial meniscus injury, but her gritty performances show just how capable Nike’s trail shoes can be.

👟With tech like ReactX, ZoomX, and rock plates in some shoes, Nike trail running shoes are built for buttery singletrack, gnarly descents, and everything in between. 
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Check out these top 5 picks...

• Price: $150
• Weight: 10.4 oz
• Stack Height/Drop: 36mm heel / 26mm forefoot (10mm drop)
• Best For: Road-to-trail versatility

The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is perfect for runners who split their miles between paved paths and dirt. 
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The ReactX foam offers a soft yet responsive ride, while the retooled outsole delivers confidence on gravel and singletrack. Comfy enough for daily runs, capable enough for moderate trails.

• ✅Great for hybrid routes
• ✅Smooth transitions from road to dirt
• ❌Not ideal for very rocky terrain

👟TIP: If you’re looking for one shoe to handle everything from the neighborhood loop to your weekend trail run, the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is a safe bet. It’s especially good for newer trail runners or anyone who mixes surfaces often.

• Price: $180
• Weight: 10.2 oz
• Stack Height/Drop: 37mm heel / 33mm forefoot (4mm drop)
• Best For: Long distances and ultra races

Soft, stable, and ready to go long. The Zegama 2 adds extra grip and a more secure fit compared to the original. Its high stack of cushy foam makes it a great option for training days, ultra races, or back-to-back long runs.

🏃‍♂️‍➡️Nike Trail athlete Anthony Costales, a podium finisher at Western States and winner of the 2023 Black Canyon 100K, favors this shoe for long, grueling efforts where comfort, traction, and durability matter most.

• ✅Plush and protective
• ✅Grippy outsole for mountain terrain
• ❌High stack may feel unstable on tight, twisty trails

👟TIP: This is the shoe for runners tackling 50Ks, 100Ks, or just logging serious weekly mileage. If you want a max-cushioned ride that won’t beat up your legs, the Nike Zegama 2 delivers.

• Price: $150
• Weight: 9.2 oz 
• Stack Height/Drop: 31mm heel / 25mm forefoot (6mm drop)
• Best For: Speedwork and race-day efforts

The Kiger is the speedster in the lineup of Nike trail running shoes.
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It offers a nimble ride with just enough protection for shorter races and high-intensity trail sessions. With Zoom Air in the forefoot and excellent traction, it’s a solid pick for technical trails and fast feet.

• ✅Quick, agile feel
• ✅Excellent grip and lockdown
• ❌Less cushioning for long distances

👟TIP: If you're chasing PRs or tackling short, punchy trail races, the Kiger 10 is your weapon. Experienced trail runners will love its ground feel and control.

• Price: $140
• Weight: 10.7 oz
• Stack Height/Drop: 36mm heel / 26mm forefoot (10mm drop)
• Best For: Rugged, rocky terrain

For aggressive trails that chew up lesser shoes, the Wildhorse 10 is a beast. 
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Built with a rock plate, grippy rubber, and reinforced upper, it’s ideal for tough conditions, from steep descents to sharp technical climbs.

• ✅Stable and protective
• ✅Great for rough terrain
• ❌Slightly heavy for tempo efforts

👟TIP: This is your go-to Nike trail running shoe for the gnarliest trails on your map. It’s best suited for runners who prioritize durability and foot protection over speed.

• Price: $260
• Weight: 9.7 oz
• Stack Height/Drop: 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot (8mm drop)
• Best For: Fast trail races and premium performance

Nike’s first carbon-plated trail shoe combines ZoomX foam, a full-length Flyplate, and a Vibram outsole for a race-ready ride that feels smooth and lightning fast on flowy trails.

🏃‍➡️Riley Brady, who recently joined the Nike Trail team and will be racing Western States 100 in a few weeks, is expected to toe the line in the Ultrafly...Nike’s flagship shoe for big-stage speed.

• ✅Carbon-plated performance
• ✅Lightweight and cushioned
• ❌Not built for very rocky or vertical terrain

👟TIP: If you want to feel like you’re flying on race day—and don’t mind the price tag—Ultrafly is worth it. It’s ideal for trail marathons, 100Ks, or any smooth, fast course.

From daily dirt loops to race-day climbs, these 5 Nike trail running shoes are built to meet the demands of every kind of off-road runner.
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Whether you're chasing PRs, elevation, or just a little peace in the woods or the desert, there's a trail-ready option waiting for you.
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Wondering which Nike trail running shoe is right for you?

• 👟Going long? Zegama 2 or Ultrafly
• 👟Going fast? Kiger 10
• 👟Gnarly terrain? Wildhorse 10
• 👟Road-to-trail? Pegasus Trail 5

Share yours in the comments or create a WeeView and tell us more about your favorite Nike trail running shoe.