Nike ACG Pegasus Trail vs HOKA Challenger 8

Two door-to-trail shoes for towpaths, parks and gravel. The ACG Pegasus Trail is lower and firmer and has grippier rubber, so it feels closer to a road Pegasus. The Challenger is about 20 g lighter and much more cushioned, with a soft, rolling ride and a GORE-TEX version.

By the RunShoeRotation team. Written October 2026; specs, scores and prices updated October 2026. How we compare shoes.

Which should you buy?

Choose the ACG Pegasus Trail if you want a responsive, grippy shoe that feels natural on both road and dirt.

Choose the Challenger 8 if you want maximum cushioning for mixed surfaces, or a waterproof version for wet winters.

The ACG Pegasus Trail is 20 g heavier than the Challenger 8. It has 7 mm less foam under the heel. It costs £5 more at full price.

Side by side

SpecACG Pegasus TrailNikeChallenger 8HOKA
Review score85/100 (1 review)85/100 (2 reviews)
TypeRoad to trailRoad to trail
Weight (men's UK 8.5)289 g269 g
Heel stack35 mm42 mm
Drop8 mm8 mm
CushioningBalancedSoft
BounceLivelyLively
PlateNo plateNo plate
SupportNeutralNeutral
FitTrue to sizeTrue to size
Widthsstandardstandard, wide
Waterproof versionNoHOKA Challenger 8 GTX
UK RRP£135£130

Weights are for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5. Prices are UK RRPs; shops often sell for less.

What the critics say

ACG Pegasus Trail

  • Much better grip than the previous version
  • Smooth road-to-trail ride with reliable cushioning
  • Roomier fit with secure lockdown
  • ReactX midsole feels dated next to newer foams
  • Toe-box fabric wears through quickly in abrasion testing

Scores from RunRepeat.

Challenger 8

  • Plenty of cushioning and shock absorption
  • Roomier, less tapered fit
  • Redesigned lugs grip better on gravel
  • Slightly heavier and pricier than v7
  • Dated CMEVA foam with modest rebound

Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.

Paraphrased from published reviews.

What's new in each

Nike ACG Pegasus Trail: Renamed from Pegasus Trail 5 and given a much grippier All Terrain Compound outsole, a roomier fit and 1 mm less drop; the ReactX midsole is unchanged and the price rises slightly.

HOKA Challenger 8: Much taller stack with the drop rising from 5 to 8 mm, a roomier toe box, more aggressive lugs and slightly softer CMEVA; a little heavier and £10 dearer.

Prices for the ACG Pegasus Trail Prices for the Challenger 8

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