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
| Spec | ACG Pegasus TrailNike | Challenger 8HOKA |
|---|---|---|
| Review score | 85/100 (1 review) | 85/100 (2 reviews) |
| Type | Road to trail | Road to trail |
| Weight (men's UK 8.5) | 289 g | 269 g |
| Heel stack | 35 mm | 42 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Cushioning | Balanced | Soft |
| Bounce | Lively | Lively |
| Plate | No plate | No plate |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Widths | standard | standard, wide |
| Waterproof version | No | HOKA 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
More comparisons
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