Lone Peak 8 vs Pegasus Trail 5

The Lone Peak 8 is Altra at its most recognisable: a zero-drop, wide-fitting trail running shoe built for long days on mixed terrain rather than podium chasing. With a 0mm drop and a natural, foot-shaped platform, it asks your feet and calves to do the work, and rewards you with a low, grounded connection to the trail that few cushioned shoes match. At 298g it is not the lightest trail shoe out there, but it carries that weight well thanks to a balanced, moderate stack that soaks up rock and root without feeling boaty. This is a do-everything trail shoe for hikers, thru-hikers and ultra runners who value comfort, ground feel and a roomy toe box over pop and speed. If you want a stable, dependable companion for all-day miles and you are happy with a firm, honest ride, the Lone Peak 8 is one of the easiest trail shoes to recommend. The newer Lone Peak 9 refines the same recipe if you want the latest version.

The Pegasus Trail 5 is Nike's door-to-trail running shoe: a cushioned, do-everything trail shoe built to carry you from the pavement onto gravel, light singletrack and mixed paths without missing a beat. It is not a technical mountain racer and it does not pretend to be. With a soft, forgiving ride and a 9.5mm drop, it feels close to a road trainer with extra grip and protection, which is exactly the point. If your local running mixes a road warm-up with woodland trail and the odd muddy patch, this is one of the most versatile options out there. At 300g it is on the heavier side, so it will not win you a fast trail race, and the moderate lugs give up traction in deep mud and on greasy rock. But as a comfortable, durable trail running shoe for everyday miles, the Pegasus Trail 5 nails the brief. We rate it as a buy-it-and-forget-it daily trail shoe rather than a specialist.