Nike · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Nike Men's Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
GORE-TEX likely contains PFAS; Nike silent on alternatives.
GORE-TEX membranes traditionally use PFOA or next-gen PFAS for waterproofing. Nike does not disclose PFAS status or offer PFAS-free alternatives in this model. No third-party testing available.
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Material
Textile with GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Pegasus Trail 5 uses a textile upper (likely nylon or polyester blend) bonded to a GORE-TEX membrane for waterproofing. GORE-TEX achieves water resistance through expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), which is inherently microporous but requires fluorochemical treatments or surfactants to maintain performance. The membrane does not shed microplastics under normal wear, but the fluorochemicals used in manufacturing or applied during finishing are the primary safety concern.
The brand's record and disclosure
Nike does not publicly disclose PFAS content, alternatives tested, or phase-out timelines for any footwear line as of recent documentation. The company has faced scrutiny from environmental groups over PFAS in waterproof products but has not matched commitments from competitors like Patagonia or Arc'teryx to eliminate long-chain PFAS. No established recalls or product-specific safety violations are on record for this model.
How it compares in its category
Trail running shoes with GORE-TEX are standard in the market; most major brands (Salomon, ASICS, Merrell) use similar constructions. A small number of brands offer non-PFAS waterproof alternatives (waxed uppers, silicone treatments), but these trade durability and breathability. This shoe sits in the middle: widely adopted chemistry, no worse than competitors, but less transparent than leading sustainability-focused alternatives.
If you buy it
Clean with mild soap and water; avoid heat sources or machine washing, which can stress the membrane. GORE-TEX performance degrades over 3-5 years with heavy use; replacement is more responsible than attempting to re-coat. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or solvents. Do not tumble dry.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
PFAS in waterproof membrane
GORE-TEX manufacturing uses fluorochemical surfactants or legacy PFOA-related compounds to achieve durability. Nike has not disclosed whether short- or long-chain PFAS are present or released during use or laundering.
Azo dyes in textile dyeing
No specific recalls or testing data on this model; Nike is a large manufacturer with general textile compliance programs. Azo dyes are restricted in the EU and Japan but not banned globally; risk is low but not independently verified for this shoe.
Formaldehyde resins in fabric finishing
Synthetic textiles and bonded membranes often use formaldehyde-based resins for water resistance or dimensional stability. Nike does not itemize finishing agents; risk is typical for this product class but not quantified.
Microplastics from synthetic upper wear
Repeated abrasion of nylon or polyester uppers can release microfibers, especially from the outer layer. GORE-TEX itself resists shedding, but the textile carrier does not. This is a category-wide issue not specific to Nike.
Adhesive or solvent residues
Bonding the membrane to the textile typically uses polyurethane adhesives; no off-gassing or health reports are established for this model, and residual solvent is minimal after manufacturing curing.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More hiking shoes & trail runners grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.