Nike · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Nike Women's Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
GORE-TEX traditionally used PFAS; Nike lacks public disclosure on this model
GORE-TEX waterproof layer typically contains Teflon-type coating-based Teflon-family coating, which are PFAS-related. Nike provides no public PFAS transparency for this shoe, limiting confidence in risk assessment.
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Material
Textile with GORE-TEX waterproof membrane and water-repellent coating finish
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 GORE-TEX membrane bonded to textile uppers with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. GORE-TEX membranes have historically relied on PFAS-based chemistry, though Nike has not publicly confirmed the specific PFAS compounds or their formulation for this 2024 model. The water-repellent coating on the outer fabric layer typically contains fluorochemicals to shed water. Exposure during normal wear is minimal, but the chemical profile remains undisclosed.
The brand's record and disclosure
Nike has not published a product-level PFAS inventory or third-party verification for the Pegasus Trail 5. The company signed the Chemicals Footprint Project in 2019 but has not committed to phasing PFAS by a public deadline like some competitors (Patagonia, Arc'teryx). Nike's apparel transparency reports focus on labor and factory audits, not chemical composition. This silence is notable for a premium-priced ($140+) technical shoe.
How it compares in its category
Most GORE-TEX footwear on the market contains PFAS, making this shoe typical rather than exceptional. Competitors like Salomon, Merrell, and The North Face similarly do not disclose PFAS use in trail shoes. Alternatives using PFC-free membranes (Paragon, Hydrophobic polyester blends) exist but are less common and often carry trade-offs in breathability or durability. This shoe occupies the mainstream performance tier with commensurate transparency gaps.
If you buy it
Wash separately in cool water with mild soap to reduce water-repellent coating shedding; avoid hot water and dryers, which degrade membranes and can volatilize trapped chemicals. Re-apply water-repellent coating spray annually (follow label instructions on ventilation). Replace once the membrane delaminates or tread wears to 2mm depth, typically 300-500 miles of trail use. Store dry and out of direct sunlight to extend membrane lifespan and minimize chemical off-gassing.
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 and water-repellent coating finish
GORE-TEX traditionally uses PFAS chemistry. Nike has not disclosed the specific formulation for this model. Exposure during wear is considered low, but skin contact with water-repellent coating-coated uppers and ingestion risk from hand-to-mouth contact (especially in children) cannot be ruled out over the product lifetime.
Azo dyes and colorfast release
No recalls or test failures reported for Nike Pegasus Trail colorfast properties. Standard Nike QC applies. Risk is minimal for adult users; wash separately on first use if wearing on bare skin for extended periods.
Formaldehyde in textile resins
Nike apparel typically meets REACH and Oeko-Tex baseline standards for formaldehyde-free dyes and finishes, though not independently certified for this model. No public warnings or field complaints on record.
Microplastic shedding from synthetic uppers
Nylon and polyester uppers shed microfibers during washing, particularly if water-repellent coating is degraded. This is a category-wide issue, not specific to Nike. Machine washing on gentle cycles and using a wash bag reduces shedding.
Antimony in polyester components
No reports of elevated antimony levels in Nike polyester apparel. Antimony contamination in polyester is rare in established brands meeting EU chemical regulations. This hazard is present in the material class but not a documented concern for this product.
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.