The Nike Juniper Trail 2 Gtx Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Nike Juniper Trail 2 GTX is a versatile waterproof trail running shoe designed for both newcomers and experienced trail enthusiasts. With a firm midsole, it provides stability while the spacious toebox accommodates varied foot shapes. This shoe excels in seamless road-to-trail adaptability, making it practical for diverse terrains.

However, the price increase of $45 over its non-GTX counterpart may deter some buyers. Additionally, the energy return may be less favorable for those seeking responsive cushioning in their footwear.


Pros

  • Impressive upgrade
  • Top-notch waterproofing
  • Amazing durability
  • Exceptional stability
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Spacious toebox
  • Excellent for winter conditions

Cons

  • High price increase
  • Firm ride
  • Grip could improve

Key Features

  • Air Zoom Heel Unit: Enhanced responsiveness for quick movements and speed bursts.
  • NikeSkin Upper: Made with embedded chevrons for superior ball control and a barefoot-like experience.
  • Cascading Lugs Traction Pattern: Designed to maximize surface area for better grip and traction on various surfaces.

Specifications

  • Sole Material: Rubber for excellent grip.
  • Outer Material: Polyester, providing lightweight durability.
  • Inner Material: Synthetic for enhanced comfort and breathability.
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up for a secure fit.

Nike Juniper Trail 2 Gtx Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Nike Juniper Trail 2 GTX Merrell Agility Peak 5 GTX Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX
Price $130 $170 $170 $170
Trail terrain Light Moderate Light Moderate
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 10.3 oz / 293g 10.4 oz / 296g 9.9 oz / 281g 10.2 oz / 289g
Drop lab Drop brand 10.2 mm 11.6 mm 8.3 mm 5.0 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Mid/forefoot
Size True to size True to size Slightly small Half size small
Midsole softness Firm Balanced Soft Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Small Normal Small
Plate Rock plate
Toebox durability Very good Good Decent Very good
Heel padding durability Good Bad Bad Good
Outsole durability Good Decent Good Good
Breathability Warm Warm Warm Warm
Width / fit Wide Narrow Medium Medium
Toebox width Wide Medium Wide Narrow
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Moderate Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Stiff Flexible Moderate
Lug depth 2.7 mm 4.4 mm 3.6 mm 3.9 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 34.5 mm 37.3 mm 32.1 mm 32.9 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 24.3 mm 25.7 mm 23.8 mm 27.9 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Narrow Normal
Season Winter Winter Winter Winter
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Waterproofing Waterproof Waterproof Waterproof Waterproof
Ranking Bottom 5% Bottom 19% Bottom 6% Bottom 3%
Popularity Top 46% Bottom 30% Top 28% Top 35%