The Pegasus functions as a neutral road shoe. I ensured that I ordered it in my accurate size, and fortunately, I encountered no problems with the fit. The weight for a men’s size 9, according to my measurements, stands at 9.9 oz or 282 grams.I derive genuine pleasure from the Pegasus line, finding them to be delightful companions during runs. In fact, the Pegasus 37 secured a place among my top choices in 2020. Looking ahead, I’m curious to witness if the Peg 38 will earn a spot on this year’s esteemed list.What advancements has Nike introduced in the Pegasus 38, and how does it stack up against its predecessor, the Pegasus 37?
Nike Pegasus 38 Review
The Pegasus and the Nike Invincible are two of Nike’s most comfortable sneakers.
Who is The Pegasus For?
I perceive the Pegasus as a shoe that suits a diverse range of runners and running styles. Whether you’re embarking on your running journey or possess advanced expertise, this shoe holds substantial appeal for both categories.
Regarding its performance, my experience highlighted the enjoyable nature of running in the Pegasus. The transitions through the gait cycle, from footstrike to toe-off, felt seamless and organic, contributing to a natural sensation.
The Pegasus particularly accommodates heel strikers due to the well-crafted bevel on the heel, facilitating a fluid transition from heel to toe. Its attributes include a soft, cushioned underfoot feel that doesn’t compromise on responsiveness.
In terms of weight, the Pegasus doesn’t claim the title of the lightest daily trainer available. Hence, I tend to lean towards using it for my easy-run days when I’m not specifically aiming for personal best records. Nevertheless, its weight is still manageable if you intend to escalate your pace.
With that foundation set, let’s delve into the matter of fit…
Fit
Moving to the toe box, a subtle expansion compared to the Pegasus 37 allows for comfortable toe splaying, and this adjustment is truly satisfying.
The commendable lockdown sensation that characterized the midfoot in the Pegasus 37 has been effectively maintained, delivering an assurance of security that extends seamlessly back to the heel cup.
Now, let’s embark on a detailed examination of the material chosen for crafting the upper.
Upper
The initial notable aspect is the cloth-like feel of the material. It’s noticeably softer to the touch in comparison to the Pegasus 37. Personally, I found the upper of the Pegasus 37 to possess a somewhat plastic-like texture.
Furthermore, the Pegasus 38 boasts an upper composed of a couple of material layers, which does contribute to a slight warmth underneath. Nevertheless, the comfort and flexibility of the upper are highly commendable.
Throughout my gait, from heel strike to toe-off, I experienced a sense of natural flexibility and smoothness. The upper never felt restrictive or inhibitory in any way.
Moving to the lateral side of the shoe, the perforations are consistently maintained, extending until approximately the heel counter area. Notably, this section remains relatively understated, with the exception of the signature Nike Swoosh emblem.
Now, let’s closely examine the design of the eyelet chain and the meticulous approach they have employed…
Eyelet Chain
Nike has retained the concept of those bands introduced in the Pegasus 37, which led to the removal of the FlyWires. This shift indeed contributed to a heightened sense of comfort.
However, in the case of the Pegasus 38, I must acknowledge that they have made improvements upon the foundation established by the Pegasus 37. They have wisely retained the aspects that garnered positive reception, particularly the banded sensation enveloping the midfoot. The innovation lies in the transformation of these bands, both in terms of design and material composition.
The bands in the Pegasus 37 were constructed from a somewhat plastic or faux leather material, while in the Pegasus 38, a more cloth-like substance has been employed. This transformation has been achieved by sewing one side of the bands into the upper part of the material. Subsequently, the bands wrap around and extend all the way down to be sewn into the midsole of the shoe.
The outcome is an authentic sensation of being securely banded across the midfoot, a sensation that seamlessly extends back to the heel cup, thereby ensuring a locked-in feeling.
An additional eyelet has been thoughtfully included, serving those who opt for the runner’s knot lacing technique. While I may not employ it consistently, the availability of this option is a welcomed touch.
With that in mind, let’s now examine the attributes of the tongue…
Tongue
The tongue of the Pegasus 38 presents a notable increase in padding compared to its 37th iteration. This tongue also boasts a ¾ gusset construction, imparting a sensation reminiscent of a bootie. This impression is achieved through the meticulous stitching of the tongue, which extends all the way up to nearly the final band.
This strategic design ensures that the tongue remains consistently in place, free from any concerns of migration. It lies flat across the top of your foot, offering a streamlined appearance. The added padding serves a dual purpose – not only does it prevent the laces from causing discomfort by digging into the top of your foot, but it also delivers a noticeable level of comfort.
The equilibrium struck with the amount of padding appears to be well-executed, avoiding any sense of excessiveness. It’s worth noting that while this addition does marginally contribute to the shoe’s overall weight, it remains within reason. Considering the Pegasus 38’s classification as a daily trainer weighing in at under 10 oz, the inclusion of extra comfort can be regarded as a positive enhancement.
Heel Collar & Tab
Examining the padding encircling the heel collar and the tab, I must say that Nike appears to have struck a near-perfect balance for this shoe. The level of padding is quite optimal, delivering a truly comfortable feel. The generous padding around the heel collar contributed to a pleasant experience, devoid of any discomfort such as hot spots.
In terms of the heel counter, Nike has introduced a subtle yet discernible alteration. They’ve reverted to a more traditional heel counter design, a departure from the slight Achilles heel flare evident in the Pegasus 37.
This modification, while subtle, holds significance in terms of heel lockdown. The absence of the Achilles heel flare results in a more secure sensation in the heel area compared to the Pegasus 37. This adjustment might be characterized as a minor tweak, but it undoubtedly influences the overall running experience.
The amalgamation of enhanced padding and the slight alteration in the Achilles heel flare configuration has given rise to a well-formed pocket that cradles the heel comfortably. I didn’t encounter any issues concerning heel slippage, be it upward, downward, or sideways.
Although I felt adequately secure in the heel area of the Pegasus 37, the refinements made in the Pegasus 38 have evidently amplified that sense of security.
Now, let’s delve into the details of the heel counter and the degree of structural support it provides for maintaining heel stability…
Heel Counter
As I squeezed the heel counter together, I’d say it’s about a moderate amount. It’s not overly done like you might find in a stability shoe, but there’s plenty there to help keep you comfortable while you’re out running.
Insole
Also, Nike did not disappoint me because they included a removable insole. As you might know, I just really appreciate being able to pull those out so I can clean them up, let them air dry, and put them back in my shoe.
Also, this insole is well-cushioned and adds a little bit of softness and a little bit of comfort to your run experience as well.
Midsole & Air Unit
To me, the midsole is where the true enchantment occurs. In the Nike Pegasus 38, a 10-millimeter offset persists, and Nike has maintained this feature while employing full-length React foam spanning from the heel to the toe.
Being an Air Zoom shoe, the Peg incorporates an Air unit positioned in the forefoot, its placement indicated on the midsole.
It’s noteworthy that Nike has fine-tuned this airbag to cater to both men and women differently. The men’s version is set at 20 PSI, whereas the women’s version features a softer 15 PSI Air unit. This delineation results in a marginally softer Air unit for the women’s iteration compared to the men’s.
My personal affinity for React foam dates back to my initial experience with it. React imparts attributes of softness, responsiveness, and a relatively lightweight disposition.
I should highlight that this Air unit delivers its finest performance during mid to forefoot striking, particularly during forefoot strikes. The presence of the Air unit provides a noticeable springiness off the toe.
However, I’d like to make a note based on my extensive mileage in the Peg 37: the midsole and outsole of the Pegasus 38 are essentially identical to those found in its predecessor. Over time, I’ve observed that the longer my runs extend, the more pronounced the sensation from the Air bag becomes. I find this shoe to be highly enjoyable for distances up to about 10 miles, beyond which its allure starts to wane for me. I acknowledge that this viewpoint might elicit varying reactions, but it remains a candid reflection of my personal experience.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the outsole to explore how Nike has safeguarded the delicate React foam residing in the midsole…
Outsole
Immediately noticeable is the Pegasus 38’s distinct outsole composition, featuring three distinct styles of blown rubber.
Let’s begin with the blue segment, commencing at the heel and spanning along the medial or arch side of the shoe, extending through to the forefoot and the point of toe-off. This section boasts a waffle pattern that serves a dual purpose – safeguarding the delicate React foam within the midsole and offering a degree of traction.
I’ve put these shoes to the test on various surfaces, including wet pavement and hard-packed dirt trails, and the outsole has demonstrated impressive capabilities in ensuring my footing and stability during my runs.
The Pegasus also incorporates strategically placed rubber in areas prone to high abrasion, namely the heel and the toe-off zone. These regions tend to exhibit early signs of wear in most running shoes.
Moreover, the shoe features a softer blown rubber on its lateral side, often referred to as a “crash zone.” As you progress through your gait cycle, your foot generally lands on this lateral side first. This softer rubber aims to mitigate the impact of footstrike, facilitating a smoother transition through the gait cycle.
Pros
- Great option for daily miles & long runs
- Cushiony yet peppy toe-off
- Gender-specific React cushioning feels soft on touchdown yet bouncy at toe-off
- Comfy & stable ride
- Fits wider than the previous Pegasus 37
- Upper is padded & hugs your foot
- Heel cup is deeper and prevents heel slippage
- Toebox is wider and allows your toes to splay naturally
- Outsole provides reliable grip for high mileage efforts
- Versatile
Cons
Grippy but not ideal for off-road running