We’re delving into the comparison between the Nike Vomero and the Pegasus. It’s interesting how one of these shoes didn’t quite win me over, while the other is gradually becoming a favorite. Surprisingly, their appearances are quite similar at first glance.
Our focus will be on the strengths and weaknesses of each shoe, and as is customary with all my comparisons, I’ll provide my final verdict at the conclusion.
Please note that this won’t be an in-depth technical overview, but rather an exploration of the pros and cons of both shoes.
Stack Height & Drop
The Pegasus 37 boasts a stack height of 24 millimeters in the heel and 14 millimeters in the forefoot, resulting in a 10-millimeter heel-to-toe drop. I opted for my usual size for this shoe.
On the other hand, the Vomero features a taller stack height of 26 millimeters in the heel and 16 millimeters in the forefoot, also equating to a 10-millimeter heel-to-toe differential.
Interestingly, despite the Vomero’s greater stack height, both shoes maintain the same 10-millimeter heel-to-toe drop. This provides a reassurance for Pegasus enthusiasts transitioning to the Vomero, as they won’t need to be concerned about changes in the offset.
It’s worth noting that both the Pegasus and the Vomero fit true to size, which is indeed a comfortable fit.
Weight
The Vomero 15 registers a weight of 10.2 ounces, while the Pegasus 37 comes in at 9 ounces. This means that the Vomero 15 is approximately one ounce heavier than the Pegasus.
Interestingly, when held in hand, the Vomero gives the impression of being lighter than the Pegasus, despite its greater weight. This can be attributed to the Vomero’s effective weight distribution.
A notable aspect where the Vomero excels is its weight distribution. The design seems to concentrate the weight well, enhancing its overall feel.
Part of this added weight can be traced to the heel counter and Achilles area, which is generously padded in the Vomero, adding to its comfort as a daily trainer.
Furthermore, the Vomero features a substantial plastic heel cup, contributing to both support and structural stability at the rear.
In contrast to the Pegasus’ outsole with its grooves and cutouts for reduced weight, the Vomero employs a complete rubber coverage on the outsole, which contributes to its slightly heavier weight.
Midsole
I didn’t find myself overly enthusiastic about the Pegasus. It did manage to grow on me towards the later part of my experience, but overall, it remained rather average and, at best, borderline good.
For me, this iteration of the Pegasus epitomizes what I see as a prevalent issue with Nike currently, specifically the fact that I personally have a strong aversion to the React midsole.
Allow me to delve into the reasons behind this, especially if you’re new to my content…
I have relatively larger feet, and the React midsole tends to become remarkably weighty as you venture into sizes like mine.
I distinctly recall conversations with numerous individuals where we concluded that the Asics Nova Blast, the New Balance 1080s, and the Pegasus 37 all share similar weight ranges.
Some even contend that the Nova Blasts and the New Balance 1080s may, in fact, be slightly heavier than the Pegasus. Yet, in my size, the Pegasus turns out to be the heftier choice.
To elaborate, the React midsole cushioning assumes a sort of brick-like heaviness as it is extended to sizes like mine. This characteristic of React midsole was also a source of my dissatisfaction with the Zoom Fly 3. The lower portion felt excessively burdensome due to the React midsole.
Now, let’s direct our attention to this exquisite contender.
The Vomero 15 forgoes the use of React. It employs a noticeably softer and more yielding foam, accompanied by a generously sized airbag in the forefoot. Interestingly, there’s no need for a break-in period – I immediately sensed comfort and responsiveness as soon as I put them on and hit the road. This initial positive experience spoke volumes.
It felt like that reassuring moment of realizing, “Ah, I’ve invested in a Nike shoe at its full price, and it’s delivering true value for my money.”
Furthermore, the heel section features Zoom X, a choice I initially appreciated. However, as time has passed, I’ve begun to question the rationale behind placing the softest foam, often subjected to the most wear, in the heel. It seems logical for those who predominantly land on their heels while running, and I did notice the cushioning’s effectiveness when intentionally shifting my weight towards my heels during downhill stretches.
Nonetheless, as a midfoot striker, I find this cushioning configuration largely inconsequential in the rear area.
Airbag
Nike Pegasus
Nike generated quite a buzz when they revealed the incorporation of an airbag in the forefoot of the Pegasus, and that’s why I decided to give it a shot.
Admittedly, I was a bit hesitant because of my past encounters with the React midsole, which left me underwhelmed. The notion that the airbag might inject some responsiveness and alleviate the “brick” sensation intrigued me.
Over the course of the hundred miles I logged in these shoes, there was a discernible improvement, particularly towards the latter part of that distance. However, even at the culmination of this mileage, I can’t say the experience transformed into a thoroughly enjoyable one; it was just slightly more tolerable than before.
My initial runs with the Pegasus left me quite disappointed, as the airbag’s impact was minimal. Thankfully, after around 30 to 40 miles, the airbag started to break in, rendering a touch more cushioning and energy return as I continued to rack up the miles.
To be frank, that sums up the extent of it. In terms of exceptional performance, I can’t lavish praise upon it.
Consequently, while the upper portion of the shoe has its merits, the lower half falls short of expectations.
Nike Vomero
The Vomero takes a different approach with a larger airbag, nearly double the size of the one in the Pegasus. This aspect is a positive step, along with the omission of React foam, which I consider a significant advantage.
Moreover, the core foam encasing this airbag in the Vomero is genuinely comfortable. As is often the case with Nike footwear, the upper part of the shoe shines, while the lower portion of the Vomero has been notably improved.
Upper
Pegasus
The upper fabric consists of a dual-layer mesh that offers a pleasant tactile experience. To be candid, the entirety of the upper package in the Pegasus 37 is commendable.
I find the moderately cushioned heel counter area quite pleasing. Comfort is a priority for me in a daily trainer, and this aspect aligns with my preferences.
Vomero
The upper material is well-designed with breathable qualities, featuring ventilation holes across the top. It’s worth noting that this upper differs from that of the Pegasus 37, yet it maintains a commendable level of comfort.
Personally, width is not an issue for me due to my wider foot, and the upper fits comfortably on the top of my foot.
Tongue
Nike’s tongue design has consistently suited my preferences. They have an angled structure that provides a nice wrapping effect around the ankle.
As for the tongues, they share a similar design. They begin thin at the top and then offer more padding as they reach the laces.
Laces
Pegasus
The laces on the Pegasus might be a tad short, but it’s not a major concern.
There’s some additional fabric on the eyelet chain, although they could have opted for simple holes without any issue regarding lockdown.
Interestingly, the laces on the Vomero feel quite similar to those on the Pegasus 37, if not nearly identical, but without the extra fabric flaps.
It’s a variation of Nike’s flywire, though not exactly the same. I previously had issues with flywire in some of my shoes, as it tended to stretch, causing my foot to become loose. This new system seems to address that problem since it doesn’t stretch as much as traditional flywire.
Toe Box
One aspect I appreciate, which is a common feature in several Nike shoes I’ve tested, is the relatively shallow toe box in these models.
It’s not constricting, but rather comfortably rests atop your foot. So, while there’s space to move width-wise, the upper material sits snugly on the top of your foot.
Similarly to the Pegasus 37, the Vomero also boasts an upper that gets a positive nod, which is unlike the Pegasus’ mixed reception.
What the Vomero is Great For
The Nike Vomero 15 is designed as a daily trainer, suitable for easy-paced runs, steady runs, and moderate-distance outings. However, it might not excel in more intense running scenarios.
While it’s suitable for long runs if you’re maintaining an easy pace, it’s not a suitable choice for speed workouts due to its weight. Additionally, it might lack the responsiveness that some runners look for to facilitate quick turnover.
Final Thoughts
As I mentioned earlier, the React midsole has become emblematic of what I perceive as a challenge in Nike’s current approach. Although I have an affinity for the upper portion of most Nike shoes due to their impeccable fit for my foot shape, it’s the lower section that often falls short, as observed in the Pegasus.
In this context, the Vomero seems to have taken a step in the right direction. The improvements they’ve made, particularly in the midsole, are commendable and offer hope for the future.
A fascinating prospect would be to witness the transformation of the Pegasus into something akin to the Vomero. Given that the Pegasus holds a significant place in Nike’s running shoe lineup, similar to Brooks’ Ghost in theirs, this shift could be a game-changer. By replacing React with the more successful foam found in the Vomero, Nike might rekindle the enthusiasm of their dedicated fan base, who may have felt disillusioned by their recent releases.
Furthermore, there’s room for innovation with the Vomero. A subtle refinement, a unique tweak could potentially set it apart and redefine its identity.
In summary, the direction taken with the Vomero’s midsole offers promise for an even better future, and the prospect of seeing these improvements ripple across Nike’s running shoe range is indeed exciting.
Verdict
Upon slipping my foot into the Vomero, an immediate realization struck me – this is precisely what the Pegasus 37 ought to have been.
In the clash of the Nike Vomero 15 and the Nike Pegasus 37, the former clearly emerges as my preferred choice. The Pegasus, in my assessment, remains a middling, run-of-the-mill shoe.
While the Vomero comes with a higher price tag than the Pegasus, I find it well worth the extra investment. Though it doesn’t astound me with its brilliance, it boasts of dependability, and I’m more than willing to pay the full price for this offering.
So, to address the crucial questions:
- Am I content with the Nike Vomero 15? Absolutely.
- Is it fulfilling my expectations? It is, without a doubt.
- Would I consider purchasing successive iterations of this shoe if the brand continues to enhance it? Absolutely, I would.
I find a great deal of satisfaction in the Vomero, making it a robust choice for my daily training. It’s perfect for easy-paced long runs and moderate distances.
To sum up, these are my reflections on the Nike Vomero versus Pegasus comparison. I hope my perspective is clear, and if you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section. I’ll make every effort to respond promptly.
Conclusion
It’s indeed intriguing to consider the potential developments of the Nike Vomero 15 and its future iterations. Speculations about regional releases and the possible introduction of the Vomero 16 add an air of anticipation.
Rumors about a summer release and changes in foam composition, such as the non-usage of React foam, have garnered attention. As we await further information, I share your curiosity about these updates and developments.
Moreover, the Nike Invincible piques interest as a shoe that deviates from the use of React foam. Keeping an eye on its launch and understanding how it stands apart from other models would be worth the wait.
So, let’s remain optimistic and eagerly anticipate these upcoming releases from Nike, hoping they bring innovation and positive changes to the running shoe landscape.