I’m feeling quite thrilled today because I’m embarking on a comparison between the Nike Pegasus and the Brooks Ghost running shoes.
This topic excites me since it delves into my preferred domain of running shoes, specifically those intended for daily training. There’s an undeniable allure to daily trainers due to the exceptional comfort they provide.
For the context of this comparison, I’ll be pitting the immensely popular Nike Pegasus 38 against the equally renowned Brooks Ghost 14.
The Pegasus lineage has enjoyed a 38-year presence in the market and has become a cornerstone of Nike’s running shoe collection. On the other hand, the Brooks Ghost holds the distinction of being Brooks’ most sought-after shoe.
Here’s the plan for this comparison: I’ve logged significant miles in both of these shoes, paying keen attention to my foot’s experience throughout each run. I’ve been attuned to both the positive aspects and any drawbacks. As a result, I’ve now formed my own distinct opinions on these two models.
Nike Pegasus vs Brooks Ghost
Category
Both the Nike Pegasus and the Brooks Ghost fall under the category of neutral daily trainers, catering to a variety of running needs. Importantly, both models also offer different width options to accommodate diverse foot shapes.
However, when it comes to width options, the Brooks Ghost 14 takes the lead. It’s available in a range of widths including narrow, regular, wide, and extra wide. On the other hand, the Nike Pegasus 38 is limited to regular and extra wide widths.
If you find yourself with an atypical foot shape, or if your feet tend to be narrower and don’t conform to the standard sizing, the Brooks Ghost emerges as the better choice. With its broader spectrum of width options, the Brooks Ghost stands out in terms of inclusivity, making it a winner in this aspect.
Weight
In terms of weight, the distinctions between the Nike Pegasus and the Brooks Ghost are noteworthy. In a men’s US size 9, the Pegasus weighs in at 10.2 oz (289 grams), while the Ghost comes in slightly lighter at 9.9 oz (255 grams).
This variance becomes even more pronounced as the shoe size increases. For instance, in a men’s US size 13 or UK men’s size 12 (my size), the Pegasus weighs 12.8 oz (362 grams), while the Brooks Ghost is slightly lighter at 11.9 oz (337 grams).
Physically holding both shoes accentuates the difference, and the Ghost 14 feels notably lighter. It’s important to note that while the Pegasus 38 has gained weight compared to its predecessor, the Pegasus 37, the Ghost 14 maintains the same weight as the Ghost 13.
For individuals who are particular about shoe weight and its impact on their running experience, the Brooks Ghost takes the lead in this category. Kudos to Brooks for keeping the men’s size 9 below the 10 oz threshold.
Moving on to stack heights and drop, the Pegasus 38 possesses a stack height of 33mm in the heel and 23mm in the forefoot, resulting in a 10mm drop. On the other hand, the Ghost 14 showcases a stack height of 36mm in the heel and 24mm in the forefoot, contributing to a 12mm drop.
Although the 12mm drop might appear high, it’s worth noting that this is less common due to the scarcity of 12mm drop shoes on the market. Interestingly, even when I compared both shoes during consecutive runs – half in the Pegasus and half in the Brooks Ghost 14 – I didn’t discern a substantial difference in stack height.
Thus, if you’re considering the Ghost 14 over the Pegasus 38, the 2mm difference in drop shouldn’t discourage you from exploring the former.
Upper
This is the point where the striking resemblances between these shoes initially caught my attention. Upon examining the Ghost, you can observe the laser-cut 3D holes arranged vertically along the toe box. In contrast, the Pegasus 38 showcases the same laser-cut 3D holes, but they run diagonally. This appears to be the sole distinction in this aspect.
The parallels persist when you venture inside the shoes. Both models employ a dual-layer mesh construction, evident when you slide your hand inside and sense the presence of two distinct layers. It’s akin to the texture of neoprene before being layered with the engineered mesh on the exterior.
While it’s true that some individuals may find the dual-layer mesh contributing to a warmer sensation in their feet, the primary goal of both shoes seems to be centered around durability.
In essence, the utilization of dual-layer mesh in both the Pegasus and the Ghost is intended to prolong the lifespan of the shoe’s upper. This approach safeguards against premature wear that might occur with single-layer mesh found in many lightweight race-day shoes.
Tongue
The tongue design in the 38th version of the Pegasus and the 14th version of the Ghost exhibits remarkable similarities. While the Pegasus 37 sported an almost race-like thin tongue, the Pegasus 38 boasts a slightly padded tongue, suggesting that this is likely where the added weight comes from.
Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that the tongue on the Pegasus 38 is marginally less padded than the one on the Ghost 14.
Now, addressing the presence of gussets in the tongues:
The Pegasus 38 indeed features a gusseted tongue, whereas the Ghost 14 does not. Ordinarily, I would lean towards preferring a gusseted tongue to securely hold the tongue in place while running. However, it’s worth mentioning that I haven’t encountered any notable downsides from the absence of a gusseted tongue in the Ghost 14.
Considering a direct comparison, if we’re talking about my personal preference, I’m certainly inclined towards a well-designed gusseted tongue like many others.
Therefore, in this particular aspect, I’m giving the win to the Nike Pegasus.
Heel Counter
The heel counter disparity between the Nike Pegasus 38 and the Brooks Ghost 14 is notable. The Pegasus 38 exhibits a moderate level of stiffness in its heel counter – I can still exert a degree of flexion by pressing on it. Conversely, the Ghost 14 boasts an impressively rigid heel counter. It almost feels as if there’s a layer of plastic embedded within, contributing to its unwavering rigidity and support.
When it boils down to essential factors, a secure and locked-down heel is crucial, especially in a daily trainer where you’ll be logging countless hours of running.
Taking into account this pivotal aspect, I’m inclined to award the win for the heel counter to the Brooks Ghost.
Heel Collar
The differentiation in the heel collar design is notable. The Brooks Ghost sports a notably thicker heel collar compared to the Pegasus 38. It’s somewhat deceptive due to the weight disparity between the two shoes.
Even though we’re aware that the Ghost is lighter than the Pegasus, the amount of padding surrounding the Ghost’s heel collar creates an appearance that might lead one to believe otherwise. The contrast in padding around the heel collar is striking when comparing the two.
Scoring this aspect is a bit challenging. Personally, I found the two to feel remarkably similar, and I didn’t perceive a significant difference in padding between the Pegasus and the Ghost.
Considering my propensity to sweat considerably during runs, I’m inclined to award this round to the Pegasus due to its less material, which means less to absorb sweat. Nevertheless, I must acknowledge that there’s an undeniable allure in the plushness of the Ghost’s heel collar.
Flexibility
Doing the bend test, both the Ghost 14 and the Pegasus 38 are very flexible. I don’t know when you would ever have to do that to one of your running shoes, but if you do, know that the Pegasus and the Ghost tie in that ridiculous test of flexibility.
Midsole
The crux of the matter lies in the midsole. While we can discuss various elements, the midsole remains the most critical factor.
Nike has implemented their full-length React foam in the Pegasus 38, a material that has garnered positive results in their lineup. Additionally, there’s a forefoot Zoom unit, effectively an airbag situated in the forefoot of the shoe. This Zoom unit imparts a slight springiness, contributing to enhanced responsiveness during toe-offs.
In the case of the Brooks Ghost 14, there has been a shift from the Ghost 13. The Ghost 13 combined DNA Loft with BioMogo foams in its midsole. The Ghost 14, however, opts for a complete DNA Loft midsole. This alteration stands out as the primary distinction and becomes pivotal when deciding between the Ghost and the Pegasus.
The Ghost offers an exquisitely plush ride, with the capacity to transition seamlessly between different paces. The Pegasus shares this attribute, yet I’d venture to suggest that the Pegasus exhibits a slightly more refined responsiveness when the pace accelerates.
This nuanced difference could stem from the forefoot Air Zoom unit or the marginally firmer sensation of the foam, as opposed to the DNA Loft v3.
In scenarios where pace becomes a priority, my inclination leans toward reaching for the Pegasus. Conversely, when embarking on an easy run or a recovery session, I’d favor the Ghost 14 over the Pegasus.
With regards to responsiveness, my vote goes to the Nike Pegasus.
Outsole
Once again, the outsole configurations of both shoes exhibit striking similarities. They both feature full-length rubber with strategically placed cutouts, exposing sections of foam to reduce weight.
This rubber compound significantly contributes to the durability of the Ghost and the Pegasus, allowing them to withstand extended usage. I’m confident in asserting that you could comfortably accumulate around 600 miles in either of these shoes – that’s a substantial distance covered.
For novice runners seeking an all-purpose pair, both the Ghost and the Pegasus fulfill the criteria. They offer comfort and longevity, making them suitable for various running scenarios.
Even for more seasoned runners with ample experience, both these models stand out as remarkable additions within the daily trainer category. They’re well-suited for the foundational miles that constitute the core of your weekly running routine.
Which One For Me?
If I were to make a decision between the Pegasus 38 and the Ghost 14, I would lean towards the Ghost 14. Here’s my rationale:
Both the Brooks Ghost and the Nike Pegasus excel in their respective niches. The Ghost 14 delivers an exceptional performance within its intended purpose, just as the Pegasus 38 does. However, there are other running shoes available that exhibit a stronger capability to handle quicker paces.
The reality is that a well-rounded running shoe collection encompasses various models to cater to different types of runs. While both the Pegasus and the Ghost can handle tempo runs, intervals, and even races, there are shoes better suited for those specific purposes.
When evaluating these running shoes based solely on their primary objectives – to comfortably and safely cover extensive mileage – both the Ghost 14 and the Pegasus 38 shine. In this regard, the Brooks Ghost 14 appears to be the more fitting choice. It aligns well with the core essence of logging miles while ensuring comfort, safety, and injury prevention.
Price
Price is undeniably a crucial factor to consider, as it often plays a decisive role in the purchasing decisions of many runners. While the presence of lower-priced “super shoes” could potentially lead to greater adoption for training runs, the current landscape often showcases these high-performance models on race days.
As we’re aware, prices are subject to frequent fluctuations, making it challenging to provide the exact figures for today. Both the Nike Pegasus and the Brooks Ghost offer competitive pricing, delivering value that corresponds with their cost. However, it’s noteworthy that the Pegasus tends to be priced slightly lower than the Ghost.
Both Nike and Brooks undoubtedly conduct thorough market research to gauge consumer preferences and willingness to invest in specific types of running shoes. It’s intriguing, though, that despite these considerations, the Brooks Ghost 14 emerges as the slightly pricier option compared to the Nike Pegasus 38.
This concludes the Nike Pegasus vs. Brooks Ghost comparison. I trust that you’ve gleaned some new insights from this evaluation.