Annually since 1983, Nike has introduced a fresh iteration of the Pegasus running shoe. Impressively, Nike has resisted the inclination to alter the sneaker’s nomenclature to something imprudent, opting to maintain the numerical motif, an unbroken tradition spanning 38 years that I deeply admire.
Now, do Pegasus hold the same efficacy for running as they do for casual wear?
Are Nike Pegasus good running shoes?
Without a doubt, the Pegasus stands as one of the premier running shoes and among the most comfortable offerings from Nike in the present market. This sentiment is echoed both by professional athletes and enthusiasts who partake in occasional runs.
For those engaged in the realm of professional running, the ensuing evaluation provides insights into the Pegasus 38 from the vantage point of a seasoned runner. Conversely, if you’re not a professional athlete and your running endeavors occur sporadically, perhaps once or twice a week, with the Pegasus serving a dual role in your everyday wear, the following discourse remains relevant.
Within the forthcoming segment, we delve into a comprehensive review of the latest iteration within a cherished line of running footwear.
Pegasus – Great for running & lifestyle wear
Running enthusiasts commonly derive immense pleasure from their activities, often opting for the Pegasus as their footwear of choice over other options.
It’s well understood that runners often display particular brand or shoe loyalties, adhering staunchly to their preferred choice without wavering. Bearing this in mind, this assessment of the Pegasus is tailored for those who possess a genuine fondness for the Pegasus line, both in terms of lifestyle wear and running applications.
A salient feature of the Pegasus line, particularly the more recent iterations like the Pegasus 37 and 38, is the enhancement in cushioning. This advancement has translated into a remarkable level of comfort, particularly conducive to leisurely activities and incorporating the shoes into everyday outfits.
Personally, I’ve embraced the versatility of the Pegasus range, acquiring multiple pairs for diverse applications—some for casual wear, others for running purposes. The shoes undeniably offer an all-encompassing combination of comfort and aesthetic appeal.
A point worth noting about the Pegasus 38 is its striking resemblance to the Pegasus 37 in terms of appearance. While subtle changes are evident in the toe box, tongue, and heel, these refinements have significantly contributed to the shoe’s overall improvement, in my opinion.
For those who relished the underfoot sensation of the Pegasus 37 and appreciated its general characteristics, the Pegasus 38 remains consistent in delivering a familiar feel. Beyond the introduction of fresh color options, these two consecutive versions present a nearly identical visual profile.
Thus, the pivotal question arises: Does the Pegasus 38 signify a substantial upgrade over the Pegasus 37? If your existing Pegasus 37s have met their end, would you gravitate towards purchasing discounted 37s from an outlet rather than acquiring a brand-new pair of full-priced 38s?
It’s prudent to scrutinize the array of improvements meticulously to ascertain whether the Pegasus 38 surpasses its predecessor, the Pegasus 37, or if it warrants exploration as an alternative option.
Upper
Commencing at the forepart of the footwear, your initial observation will be drawn towards the textile mesh adorning the toe. Notably, the Pegasus 38 introduces a few changes to this region in comparison to its predecessor, the Pegasus 37, and the material employed is one of these modifications.
This textile mesh exhibits a remarkable softness and a sense of premium quality, reminiscent of the texture featured on the Pegasus 36. In contrast, the Pegasus 37 utilized a material that exuded a slightly elevated sense of premium aesthetic.
There’s an intriguing aspect to consider, possibly rooted in the visual characteristics—particularly the unique translucent quality—that the Pegasus 37 material displayed. This imparted an engaging visual effect. Regrettably, the textile mesh in the Pegasus 38 feels comparatively simpler and somewhat less premium.
An impactful transformation, which has been a subject of interest among numerous runners, pertains to the toe area and the overall fit of the shoe. Nike has adopted an entirely different last for the top section of the sneaker, resulting in a notably wider toe box. This revision has successfully mitigated the discomfort that some experienced with the previous iterations in terms of cramped toe space.
The expansion of the toe box width is indeed discernible, although personally, I didn’t encounter any issues with the snugness of the toe box on the Pegasus 37.
Shifting our attention to the heel segment, Nike has undertaken significant enhancements. Additional padding has been strategically integrated around the upper ankle region, accompanied by a heightened emphasis on securing a snug fit for the heel. This alteration translates into a more pronounced sense of heel lockdown in comparison to the Pegasus 37.
Aesthetics
Transitioning to the midfoot of the sneaker, a distinctive stylistic feature emerges—a generously proportioned outline of the Nike swoosh. Personally, I find the aesthetic of this design element quite agreeable. It’s important to note that this particular detail is confined to the lateral side, with its presence being less prominent on the medial side. On the latter, a more understated appearance prevails.
Advancing towards the rear of the shoe, a noticeable shift in the mesh’s hue occurs, coinciding with a subtly contoured treatment around the heel counter. While the rationale behind this heat-pressed embellishment remains uncertain—whether it serves structural purposes or is purely for visual appeal—it doesn’t detract from the overall impression. I’m inclined to view it favorably. Moreover, the heel counter imparts a heightened sense of plushness in contrast to its predecessor, the Nike Pegasus 37.
Lacing System
Ascending within the shoe’s design, one encounters flat laces interwoven through vibrant nylon loops, creating a striking visual effect.
An aspect that greatly appeals to me is the integration of the nylon loops with the midfoot webbing system. This innovative setup ensures that when the laces are tightened, not only is the upper midfoot drawn closer to the foot, but the entire midfoot section undergoes a similar snug embrace. This mechanism parallels the functionality of Nike’s flywire technology, delivering an enhanced sense of secure fit, particularly when I seek to fasten the laces firmly.
Visually, the enhancements in the Pegasus 38’s design are captivating. The incorporation of a distinct synthetic leather eyestay is a noteworthy addition. The innovative attachment method for this eyestay is marked by an exposed contrasting stitch detail, reminiscent of premium sneakers like Off-Whites. While acknowledging that individual preferences vary, this design element ushers the sneaker into a contemporary aesthetic that is likely to resonate with many.
Further along the shoe’s structure, a fused overlay reinforcement adorns the upper eyelets, extending along the lateral side of the sneaker, presumably concealing the stitching. Notably, a detail that personally resonates with me, albeit of relatively minor significance, is the introduction of a new pull tab on the tongue. This tab features the inscription “Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38” in a metallic silver hue.
Beneath the laces, another notable departure from the Pegasus 37 surfaces—a newly revamped tongue, distinctive to the Pegasus 38.
Tongue
A substantial divergence between the Pegasus 38 and its predecessor, the 37, lies in the construction of the tongue. In the case of the 38s, the tongue is distinctly independent, a modification that greatly appeals to me. What’s more, Nike has opted for a more conventional tongue design compared to the distinctive style seen in the 37s, incorporating a luxurious foam cushioning.
The upgraded tongue design offers remarkable comfort against the foot. Gone is the discomfort that stemmed from the thin material around the edges in the previous iteration, as the new approach brings a plush and soothing sensation. This adjustment not only enhances comfort but also mitigates the potential for any friction-related discomfort during running. In essence, the revamped tongue design in the Pegasus 38 represents a much more lavish and gratifying experience, a transition that I truly prefer.
Sizing & Fit
In my perspective, the Nike Pegasus 38 undeniably adheres to its true size. Throughout the Pegasus series, the sizing consistency has been commendable, prompting me to typically opt for my true size. However, what sets the Pegasus 38 apart is its wider toe box, which is advantageous even for individuals with wider feet, as it ensures a comfortable fit when adhering to the true size.
Nike consistently excels in maintaining accurate sizing, a contrast to certain other brands that occasionally struggle with this aspect. Based on my experience, the Pegasus line has consistently offered true-to-size fittings, and that’s precisely what I advocate for all potential buyers.
Of course, personal preferences and unique variations in foot anatomy can lead runners to seek diverse fitting characteristics. Therefore, I recommend personally trying on a pair of the Pegasus 38 before making a purchase. This ensures that you acquire the optimal size tailored to your specific requirements.
Midsole
Continuing our exploration of the shoe, we reach the Pegasus 38 midsole, a segment that I’m pleased to affirm has remained relatively consistent when compared to the Pegasus 37.
In the Pegasus 37, the midsole stood out as my personal favorite aspect, and this component underwent significant alterations between the Pegasus 36 and 37 iterations. From my perspective, these changes were instrumental in delivering the remarkable comfort the shoe offered.
In the Pegasus 38, the midsole remains largely unchanged from the Pegasus 37, preserving the presence of a full-length React foam cushioning system. Just as seen in the 37s, the midsole retains the inclusion of the forefoot Air Zoom unit, which contributes to an exceptionally comfortable underfoot experience. By harmonizing the plush React foam cushioning with the energetic bounce of the forefoot Air Zoom unit, the result is an extraordinary level of comfort.
It’s important to acknowledge that certain individuals may perceive the cushioning to be excessively soft, and I respect that viewpoint. However, for those who relish substantial cushioning during their runs, the Pegasus 38 is a true delight. This React midsole not only excels in running comfort but also explains the widespread appeal of the shoe for casual wear. The unparalleled softness and comfort it offers make it suitable for extended periods of standing and walking.
It’s worth noting that React foam, while remarkably soft, maintains a greater degree of structural integrity compared to ZoomX, Nike’s cushioning material known for its supreme softness. This ensures that React won’t deteriorate as dramatically over time as ZoomX, making it a durable choice for prolonged usage.
Outsole
Finally, directing our attention to the shoe’s underbelly, we encounter a rubber outsole that faithfully preserves the same traction pattern seen on the Pegasus 37s. An intriguing observation regarding this outsole pertains to the presence of speckles dispersed within the rubber. This has prompted speculation that Nike might be incorporating recycled materials into the outsole composition, in line with their ongoing emphasis on sustainable practices.
Interestingly, Nike hasn’t explicitly highlighted this detail in their marketing materials, which is noteworthy considering their usual practice of showcasing the use of recycled materials. This absence of overt mention leaves room for interpretation – either recycled materials are not extensively used, or they are integrated in a manner that doesn’t warrant specific attention.
In the grand scheme of things, the Nike Pegasus 38 emerges as a remarkable daily running sneaker that doubles as an outstanding casual footwear option.
The question arises – is upgrading to the Nike Pegasus 38 a judicious move from the Pegasus 37? I’m somewhat uncertain. If the opportunity presents itself to acquire the Pegasus 37 at a discounted price, it might be a wise choice, especially if certain features like the tongue or the toe box don’t hold significant importance for you. The experience on foot between the 37s and the 38s is strikingly similar.
For those who already possess a pair of Pegasus 37s in good condition, it could be a sensible approach to continue using them until they’re worn out and then transition to the Pegasus 38s. As for an outright upgrade to the 38s, the value proposition becomes less clear if your current shoes are still functional. It might be worth considering awaiting the release of the Pegasus 39s and then potentially securing a pair of the 38s at a reduced cost.
To sum up, the Pegasus 38 carries forward the essence of its predecessor, the Pegasus 37. Familiarity with the 37 will provide a clear understanding of what to expect from the 38. Subtle enhancements have been introduced, including refinements to the toe area, tongue, and heel. These modifications could potentially elevate the appeal of the Pegasus 38 for those who were fond of the 37. Conversely, if the Pegasus 37 failed to resonate with you, the 38 is unlikely to change your perspective.
Whether you’re a dedicated runner or someone who enjoys both active running and casual everyday wear in the same pair of sneakers, the Pegasus 38 holds considerable appeal. Its versatility makes it a suitable choice. The compelling pricing further adds to the allure, defying expectations in offering a high-quality shoe at such a reasonable cost.
With that, we conclude our comprehensive review. Armed with this inAre Nike Pegasus good running shoes?”