Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Review – why they’re one of my go-to running shoes

Read why I love the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus and how it compares to my other go-to running shoes in this review.

I’ve been running in the Nike Pegasus for a few years and it wasn’t love at first run. I hated the first pair I had (the Nike 34) but I loved the Pegasus 35 and Pegasus 36. And I’m dying to try the latest and greatest Pegasus 37. If you’ve tried them, I’d love to hear from you in the comments about what I think.

I’m sharing the pros and cons of the Pegs in this post, along with the types of runs I use them for most often. You can see all my running shoes in this post (including Adidas, New Balance, Brooks and more).

Shoes | Shorts | Jacket | Watch

If you know the type of shoe you like, with the support type, drop, weight, etc. here are the specs to help you evaluate if they line up with your preferences. If you don’t know much about this stuff, get on the waitlist for my running course. There’s a full lesson all about shoes and what these different things means!

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 Shoes

• Support type: Neutral
• Drop: 10mm (from heel to forefoot)
• Weight: 8.3oz (female)
• Price: $120
• Sizing: runs a little narrow like most Nike shoes

You can see them on Nike’s website here.

Shoes | Shorts | Jacket | Watch

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Review

Pros

Versatile

These are a great shoe for all types of runs. I used them for 20-22 mile long runs, for tempo runs and even for speed work (although they’re not my first pick for intervals or the track! I have those listed here.) They’re snappy and responsive, but still supportive enough to log some serious long runs. The new pegasus and the older ones have react mid-soles, so they’re made to be responsive –– I’m impressed with them.

Not overly cushioned

They’re not too plush or soft. I don’t really like a soft shoe, but sometimes I can’t handle a very firm shoe (like these), especially when my body is beat up from high mileage or I’m coming off an injury. These strike a nice balance between cushioned and supportive, but not too soft. (They’re firmer than my Brooks Launch, for reference.) They’re made with react foam, which feels so good, and they have a full length zoom air unit in the foam midsole. The reason they’re the perfect level of cushion is because they have a Cushion ST foam. It’s made to adapt to the contours of your foot for more support.

If you’d read my review on my New Balance Beacons, the Cushion ST foam is similar to the new balance fresh foam.

Hold up for ~350 miles

Like most running shoes, these last 300-350 miles. Considering the price point, I think it’s a great deal. I’d recommend them for marathon training, but I also recommend rotating your shoes.

Functional on groomed trails

While these are definitely NOT a trail shoe, I’ve worn them without issue on dirt and gravel trails that aren’t too technical. (This post has more details about what makes a trail shoe different.) They have a great rubber outsole so they’re good on messy trails as well.

Breathable

The latest two models are MUCH more breathable than Pegasus past. The upper material is now a thin mesh and the tongue is noticeable thinner as well, making it easier to tie and easier for your foot to breathe a little. The has engineered mesh making them breathable.

Easy to find & often on sale

Since Nike releases a new version almost every single year, you can always find a pair online. And, I can almost always find an older model on sale. Nordstrom, surprisingly, has them on sale quite often (and often has the cutest colors since they’re selling more for style than for hardcore running).

So many color options

While you certainly shouldn’t buy based on looks alone, if this shoe works for you, it’s easy to find a color you’ll like. The latest model typically has 15+ options, which is a LOT more than most brands/shoes that offer only 3-5.

Cute with jeans

Along those same lines of style, once my Pegasus are worn out, I transition them to day-to-day shoes for walking or just casual days. They’re cute with jeans or shorts, which isn’t always the case with running shoes! I don’t wear my running shoes for anything except running, but I make an exception when I travel since these can work for running, walking all over a city or hiking.

Shorts | Hydration backpack | running watch (review here)

Articles of Society jeans | t-shirt | Away suitcase (review here)

Cons

Rapid decline

Once these get worn out, they’re sort of miserable to run in. It’s almost like they go from fine to NOT FINE within just a few miles. I haven’t noticed that with other shoes which seem to gradually lose performance. Maybe it’s just me?

Narrow toe box

They’re a tad narrow in the toebox for me. I have a slightly wide foot, not enough to buy a true Wide shoe, but enough that I like a roomier toebox. And sometimes the edge of my pinky toes rubs in these. I do think they’re true to size, however. The upper fits snug at the mid foot.

Older models are hot (and not in a good way)

If you buy an older model (33, 34 or 35), they have a thicker upper and a very thick tongue. Since I live in the South, that makes these shoes feel a LOT hotter compared to other models with more breathable, thin material. But, this was addressed in the 36 so hopefully that’s not an issue going forward. If you’re looking at the previous pegasus versions, just keep this in mind. The new shoe is the peg 36 or 37.

I purchased the Nike Pegasus 37 Turbo while pregnant and absolutely LOVED them, even when running at 39 weeks pregnant! (This posts talks more about running through pregnancy.)

Finicky laces

In the newer models, the laces are very thin, flat and slick. That often makes it hard to tighten them and they come untied easily. I always have to double knot. It’s not a big deal, but something to remember.

Bottom Line

These are a GREAT option if you wanted to get just one shoe for all types of runs rather than buy a variety of brands/models.

Get the shoes here.

Although, don’t forget that like your body, your shoes need recovery too. So, you’ll want to avoid running in just one pair of shoes on back to back days!

Shoes | Shorts | Jacket | Watch

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