It’s that time of year - the days are getting longer, the weather is getting (slightly) warmer, and, if you’re like me, you’re itching to get out and run more. This is also the time of year when Nike unveils the latest model of their most reliable running sneaker of all time - the Pegasus. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a pair of the brand new Air Zoom Pegasus 38, and have taken them on a few test runs so far. Here are my initial thoughts:
Function
Like its predecessors, the Air Zoom Pegasus 38 is built for a broad range of runners - from beginners to Olympians. Its full-length React foam and super-responsive forefoot Zoom Air unit provide plenty of cushioning and bounce when you’re out pounding the pavement or the track. Whether you’re a run/walker or training for a marathon, the Peg 38 is a great sneaker to train in. I also find it suitable as a normal lifestyle sneaker for those trips to the grocery store or walking the dog.
Feel
I find the Peg 38 to be a bit softer of a ride compared to the Pegasus 37. This may be good or bad, depending on your preference. Personally, I prefer a stiffer last, so for me the Peg 38 is a bit too soft underneath my feet. I know plenty of people who like that extra cushion, though. The Peg 38 also features a new midfoot webbing system for a more personalized fit. Compared to sneakers like the Tempo Next% and Alphafly Next%, I found myself having to lace the Peg 38 much tighter compared to the other two. If you have a wider foot, you’ll enjoy the extra space in the Peg 38. If you have a normal to narrow foot, you may not like it as much.
Fit
The fit is great on the Peg 38 overall, and they run true-to-size/slightly big. At the end of my first run in them, I noticed there was definitely some room in the forefoot, so you may want to try them on and make sure you get the right size. I have all kinds of socks - from super-thin to ultra-thick, and I plan on wearing thicker socks with these for future runs. The heel-slip issue was a big deal with the Pegasus 37, and it’s something I also noticed right off the bat with the 38. It’s definitely not as bad, but I had to make sure to lace the Peg 38 tighter during my next runs to eliminate the slippage.
Overall, I like the design upgrades compared to the Peg 37, and I plan on utilizing the 38 on a weekly basis. It’s great for tempo runs and when you don’t feel like running, so definitely make sure to give them a try.
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 is available here.