Your workhorse with wings returns
The old Mr reliable, robust and responsible returns for its 38th iteration. The classic road workhorse from Nike has been ever so slightly tweaked and from what we can tell, it makes for a far improved shoe from its 37th edition.
We have already seen the shift to React foam cushioning between the Pegasus 36 and 37. Both in terms of the midsole materials and the new forefoot pocket of air with gender specific pressure differences (15 PSI for women, 20 PSI for men). The Air Zoom unit is positioned closer to the foot compared to that of its predecessor's full length Zoom unit, so much so that you can feel it under your toes. The full length bubble in the Pegasus 36 was good, but this new top loaded forefoot air bag is perfectly complemented by the React cushioning and gives that great toe-off feel.
The traction hasn't changed and it doesn't need to change to be really honest and the shoe retains its classic 10mm drop.
What's new in the Nike Pegasus 38?
A new last which creates more volume in the toe box. Lacing is very similar, only a few slight changes here, the eyelets feel a little less bulky and it fits a little better over the arch due to the midfoot webbing. The tongue is no longer paper thin and short like it was in the 37 however it is plusher and longer providing a more soft and more comfortable base. For some, the Pegasus 37 tongue created issues for those wanting to secure lock lace fit and use all the shoelace eyelets on offer as they would run out of material to lace over.
The very slightly different fit of the heel cuff should eliminate any sort of heel problems that few runners found with the 37. The upper material looks plusher, it is still a sandwich mesh but it has a more comfortable feel. The sandwich mesh upper along with the new padded tongue and new style heel collar makes for a nicer and more comfortable feeling shoe.
How did I get on with them?
I immediately took this shoe out for an after work 10km run. Having owned more Nike Pegasus shoes than I can count with one hand, I knew roughly what experience I was in for. The shoe performed really well when running on the road. The forefoot air pod gave that nice bouncy feel that I really enjoy with the Pegasus franchise but did not necessarily feel in the Pegasus 37. The initial foot in shoe feel is great; it felt far more secure than previous models, nicely padded and in general super comfy.
Since my initial run, I have logged a few 10-12 milers in this shoe and the react foam just hasn't given in, it feels bouncy until the last step. It is not a slow feeling shoe, nor a super fast feeling shoe but a shoe that will allow you to do any run at any speed, and for any length of time. Day after day. Overall, I am pleased with the subtle updates and excited to log the daily miles in these. I just hope I don't ever get them dirty!
Who would I recommend this shoe to?
I would recommend this shoe to any type of runner from entry level to extremely competitive. The price point is incredible for the quality and technology that this shoe is able to provide. In terms of pounds per mile you, this shoe is up there in a league of its own. You will get a lot of mileage out of this shoe, its durability makes it great value for money. If you don't need additional stability then the Pegasus is great value. However if you are needing a more stable base, then give the Nike React Infinity a go. The Nike React Infinity provides the same React cushioning and a much wider base.
The Nike Pegasus 38 may not be the lightest shoe out there: 309g for men and 235g for women. But its versatility, look, feel and value for money really have made this a popular choice for the masses.