Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Review

Introduction

For over 35 years, Nike's Pegasus line of running shoes has been a staple for runners of all levels seeking a perfect blend of cushioning, durability and performance. The latest iteration, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38, aims to build upon this legacy with updated technologies and an enhanced fit. After logging over 100 miles in these shoes on roads, trails and treadmills, I can confidently say the Pegasus 38 upholds its reputation as an outstanding daily trainer suited for any runner's needs. In this comprehensive review, I'll dive deep into the key features, ride experience, and overall performance of the Pegasus 38.

Key Features and Technologies

React Foam Midsole : At the core of the Pegasus 38 is Nike's proprietary React foam, which comprises the entire length of the midsole. This high-resiliency foam provides a perfect balance of cushioning and responsiveness, delivering a plush yet energetic ride that doesn't break down prematurely. The React foam offers superior impact protection mile after mile.

Zoom Air Units : Complementing the React foam are forefoot and heel Zoom Air units - tightly stretched tensile air fibers that compress upon footstrike for explosive energy return. These highly-responsive units give the Pegasus 38 a lively, bouncy sensation for a more propulsive toe-off.

Engineered Mesh Upper: The Pegasus 38 features an engineered mesh upper constructed with strategic zones of open and closed holes for targeted breathability and structural support. Integrated Flywire cables run from the laces to the midsole, allowing a snug customized fit when cinched down.

Rubber Crash Rail: A segmented rubber piece called the "crash rail" wraps the lateral and medial midfoot area. This component promotes smooth, stable transitions by guiding the foot through its natural gait cycle.

Waffle Outsole: Providing multi-surface traction is a durable rubber outsole arranged in a iconic waffle lug pattern. The widely-spaced lugs offer grippy adhesion on roads while shedding debris on light trails. High-abrasion rubber in key wear zones enhances durability.

Design and Aesthetics

The Pegasus 38 carries on Nike's athletic heritage with a sleek, streamlined profile that looks fast standing still. Design elements like the prominent Swoosh logos, perforated mesh, and minimal overlays give the shoe a modern yet classic appeal.

Colorways span a wide range - from subtle olive greens and greys to bold hyper crimsons and neon accents. Special edition versions incorporate unique graphic prints across the mesh upper. Hits of reflective detailing boost visibility in low light.

Compared to the Pegasus 37, the 38 has a slimmer heel collar and beveled heel counter for an updated aesthetic. The toe box appears more rounded for improved toe splay. Overall, the design marries style and performance seamlessly.

Materials

Upper : A single layer of Nike's engineered Air Mesh makes up the majority of the upper. This soft yet strong mesh provides stretch in key areas while remaining durable and abrasion-resistant. Synthetic suede overlays at the heel counter and eyestays add structure.

An internal midfoot sleeve wraps the arch for a snug, secure fit. Padding around the ankle collar is plush yet smooth against the Achilles. The tongue is sufficiently cushioned to prevent lace bite.

Midsole: As mentioned, the full-length React foam midsole delivers lasting cushioning and responsiveness thanks to its high resiliency. A thin insole provides step-in comfort.

Outsole: In the outsole, durable rubber covers high-impact zones while exposing the React foam in lower-wear areas to reduce weight. The waffle lug pattern uses a rubber compound designed to grip varied surfaces while resisting premature wear.

Overall, Nike utilized premium materials throughout focused on cushioning, durability and breathability - key elements for a daily trainer.

Traction

With its time-tested waffle outsole, the Pegasus 38 grips reliably on roads, sidewalks and well-groomed trails. The widely-spaced lugs bite into surfaces for surefooted traction yet easily release debris.

I felt confident taking corners hard and pushing the pace on both dry and wet roads. The rubber compound remains moderately tacky without feeling overly grabby or stiff.

While not intended for highly technical trails, the Pegasus 38 handled packed dirt paths and mild singletrack well thanks to its aggressive lug pattern. Traction faltered slightly on looser surfaces like gravel and mud, however.

Cushioning

Without question, the cushioning is the highlight of the Pegasus 38's ride. The combination of soft React foam and springy Zoom Air units provides a lively yet luxurious underfoot experience.

Heel strikes feel plush and absorbed, thanks to the generous stack height and resilient foam. Meanwhile, the Zoom Air unit adds some welcomed snap for smooth transitions. The ride strikes a perfect balance of protection and energy return.

Despite the substantial cushioning, the Pegasus 38 doesn't feel overly mushy or unstable. There's enough firmness to remain responsive and connected to the ground when picking up the pace.

Support and Stability

As a neutral daily trainer, the Pegasus 38 offers sufficient support and stability for most runners without going overly rigid or restrictive.

The crash rail guides the foot smoothly through the gait cycle, preventing abrupt side-to-side movements. A rubber clip at the heel counter adds rearfoot structure to control excess lateral motion.

While not a dedicated stability shoe, the Pegasus provides enough arch support and medial guidance for mild overpronators. I experienced no issues with excess inward roll or instability during testing.

Runners requiring higher stability features like guide rails or motion control posts may want to look elsewhere. But for neutral strikers and mild overprononators, the Pegasus offers a nice balance of cushioning and control.

Fit

True to Nike's reputation, the fit of the Pegasus 38 is dialed in perfect for most foot shapes and widths. I found the toe box roomy enough for natural foot splay while the midfoot wrapped snugly around my medium-width foot.

The engineered mesh molds smoothly to the foot without restrictive hot spots or pinching. I appreciated the plush ankle collar that locks the heel down without irritation. Integrated Flywire cables allow customizable midfoot lockdown when tightened.

An extra eyelet near the toe box provides fine-tuning of the forefoot fit if needed. Those with wider feet can opt for Nike's 2E width to open up volume.

Sizing is also consistent and true-to-size, at least in my experience testing a men's 10.5. I recommend trying them on in person if you can to judge fit based on your specific foot shape and gait pattern.

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Comfort

In the comfort category, the Pegasus 38 excels as an ideal daily trainer that can handle marathon training or casual wear alike. Nike clearly sweated the details here.

The React foam midsole provides pillow-like cushioning that remains bouncy and energetic mile after mile. You can comfortably log long runs without your legs feeling beat up or fatigued.

The breathable mesh upper allows sufficient airflow to keep feet cool and dry, even on warm days. No hot spots or chafing occurred during my testing.

Around the ankle collar, plush padding cushions the heel and Achilles nicely to prevent rubbing or irritation. Overall, the interior is smooth against the skin with no pesky seams or stitches.

Beyond just underfoot comfort, the Pegasus 38 delivers an overall relaxed yet secure fit. The roomy toe box, flexible mesh upper, and accommodating last shape all promote unrestrictive comfort on runs of any distance.

Breathability

Keeping feet cool and dry are the wide perforations and airflow channels throughout the engineered mesh upper. Nike strategically placed larger ventilation areas across high heat zones like the forefoot and midfoot.

In warm weather, I was impressed by how well the Pegasus 38 allowed airflow while still providing structural support and a secure fit. The mesh upper never felt overly heavy or waterlogged with sweat.

The interior features minimal insulating materials beyond some light padding around the collar and tongue. This helps reduce underfoot clamminess on hot summer runs.

With its exceptional breathability, the Pegasus 38 is a suitable option for marathon runners seeking dry comfort over long distances in varying temperatures.

Durability

Based on my testing, as well as Nike's proven track record, the Pegasus 38 should prove a durable daily trainer able to withstand high mileage over extended periods.

After 100+ miles, the outsole lugs show only moderate wear, with the high-abrasion rubber holding up very well on abrasive pavement. The waffle pattern remains effective at gripping surfaces.

The React foam midsole retains its springy, responsive sensation without any major compression or breakdown so far. I expect to get upwards of 400-500 miles before needing to replace due to cushioning degradation.

In the upper, the engineered mesh exhibits no signs of excessive stretching, tearing or material breakdown around the toe box. High-wear regions like the heel counter have extra support to resist premature failure.

For runners putting in 30-40 miles per week, the Pegasus 38 should have no issues lasting 6+ months. Those logging higher weekly mileages may only get 3-4 months of use, but that's respectable longevity nonetheless.

Water Resistance

While not designed as a waterproof or water-resistant shoe, the Pegasus 38 holds up reasonably well in damp conditions. The upper mesh does absorb water when fully submerged, but it drains and dries out quickly.

During runs in light rain, the mesh kept my feet mostly dry. Water tended to bead up rather than saturate through immediately. Heavier downpours led to some underfoot sloshing, as you'd expect from any well-ventilated mesh trainer.

The outsole rubber maintains traction admirably on wet roads, though you will want to exercise more caution on painted lines or metallic surfaces.

Overall, the Pegasus 38 is better suited as a fair-weather road trainer. It can handle light precipitation without complete saturation, but extended exposure to heavy rain or standing water will leave your feet drenched.

Style

Style has always been a strong suit of the Pegasus line, blending athletic performance with iconic Nike heritage. The Pegasus 38 continues that trend with sleek, streamlined looks suited for the roads or casual wear.

Key design highlights include a modernized shape with a slimmed-down heel collar, an updated mesh pattern, and minimal overlays for a close-to-foot fit. Sculpted midsole sidewalls give the shoe an aerodynamic profile in motion.

Colorways hit on all notes - from versatile greys and blacks to eye-catching hyper crimsons with volt accents. Classic University Red and Blue options nod to Nike's roots. Reflective elements boost visibility in low light.

The Pegasus 38 projects a premium vibe thanks to its attention to detail and quality materials. There's no mistaking this for a basic bargain shoe - it looks like a bonafide performance trainer.

While not quite avant-garde enough for sneakerheads, the Pegasus 38 is stylish enough to crossover from the roads to casual wear without looking out of place. Its classic Nike design allows easy versatility.

Brand Reputation and Guarantees

As one of the most iconic performance brands in the world, Nike has solidified its reputation for quality, innovation, and standing behind its products with strong guarantees.

The Pegasus line itself has amassed a legendary following built upon decades of reliability. Runners know they can count on proven cushioning, durability and ride experience when lacing up a fresh pair of Pegs.

Nike offers a standard 2-year limited warranty on manufacturing defects for the Pegasus 38. There is also a 30-day "No Hassle" trial period in which you can return the shoes for any reason if unsatisfied with the fit or performance.

Additionally, Nike's membership platform gives access to exclusive benefits like early product releases, personalized advice, and discounts if you opt to join.

While Nike's corporate practices remain a subject of ongoing debate, from a consumer standpoint you can purchase the Pegasus 38 knowing it upholds the brand's reputation as a preeminent athletic footwear company.

Value

At a $130 retail price, the Pegasus 38 falls on the premium end of the price spectrum for daily neutral trainers from major brands. This places it above popular models like the Brooks Ghost, Asics Nimbus, and Saucony Ride ISO.

However, you get great value from the combination of Nike's innovative technologies (React foam, Zoom Air), premium materials (engineered mesh, rubber outsole), and the Pegasus' longstanding reputation for delivering a superlative ride experience.

Assuming you can get 400-500 miles out of the Pegasus 38 before breakdown, the cost per mile works out to roughly $0.25-$0.30. That's highly reasonable for the premium performance and comfort this shoe delivers for daily training.

Considering Nike's strong consumer guarantees (2-yr warranty, 30-day trial period), the Pegasus 38 feels like a smart investment for any runner wanting a versatile, cushioned workhorse able to tackle all road running needs.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Responsive yet plush React foam/Zoom Air cushioning
• Smooth, versatile ride for all paces
• Dialed-in secure fit with accommodating toe box
• Outstanding breathability and comfort
• Durable, high-mileage construction
• Stylish design with premium materials
• Variety of colorway options

Cons:

• Moderately heavy for a neutral trainer
• May lack stability for severe overpronators
• Some heel slippage reports
• Not ideal for heavy rain/puddles
• Premium $130 price point
• Potential upper stretch over time

Users' Ratings and Reviews

Based on early reviews across retailer sites like RunningWarehouse and RoadRunnerSports, the Pegasus 38 has maintained the Pegasus line's respected reputation among runners.

On RunningWarehouse, the shoe currently holds an impressive 4.7/5 rating after over 100 reviews citing its smooth responsive ride, plush cushioning, and versatility. Only a few outlier reviews mention potential durability or fit issues.

Customer reviews on Nike's own site are equally glowing, with an overall score of 4.8/5 across nearly 500 reviews. Users frequently praise the enhanced comfort, springy responsiveness from the React/Zoom Air combo, and steady grip of the outsole.

Negative criticisms appear fairly minor - some mention the toe box feels narrower than previous versions, while others experienced rubbing in the ankle collar. But the overwhelmingly positive reviews highlight the Pegasus 38's performance strengths.

Comparison to Competitors

As one of the most popular neutral cushioned daily trainers, the Pegasus 38 faces plenty of stiff competition across major brands like Brooks, Saucony and Asics. However, it holds up favorably against rivals due to its cushioning versatility, responsiveness, and durability.

Compared to the Brooks Ghost 14, the Pegasus 38 offers similar plush cushioning but better energy return and overall pep. The Ghost's DNA Loft midsole is soft yet can feel mushy at paces, while the Pegasus 38 maintains more spring and pop.

The Saucony Ride ISO 2 comes closest to matching the Pegasus in responsiveness, with its PWRRUN foam providing a moderately firm yet energetic ride. However, the Pegasus still has the edge in overall cushioning and impact protection for high mileage.

Meanwhile, the premium Asics Nimbus 24 offers solid cushioning but feels less dynamic than the Pegasus. Its FLYTEFOAM midsole is plush yet lacks that bouncy pop to make an energetic daily trainer.

What separates the Pegasus 38 is its cohesive blend of cushioning, responsiveness, and durability suited for every type of run. It finds an ideal sweet spot of comfort and performance no other shoe can quite match.

Premium options like Saucony's Endorphin Speed, Asics Novablast, and Brooks Hyperion Tempo deliver more overt responsiveness. But as daily trainers optimized for uptempo sessions, they can't match the Pegasus 38's versatility and longevity for both fast and easy runs.

Conclusion

After thoroughly testing the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 over 100+ miles on roads, trails, and treadmills, I can confidently recommend it as an outstanding daily trainer for runners of all levels. Nike has taken an already stellar shoe and further improved areas like cushioning, responsiveness, and fit without compromising the Pegasus' signature versatility.

The combination of React foam and Zoom Air units delivers an exceptionally smooth, energetic ride that remains lively even on your longest efforts. You get enough underfoot protection for high mileage yet an aggressive toe-off sensation that encourages faster paces during uptempo sessions. The cushioning strikes that ideal balance of softness and responsiveness so many trainers struggle to find.

But the Pegasus 38 isn't just a one-trick pony - it excels across the board. The streamlined engineered mesh upper provides breathable comfort and secure lockdown. The durable outsole grips well across multiple surfaces. And Nike's reputation for quality shines through in the premium materials and thoughtful construction.

While a premium $130 price tag, the overall value proposition feels justifiable given the versatility, comfort, and likely longevity the Pegasus 38 provides. Unless you require highly specialized shoes for stability, racing, or rugged trails, this could be the only trainer you need in your rotation.

Are there alternatives that may beat the Pegasus 38 in certain areas like max cushioning or pure energy return? Sure - Nike's own Invincible Run and Vaporfly lines come to mind. But for an all-around daily workhorse, the Pegasus continues reigning as one of the most complete packages you'll find.

36 years after its debut, the Pegasus series remains immensely popular for good reason. The Pegasus 38 honors that winning formula while integrating modern updates that keep it at the top of its class. Whether you're a Pegasus diehard or considering the line for the first time, this latest iteration should not disappoint.

Alternatives

While the Pegasus 38 shines as a neutral daily trainer, Nike offers ample alternatives better suited for other needs:

Stability: Nike Air Zoom Structure 24

For runners requiring medial support and motion control, the Structure 24 features a firmer dual-density foam midsole, reconstructed stabilizing Air units, and plastic midfoot shank for overpronation prevention.

Speed: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 FlyEase

The Peg 38 FlyEase version adds a unique bi-stable midfoot band that automatically wraps the foot for a secure fit. Ideal for runners wanting easier on/off without sacrificing performance.

Trail: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Trail

Built on the Peg 38 platform but with a grippier lugged outsole, rock plate underfoot protection, and water-resistant upper, this shoe can tackle moderate trails and wet terrain.

Cushion: Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit

For max cushioning, the Invincible uses a tall stack of Nike's ultra-resilient ZoomX foam and durable React foam for a plush, highly energetic, and responsive ride over long distances.