Weighing in at 8.9 ounces, these shoes are a bit heavier, and after four miles or so, I was feeling that added weight. One other catch: They’re actually not as lightweight as you might expect. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but if you know you have wider feet, consider the wide option and sizing up. As I mentioned earlier, I still think these shoes are relatively narrow and squeeze in, hugging my feet like fitted socks. On the website Nike notes that these have a wider toe box than previous models, but if that’s true, I didn’t notice it. The collar of this sneaker (the part that hugs your Achilles heel) is nicely cushioned, so I didn’t have to worry about any blisters or chafing. There’s a smooth, breathable mesh upper that also provided a cooling sensation as I ran-meaning these will be great for logging summer miles. It’s a feeling that encouraged me to run faster (and maybe a little too hot out of the gate during each testing run). There’s a nice bounciness to the midfoot and a breezy, energetic feel each time you push off your step. While not as thin and lightweight as some models, the Pegasus 38 feels durable and well. Though these sneakers are not specifically intended for cross-training, I also wore them for a few bodyweight workouts just to see how they’d hold up in a gym setting. Breathability is about average compared to the other models we tested. To test this shoe for the 2021 SELF Certified Sneaker Awards, I followed the criteria set by our experts, and then ran in these shoes for three to five miles a few times per week, for about a month. This shoe ticks a lot of boxes and feels like the perfect middle ground between a cushioned training shoe and a speedy racing shoe. The workhorse trainer-which was first introduced in 1983-continues to be a shoe that any runner, at any level, can use and love.
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It’s on those tough days that I’m especially thankful for shoes like the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38. Blame it on dehydration, lack of sleep, muscle soreness from another workout, or just having a bad day-sometimes running still feels really challenging. I’ve considered myself a runner for well over a decade now, but that doesn’t mean that every run is a fun-filled jaunt around my neighborhood. You can see the rest of our award winners here. That’s a problem you won’t encounter with the Pegasus 38, and no matter how far you run, you’ll be happy with your shoe choice.This Nike Pegasus 38 review is part of our 2021 SELF Certified Sneaker Awards, where the shoe won Best Marathon Training Sneaker.
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There’s nothing worse than going out for a 10K or 15K, getting halfway through your route and realizing that your feet are beginning to blister. With most of its changes found in the upper, Nike has made the shoe more comfortable, which is especially important for longer runs. If you’re new to the shoe, then this will be a great introduction to the Pegasus, and you’ll quickly realize why it’s been a staple of the company for so long. Once again, if you’re a fan of Nike’s Pegasus line of shoes, then you’re going to love the 38. Whether it’s hot and dry or cold, wet and slippery, the Pegasus 38’s waffle outsole grips the ground well, ensuring that you’ll stay on your feet from the moment you leave your house until you get back. Like the 38’s midsole, the shoe’s outsole is very similar to that of the 37, and as always, it provides a reliable and stable run, regardless of the terrain. Because of this, there’s a difference of five pounds per square inch between the men’s and women’s models. After running many tests, Nike discovered that women preferred a plush ride compared to men, who wanted more stiffness. Interestingly, while the Airbag is included in both men’s and women’s shoes, its pressure differs between the two versions of the shoe. That energy return is thanks to a midsole feature that the company calls its Zoom Airbag (which anyone who used the 37 will know well). Like the 37, the Pegasus 38 has Nike React foam from heel to toe, which provides a wonderfully cushioned run while still producing great bounce. RELATED: British marathoner wore blacked-out Nike Vaporflys in Olympic Trials win The midsole Finally, the upper is a bit wider at the forefoot, which will be welcome news to any runners with wide feet, as the 37 ran a bit narrow. The upper is also quite soft, and while the 37 also saw complaints of blisters, the latest Pegasus is unlikely to rub uncomfortably. With the Pegasus 37, some runners complained that their heels slipped too much, but Nike has fixed that problem for the 38, and it does a great job of locking your foot in place. Just like past versions of the Pegasus, the 38 has a comfortable engineered mesh upper.