Over the previous two generations the Nike Pegasus modified from being a flexible shoe to extra of a cushioned cruiser, including weight and stack peak. I preferred the modifications myself, however many long-term followers of the road discovered the Pegasus 37 and 38 have been a step away from the road’s goal – as a do-it-all each day coach.
Nike’s modifications to the Pegasus 39 make the shoe lighter and revamp the midsole to incorporate two Air Zoom pods as an alternative of 1. The result’s that the shoe feels extra just like the Pegasus 36 and is better-suited to quick operating, whereas nonetheless being as comfy because the 37 and 38. It’s in rivalry for the very best all-rounder in our best Nike running shoes round-up, however doesn’t make the lower for the best running shoes.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 Evaluate: Value And Availability
The Nike Pegasus 39 is out there within the UK now and prices £109.95. It is likely one of the cheaper choices in Nike’s vary, with different cushioned sneakers just like the Infinity Run 3 and Invincible costing £144.95 and £164.95 respectively.
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Design And Match
The modifications Nike has made to the Pegasus begin with the higher, which has been stripped again (in contrast with the 38) to have fewer overlays and be extra breathable. As an alternative of the lace loops used on the 38 there may be Nike’s Flywire system, which holds the midfoot securely in place as you run.
There may be nonetheless a beneficiant quantity of padding on the tongue and across the heel. That is nonetheless a shoe designed for consolation as a lot as the rest, however total the higher is much less noticeable whenever you run within the Pegasus 39, which is an effective factor. I discovered that the match was the identical as on the 38, and was completely satisfied in my regular operating shoe measurement.
The midsole stays primarily manufactured from Nike’s React foam, however the place the Pegasus had one Air Zoom unit encased within the foam beneath the forefoot, the 39 has two, with the second pod discovered beneath the heel. This has been added to extend the responsiveness of the journey.
These modifications to the higher and midsole have seen the Pegasus drop from 310g for the Pegasus 38 to 279g for the 39 (in my UK 9), a considerable and welcome weight reduction.
That weight reduction has additionally been achieved with out decreasing the rubber protection on the shoe’s outsole, which is sweet as a result of it’s one of many Pegasus 38’s sturdy factors. The Pegasus 39 grips properly in all situations on the street, and is nice to make use of on gentle trails as properly.
How I Examined This Shoe
I’ve run simply shy of 50km within the Pegasus 39, utilizing it for a spread of runs from a brief, sharp monitor session as much as a 22km future. I’ve additionally examined the previous 5 variations of the Pegasus extensively – right here’s all our Nike Pegasus coverage if you wish to dive down reminiscence lane.
Operating Efficiency
As somebody who preferred the Pegasus 37 and 38 as comfy easy-run sneakers, my fundamental fear for the 39 was that the modifications would make it really feel much less cushioned, and so I made my first run within the shoe a straightforward one. I’m happy to report it’s nonetheless a extremely comfy shoe, with the mainly-React midsole defending my legs properly from the influence of street operating; it didn’t really feel mushy or squishy underfoot.
With my thoughts relaxed, I used the Pegasus for basic coaching runs at straightforward or regular paces, with the longest being a 90-minute future overlaying round 22km. The shoe feels lighter on the foot than its predecessor, and that comes into play in long- or faster-paced runs when the shortage of weight makes it simpler to show the legs over.
I didn’t discover a lot further pop from the additional Air Zoom pod beneath the heel, although. The shoe nonetheless has an identical really feel to the 38 for me, however the transition from heel to toe feels sooner and extra easy with the burden being lowered.
To learn how it dealt with sooner paces I used the Pegasus 39 for a brief monitor session operating a mile rep at round 10K-half marathon tempo, plus units of 3×300 and 2×200 sprints. I used to be shocked at how good it felt for the mile rep, and despite the fact that it did really feel blocky and heavy when sprinting, the Pegasus 39 can deal with this type of speedwork advantageous in case you are a one-shoe runner who doesn’t even have a speedier choice to name on.
I discovered the Pegasus 39 to be extra versatile and simply as comfy because the 38. It’s not a shoe with a dramatically bouncy or mushy journey, and there aren’t any trendy twists like a plate within the midsole or a rocker design, but it surely’s a dependable possibility that works for a spread of runs.
As with its predecessor, the Pegasus 39 additionally works properly as a road-to-trail shoe on gentle trails in the course of the hotter months when there received’t be an excessive amount of mud to take care of. The outsole gives glorious grip and the rubber used will stand as much as many a whole bunch of kilometres on assorted terrain.
Is The Nike Pegasus 39 Value It?
Whether or not you’re a long-term fan of the Pegasus line who didn’t just like the previous two variations, or a latest convert who did, I feel you’ll benefit from the Pegasus 39. It retains the consolation of the latest editions whereas being snappier – and versatile within the fashion of older variations of the shoe.
At £109.95 it’s additionally good worth, particularly because the outsole rubber and React foam have proved to be sturdy in testing different Nike sneakers over latest years. That value makes it the best-value possibility in Nike’s vary forward of the Infinity Run and Invincible, and in addition undercuts one fundamental competitor within the Saucony Trip 15, one other nice each day coach that prices £130.
There are cheaper choices, although, together with the wonderful Puma Velocity Nitro 2, which has a livelier journey than the Pegasus 39 and prices £100. The Velocity Nitro 2 is my most well-liked decide, no matter value, although the Pegasus 39’s firmer really feel makes it extra steady.
One other terrific worth possibility is the Reebok Floatride Vitality 4, which is £75. It’s a flexible each day coach with an identical journey really feel to the Pegasus 39, whereas being lighter in addition to significantly cheaper.
