Performance

Lightness
8
Cushioning
9
Flexibility
9
Responsive
9
Stability
7
Grip
8

Details of Pegasus 38

Gender Men , Women
Weight 285 gr
Drop 10 mm
Cushion Neutral , High
Runner weight Light , Medium
Running gait Neutral , Supination
Surface Road
Use training , mixed
Pace Medium , High
Foot Normal feet
Strike heel
Distance Short , 10K , Half-marathon , Marathon
Year 2020

The very mention of the Nike Pegasus 38 conjures up notions of the most iconic and legendary series in the world of running; an emblem for lovers of this sport and a real bestseller that continues to reap success. A long-awaited release of the trainer has already been confirmed for April 29th 2021, which is bound to rank highly in the list of 2021's best running shoes and if not, give it time! As a result of constant evolution and innovation by the American company, the Pegasus series is now in its thirty-eighth edition, but what's new with the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38? Read on!

This is one of the best-selling running shoes in the history of running and an absolute icon for recreational runners and elite athletes. The official details of this latest update have not yet been released, but it seems that the new Nike Pegasus 38 will follow the trend set by the previous model. This renowned series now has a revolutionary silhouette thanks to the pioneering implementation of React technology in the midsole, and a complete redesign of its upper. The result? A training shoe for long runs that allows you to run faster and improve your times.

Nike Pegasus 38, all its new features and strengths

As one of the most awaited running shoes of the year, it should be emphasised that the trainer's changes are subtle compared to the radical updates of previous versions, as we have seen in other top-of-the-range shoes from the Oregon brand (such as the Nike Vomero 15). But as we are used to from Nike, the Pegasus 38's improvements are designed to keep this renowned model for neutral-gait runners at the top of the podium. The evolution of this model is noticeable from the distant Nike Pegasus 34. That's why the Pegasus 38 are still legendary, and why the American sports manufacturer takes advantage of their iconic status to showcase all its technological and aesthetic innovations. A sure sign of constant evolution.

A striking detail of these Nike Pegasus 38 is that they recover the characteristic Zoom Air unit in the front of the trainer, which favors greater elasticity in each stride. Moreover, its upper is updated to offer a better adaptation to the foot, especially in the midfoot area. The idea, of course, is to maximise running confidence, helping the runner to run further and for longer.

The midsole does not seem to incorporate much new technology compared to its predecessor. The product designers will repeat the implementation of the innovative and successful full-length React foam, which ensures optimal cushioning, but also a more reactive response to enjoy smoother running transitions. Likewise, the Zoom Air unit in the forefoot is able to provide better and more responsive energy return, as was already the case in the Nike Pegasus 37.

What's really new in the Nike Pegasus 38?

In terms of the main new features, Nike's product designers have taken a look back at the Nike Pegasus 35, and this latest version features a new last. Its mission is focused on providing more space in the forefoot, thus ensuring that the toes have absolute freedom of movement. In this sense, Nike has not turned a deaf ear to the widespread complaint of excessively narrow lasts.

On the other hand, the new material of the technical mesh upper not only makes it more breathable, but also contributes to increasing the degree of comfort and softness, which translates into better performance for all types of runners, from the most experienced to those who are just starting out.

Speaking of the significant modifications to the upper, it should also be noted that the tongue has been designed as a separate piece, which is also used to offer extra cushioning with a greater amount of foam.

NIt should also not be forgotten that these Nike Pegasus 38 have a more personalised fit than the previous version, thanks to the new individual lacing system, which improves the fit and responsiveness.

Another of the most remarkable aspects of the Nike Pegasus 37 was its lightness, as the training shoe greatly lightened its weight, weighing less than 300 grams. This lightweight feature is still present in the Pegasus 38, and it certainly doesn't lose the ability to perform really smoothly.

Nike Pegasus 38: the evolution of the most iconic saga in the world of running

In terms of technical specifications, the Nike Pegasus 38 features the same standard 10 mm drop (heel height of 27 mm and forefoot height of 17 mm). It does vary slightly in weight, removing a few grams from the model, which will be noticeable as the kilometres go by. It weighs 260 grams in the men's version and 252 grams in the women's version.

Despite the permanent evolution of the iconic Nike trainer, its essence remains unchanged as a daily training shoe that provides comfort, softness and confidence, as well as the lightness and flexibility which are needed to enjoy more dynamic and fluid strides.

As we have already seen with its predecessor, the Nike Pegasus 38 will also feature different versions, in addition to the standard option. For example, the Nike Pegasus 38 FlyEase, which includes a zipper to fasten the shoe without laces, which can be adjusted with just one hand. But, these Pegasus 38 will also be available with the Nike By You customisation service, in which the user has the option to create their own design of the model, adjusting the height of the arch, laces and traction.

Review of Nike Pegasus 38

5 April 2023

Nike Pegasus 38: The great rival to beat

Nike Pegasus 38 arrives to continue offering the same. Don't take it when reading this as something bad or pejorative, far from it. I'm talking about offering the same thing we already saw with the Nike Pegasus 37 or the Nike Pegasus 36 (the jump from the 35 to the 36 was a radical change). And when Nike focuses on its flagship model for the general public, in subtle changes, it is because there is little to change. So don't expect a revolution, but small improvements that the designers of the American brand listening to the requests of Pegasus users.

And basically there are 4: A slightly wider toe area, a wider and more generous tongue, a more protected and supported heel and a new lacing for a better fit. Everything else is going to remind us so much of a Pegasus 37 that you'll have trouble telling them apart. But I'll tell you more, I think the new Pegasus 38 looks more like a Pegasus 36 than a 37...

The Nike Pegasus 38 is a versatile shoe that you can use for just about anything, from flying in a 10k to medium and long distance running if you're under 75-80kg. Just don't expect big changes from the 37 version.

What kind of runners are the Nike Pegasus 38 for?

The concept for which this shoe is designed does not change. We are talking about a very versatile running shoe, fast, with good cushioning and reactivity for runners up to 80kg. For runners looking for a shoe for almost everything. A comfortable shoe, a lightweight shoe, a model for running on asphalt but also on dirt or gravel tracks. The sensations do not change compared to the Pegasus 37. A firm but reactive cushioning in which the ZOOM capsule under the metatarsals is noticeable in the impulse phase. Running with them is a delight, fluid tread, like a second skin.

For what distances do we recommend the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38?

It is a shoe that performs perfectly in all kinds of distances. Whether you want to fly with them in a 10k and are looking for good cushioning (you can wear them from 80kg down without any problem). Up to a half marathon or even a marathon for runners of no more than 75 kg approximately and with a decent running technique. For heavier runners, in distances such as marathon, I like to recommend models with extra support and cushioning. Mainly to support the foot well and avoid unwanted movements due to fatigue. As the kilometers go by, running technique worsens and we lose efficiency in the stride cycle and a good support and some support are important. If you like Nike you can try the Nike Vomero 15 for example.

And that in this new update, we see that work has been done in the heel area. In the Pegasus 37 we found a more uncontrolled heel when landing that in the 38 version tries to regain greater control by the work of the insole, a new redesign of the area and materials that better wrap the rear shape of our foot.

What we liked most about the Nike Pegasus 38

We love that it's still a safe bet. It's a shoe that surely isn't the best on the market in any specific aspect and yet it's good in everything. And what that doesn't say is that it's very versatile, for a very wide audience.

We also like the new tongue design. Wider, a more classic concept, padded but allows for a better fit of the shoe. Tighten the laces as much as you want and you will hardly notice them. You get an overall fit.

And finally, its running sensations are fantastic. Very fluid stride cycle, a shoe that feels very light and a correct durability. Although many of us will still miss those "wrinkles" that appear on the midsole foam as soon as you put them on for the first time. Don't worry, as we were told by the brand at the launch of the Pegasus 36, it's something normal that doesn't affect the durability if the cushioning objective.

What we liked least about the Pegasus 38

Mainly 2 aspects:

- Its design disappointed me a bit. The model is so similar to that of the last 2 years, that we expected some surprise from Nike. And that the model we have tested is probably the least "wearable" if not for running of the last two editions.

- And secondly, its price. Until the Pegasus 36, this model era the king for its unbeatable price/quality ratio. Nike could make a super shoe for less than 100€ (the average price was around 85-90€). Well, since the 37 version it will be very difficult to find this shoe under 100€. Even below 110€. Just in case, stay tuned and compare prices at RUNNEA to find them the day they drop below the €100 barrier.

With which shoes can we compare these Nike Pegasus 38?

The Pegasus 38 compete in the queen category of popular running, that of an all-around shoe for runners up to 80 kilos. And it has been leading this ranking for years although the competition is getting tougher and tougher. Let's take a look at its rivals:

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