Nike Pegasus 39

The world is moving full speed ahead. This is not an opinion, it is a reality. And the speed is so dizzying that we often have to look back, draw inspiration from the past and reinvent the future based on what we saw and learned in years before. This is undoubtedly one of the patterns of the fashion industry. That's why bell-bottoms, ruffles and pastel colors come back every now and then.... In the running world we can expect no different. Today I am going to talk about my favorite running shoe, the shoe of which I have tested many models since its version 29, and of which all models passed with flying colors. I have tried each of the new versions, and if I had to summarize in one sentence my feelings after 3 weeks of running with the new Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39, it would be: Back to its origins, taking advantage of the technologies of the present.

You only need to take a quick look at the new model from the Oregon brand to realize that there are similarities to previous versions. Its silhouette, its lacing, its buttresses on the heel and even its last. Everything is drawn from other times. And yet we are talking about a shoe that incorporates new materials, new technologies, a renovated heel area, 2 Air Zoom capsules and once again weighs a few grams less than in its Pegasus 38 version.

What type of runner is the Nike Pegasus 39 recommended for?

Since the Nike Pegasus 36 we saw an obsession from the brand to focus on a faster type of runner, lightening and converting a model that had been characterized by its versatility, into almost a mixed running shoe. They succeeded. The Pegasus became a light, fast, reactive, elegant shoe. But what was the essence of the Pegasus? Versatility, cushioning, comfort. The Nike Pegasus 39 recaptures that essence. And not only because of its design that reflects similarities in many aspects to that Nike Pegasus 35 (take a look and let me know if you agree).

Also, these similarities carry over in terms of the type of runner it is focused on. It is a shoe that boasts great cushioning (it now includes two Air Zoom capsules, just like the Nike Vomero), it is a wider shoe in the forefoot area, more comfortable and with an excellent fit for runners of almost any weight, up to 85 kg approx.

The good thing about a model like this is that you can use the Pegasus 39 both for your 50-minute runs to clear your head or lose weight, and for running a marathon or a 10k under 4:30 m/km. That's what Pegasus has always been, and that's the essence that this 39 version recaptures.

Nike Pegasus 39

What did we like most about the Nike Pegasus 39?

We could go into detail about all the new features and technical specifications of the Nike Pegasus 39, but for that you already have the product details in RUNNEA. I want to focus on this aspect, which is essential in my opinion, when it comes to choosing one model of shoe versus another. What is it that stands out in this iconic Running shoe? What do we like the most? In the case of the Pegasus 39, there are 3 aspects I would highlight.

1. Versatility: This shoe caters to a wide range of runners: the beginner, who just wants a pair of running shoes, those who want to run under 4:30 m/km, those who run over 6 m/km, those who run marathons, those who run to get in shape and the runner who runs to pass a competitive exam.
2. New heel area: Nike has reconstructed the entire heel area of the shoe for a better fit and greater foot protection. Nike is well aware that the buyer profile of this model is a heel striker (i.e. they land when running on the heel). In previous models, this search for speed and lightness led to a reduction in the material that helps to support and hold that important part of the heel area when running.
3. Durability: or at least the apparent fragility of the midsole is not clearly perceived. If you have had a Pegasus 37 or 38, you probably noticed the first day you went out to run with them that the midsole was marked with grooves that gave the sensation of loss of cushioning efficiency. Although Nike assured us that it was only an aesthetic issue and that it did not affect its cushioning capacity, in this version 39, this defect disappears almost completely. Its REACT midsole has been redesigned and is now formed by a multi grooves that avoid appreciating those "marks" that were left in the foam due to its continuous contraction and expansion. Nice move by Nike.

Opportunities for improvement in the Nike Pegasus 39

We already know that when we touch certain aspects of a product's design we may improve that product but also run the risk of finding detractors to our changes. In my case, and this is pure opinion, I prefer the Pegasus 39 over the 38, but I like the design of the previous version better (or rather the 16, 17 and 38 versions, which changed very little).

The design concept is so broad that each of us has our own opinion, so it's up to you to give your opinion on the new design. I think its style is reminiscent of silhouettes from 4-5 seasons ago. Nike plays with that too, though. Nike 's successful running shoe launches always start with a very sober design, nothing spectacular. Its goal is that the launch of a model does not harm the stock and therefore sales of the predecessor model. In other words, if you compare the Pegasus 39 models released in May 2022 with the Pegasus 38 models currently on the market, there is no color.

Aesthetically, the 38 version is much more attractive. But as the weeks go by, Nike will launch all its artillery, and we will start to see the whole range of new designs. And here the American firm is doing really very well. It will surprise us with spectacular designs for sure.

Final conclusions about the Nike Pegasus 39

Nike Pegasus 39 is a safe shoe. It is a shoe with which you will not fail, whatever type of runner you are. And that's a guarantee of purchase. Ahhh yes, there are many alternatives on the market that also have their own "Pegasus" in their catalog. Here are their main competitors.

What are the main competitors of the Nike Pegasus 39?

New Balance 880 v12

Puma Velocity Nitro 2

ASICS Gel Cumulus 24

Brooks Ghost 14

Mizuno Wave Rider 25

HOKA Clifton 8

RUNNEA Tester Rating

• Lightweight: 9.
• Responsiveness: 9.
• Cushioning: 9.
• Flexibility: 8.
• Stability: 8.
• Grip: 8.