Shoe Review: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38

By the Fleet Feet Review Team. With over 80 years of combined experience, our review team is dedicated to providing in-depth gear and shoe reviews to help you find the best shoes and gear for your next run.

If you ever wanted a pony for your birthday (and didn’t get one), the new Pegasus 38 is your chance. Nike’s winged workhorse is back and better than ever with fresh updates and colorways.

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Pegasus loyalists will be happy with this most recent update: The shoe is still powered by Nike React midsole foam with an integrated Zoom Air unit for supportive, responsive cushioning.

Designers revamped the upper for a more accommodating, roomy fit throughout the toe box. Fans of the Peg 36 will find this fit familiar, and new Pegasus wearers will love the flexible fit.

Tech Specs	Nike Pegasus 38
Weight	8.2 oz (W) 10 oz (M)
Drop	10 mm
Category	Neutral
Use	Daily Training, Road Racing, Looking Cool
Surface	Road, Track

Our review team put some miles on their Pegasus 38’s, and were nothing short of satisfied.

“I’ve worn the Nike Pegasus for many years and have always enjoyed the consistent experience that I’ve come to expect from the Nike Pegasus,” says one reviewer.

Whether you’re looking to add some clout to your run kit or for a fail-safe trainer, the Nike Pegasus 38 is the shoe for you.

Classic Upper, All New Feel

The new Pegasus 38 focuses on providing wearers with a more dialed in, supportive fit throughout the upper.

While the Pegasus design is pretty consistent, there was a noticeable narrowing of the toe box between the Peg 36 and 37 update. Designers opened the toe box up more with the 38 and gave it a more rounded shape for additional room.

One reviewer who is a long-time Nike Pegasus wearer appreciates the open geometry of the Pegasus.

“The upper is breathable and has that “triangular” shape that I’ve come to expect from the Peg,’ he says. “It is nice and snug at the heel, opens up at the midfoot, and opens up at the toe box.”

He particularly liked the more rounded shape of the toe box in the Peg 38, saying, “The toe box doesn’t taper in too much on the lateral side which is fantastic in reducing the chances of getting any irritation around the little toe.”

The Nike Pegasus 38 uses an engineered mesh upper to provide lightweight breathability to the shoe, creating an overall airy feel on the run.

In addition to the roomy toe box, the updated upper of the Peg 38 gives your foot a nice hug with an internal sockliner, internal heel counter and a cushioned tongue.

“It has a thick padded tongue, supportive cushion around the ankle and the internal heel counter feels really secure,” says one reviewer.

This Peg update is all about the little details that make the fit all the more comfortable. Nike designers paid special attention to the lacing system on the Pegasus 38, implementing a new webbing system around the midfoot and extra eyelets.

“My favorite aspect is the webbed eyelets and how the laces work together with the dynamic webbing to secure your midfoot. It gives your foot a hug and keeps it in place throughout the run or walk,” says one reviewer.

The new lacing system works with the new, supportive feel throughout the upper to let you dial in the fit of your Pegasus 38 whether you wear them around town or out for a run.

Cushioned Midsole Foam, None Of The Bulk

A Nike React midsole foam remains the star of the show with the Nike Pegasus 38, and for good reason.

Nike React foam has the unique ability to be cushioned and responsive, soft and snappy, all at once. The Pegasus 38 is equipped to go from walking to running with effortless support.

“At a slower pace, I feel the softness of the cushion more. When I pick up the pace I don’t feel the softness as much. It feels more responsive,” says one reviewer. “This is a really versatile shoe that is an excellent choice for longer runs as well as shorter, slower recovery days.”

In addition to the plush Nike React foam, the Pegasus 38 provides low-profile comfort using a specially tuned Zoom Air unit. Its strategic placement in the forefoot provides responsive cushioning for toe-offs.

Designers tuned the pressure of the Zoom Air unit to meet gender-specific needs, calculated from averages across a wide range of body types. The men’s Pegasus 38 is tuned to 20 psi, while the women’s is a tad softer at 15 psi.

“You get a quick heel to toe transition so if you’re in the mood for an everyday maintenance run or you want to pick up the pace this shoe will deliver on it,” says one reviewer.

The lightweight foam is durable enough to last through daily mileage, and works with the rubber outsole to create a grippy, stabilized feel on the go.

“The large flex groove spanning the length of the shoe provides plenty of torsion as you transition from heel to toe making this shoe fast and flexible,” says one reviewer. “It’s also durable because the blown rubber used on the outsole is thick, providing durability and traction.”

Multi-directional grooves and waffle pistons help to absorb impact as you run while providing grip on slick surfaces so you can do anything, anywhere in your Pegasus 38’s.

Nike Pegasus 38 vs Pegasus 37

Tech Comparison	Pegasus 38	Pegasus 37
Weight	8.2 oz (W) 10 oz (M)	8.2 oz (W) 10 oz (M)
Drop	10 mm	10 mm
Midsole	Nike React/ Air Zoom	Nike React/ Air Zoom
Upper	Knit mesh and internal sock liner	Knit mesh
Lacing	Webbed lacing system	Traditional lacing system

Ultimately, the things that make the Nike Pegasus the go-to shoe for many remain the same in the Peg 38.

A streamlined stack of Nike React foam works with a responsive Air Zoom unit to deliver cushion and responsive snap on the run, no matter how fast you’re going.

The durable outsole and flexible geometry accommodates your natural running gait and absorbs shock from landings while providing grip on slippery surfaces.

The biggest update you’ll see from the Peg 37 to the 38 is the dialed in upper. Designers homed in on a padded, protected feel by using an internal sock liner and cushioned heel counter to wrap your foot in support. A padded tongue and updated lacing system lets you personalize the fit between runs, walks and time out with friends.

Final Thoughts

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Whether you’re looking for a steadfast daily trainer, or a speedy, streamlined silhouette, the Nike Pegasus 38 has it all.

The Peg 38 offers neutral support with plenty of cushioning and responsive snap thanks to Nike React midsole foam.

An updated upper features a snug, plush fit with plenty of room in the toe box for natural movement and flexibility. Plus, the split-block colorways add a sporty, clean aesthetic to any outfit.

We recommend the Nike Pegasus 38 for long walks on the beach, daily mileage with your dog, or for looking cooler than your friends.

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Shoe Review: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38

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Cushioned Midsole Foam, None Of The Bulk

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