The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 is a versatile running shoe designed for a wide range of activities. Its features make it ideal for runners seeking a balance of comfort and performance on both training runs and gym workouts.

With a notable **10 mm drop**, the shoe caters to a variety of footstrike patterns, making it suitable for users who prefer a more traditional heel-toe transition. The **25 mm forefoot** and **32 mm heel** stack height provide sufficient cushioning, allowing for comfortable runs over varying distances.

The use of **31 HA foam** contributes to a stable platform, enhancing overall stability during runs. Additionally, the shoe’s **5/5 rigidity score** indicates a solid build that supports dynamic movements, whether you're engaging in tempo sessions or recovery days.


Pros

  • Wider than Pegasus 37
  • Very stable ride
  • Peppy toe-off
  • Hugs your feet
  • Padded upper
  • Very durable (400-500miles)
  • Grippy even on dirt roads
  • Legit workhorse
  • Doubles as a gym shoe
  • A joy to run in

Cons

  • Warm, lacks breathability
  • Above-average weight

Key Features

  • Nike React midsole for lightweight cushioning and support.
  • Oversized Zoom Air element in the forefoot, providing exceptional responsiveness.
  • Legendary level cushioning and responsiveness to meet the needs of any runner.
  • Phenomenal traction to maintain stability on various surfaces.
  • Plush padding around the ankle and tongue for added comfort during long runs.

Specifications

  • Sole material: Rubber for durability and traction.
  • Shaft height: Alla caviglia for additional support.
  • Outer material: Synthetic for lightweight and flexibility.
  • Inner material: Canvas for breathability and comfort.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Nike Pegasus 41 Nike Journey Run Adidas Runfalcon 5
Price $120 $140 $90 $65
Pace Daily running Daily running Daily running Daily running
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 10.3 oz / 291g 9.9 oz / 281g 10.5 oz / 298g 9.7 oz / 275g
Drop lab Drop brand 8.7 mm 11.4 mm 8.6 mm 9.4 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Heel
Size True to size True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness - Soft Balanced Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold - Normal Big Small
Toebox durability - Decent Decent Bad
Heel padding durability - Good Decent Bad
Outsole durability - Good Decent Decent
Breathability Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Wide
Toebox width - Medium Narrow Medium
Stiffness Stiff Flexible Moderate Moderate
Torsional rigidity Flexible Flexible Stiff Flexible
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Stiff Stiff Moderate
Heel lab Heel brand 31.8 mm 33.6 mm 33.0 mm 31.2 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 23.1 mm 22.2 mm 24.4 mm 21.8 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season All seasons All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Ranking Top 47% Top 36% Bottom 20% Bottom 44%
Popularity Top 37% Top 3% Top 30% Top 41%