Details
Brand
Nike
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Redesigned specifically placed hexagonal lug system will deliver a smooth heel to toe transition and a snappy take-off• Dual-cushioned midsole features soft Cushlon under the heel for a soft touch down and a full-length Air Zoom air cushion that extends from the heel to the forefoot• Lateral crash rail on the outsole for support and stability• One less row of eyelets allows for more flexibility• Beveled heel helps to deliver a smooth heel to toe transition• Specially designed tapered heel counter for freer Achilles movement• Sewn-in tongue for easy on and off
Upper
The upper on the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 is made of extremely lightweight engineered mesh which provides an adaptable fit and breathable comfort. There is a visible zigzag weave throughout the upper which strengthens the material, making it more durable. Like its predecessor, the Pegasus 35 uses Nike FlyWire in the upper which are cables designed to deliver a customized and snug fit that offer support because they help the shoe hug your foot. The FlyWires adapt to the tightening and loosing of the shoelaces, delivering a customized fit. On the back part of the shoes’ upper, you will find a reflective strip which will help you stay more visible if you are running in low light conditions. The upper also features a high resiliency sock liner which shapes to your foot to provide excellent comfort. The inside of the shoe boasts a partial bootie fit for added support.;Two noticeable upgrades to the Pegasus 35 appear in the sneakers’ upper. Firstly, the bottom row of eyelets have been removed, automatically pushing the lacing system up on the shoe, giving your foot more room to flex in the forefoot area and allowing the shoe to accommodate more foot shapes. The other noticeable upgrade is something running superstar Mo Farah suggested: a heel counter that tapers away from the heel. Although this may feel odd when you first put the shoe on, once you start running you don’t notice it. In fact, it is a bonus that your Achilles is freer to move. Because of this feature, the heel counter on the Pegasus 35 grips along the lower side of the ankle as opposed to the back so you still get that locked down feel you want in performance running shoes. The interior of the sneaker features soft mesh with a tongue attached to the shoe, which is another upgrade. The tongue of the Pegasus 35 comes up higher than its predecessors for easier on and off capabilities.
Midsole
Like its predecessor, the Pegasus 35 uses a combination of Cushlon Foam and Zoom Air in its midsole. However, rather than two separate air units at the forefoot and heel, the 35 utilizes a single full-length airbag that runs from the heel all the way to the forefoot which aids in an even smoother transition. This full-length air unit resembles the one found in Nike’s VaporFly 4% and gives the Pegasus 35 a bouncier ride. Although Cushlon is not as technologically exciting as Nike React Foam or ZoomX which is present in other sneakers, because it combines with the Nike Air technology, it results in a great ride. As you run, you will feel a soft landing thanks to the Cushlon and then a snappy takeoff thanks to the Zoom Air.
Outsole
The redesigned rubber outsole on the Pegasus 35 features shorter lugs on the front of the shoe for a faster toe-off compared to its Pegasus 34 predecessor. On the 34, the hexagonal lugs were the same size throughout the outsole. On the most current version of the shoe, the lugs are smaller on the front and increase in size as they move toward the midfoot, resulting in a snappy toe-off. Between the lugs, you will notice some negative space, revealing the sneaker’s Cushlon midsole. This not only cuts down on weight, but it also helps aid in flexibility. These tapered lugs are referred to as traction lugs and heighten the grip capacity of the sneaker. On the lateral side of the sneaker, you will find a lateral crash rail which is designed to receive the landing impact and deliver a smooth heel to toe transition. The rubber that makes up all of these features is called Duralon and it is a material that has excellent response as well as durability. A unique update to the outsole is the beveled heel which comes to a small point. This is to optimize initial touchdown and transition.
Breathability
Several users have commented on the incredible breathability of the Pegasus 35. One went as far as to say that it may not be the best shoe to run in if you are running in cold weather. The engineered mesh allows for excellent airflow in and out of the foot chamber of this shoe. Some users have said they run without socks and can feel the air moving, making this sneaker super breathable.
Comfort
With the help of pro athletes like Mo Farah, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 is designed to be super comfortable for both short and long runs. The tapered heel counter is unique in design and engineered for the sole purpose of providing additional comfort for your Achilles. Since the bottom row of eyelets has been removed, your foot will feel freer to flex and move as you transition from heel to toe. The incredibly squishy Cushlon material combine with the Air Zoom unit to result in a soft and cushioned, and very comfortable ride. Because the upper is made of a double-layer engineered mesh, your feet will be comfortable thanks to the adaptable material, no matter what your foot shape.
Style
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 has a familiar shape and design and resembles other Nike sneaker silhouettes. It is a low-key basic looking running sneaker and is aesthetically pleasing. The prominent Nike swoosh on each side of the sneaker lets the world know that you understand a high-quality sneaker when you see one. Both the men’s and women’s versions come in a variety of colorways so you are sure to find one that suits your fancy – or perhaps more than one.
Durability
The durable rubber outsole and hexagonal lugs will definitely withstand the test of many miles. The Pegasus model has been around for quite some time and it is a well-known and well-loved sneaker so it must be fairly durable due to its reputation. The midsole is protected by the outsole but the Cushlon material is extremely squishy and will probably develop creases after wearing them a few times. This isn’t a big deal but some people may get annoyed by this fact. This midsole shouldn’t compress too much over time thanks to the Air Zoom system within. The upper is made of a dual-layer engineered mesh that adapts to each individual foot shape. It won’t withstand a lot of lateral and training movements but that’s not what the sneakers are designed for. If they are used for running short to long distances, they should hold up for quite a while.
Protection
The carbon rubber featured on this sneaker’s outsole will, without a doubt, protect both your feet and the sneaker itself. Because the midsole is made up of such squishy material, it needs the protection of this rubber outsole. The upper is very lightweight and breathable which is good, but it makes it so these shoes aren’t meant for cold climates or extreme conditions. They are ideal for running short to long distances, not for trails or cross training. If you use the Pegasus 35 for what it was designed for, you should have no problems with protection.
Responsiveness
The rubber outsole with specifically placed and sized lugs delivers a pretty responsive experience when it comes to a neutral running shoe. The shorter lugs at the front allow for a smooth heel to toe transition. The Cushlon midsole at the heel of the shoe is super squishy and will absorb shock but it does minimally take away from the responsiveness of the shoe. The Air Zoom midsole works in conjunction with the Cushlon for a snappy response from heel strike to push off. The uniquely-designed beveled heel will also allow for a smooth ride.
Support
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 is engineered to be a neutral road running shoe and delivers support for that use. The heel collar is unique in that it is the sides that grip your ankle while the back of the heel tapers outward, allowing for more free movement of the Achilles. This may seem like it would be unsupportive but almost all users have found the sneaker to stay snug and say that it supports the ankle and heel just fine. The dual-layer engineered mesh upper with FlyKnit cables delivers an adaptable and customized fit and you will feel supported within the sneaker. The Strobel Board is pretty thick within the shoe as well so you shouldn’t feel any movement.
Terrain
The Pegasus 35 is ideally suited for running on asphalt or cement. The shoes’ makeup is designed specifically for neutral runners who are planning on hitting the pavement. Due to the fact that this sneaker does not offer a lot in terms of lateral support or a grippy lug system, it should not be worn on the running trails.
Price
The Pegasus 35 is priced at $120 which is how its predecessor was originally priced. Although this may seem a little steep, experienced runners know that you pay for what you get. Nike has consistently put out exceptional running sneakers and the Pegasus itself has always been held in high regard. In comparison to other Nike running models out there, the Pegasus is actually cheaper.
Drop
With a heel stack of 29mm and a toe stack of 19mm, the Pegasus 35 has a 10mm drop. This is a pretty average drop for many neutral running shoes.
Stability
Because the Pegasus 35 is designed to be a neutral running shoe for people with neutral arches, they do not offer a lot in terms of stability. With that said, however, the shoe does feature a lateral crash rail on its outsole which will help to keep your feet aligned from heel strike to toe-off.
Flexibility
From its outsole to its upper, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 is a flexible sneaker for sure. The outsole features lugs with spacing in between which allows for a more flexible and less restricted feel. The midsole is incredibly flexible with its soft Cushlon and Air Zoom technologies. The upper is not only made of lightweight engineered mesh, but this version of the sneaker features one less row of eyelets in the lacing system, which allow for more flexible movements of the forefoot.
Traction
The carbon rubber featured on the shoes’ outsole will definitely keep you sure-footed on running surfaces it is intended for. The multi-sized hexagonal lugs will keep you safe and secure on asphalt or cement surfaces whether they are wet or dry. However, they are not the best shoes to wear in icy conditions or for trail running.
Bottom Line
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus is not on number 35 for no reason, it has built a solid reputation and a reliable running shoe. With each update to the sneaker, Nike adds or takes away a feature that either enhances or has detracted from its performance in the previous model. The updates to the Pegasus 35 are definitely an upgrade from the 34, whether you are a novice or serious experienced runner. The tapered heel counter alone will allow for better movement while you run, while the full-length Air Zoom unit in the midsole will propel you forward. By taking away a couple of eyelets, Nike has raised the bar in the flexibility department as well. These are affordable, comfortable, responsive, high-quality sneakers that would be an excellent addition to many runners’ shoe collection.
