Details
Brand
Nike
Breathability
8.5/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• A top-notch trainer from a dependable brand• Excellent midsole construction with Air cushioning• Innovative lacing system that provides a secure fit• Stylish and well-designed that comes in 12 color varieties• Breathable and flexible upper mesh that conforms to the shape of the foot after lace -up
Upper
The upper of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 is highly flexible, with the only structure found within its heel. Seamless but for one seam just behind the heel, it’s made of a solid Flymesh material, which securely wraps around foot after lace-up to provide a sock-like fit. Aiding in this fit is the placement of the Flywire cords, the laces which are placed beneath the mesh and through a durable overlay that strengthens the lacing system. This gives the Pegasus 34 a clean, efficient look. The Flywire cords are evenly spaced so the pressure is equally distributed across the upper to provide the runner a comfortable fit while the overlay that comprises its eyelets provides additional structure to the upper. In addition, there are now small perforations at the toe box for increased ventilation. There is also a thin wrap around the back of the heel with a few stripes of highly reflective material for the safety of low-light runners.
Midsole
In an instance of Nike knowing when they’ve already hit pay dirt, the midsole of the Pegasus 34 is the same one from the 33. Perhaps after nearly three dozen iterations, Nike had finally perfected the midsole design in this line. With solid durability and responsiveness, the Air cushioning units in the heel and forefoot areas provides a comfortable ride throughout. To increase stability, a cellulose board is placed on top of the heel unit.
Outsole
Featuring great traction and a tweaked design, the Pegasus 34 features a waffle outsole with numerous hexagonal lugs running from the heel to the forefoot that cover the medial side which enhances traction and grip. The sturdy carbon rubber in its forefoot is blown rubber, which further enhances traction. Having removed two of the flex grooves from the forefoot, this section of the outsole now features only one deep flex groove. In place of these grooves, the outsole’s rubber articulation has been improved, with deeper cuts in sections across the outsole to enhance flexibility.
Breathability
With the update in the upper of the Pegasus 34 to include ventilation in the toe box along with the Flymesh material that comprises the upper, this is a well-ventilated shoe that provides great breathability while out on a run. The flexible upper offers a great amount of breathability that will keep the runner’s feet cool and dry throughout a run.
Comfort
The Pegasus line has been popular since its inception decades ago, and one reason for this is their dependable comfort. Runners are selective about the type of comfort a running shoe can deliver. Too plush and they lose responsiveness. Too firm and the runner may find it an uncomfortable ride. The Pegasus 34 retains the same midsole as its previous edition, and as such provides a responsive, comfortable ride. With air bubbles placed at the heel and forefoot, runners will appreciate Nike’s proprietary technology at these high stress areas. In addition, the near-seamless flexible upper provides a sock-like fit after lace-up.
Style
Nike has been producing some of the most iconic and popular sneakers since the company’s inception. With the Pegasus being one of its longest-running and most popular lines, it’s easy to see the appeal of this sneaker. The upper has a clean, efficient design with the trademark Nike swoosh placed on the side of the heel, the Pegasus 34 is a deceptively simple-looking shoe. Its dynamic lacing system that runs underneath the upper’s mesh gives an interesting pop, as it’s a unique look for a shoe. Available in a dozen different color combinations ranging from muted to highly colorful, the Pegasus 34 is a good-looking running shoe that Nike fans and those who like a dash of color in their trainer.
Durability
Since Nike has been making sneakers for so long and is one of the top brands on the market, their reputation proceeds them in matters of durability. With a long-lasting midsole, a carbon rubber outsole with impressive lugs that will keep their grip far into the shoe’s life, and an upper made of synthetic and flexible Flymesh, runners will be able to enjoy their Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 for many miles.
Protection
Made for both short and long runs in ideal conditions, the Pegasus 34 will keep the runner’s foot protected on nominal running surfaces, although they may catch a small pebble or two within its outsole’s waffle treads. However, its thin, breathable upper mesh is not going to keep your foot too warm in cold weather and they are not made for extreme climes or conditions. That said, as long as you’re not mistaking the Pegasus 34 for a hardy trail running shoe, you will enjoy as much protection as a lightweight running shoe allows.
Responsiveness
The well-constructed midsole of the Pegasus 34 has been created to be both durable and responsive. Made with stability and comfort in mind, the midsole has excellent responsiveness that works well in conjunction with the tread of the outsole. Runners will appreciate its high responsiveness when on a run.
Support
Offering excellent neutral arch support, the Pegasus 34 is made with neutral runners in mind and those who only require standard arch support. Its midsole offers a responsive ride and comfort while the Flymesh upper conforms to the foot for a natural fit. This is not specifically a support shoe but most runners will find its support well-suited for their needs.
Terrain
Made to traverse the asphalt roads and running tracks of your town, the Pegasus 34 is suited best for standard running surfaces that most runners will encounter. However, this is not specifically a trail running shoe and is not meant to traverse harsher terrains.
Price
However fickle the online market can be and how prices can vary from one site to another (or even one page to another) if the buyer does a bit of searching they will find their efforts rewarded in the extremely affordable price of a pair of these trainers. A great price for an overall great pair of running shoes, the Pegasus 34 is a steal.
Drop
The Pegasus 34 has a 10mm drop rate from heel to forefoot, which is a standard drop for a running shoe, so most runners will feel comfortable with the drop featured on this trainer.
Stability
To enhance overall stability, a cellulose board has been placed on top of the heel Air unit. However, this is not specifically a stability shoe.
Flexibility
From its Flymesh upper that conforms to the shape of the runner’s foot after lace-up to its outsole, which features both horizontal and vertical flex grooves, the Pegasus 34 offers excellent flexibility for a responsiveness and comfort runners need when out on a ride.
Traction
With a solid upgrade from the 33 in adding numerous hexagonal lugs on its medial side that run from the heel to the forefoot, enhancing its traction, and flex grooves running throughout, runners will appreciate the traction the Pegasus 34 offers.
Bottom Line
Nike hasn’t built up the stellar reputation it has by accident. They have attained this by consistently producing some of the best running shoes in history. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 is representative of the long-running solid reputation Nike has built. This 34th edition continues to refine the line, showing the commitment Nike has in hewing closer to perfection with each pass. At an affordable price that delivers in performance, comfort, and style, runners could do worse than picking up a pair either as a new main running shoe or a backup pair.;This is an overall solid running shoe that both experienced and novice runners will enjoy. Its flexible upper conforms to the shape of the foot while remaining breathable throughout a ride, and the innovative lacing system offers both structure and a snug fit after lace-up. The outsole is covered in blown rubber and features numerous hexagonal lugs that run from heel to forefoot on its medial side for solid traction. An excellent running shoe from one of the best athletic companies in the world, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 is a trainer that won’t let any runner down. Comfortable, responsive, good-looking, and priced just right, the Pegasus 34 is the latest in a long line that seems to improve with each step forward.
