The Nike Pegasus shoe collection has excellent pairs of daily-mileage running shoes, they are versatile enough to carry you for any distance, from the regular run to the marathon.
Even though these are not the fastest running shoes available, you can still speed up when you need to because of their responsiveness.
Moreover, if a shoe line has reached its 39th version, it must be doing something great, but still, there are queries about if Nike Pegasus 39 is better than the previous Pegasus 38 or worth the extra bucks.
So, in this showdown, I have analyzed the similarities and differences between the two pairs of shoes. Let’s look
Similarities and Differences between Nike Pegasus 38 And 39:
| Features | Nike Pegasus 38 | Nike Pegasus 39 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched in | 2021 | April 2022 |
| Stability | Stable | More Stable |
| Flexibility | Flexible | Flexible |
| Sizing | 6-15 for Men 5-12 for Women | 5.5-14 for Men5-11.5 for Women |
| Weight | 9.7 oz. | 9.2 oz. |
| Cushion | Thick Cushioning | Air Cushioning |
| Outsole | Rubber Waffle shaped lugs and recycled materials | Carbon Rubber |
| Insole | Fabric | TPU |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh,Straps | Perforated engineered mesh |
| Midsole | React Foam | Airbags, React foam. |
| Retail Price | $110-$120 | $135 |
Nike Pegasus 38 VS 39: Good, Bad, and the Worst:
If you’re torn between buying the brand-new Pegasus 39 and its older version, I’ve put these two shoes head-to-head below.
1) Comfort:
Nike’s Zoom Air cushioning system, which is a mix of foam and air, is incorporated into both the Nike Pegasus 38 and 39 which gives its wearers ultimate comfort.
Although both shoes are great for easy distances, the Pegasus 39 has sufficient bounce for tempo workouts or runs, whereas the Pegasus 38 felt a bit bulkier under the foot.
However, the React foam used in the Nike Pegasus 38 and 39 isn’t very plush, so neither shoe feels too soft when you wear them. Still, you should be satisfied that the shoe’s firmer midsole makes it more versatile, which is what you want in an everyday running shoe.
Moreover, the Nike Pegasus 38 is equipped with a responsive and lightweight full-length Zoom Air unit, whereas Pegasus 39 has a Zoom Air unit with two different densities one on the forefoot and one on the heel, for a more comfortable and responsive ride.
Due to this, moving from the heel to the middle of the foot is smooth, but when you go to the front of the foot, you can feel a bump where the airbag is.
Additionally, although this is a minor difference the Pegasus 39 is somewhat lighter than the Pegasus 38, which contributes to the shoe’s overall comfort, and when combined with the double air unit, it offers an experience of increased speed.
Therefore, the Nike Pegasus 39 earns a higher score in this category since it is slightly comfier than the Pegasus 38.
2) Popularity:
The affordability and comfort of Pegasus 38 and 39 make them appealing to a large number of people worldwide.
The performance of this shoe line has been better with each new version, so the newer Pegasus 39 is well known for being highly stable and durable. Also, not only do sneaker fans admire these shoes but so do people who have foot problems.
3) Running:
The Nike Pegasus 38’s full-length foam and large airbag provide long-lasting cushioning that is better suited to slower, more leisurely distances.
The Pegasus 39, on the other hand, has a more prominent flared heel, which Nike claims improves landing and allows for a more rapid transition from heel to toe. Runners who land midfoot or forefoot first will benefit from the added stability provided by this feature.
4) Walking:
The soles and heels of the Pegasus 38 and 39 have enough padding, and when you walk in them, they feel springy and match your footsteps. These are so well-balanced that you’ll feel like you’re walking on pillows.
However, you can opt for the lightweight Pegasus 39 for longer walks as they support your foot without being too restrictive and absorbs shock very well.
5) Flat Feet:
The Nike Pegasus 38 has robust soles to ensure that the wearer will have full protection as well as additional support for any foot condition. However, due to its narrow shape, flat-footed people might put too much pressure on the forefoot causing inflammation or blisters.
Conversely, Pegasus 39 comes with a somewhat enhanced fit and feel and its footbed provides more strength for the foot’s arch and heel. Additionally, its removable insole will benefit individuals with flat feet who require personalized fit.
6) Design:
Nike Pegasus 38 and 39 are designed almost similarly, with responsive midsole foam, durable upper, and outsole with light traction suitable for running on the pavement rather than uneven areas.
The brand did a few changes in the newer version for improved performance, most notably the upper of the Pegasus 39 is thinner than the upper of the Pegasus 38, with fewer overlays that give it a more breathable feel. Also, it features modified engineered mesh, which is stronger and more flexible than conventional mesh.
Also, the dual-density air foam units provide an additional response and somewhat higher efficiency than Pegasus 38.
In addition, Pegasus 39 has “Flywire technology” which consists of a band of wires that wraps around the midfoot of the shoe from the laces to keep the foot in position.
Furthermore, the base material of the Pegasus 38 has three different kinds of blown rubber. It has a waffle design that not only protects but also helps you grip the ground a little bit. Therefore, this shoe model may work better as your every day, tempo, or gym sneakers.
On the contrary, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39’s outsole is very close to that of the Pegasus 38, with only small modifications to the pattern, and its thick and strong rubber will last longer than the other.
So, if you’re a neutral runner in search of a protective, lightweight, and responsive shoe style that will be better for almost everything go no further than the updated Nike Pegasus 39.
What do customers think?
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38’s best feature, according to many people, is how soft it is while still having a responsive feel.
Road runners of all skill levels are happy with the Nike Pegasus 38 because it is comfortable.
A reviewer claims to have primarily evaluated the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 on dry concrete, however, after a few times of use, he became accustomed to running on wet and slightly snow-covered terrain. He remarked that these shoes perform best on dry pavement but can withstand light precipitation on the ground.
Buyers expressed that the additional toe box space allowed the toes to spread out while running without feeling constricted, while the lacing system offers the best fit.
Some reporters stated that this particular shoe model did not perform well on trails or while hiking, and a few have observed structural defects on the soles of these shoes after several months of use.
On the other hand, according to experts, Nike Pegasus 39 has a longer lifespan, and claims are accurate to state that the Pegasus 39 places durability over aesthetics.
If you have explored the compliments Nike Pegasus 39 has received, you will concur that it is the perfect all-rounder.
The majority of runners agreed that the Pegasus 39 fits true to size and the length and width are optimal, making them suitable for the majority of individuals with different foot types.
Many people said that these shoes can endure hundreds of kilometers and that their durability is “unbeatable.”
The cushioned upper of these running shoes protects from hot areas and blisters, according to those who use them regularly.
A runner complained that even when he ran early in the morning before the sun became too hot, his feet still urged him to take off these shoes because of the excessive sweat and less airflow.
Conclusion: What Should You Buy?
So, after looking at almost every aspect, which one do you think will win and fits your style better?
The improvements and new features found in the Pegasus 39 make them an excellent investment.
The more modified Zoom Air foam in the midsole and carbon rubber make the shoes faster, more responsive, and comfier than the Pegasus 38.
Even though Pegasus 39 still doesn’t meet the criteria for a speed shoe, it does almost everything, including helping you in the running longer miles.
In our opinion, if you want to invest money in any of these shoe styles, it will be a better decision to choose the latest version.