Nike Pegasus 36 Shoe Review

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoe Review:

The Nike Pegasus is one of the most iconic shoes out there. It was many people’s first running shoe, including mine. Maybe the Pegasus 25?

It’s been a few years since I ran in the Nike Pegasus and to be honest, Nike isn’t the first brand I choose due to all of the recent events with their athletes. Nike made significant changes from the Pegasus 34 to 35, so the Pegasus 36 remains similar to the 35. The fit is better in the 36, but the ride is about the same.

Nike Pegasus 36 Quick Facts:

Nike Pegasus 36 Heel to Toe Drop 10mm

Nike Pegasus 36 Weight: 8.1 oz

Nike Pegasus 36 Fit:

Like many Nike shoes, the entire upper is a seamless engineered mesh upper. Most running brands are removing extra seems because they allow a better fit, especially if you have a wider forefront or bunion.  The upper enhances breathability in the forefoot and arch of the foot.  The Nike Pegasus 36 has a better fit overall than the Nike Pegasus 35. According to Nike, the exposed Flywire cables in the midfoot promote a snug fit at higher speeds and promote a smooth responsive ride while also reduces bulk.

Many people believe “Nike fits narrow,” and their casual shoes do. Most of the run specialty training shoes are narrow through the arch but have a wide forefront allowing feet to splay.

The Nike Pegasus 36 also has a high heel collar. The heel of the shoe flairs at the top? Nike claims this keeps the heel collar tongue from rubbing or irritating the Achilles tendon. Similar to the New Balance 1080. As someone who hasn’t had many Achilles tendon issues (seriously untying your shoes instead of sliding them off all of the time helps that).

Nike Pegasus 36 Ride:

In the Nike Pegasus, Nike uses Zoom Air cushion to give the Pegasus the feel of a “faster” shoe.  The full length zoom air unit makes the Nike Pegasus 36, a firm yet responsive cushioning trainer.

In all running shoes, the shoe itself as gone through the most transformation.  The recent significant changes in the Nike Pegasus came from the Pegasus 34 to the Pegasus 35.  Nike kept the Nike Pegasus 36 similar to the 35.

In fact, Nike kept the same Cushlon foam and full-length Zoom Air cushioning unit from version 35. The outsole remained the same as well.

If you are new to the Nike Pegasus, it’s a lightweight trainer.  I’ve used the shoe for an easy run, long runs, and workouts but ultimately settled on it for shorter, easy runs. My body wants more cushion (like the New Balance 1080) for further distance and I want something more responsive for workouts (like the Hoka One One Cavu 2). When I put on the Nike Pegasus 36, the shoe feels ready to go fast.

The Nike Zoom Pegasus 36 Conclusion:

The Nike Pegasus 36 is a lightweight, everyday trainer that is good for almost anything, but not “the best” for anything.

There aren’t many significant changes from the Nike Pegasus 35 to the Nike Pegasus 36 Nike.  All of the updates in the Nike Pegasus 36 are in a better fit and more breathability.

Finally, if you have been in a Nike Pegasus and due to recent events want to try a different brand or shoe, I suggest the New Balance Fuelcell Rebel, New Balance 1080, Saucony Ride ISO, or Hoka Rincon.

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Questions for you: 

What is your favorite running shoe?

Have you tried the Nike Pegasus 36?