If you are in the market for a versatile sneaker that can handle literally anything, Nike is likely at the top of your search. The acclaimed brand has been synonymous with athletics for as long as I can remember, which is why we finally decided we needed to add a pair to our in-depth testing rotation here at Prevention. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus sneaker has tons of buzz, and it’s clear why. After weeks of testing, our editors concluded that the Pegasus is a reliable everyday sneaker that’s especially well-suited for walkers who want comfort, support, and sporty style in one package.
For a more thorough breakdown of who else might want to add this superstar sneaker to their cart, keep reading.
The reviews
Name: Hannah Jeon, associate commerce editor
Age: 29
Size: 7
These Nike sneakers were so comfortable right out of the box! The first thing I noticed about these shoes was the great cushioning—it has a super balanced feel that’s not too soft yet not too firm, while still feeling responsive and springy. I especially loved that they offer moderate arch support and a supportive, cushioned feel in the heel; thanks to this, my feet always felt comfy and supported without any aches or soreness, even after miles of walking and commuting through New York City streets, running errands, and strolling through my neighborhood park. I also felt that the responsive cushioning allowed for incredibly smooth heel-to-toe transitions while walking, with the high energy return of the shoes making it easy to pick up the pace when I wanted to.
I also liked that these Nikes always felt lightweight and breathable. My feet never felt too hot or sweaty, even in the summer heat, thanks to the breathable upper made with soft mesh. The padded collar and tongue also felt comfortable on the upper part of my feet without any uncomfortable rubbing or shifting around. However, there was one thing I didn’t like about the fit: The toe box. I got a size 7 of the regular width in these shoes (my normal size for most sneakers) and I felt that the overall fit was great, but with one exception—my toes felt a little too cramped and crowded at times. This was surprising given that, according to the brand, these shoes have supposedly been updated with a wider toe box than the previous iteration.
Despite this one drawback, I think these Nike sneakers are super comfortable overall. I’d say they’re a great, reliable daily walking shoe, thanks to the balanced and responsive cushioning, breathable upper, and great energy return for smooth transitions. Not to mention, they also look stylish—I think the pink and purple colorway I got is super cute (and that’s saying something as someone who usually always opts for a standard black color in her sneakers). Overall, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus sneakers have definitely earned a permanent spot in my daily walking shoe rotation!
Name: Charlotte Finigan, senior commerce editor
Age: 38
Size: 9.5
Believe it or not, in my long and storied career of athletic shoe testing, I had never tried a pair of Nikes until the Zoom Pegasus. There is something about the brand that reads as “serious athlete,” and I am a recreational walker at best. Maybe that’s because both my marathoning brother-in-law and boot camp-obsessed sister are loyal to their Nikes, so they always seemed a bit too intimidating to purchase. Boy, was I wrong.
These Nikes are so easy to wear. Not only are they super cute (I really loved the pink/orange/purple colorway), but they are incredibly comfortable and don’t feel like they have too many unnecessary bells and whistles for a casual walker. The toe box did run a bit narrower than the Brooks I wear on the daily, but I never felt like my toes were cramped or chafed because of it—it was just a sleeker fit. I wore them on a 20,000-step day around Brooklyn (and made my first walk across the Brooklyn Bridge) in this pair of sneakers and never felt anything other than cushioned and supported. I really loved that they felt so lightweight on my feet all day, and offered a generous amount of energy return in the midsole that gives a bit of pep in your step that especially helped as I was lagging (I am sure that makes sprints and running easier, too, but I did not test them as such). They also shined on super hot days because of how breathable and ventilated the upper is. Although they are not quite as stable as my Brooks, I found that the outsole had great traction, and I never felt like I was adjusting to my stride or tripping over anything at any point. All in all, they were amazingly wearable. Plus, they’re currently on sale on Zappos. I think they’d make a really great addition to anyone’s summer wardrobe, no matter what level of athlete they are.
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