Home / Blogs / Light as Air: Nike’s Breathable New Running Shoes

Light as Air: Nike’s Breathable New Running Shoes

Train For Glory with Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36

In the competitive world of running, victory goes to the swift. Every second counts when reaching for the finish line. Shoe choice plays a major role in maximizing speed and endurance. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 helps serious runners achieve their ultimate goal – to be the best.

Engineered for performance, the Pegasus 36 gives runners an edge over the competition. Nike synthesizes cutting-edge technology with stylish good looks. Runners train in comfort while turning heads on race day. The Pegasus enhances natural ability with scientifically designed features. Competition running shoes don’t get better than this.

The Pegasus 36 exemplifies Nike’s spirit of innovation. Precision craftsmanship optimizes the runner’s gait. Targeted cushioning absorbs shock while proprietary foam offers a springy response. An engineered mesh upper provides breathable support mile after mile. Racers look good and feel great crossing the finish line first.

For runners seeking peak performance and podium results, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 is the shoe of champions. Now is the time to train for glory and break personal records. Leave competitors in the dust with Nike excellence on your feet. The path to victory starts with the right high-performance running shoe.

Overview of the Shoe

The Nike Men’s Competition Running Shoes being reviewed are the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 model. This popular running shoe from Nike offers several key features that make it a top choice for runners looking for a comfortable, high-performance shoe.

The Pegasus 36 employs Nike’s signature Zoom Air cushioning in the heel to provide responsive shock absorption with every stride. The midsole uses Cushlon ST foam which offers soft yet resilient cushioning. The outsole uses durable rubber in a waffle pattern for excellent traction on various surfaces.

The upper features an engineered mesh design for lightweight breathability during runs. Flywire cables integrate with the lacing system for a secure lockdown fit. Padding around the collar and tongue contribute to all-around comfort.

Overall, the Pegasus 36 offers an ideal blend of comfort, responsiveness, and durability making it suitable for daily training runs as well as races. The versatility of the shoe makes it a compelling choice for neutral runners looking for a reliable workhorse shoe.

Technical Specifications

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 has the following key technical specifications:

  • Dimensions: 10.67 x 3.35 x 3.74 inches
  • Weight: 1.7 pounds
  • Materials:
    • Upper: Engineered mesh upper for lightweight breathability and support.
    • Midsole: Nike Zoom Air units provide responsive cushioning.
    • Outsole: Durable rubber outsole with waffle pistons provides traction and durability.
    • Lining: Padded textile lining for comfort.
  • Other Details:
    • Lace-up closure for secure fit
    • Reflective elements for visibility
    • Removable insole
    • Offset: 10mm (Heel is 10mm higher than toe)

The Pegasus 36 offers a lightweight yet supportive feel, weighing in at just 1.7 pounds. The engineered mesh upper provides ventilation to keep feet cool and comfortable, while remaining durable enough for high mileage running. The Nike Zoom Air units in the midsole deliver responsive, springy cushioning to absorb impact. The outsole utilizes durable rubber with waffle pistons to provide excellent traction on varied surfaces. Overall, the materials and construction allow the Pegasus 36 to deliver comfort, support, and responsiveness in a versatile daily training running shoe.

Design Elements

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 running shoes feature a sleek, stylish design perfect for athletic training or casual wear.

The uppers are made from breathable mesh fabric in bold, bright color combinations like volt green/black/blue fury orcrimson pulse/obsidian/hot punch. Contrasting pops of color on the heels and signature Nike Swoosh logos add signature flair.

The shoes have a low-profile, sculpted shape for a snug, supportive fit. Reflective details are subtly integrated along the heels and laces for visibility and safety during low-light runs.

Underneath, the slimmed-down cushioned midsoles incorporate Nike’s proprietary Zoom Air units in the forefoot to deliver responsive shock absorption with each footstrike. Strategic rubber crashpads offer traction and durability in high-impact areas.

With their athletic DNA and iconic Nike design elements, the Air Zoom Pegasus 36 running shoes will motivate you to hit the road in style.

Intended Use

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 is designed as a competition running shoe, aimed at serious runners looking for a high-performance training and racing shoe.

Nike positions the Pegasus as its flagship neutral daily training shoe, catering to a wide range of runners seeking a durable, well-cushioned, and responsive ride. The lightweight yet supportive build makes the Pegasus ideal for tempo runs, long runs, and race day.

While versatile enough for any neutral runner, the Pegasus line has gained a strong following among competition runners looking to set PRs. The smooth transitions and energetic toe-off help runners maintain faster paces, while the Zoom Air units provide shock absorption on hard surfaces.

Nike designed the latest Pegasus model for runners seeking a fast, flexible, and breathable shoe. The narrower fit caters to medium to narrow feet, providing a glove-like feel, while the streamlined upper improves ventilation to keep feet cool when pushing the pace. The partial bootie construction offers a customizable, snug fit.

With its blend of responsiveness and durability, the Pegasus 36 can handle both training miles and race day demands. Competition runners will appreciate the smooth ride for interval training, tempo runs, and hard repeats on the track or roads.

Performance & Durability

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 running shoes are designed for optimal performance and long-lasting durability.

Cushioning

The midsole features Nike’s responsive Cushlon foam which provides excellent shock absorption and cushioning. This helps reduce impact on your feet and joints during runs. The forefoot contains Nike’s Zoom Air units which give added bounce and responsiveness for a propulsive toe-off.

Responsiveness

In addition to the cushioning foam, the full-length carbon rubber outsole offers great traction and flexibility allowing your foot to move naturally. The rubber outsole combined with the Zoom Air units create a very responsive ride. You’ll feel connected to the ground yet still get that spring in your step.

Lifespan

Due to the high quality cushioning and materials, the Pegasus 36 can maintain its performance for over 300 miles. The engineered mesh upper also retains its breathability and flexibility over repeated use. So you can count on this shoe to last through many miles of training without losing its bounce. The durable outsole rubber also ensures the shoe retains traction and doesn’t wear out too quickly.

Care & Maintenance

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 is designed for performance running, so it will need regular cleaning to keep it in top condition. Here are some tips for care and maintenance:

Washing

  • Allow shoes to fully air dry after each run before storing. This prevents growth of odor-causing bacteria.
  • Hand wash the shoes with mild soap and water using a soft brush. Avoid harsh detergents.
  • For stubborn dirt stains, create a cleaning solution of warm water, mild soap, and baking soda. Use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently scrub.
  • Remove the laces and insoles before washing. These can be hand washed gently with soap and water.
  • Air dry the shoes fully before next use. Stuff with newspaper to help maintain shape while drying.

Preventing Typical Issues

  • Rotate between different pairs of running shoes to allow padding to fully rebound. This prevents compression and extends shoe life.
  • Spray shoe inserts lightly with disinfectant spray after each use. This prevents development of bacteria and odors.
  • Use shoe trees when storing to prevent creasing and deterioration of shape.
  • Avoid putting shoes in the washing machine or dryer, as this can damage materials.

Making Them Last

  • Replace insoles every 300-500 miles to maintain cushioning and support.
  • Use a shoe horn when putting on to prevent heel collar damage.
  • Tighten laces carefully and evenly to prevent unequal pressure and collar tearing.
  • Apply waterproofing spray before wet weather runs to prevent moisture damage. Re-apply monthly.
  • Watch for signs of excess wear like flattened padding and replace shoes after 300-500 miles.

Pricing

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 typically retails for $120 USD. This positions it firmly in the middle of the price range for premium running shoes from major athletic brands.

At this price point, the Pegasus 36 offers excellent value for the quality and performance you get. The use of Nike’s advanced Zoom Air cushioning system and engineered mesh upper materials justify the cost. While not the cheapest option on the market, the Pegasus 36’s blend of comfort, responsiveness, breathability and durability make it a worthwhile investment for serious runners.

For budget-conscious buyers, it’s worth watching for sales on prior model years or colorways – you can sometimes find the Pegasus available at a discount. But at full retail price, these are still running shoes that live up to their price tag and deliver results out on the road or trail. The Pegasus 36 manages to balance high-tech performance features with reasonable affordability.

Expert Verdict

These Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 running shoes live up to Nike’s reputation for excellence in athletic footwear. Here is an expert review of the key pros and cons:

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Pros:

  • Lightweight yet durable construction
  • Breathable mesh upper for ventilation
  • Zoom Air units provide responsive cushioning
  • Durable rubber outsole offers traction and flexibility
  • Secure fit thanks to Flywire cables and padded tongue/collar

Cons:

  • Runs slightly small, may need to size up
  • Minimal arch support, not ideal for overpronators
  • Expensive compared to some competing running shoes

Overall, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 is an outstanding neutral running shoe suited for medium to high mileage training and racing. The standout features are the lightweight breathable upper, responsive and springy cushioning, and excellent durability. While a bit pricey, the performance justifies the cost for serious runners. The sizing does run small, so try them on in-store if possible to find the ideal size. For runners with medium to high arches looking for a comfortable, secure, and responsive daily trainer, the Pegasus 36 comes highly recommended.

Comparable Alternatives

When shopping for running shoes, it’s worth considering some alternatives that offer similar performance benefits to the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36. Here are some other top running shoes to consider:

Brooks Ghost 13

The Ghost 13 from Brooks is a neutral daily trainer designed for smooth transitions. Like the Pegasus, it offers a supportive yet lightweight cushioned ride. The Ghost 13 has a seamless engineered mesh upper for breathability and a segmented crash pad in the heel for smooth landings.

Saucony Ride 13

Another comparable option is the Ride 13 from Saucony. This daily running shoe provides a soft and springy ride thanks to its PWRRUN foam cushioning. The FORMFIT upper adapts to the shape of the foot and provides a secure fit. The Tri-Flex outsole allows for flexibility during toe-offs.

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v10

Those looking for extra cushioning may prefer the Fresh Foam 1080v10 from New Balance. Its ultra-plush Fresh Foam midsole attenuates shock and provides a luxurious underfoot feel. A bootie construction hugs the foot for support mile after mile. It’s a well-cushioned choice for neutral runners.

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 22

The Gel-Cumulus series from ASICS is another long-standing neutral trainer option. The 22nd iteration has a full-length FlyteFoam midsole for responsive cushioning as well as rearfoot and forefoot Gel units to absorb shock. It also features an Ortholite X-40 sockliner for additional underfoot comfort.

While the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus remains a tried-and-true running shoe, the models above are comparable options worth considering for those seeking similar qualities. Trying on different shoes can help determine the best fit and feel for your running needs.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

X
X