Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 Review: The Classic Running Shoe Just Keeps Getting Better

This Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 review is part of our 2022 SELF Certified Sneaker Awards, where the shoe won Best Long-Distance Training Shoe. You can see the rest of our award winners here.

It took me a long time to come around to running in Nikes. For years, I felt like Nike was designed for people who wanted less cushion, more responsiveness, and a stronger feeling of contact with the pavement; people who were faster; perhaps people with stronger knees.

The (ridiculously expensive) Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% are the shoes that changed all that; I ran the 2021 NYC Marathon in those shoes, and since then I’ve found a few additional styles from the brand that are actually pretty great for racing and everyday training. Still, I’m in large part a Nike skeptic, and I come at each shoe with a raised eyebrow and crossed arms. 

All this is to say, when it came time to evaluate the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 ($130, nike.com), I was ready to be critical. But here’s the thing—these shoes are actually great. The latest Pegasus iteration builds on the core offerings that debuted nearly four decades ago: lightweight cushion and durable support, engineered for everyday runners at all levels.

After spending the last month running in these, I can say they absolutely hold up to that standard. The Pegasuses are a perfect addition to any runner’s regular rotation, whether you’re out for a leisurely 5K or a 10-plus mile training run. I’d also recommend them as a great introductory shoe if you’re just getting started. Read on for my complete review of the latest Pegasus style and see what I mean. 

How I Tested

Last year at this time, I had just kicked off training for the NYC Marathon, meaning I was on a strict training schedule that steadily upped my mileage and pushed me to do more and more each week. 

But this year? It’s the exact opposite. I’m still running most days, but with a totally different mindset. Some mornings I’m motivated and I’ll run two miles to the nearest track, then do a combination of fast and slow 400-meter laps, checking my pace on my Apple Watch, pushing myself to finish a little faster each time. Other days, it’s a long, slow jog along the waterfront where I don’t track my pace at all. In short: I’m averaging 25 miles per week pounding the pavement of NYC, but letting my mood guide my pace.

Fit

I usually wear a half size up in Nike, and this shoe is no exception. The Pegasus 39 comes in regular and wide widths, but it’s worth noting that Nike notoriously runs a bit narrow, so if you’re on the fence, try the wide, knowing you can return them if they don’t fit correctly (more on the return policy below). 

One other thing I’ll note: I tend to like a slightly looser fit, so, though I went with a 7.5, I know that I can also wear a size 7 and have it be extra snug. If this sounds like the type of fit you prefer—one that truly hugs the sides of your foot—consider going with your usual size. Likewise, if you plan on wearing these in cooler weather, or won’t wear them for long runs outside (where your feet tend to swell), you may enjoy a tighter fit.

The shoe comes with a mesh upper and extra padding at the tongue and interior heel. This means the shoe is actually really nice for year-round running. If you’ve run before with the sheer and stiff Nike AtomKnit, you’ll be super pleased to find that this shoe is not that. From the flat laces to the extra padding and soft mesh, this is a shoe designed for comfort—not racing.

Shape of the Shoe

The silhouette is Nike at its best: It’s smooth, sleek, and minimalist. There’s nothing here that you don’t need. If you’re prone to a heel whip (meaning, as you tire your heel smacks the inside of your opposite calf while running), this shoe, with its narrow shape, could help you avoid that. (Side note: If you’ve ever suffered the calf scrapes that a prolonged heel whip can bring about, these exercises can help too.)

Unlike many of the maximalist shoes that are popular today, this shoe appears to have less bulk on the heel and forefoot. There’s also a low dip around the ankle bone and a carved-out midsole, which translates to lots of mobility (and slightly less stability) for your foot and ankle. If a running shoe could ever be sexy, this one comes pretty damn close.

Feel of the Shoe

Running in the Pegasus feels almost like running with nothing on your feet. These shoes are lightweight, with an okay amount of energy return, and just the right amount of firm bounce.

They’re on the neutral side, so if you love a ton of cushion, this might not be the shoe for you. The Pegasus 39 introduces a split Zoom Air Bag—meaning there’s a small air bag underneath the forefoot, and another underneath the heel, and those bags are wrapped in Nike’s proprietary foam. This is supposed to create an “energetic heel-to-toe transition” during each stride, according to the brand. 

Those who land more midsole to forefoot will have a feel for the road beneath their feet—and probably be able to feel that air bag if they’re paying attention. If you’re more of a heel striker, there’s cushion, but still less than some of the maximalist shoes I tested (like the Hoka Bondi 8s). This version of the Pegasus has decent midsole support, and that helps to give each foot strike a firm, supported landing, but it’s also where you might lose some of that extra bouncy energy return. 

In addition to running, I’d also feel totally comfortable wearing these sneakers for boot camps and other types of high-impact HIIT workouts. Though they’re not specifically listed as a cross-training shoe, you won’t feel like you’re teetering on rubbery pillows like you might in the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 2 because of this shoe’s lower profile. As a result, I’d feel pretty confident jumping on the treadmill for sprints, then doing some light weightlifting, burpees, or other types of mixed training in these kicks. In short, they’re (still) a total workhorse shoe. 

With all that said, this featherweight shoe really shines when it comes to everyday running. I loved the lightweight, speedy feel that it brought to my daily routines. My cadence was energetic, my turnover was quick, my strides were breezy. This was not the bounciest shoe I’ve ever run in, nor did it have the highest amount of cushion, but, as a happy medium Goldilocks shoe, the Pegasus is just right in a lot of ways. 

How My Body Felt During and After Activity

My legs don’t get tired in the Pegasus, and my cranky knees don’t hurt. My feet feel like there’s room to spread out in the toe box, so there’s no soreness or blistering to speak of. 

Like I mentioned above, my cadence feels really easy in this shoe—it’s great whether I’m speeding up or slowing down. And when I’m done running, these shoes are comfy (and cute) enough that I’ve worn them to run errands and as my commuter shoes to get to the office. 

Company Return Policy

Nike has a pretty generous return policy, allowing you to try out your shoes after purchase and giving you 60 days to bring them back (with a few exceptions for clearance items). This is great, because (as I mentioned above), if you’re between sizes or widths, you can purchase two to see which fit works best for you. And if the shoes are unworn, you can return them even after 60 days. 

The Bottom Line

There’s a lot to love about this Nike powerful classic, and it’s no wonder the shoe has such a devoted fan base. From the easy ride, to the super-lightweight feel, the Pegasus 39 continues to improve on a strong legacy. I really think of this shoe as a great middleground—not too much bounce, not too much cushion, just the right amount of style, and a fairly moderate price point. It’s great for everyday runners—whether you’re seasoned or just starting out. 

Finally, I’ll add that the Pegasus is known for holding up and providing the same ride whether it’s your first mile or your 500th. In other words, the value in this shoe is the durability of the design. I haven’t yet hit high mileage with these particular shoes, but something tells me that I soon will, and I’m betting they’ll feel just as good then as they did on day one.