By 
The RW Takeaway: Air Zoom Pegasus fans can let out a sigh of relief; with only a few tweaks to the upper, the 36 is still the same peg.
- New improved tongue with thin, asymmetrical cut
- Full-length Zoom and Cushlon ST foam midsole makes for firm—but forgiving—cushioning
- Testers felt some looseness in fitting, likely due to the lacing system
Price: $120
Weight: 8.9 oz (M), 8.0 oz (W)
Type: Road
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It’s both impressive and daunting when you’re reviewing the 36th (36!) incarnation of a running shoe. Impressive because a 36th release holds weight; it signifies the mainstay status of a shoe with a loyal fan-following. Daunting because of that loyal and protective fan-following. Like any running shoe, an update is met with an overflow of curiosity and worry: What if Nike messes something up this go-around?
With Peg 36—don’t overthink it. That’s both my editor’s advice on writing up a shoe in its 36th (again, 36!) incarnation and Nike’s approach to the latest Air Zoom Pegasus.
Sure, there’s been some tweaks—a modified mesh upper here, a new tongue there—but overall, the Pegasus remains the same pillar of distance running that wearers have loved for decades.
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Good combo of cushioning and energy return
Cons
- Despite the improved upper, some found difficulty tightening the lacing
With a few minor exceptions, testers gave the Pegasus 36 high marks across the board. Some felt the redesigned upper was slightly larger and looser compared to the 35, while others didn’t notice any differences. Of the dozen-plus categories used as the basis for each review, the lacing was the only part of the shoe to only receive a “good” rating; testers wished they were thicker, stating they had to tighten and re-tie them throughout their run. “I felt looseness, likely due to the lacing system,” said one tester. “Just like any human relationship, as I progressed in run-testing, we learned how to work together.”
Same Foam, Same Durable Outsole
Nothing has changed underfoot. I logged over 250 miles in the Pegasus 35, including two full marathon training cycles and one 26-mile run. The first run in the 36 felt like sliding on a new pair of 35s.
A big factor in the enjoyment of the ride is the full-length layer of Zoom Air. The firm yet forgiving cushioning drew many comparisons to New Balance’s line of Fresh Foam shoes, especially the recently released Beacon.
It would be irresponsible and hyperbolic to say you’d be able to perform well on a technical trail in the Peg, but if you are someone who only runs in one pair of shoes at a time, these are a perfect companion for any environment or element. The rubber outsole held its own on some notoriously gnarly eastern Pennsylvania trails and maintained grip during a sandy 10-mile run along a New Jersey beach.
All “Up” in That
The highlight of the upper is the new tongue. Last year’s was thickly padded and tended to rub against the ankle. The 36 avoids any irritation with a thin, asymmetrical cut. The heel collar keeps the pointed lip we’ve been seeing in many Nikes released over the past year, but unlike the Peg Turbo 2 (the shoe’s flashier, zippier cousin), your Achilles will make it out of double-digit mileage runs completely intact.
The mesh upper is breathable enough for hot, sweaty long runs, and it doesn’t allow too much water in when forging creeks and streams on the trail.
For those who live for that post-run Instagram shoe/watch shot, there’s literally a style for anyone—we counted at least 17 color variants available on Nike’s site, plus they’ve released a special USATF-themed pair. The swoosh knows how football fans breathe for their teams, so they’ve also released designs for all 32 NFL teams—because, you know, runners like to watch other sports. Yours truly is guilty of purchasing a pair in midnight green.
Since becoming a video producer for Runner’s World in 2014, Derek has captured such historic moments as Meb Keflezighi and Desiree Linden’s Boston victories and Amy Cragg’s win at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, and Galen Rupp and Shalane Flanagan breaking the tape in Chicago and New York, respectively.
