Nike running shoes have been widely known as some of the most innovative and high tech running shoe brands in the industry.
As a company always seeking to push the bounds of human capability, Nike understandably produces a multitude of shoe models that would take many hours to break down in-depth, so for your convenience, we have broken down two of the most popular Nike neutral shoe models; The Pegasus 37 and React Infinity Run Flyknit.
This article gives information on these two shoes, pros/cons, and compare and contrast between the two - Nike Pegasus 37, and React Infinity Run Flyknit.
The biggest difference is that the Pegasus offers a standard daily trainer feel with its simple design and features, whereas the React Infinity Run Flyknit will have a premium feel through its plush and protective midsole and styling Flyknit Loft Upper design.
Nike Pegasus Vs. Nike React Infinity Run
Nike is often compared against New Balance, as they are some of the top brands in the business. Anyway, you’re here to find out which Nike shoe would make the best daily trainer for you, so let’s get started.
As the original workhorse shoe in the Nike lineup, The Nike Pegasus has left a lasting legacy of the brand’s premier daily trainer.
Over the years, however, it has morphed over the generations to what it has become today; a lightweight daily trainer with soft and reliable cushioning from heel to toe.
Making some big changes from its previous versions the Nike Pegasus 37 is a neutral running shoe that offers an almost entirely new ride with the implementation of the Nike’s React midsole foam and Air Zoom unit strategically placed in the forefoot for a lightweight and responsive ride.
To complement this lightweight and soft midsole, there is a translucent upper mesh made to be breathable and super light, yet also has a midfoot band to hold your foot comfortably and securely into the shoe through tight turns and slippery conditions.
Rounding out the Pegasus 37, Nike includes its classic waffle outsole design with Duralon blown rubber in the forefoot for multisurface traction and a rubber crash rail on the lateral side of the shoe to offer a smoother transition from heel-to-toe-off throughout the gait cycle.
Overall there should be a solid ratio of durability between the midsole and outsole.
PROS
CONS
Completely new to Nike’s running shoe lineup, The React Infinity Run Flyknit is built to offer comfort and moderate stability for many miles.
This shoe is built to offer a more maximalist cushion ride that still provides a propulsive ride. Nike created this sleek yet plush shoe to help runners of all levels reach their peak fitness without sustaining injuries.
Equipped with Nike’s innovative React Foam, this shoe is built to allow the plush and responsive nature of this foam excel at its finest.
This pairs with the addition of a Rocker Geometry to influence a smooth transition from heel to toe. To enhance the shoe’s inherent stability, the React Infinity places an Injected TPU Heel Clip to guide the foot into a more neutral positioning through the gait cycle.
Nike takes a minimal approach with the upper by keeping it with a lightweight and simple Flyknit Loft upper, which is stronger and more durable than previous iterations of Flyknit uppers.
- A LIGHTWEIGHT FIT An all-new version of Flyknit technology is stronger and more durable than previous iterations. It features 3 distinct layers to help keep your foot secure, while providing a lightweight and flexible feel when you move.
- A STABLE FEEL Higher foam stack heights provide a softer feel. A wider shape provides a more stable ride, helping release energy with every step.
- A SMOOTH RIDE The shape of the Nike React foam midsole is all about zonal performance, providing support for the 3 phases of a runner's stride—flexibility at toe-off, a smooth ride at mid-stance and cushioning at contact
PROS
CONS
Full Evaluation - Nike Pegasus 37 vs Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit:
Uppers: Nike Pegasus 37 vs Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit:
Although they may be two of Nike’s newest and most innovative daily trainers yet, the uppers pretty much couldn’t be more different.
Between the Translucent Mesh upper in the Pegasus 37 and the Flyknit Loft in the React Infinity, they offer very different fits.
The lacing systems are both a little underwhelming, as they both feel a bit restrictive in nature due to the way they sit on top of the foot. Neither are uncomfortable, but they can feel awkward while initially lacing up for each run.
The uppers both feel simple and sleek, although neither feels very soft or have any substantial padding around the heel collar or tongue areas. The Pegasus 37 gets the nod when it comes to the comfort around the heel collar though.
Both shoes will provide a solid lockdown over the top of the midfoot and do not cause any discomfort. However, the Pegasus 37 has a far better lockdown over the heel than the React Infinity Run.
The Pegasus 37 gets the nod when it comes to the comfort and lockdown of the upper.
Sole Unit: Nike Pegasus 37 vs Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit:
Although the midsole units are both made up of the same primary foam unit, the React foam feels decidedly different between these Pegasus 37 and the React Infinity Run.
In the React Infinity Run Flyknit, the React foam feels plush, soft, and responsive all at the same time. The ground contact feel is still there, but it just feels like its protecting your feet and legs well without the loss of energy return.
The React foam in the Pegasus 37 feels far stiffer and springy than other shoes with React foam. It has a bit of a longer break-in period, but after some time it will feel a little softer.
Until the break-in happens for the React foam, the Air Zoom Unit in the forefoot will get you through that time. It is strategically placed to offer a soft landing and then a springy return at the toe-off.
The outsoles both offer suitable traction and durability. The Pegasus 37 does have the rubber crash rail on the lateral side of the shoe and it offers a slightly smoother transition when transitioning from heel-to-toe off.
In the end, the responsive and plush nature of the React Infinity Run Flyknit offers more when it comes to comfort and support, but if you are looking for something a little lower profile and springy, then the Pegasus 37 would be a better option.
Nike Pegasus Vs. Nike React Infinity Run: Conclusion
Neither the Pegasus 37 nor the React Infinity Run Flyknit have an obvious advantage of being a better shoe because they try to offer some distinctively different daily training experiences.
The Pegasus offers a more standard daily trainer feel with its simple design and features, whereas the React Infinity Run Flyknit will have a premium feel through its plush and protective midsole and styling Flyknit Loft Upper design.
They both serve their purpose well, but it depends on what you are looking for.
The price does vary, as the Pegasus 37 is sitting at an affordable price and the React Infinity Run is a little more expensive.
Does the React Infinity Run value in the way of quality, design, or innovation? That is more for you to find out personally.
That being said, the React Infinity Run will most likely get around 600-700 miles on them, whereas the Pegasus 37 may only get closer to 500 miles before starting to wear down beyond reasonable comfort and protection.
Ultimately, it comes down to what kind of ride you prefer in a daily trainer. If you want a sleek, reliable, and responsive feel, then opt for the Pegasus 37. However, if you want a premium, plush and durable ride then settle for the React Infinity Run Flyknit.
Hi, Jeremy Here,
I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journey. About Me.
Last update on 2023-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API