Nike running is a highly innovative and forward-thinking brand within the running shoe industry.
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 a company always seeking to push the bounds of human capability, although more recently better known as the creator of the modern “super-shoe”,
Nike also 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 and React Infinity Run Flyknit.
This article gives information on the two most recent iterations of each model, pros/cons, and compare and contrast between the two - Nike Pegasus 37, and React Infinity Run Flyknit 2.
Let’s get started.
React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 Review
The conversation has changed surrounding the React Infinity Run Flyknit now that the second iteration has become available. Honestly, it really makes the comparison far easier in my eyes, but we will get into that a little later on.
First, let’s have a quick review of the product details and how they feel.
The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit comes with a much-improved fit with its reimagined Flyknit Loft upper material.
The lockdown was the primary issue in the first iteration of this shoe, and it has been corrected to offer a far more secure fit around the ankle and in the heel.
The heel-collar feels sturdy and offers plenty of stability along with the TPU Heel Clip for extra guidance in your stride, but it’s still a neutral shoe for sure!
The React midsole foam shows how great it can be if properly implemented in a shoe, it actually did not change a bit from the original version, but it still feels amazing.
The soft yet bouncy react foam molds well with the geometric rocker to offer enhanced forward propulsion.
The outsole stays the same as well, it could probably be stripped down a little bit, but the strategically placed rubber does its job of offering traction and durability.
Speaking of that, you will probably be getting between 500-700 miles of this shoe and using it best as a recovery day shoe all the way down to a tempo pace (if you like to work out in your trainers).Want more on the Flyknit 2? Check out our review right here.
PROS
CONS
Nike Pegasus 37 Review
The original workhorse shoe in the Nike lineup, The Nike Pegasus is pretty much the shoe you think of when you are talking about Nike’s daily trainers.
Over the years, however, it has changed into what is essentially a solid lightweight daily trainer with a snappy ride 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.
Although it is React foam, the midsole is noticeably firmer in this shoe than in other shoe models featuring the same foam.
Plenty of runners enjoy this firm and responsive ride in a daily trainer, but for me, it feels a little too firm for my liking in a shoe supposedly made to take on a bulk of your weekly miles.
The Pegasus often gets compared to the Infinity Run for it's midsole support.
There is a translucent upper mesh made to be low-profile and has a midfoot band to hold your foot comfortably and securely into the shoe through tight turns and slippery conditions.
The upper is my favorite part of this shoe, as it offers a stripped-down, breathable, and comfortable lockdown with no unnecessary frills.
For greater durability, Nike implements its classic waffle outsole design with Duralon blown rubber in the forefoot for multi-surface 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.
The transition in this shoe does not feel super smooth.
While I originally thought you’d be getting more miles on it, I now see that most will probably only get between 400-500 quality miles out of this trainer.For you reading pleasure, we have an entire review on the Pegasus 37 found here.
PROS
CONS
Full Comparison - Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 vs Nike Pegasus 37:
Uppers: Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 vs Nike Pegasus 37:
The uppers between these two shoes are pretty different. Between the Translucent Mesh upper in the Pegasus 37 and the Flyknit Loft in the React Infinity, they offer different overall fits.
The lacing systems in both shoes get the job done, although they are both underwhelming. Honestly, then both feel kind of awkward while initially lacing up for a run, but they break in a little after lacing up a couple of times.
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.
Although both shoes will provide a good lockdown over the top of the midfoot and do not cause any discomfort, the updated upper on the React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 feels better overall.
They solved the lockdown and heel slippage problems from the original version, and its lockdown security and comfort just feels superior to the upper on the Pegasus 37.
That being said, I’d hope this would be true considering the price difference between the shoes.
Sole Unit: Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 vs Nike Pegasus 37:
Although the midsole units are both made from React foam, the rides are decidedly different between these Pegasus 37 and the React Infinity Run 2.
In the React Infinity Run Flyknit 2, the React foam feels soft and bouncy all at the same time. It feels less like responsiveness and more like a nice mix of energy return and a forward roll that protects you from pounding the pavement.
The outsoles both offer suitable traction and durability. The Crash Rail in the Pegasus 37 feels a little less smooth in the heel-to-toe off transition than the Rocker Geometry in the React Infinity Run Flyknit 2.
Although others will have a different opinion here, I think the bouncy and soft nature of the React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 offers more when it comes to comfort and support, but if you are looking for something snappier for your daily miles then the Pegasus 37 would be a better option.
Verdict
Honestly, The Pegasus 37 and The React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 offer distinctively different daily training experiences.
The Pegasus offers a more responsive standard daily trainer feel with its stripped-back design and features, whereas the React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 offers a premium feel through its soft midsole.
They both serve their purpose well, but it depends on what you are looking for.
That being said, I think the React Infinity Run 2 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 reliable and responsive feel, then try out the Pegasus 37. If you want a premium, soft, and protective ride then definitely consider trying the React Infinity Run Flyknit 2.Last update on 2023-06-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API