5 Similar Shoes to Nike Pegasus

Ever worn the Nike Pegasus?

It is a question of preference, but we can’t argue that they are one of the most popular neutral road running shoe models on the market for those who want a simple yet effective daily trainer.

However, if you would like to try something else, let’s take a look at the top-rated running shoes similar to the Nike Pegasus!

5 Running Similar Shoes To The Nike Pegasus:

1. ASICS Gel-Cumulus 22

2. Brooks Launch 8 GTS

3. Saucony Ride 13

4. New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon v3

5. Hoka One One Rincon 2

5 Nike Pegasus Alternatives

Reasons Why You Should Pick a Shoe Similar to the Nike Pegasus

Honestly, if you are looking for a shoe that reminds you of the Pegasus, then I am betting you probably already owned that shoe, or you know many of its specifics in detail.

However, in case you need some extra guidance when it comes to why you should choose that type of shoe, take a look at how it can improve your running.

Comfort:

Let be honest here, no matter what you plan to use your trainers for it really does come down to how comfortable they are.

The Nike Pegasus is a good option for the days when you really just want to log your miles without anything getting in your way.

The nice thing about the Pegasus is that it’s a great daily trainer for anyone who is looking to run their fastest mile, marathon, and anything in between. It comes stripped back, with just enough features to keep you comfortable over the long haul.

Special note for all of the wide feet out there, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus is not known for its incredible width, so looking at shoes that are similar, but wider is a well-advised idea. In fact, Nike shoes are not known for their width at all. 

Let’s continue.

Versatility:

Runs may look very similar every day for some, but for others, each day may look very different, and in this case, it’s ideal to have a shoe that can handle the flat roads and some oscillating dirt trails.

If this even remotely applies to you, then make sure your trainers can manage all the elements you might throw its way. The Pegasus is known for being a pretty versatile bit of equipment.

I myself have put in plenty of miles on the road and trails alike, and the outsole offers a great deal of traction and durability suitable for different terrain.

The shoes we list down below accomplish the same!

Durability:

In the modern times that we live in, you don’t really need an outsole stacked full of rubber to get consistent durability, but it sure does help!

That being said, some shoes use more resilient midsole foams that can take an extra beating, and this ensures that the overall weight of the shoe stays down.

Beyond just outsole rubbers, a well-constructed upper is essential for the lifespan of a shoe, as you don’t want to pop through a shoe in the middle of your run, or even just wear down the sides over time.

If the shoe is using higher quality midsole foams and rubber outsoles then it really can add hundreds of extra miles to a shoe’s lifespan, so we have included some high-quality daily trainers similar to the Nikes Pegasus, let’s dive in!

1. Asics Gel-Cumulus 22

When looking at the particular quality of design and material used, the Asics Gel-Cumulus 22 is a prime neutral daily trainer bringing plenty of comfort, versatility, and durability to the table. Allow me to elaborate.

The Knit Upper is made of some super smooth and comfortable material that really feels like it holds onto your foot without smothering it or causing too much friction. As a runner, friction is the worst thing in the world and it can lead to blisters as well as other issues. 

This may be attributed to the 3D Print Construction they implement to make it so that you could practically run sockless in this shoe (although I would never actually recommend that).

So I always tend to have a love/hate relationship with the Flytefoam midsole that Asics uses. It tends to feel hit and miss on most of my runs.

Sometimes it feels super bouncy and soft and on other days (with similar environmental variables like temperature, surface, recoverability accounted for) it can just feel flat and hard (and not in a responsive way).

Still, though, the general consensus is that it feels quite reliably good, so it may just be a personal thing, but I am happy to hear how much others do like it.

Also complementing the Flytefoam is Asics signature Gel Cushioning System, which uses a silicone-based gel for responsive shock absorption on impact.

This is placed mostly in the rear area of the shoe for those who like some extra impact protection. I think this gel is closer to the saving grace of the midsole, but it also adds to the weight.

The High Abrasion Rubber used to make up the outsole offers a tremendous grip for the roads and should really increase the lifespan of this shoe. Durability is less of a concern because of how protected this shoe is.

The fit is solid around the ankle and across the top of the midfoot.

For me, it feels true to size as well, but I always recommend that you try a shoe on before purchasing it just to make sure.

The shoe game is all about trade-offs, and the Asics Gel-Cumulus 22 gets a lot right. So it’s worth taking a look! Overall a solid running shoe option. 

Pros & Cons of ASICS Gel-Cumulus 22

2. Brooks Launch GTS 8

Taking a very simplistic and affordable approach to a daily trainer, the Brooks Launch GTS 8 is a great option for those looking for the reliability of a standard running shoe, but might be on a bit of a budget.

To put it simply, the Launch 8 GTS bunches well above its weight class (or price class) in almost all areas. Similar to the Brooks Ghost, the Launch is a very durable shoe. 

The Air Mesh upper is simple, comfortable, and snug over the top of your foot and ankle. It is just breathable enough, but your toes won’t start freezing if you are running in the cold.

The upper laces up easily and then just gets out of your way so you can focus on your run and not about your feet!

The midsole comes with similar simplicity, but again just gets the job done right for me!

The BioMoGo DNA midsole foam may sound like a lot, but honestly, it just feels like a solid mix of cushion and performance.

There is no crazy “bounce” to this shoe, but it is stripped back enough to the point where most people could wear it for tempo runs, hill repeats, and even track workouts.

There will always be a debate between Asics vs Brooks, in this case Asics takes the top spot. 

There is also a bit of inherent stability from the medial and lateral guide rails, so it won’t get in the way of a neutral runner but it will add a little extra stability for mild overpronators.

The Blown Rubber covers the entire bottom of the shoe and has plenty of grooves for added flexibility in your stride. Overall a solid stability shoe option. 

This feels like a shoe that people wore for workouts before the onset of the “super-shoes”. It is stripped back, light, and ready to just kind of take on anything.

If you would prefer to go down the Brooks route, here are 5 similar to the Launch

Pros & Cons of Brooks Launch 8 GTS

3. Saucony Ride 13

Is it that obvious that most shoe companies try to make a daily trainer at the “affordable” price point?

Saucony is no different with the Ride 13. Which offers a reliable and comfortable option for your mileage at a fairly good price (exactly the same as the Nike Pegasus).

The Saucony Ride 13 delivers an incredibly comfortable upper material called the FORMFIT, which offers a breathable mesh upper with 3D printed overlays for a fit that accommodates a wide range of foot shapes.

Honestly, this is one of the best uppers in the business. It feels great at the initial step in and then maintains its comfort throughout your entire experience with the shoe. Very few hot spots ever arise and the lockdown is very kind and secure over the midfoot.

The midsole may not be the highlight of the Ride 13, but the PWRRUN midsole provides a good enough mix of cushion with some energy return to get the job done on your training runs.

Don’t expect a snappy toe-off with this shoe though, as it starts feeling kind of flat after working down past your marathon pace.

The outsole is made up of a blown rubber that covers much of the forefoot and some of the midfoot. It aids in the durability and grip, but it does not feel like anything to write home about.

Saucony also provides a little extra flexibility with the Tri-Flex design, which essentially is a bunch of different grooves within the outsole you let your foot flex naturally from heel-to-toe off.

The fit is true to size and it is definitely going to feel like a “get’er done” type of trainer!

Pros & Cons of Saucony Ride 13

4. New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon v3

Another lightweight option you can take a look at will be the New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon v3...which is a mouthful of a name so I shall be calling it the Beacon v3 for the rest of our time together.

Although it has a longer name, it is pretty simple in design.

The upper is New Balances standard Engineered mesh, which is actually pretty comfortable and breathable. It does offer a wider toe box for those who need extra space as well.

It sits over the top of the foot nicely, but I have experienced some sliding in the ankle collar area and it does not feel as secure as I’d like. Nevertheless, there is an Ultra Heel lip to reduce achilles irritation and rubbing.

The midsole definitely has some “pop”, but the cushioning leaves something to be desired. It is the Fresh Foam X midsole, which leans on the more responsive side of the equation.

The outsole is stripped back, but there is some special Ground Contact Fresh Foam, which is exposed to decrease the overall weight of the shoe. Given what they are trying to do with a lightweight and snappy trainer, I think it all works.

There are a couple of Rubber Pods strategically placed on the lateral forefoot and medial heel to provide durability in high wear areas.

This should increase the lifespan of the shoe a little, but don’t expect to get a vast amount of miles out of this shoe, it is performance-oriented, but reliable!

Pros & Cons of New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon v3

5. Hoka One One Rincon 2

With such a comfortable upper and well-rounded midsole, the Hoka Rincon 2 might be a sleeper in this conversation!

The upper seems to fit just right, and it feels quite comfortable to just wear in general even if you aren’t running. This is because the Engineered Sandwich Mesh and Slim Tongue work together to just hug your forefoot and midsole just enough without becoming too tight.

It may feel slightly narrow in the toe box for those with a wider foot.

Hoka nearly nails it with the full-length Compression EVA midsole foam, as it provides what feels like a masterful combination of cushion and snap back into your stride.

Some credit can also go to the Revised Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry that rolls your forward into each toe-off!

That being said, this may not feel too great to wear in super long runs or slow recovery runs. You’re going to probably like it for standard daily training and some up-tempo workouts.

This won’t be the most durable shoe, but there is some Hi-Abrasion Lightweight Rubber that is strategically placed for increased traction and durability. Mostly placed in the “high wear” areas like the lateral heel and medial toe areas.

The fit is true to size and will most likely get you where you need to go on your training runs and steady tempos!

Pros & Cons of Hoka One One Rincon 2

5 Nike Pegasus Alternatives Wrap Up

There you go! Those are 5 shoes that are similar to the Nike Pegasus.

You may be interested in learning more about a similar Nike shoe, the Nike Zoom Elite

That is a lot of information to digest. So to quickly summarize I would say if you prefer a lighter weight trainer then the Launch GTS 8, Beacon v3, Rincon 2 are going to be great options.

If you like a sturdier trainer then the Gel-Cumulus 22 and Ride 13 are the ones you should opt for.

In the end, some of you may just prefer sticking with the Pegasus, and that is ok too! Every runner is different and deserves a chance to run in a pair of shoes that works for them.

Get out there and enjoy!