Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield

Review Score
76%
πŸ… Highly Rated
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Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield: Review

β€œA winter-ready running shoe with superior grip and weather protection.”

Overview


The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield is a running shoe designed to tackle the challenges of winter terrain. This model stands out for its water-repellent features and cold-weather comfort, making it a reliable companion for daily running in wet and chilly conditions.

Key Features:

  • Water-repellent Upper: The shoe's upper is crafted with a water-repellant mesh and synthetic mudguard to keep feet dry.
  • Insulated Comfort: An insulated and padded tongue, along with a soft lining, provides warmth and comfort.
  • Responsive Cushioning: A forefoot Zoom Air bag paired with React foam offers a cushioned and supportive ride.
  • Storm Tread Outsole: The outsole features sticky rubber lugs for superior grip on wet surfaces.

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize protection from the elements and traction on road surfaces. Its responsive cushioning and insulated comfort offer a pleasant running experience, making it suitable for colder climates.

According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 76%. This puts it in the lowest rated 20% of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's just below the median price of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield


The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield proves to be a top performer for winter running. Its water-repellent upper and insulated tongue keep the feet dry and warm, while the Storm Tread outsole ensures excellent grip on wet roads. The shoe's fit is accommodating, even with thick running socks, and the React foam midsole provides a firm yet comfortable ride. However, the shoe's low reflectivity is a notable downside for those running in darker conditions. Compared to its predecessor, the Pegasus 37 Shield, the 38 offers a simpler and more effective lacing system and improved insulation. While there are other winterized options from brands like Asics and Saucony, the Pegasus 38 Shield's balance of features makes it a standout choice for runners seeking a reliable winter shoe.

Updates to Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield


The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield introduces several updates from its predecessor, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 Shield. The 38 Shield features a simpler upper design for easier lacing, improved insulation for colder weather, and a more accommodating fit for thick socks. These enhancements make the 38 Shield a more effective winter running shoe.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield: Base model


The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield is a specialized version of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38, designed with winter running in mind. It differs from the base model with its water-repellent upper, insulated tongue, and Storm Tread outsole for enhanced grip on wet surfaces.

Comparable Shoes


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The Asics Cumulus 23 AWL is a strong contender when compared to the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield, offering similar water-repellant features and high-visibility details. However, the Pegasus 38 Shield may have the edge in terms of overall comfort and fit.

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The Saucony Ride 14 Runshield is another comparable shoe, with a focus on water-repellant and insulated upper. While it shares many features with the Pegasus 38 Shield, it lacks the specialized winterized outsole that sets the Nike model apart.

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The adidas Supernova Cold.RDY is a lower-priced alternative to the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield. It offers basic winter protection but may not match the Pegasus 38 Shield's performance in terms of cushioning and grip.

6 Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Excellent grip on wet surfaces thanks to the Storm Tread outsole.
Water-repellent upper and insulated tongue provide protection against cold and wet conditions.
Responsive cushioning with React foam and forefoot Zoom Air bag.

3 Cons

Low reflectivity may be a concern for runners in low-light conditions.
Forefoot Zoom Air can feel slightly lumpy to some runners.
Not suitable for deep snow or ice-covered surfaces.

In Depth


Upper

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield's upper is a fortress against the elements, featuring a water-repellant mesh and synthetic mudguard. The design ensures that your feet stay dry, even when tackling wet and slushy roads. The fit is generous enough to accommodate thicker socks without compromising comfort, thanks to the soft and smooth lining. The fleece-lined tongue adds an extra layer of warmth, making those chilly runs more bearable.

Midsole

At the core of the Pegasus 38 Shield's comfort is the React foam midsole, which provides a responsive and supportive ride. The forefoot Zoom Air bag adds a touch of springiness to your step, although some runners may find it slightly lumpy. The firmness of the React foam is particularly beneficial in cold temperatures, as it maintains stability and aids in a quicker turnover during the gait cycle.

Outsole

The outsole of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield is a true highlight, featuring the Storm Tread rubber lugs that offer exceptional traction on wet surfaces. This design is inspired by winter tires, with microgrooves that grip the road and multi-directional shapes that help deflect water. It's this attention to detail that makes the Pegasus 38 Shield a reliable choice for winter road running.

Size/fit

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield offers a near-perfect fit, with a broad forefoot that provides ample room for toe splay. This is especially important when wearing thicker socks in colder weather. The shoe's true-to-size fit ensures a secure and comfortable experience for a variety of foot shapes.

Comfort

Comfort is key in any running shoe, and the Pegasus 38 Shield delivers with its insulated and padded interior. The fleece-lined tongue and soft lining contribute to a cozy feel, while the water-repellent upper keeps your feet dry, adding to the overall comfort during runs in adverse weather conditions.

Cushioning

The cushioning system in the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield, consisting of React foam and a forefoot Zoom Air bag, provides a balance of firm support and responsive energy return. This combination is ideal for runners looking for a shoe that can handle long distances without sacrificing comfort.

Stability

Stability is a strong suit for the Pegasus 38 Shield, thanks to the firm React foam midsole. This material ensures a supportive ride and minimizes excessive foot movement, which is particularly beneficial for runners tackling uneven winter surfaces.

Durability

Durability is a hallmark of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield, with its robust upper construction and firm React midsole. The outsole's Storm Tread rubber is designed to withstand the rigors of winter running, promising a long-lasting performance.

Grip

The grip on the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield is exceptional, courtesy of the Storm Tread outsole. This feature provides confidence-inspiring traction on wet and slippery roads, making it a standout aspect of the shoe's winterized design.

Who should buy the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield?


The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield is best suited for runners who frequently face wet and cold conditions and need a shoe that can provide warmth, protection, and traction. It's an excellent choice for those who value a cushioned and stable ride during their everyday training sessions in the winter months.

Who should not buy the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield?


Runners who primarily train in well-lit, dry conditions or those looking for a highly breathable summer shoe may not find the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield to be the best fit. Additionally, if high reflectivity for low-light running is a priority, there may be other models that better meet this need.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield: What's it good for?


The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield is good for runners tackling wet and cold conditions. Its grip and water-repellent features make it ideal for road running in winter weather.

4 Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield FAQs


How does the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield perform in snowy conditions?

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield is designed with a Storm Tread outsole that provides excellent grip on wet roads. While it performs well in light snow, it is not intended for deep snow or ice-covered surfaces. For more extreme winter conditions, a shoe with a more aggressive outsole, like the Pegasus Trail 3 GTX, might be a better option.

Is the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield suitable for speed training?

While the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield is primarily designed for daily running in winter conditions, its responsive cushioning with React foam and a forefoot Zoom Air bag can accommodate speed training sessions. However, for dedicated speed workouts, a lighter and more agile shoe might be preferred.

Can I use the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield for trail running?

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield is optimized for road running and may not be the best choice for trail running due to its closely-spaced lugs, which could clog with mud and debris. For trail running, consider a shoe with a more aggressive outsole designed for off-road conditions.

What are the main differences between the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield and the standard Pegasus 38?

The main differences between the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield and the standard Pegasus 38 are the water-repellent upper, insulated tongue, and the Storm Tread outsole of the Shield version. These features make the Shield variant more suitable for running in wet and cold conditions.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield alternatives

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priceBand
Price band
released
Released
Oct 2021
Feb 2023Mar 2023Jan 2023Oct 2021Jan 2023
expertReviewScore
Expert Review Score
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Weight
Weight
M: 249 g
W: 210 g
320 g
M: 366 g
W: 281 g
210 g
M: 258 g
W: 210 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
M: 16 mm
W: 15 mm
23 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
10 mm
8 mm
8 mm
10 mm
Heel
Heel
M: 24 mm
W: 23 mm
33 mm
Usages
Usages
Daily runningSpeed training
Daily runningDaily runningDaily runningRacingSpeed trainingDaily running
Brand
Brand
Nike
ASICSNikeNew BalanceNikeUnder Armour
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
ComfortableLightweightMaximalistMaximalist
Lightweight
Techs
Techs
Nike Air Zoom
ASICS AHARPLUSASICS FF BlastNike ReactNike Storm Tread
Nike Air Zoomeva
Waterproofings
Waterproofings
Water repellent
Waterproof
0

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield: what the experts say (2 reviews)

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield: 2 Expert video reviews

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainRoad (+1362)Snow/ice (+59)
UsagesDaily running (+1132)Speed training (+302)
BrandNike (+261)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1578)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1525)
FitMedium toe box (+855)
MaterialsReflective (+181)
TechsNike Air Zoom (+56)
WaterproofingsWater repellent (+60)
ColorwaysBlack / Orange, Black / White, Black Anthracite Iron Grey Black, Blue, Purple Smoke / Cave Purple-venice
Specifications
Model
38 Shield
Released
Oct 2021

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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