Air Pegasus 2000   In the ever-changing world of footwear, sometimes a good thing gets lost. Such is the case with the Air Pegasus—Nike’s most beloved running shoe of all time. When it first came to market in 1983, the Air Pegasus was a mild mannered simple shoe for the masses. Its combination midsole was one of the first to take the stability and durability of polyurethane and combine it with the lightweight flexibility of EVA. Like many of the early Nike shoes, the Pegasus had a waffle outsole that provided great traction on almost any kind of terrain. Originally designed with a narrow fit, it wasn’t long before Nike introduced two widths to accommodate more runners.   Of course, the Air Pegasus featured a rearfoot Air-sole unit for cushioning, but most runners who wore it believed that it was the total package rather than the highly advertised cushioning system that made this shoe great. In fact, in 1993, Nike created the first Air Pegasus with a "Visible Air" window in the heel, a move that concerned the purists. It seemed the "good thing" was on its way out. A few years later the model name was changed and another shoe was brought in with similar features. The response from runners was lukewarm at best. The shoe so many runners had grown so fond of was gone.
Nike loyalists tried to move on. Runners hoped that Nike would bring out a shoe with the magical fit, feel and ride of the Pegasus. Yet each season, Nike seemed to create shoes that were more and more "innovative" yet lacking in the "simplicity" that so many runners cherished in the Air Pegasus.   What happened next is anyone’s guess. Perhaps it was a top-down edict or market-driven effort to boost sales and regain a place in the hearts of runners. Or perhaps, like the Grinch, Nike’s heart grew three sizes in a moment of clarity. All we know is that something changed, and Nike has brought back the Pegasus.   With last year’s introduction of the Bowerman Series, Nike has dedicated their efforts to creating a segment of products for serious runners. The Pegasus may be the best example of this dedication. While the midsole of the shoe differs from its ancestor (it’s made entirely of EVA) the sculpting of the midsole and outsole flex points give it a super smooth ride. The fit of the new Pegasus is a delicate combination of a slightly narrower heel and slightly wider forefoot made with soft, breathable upper materials for supreme comfort. The Pegasus also offers the trademark, waffle outsole design for outstanding traction. The heel pitch is a little higher than the past and the sockliner lacks the infamous arch cookies but for all of our wear-testers, this shoe was a dream.   Buy Nike Air Pegasus:  Women's  |  Men's