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Top Pros
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Reddit Reviews
Safe-Replacement4967Make sure you try them on. Hokas are generally narrow. I’ve got wide feet and ended up with Nike Pegasus 5s. They do a goretex version as well which might be handy in the UK in winter.
4FPerformanceLabBeen rotating between Salomon Sense Ride for trails and Nike Pegasus for road runs. Nothing super exciting, but both just work. The Sense Ride feels like a nice middle ground - enough grip for most trails without feeling too heavy. Pegasus is just my “don’t think, just run” shoe. Been thinking about trying something with a wider toe box next (maybe Topo or Altra again), but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
762x35supremacyLiterally any modern shoe you buy is probably going to feel like a Cadillac on your feet compared to Nike Frees. If you like that lower stack kinda ground feel I’d look at something like the Pegasus or the brooks hyperion. If you want something with a little bit more underfoot without being bulky I’d look at the asics Novablast 5, Vomero Plus, Saucony ride or Saucony Triumph.
a-concerned-motherWouldn't recommend the evo sl mostly due to grip and stability both being well below average. Can't speak on the other two but the vomero does have great coverage and aside from the heel (which is unfortunatly an important spot) it's fairly stable. My experience with other Pegasus models makes me say they are just not worth it. Of the ones you listed I'd say go with the Vomero
Acrobatic-Expert-507My exact thoughts as well. Train in Pegasus, race in Alphaflys.
AdRealistic5758I've just moved from Brooks Adrenaline to Nike Pegasus and wow. Straight out of the box 6 mile run with no issues.
I used to get the same on 1 foot. Always taped it before long runs. Changed from Brooks Adrenaline to Nike Pegasus and I don't blister anymore.
Agreeable-Web645I’ve run over 1000km on 3 different Pegasus range. I’ve been anywhere from 95-105kg
Alternative_Jello819For your first running shoe you don’t need to spend $200. Sounds like your goal isn’t to work from couch to full marathon in three weeks, which is great. You should be able to get to 10min/mile in about a month or two, then start adding miles slowly. For the first two months just focus on 10-15 miles a week spread out over 2-3 total hours. Break it up however you want but min two days. I started running with a pair of Nike Pegasus ?? That were on sale. Think they’re up to 42 now, so last years model should be on clearance. But the same methodology can be applied to any brand. You could really have some fun and buy two pairs of clearance shoes for the $200 to figure out what you want and don’t like. I’m assuming USD, but if you mean AUS then the sales right now on most running sites have a great selection. I differ from most who say go to a store- until you know what you’re looking for in a shoe, you’re at the mercy of the inventory and sales associate in the brick and mortar. Most of the times they will be out of your size, or the clerk will be biased for many reasons and you’ll get suboptimal results vs doing a bit of research and shopping online. Only major plus to a brick and mortar is you have a 50/50 chance of getting properly sized, again dependent on the clerks ability to do this correctly.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Achilles tendonitis
Top pick
Brooks - Glycerin GTS 22
Best for Budget-conscious running
Top pick
ADIDAS - Adizero Evo SL
Best for Heavier runners
Top pick
ASICS - SUPERBLAST 2
Best for Long-distance training
Top pick
ASICS - SUPERBLAST 2
Best for Marathon race day
Top pick
ASICS - SUPERBLAST 2
Best for Maximum cushioning and joint protection
Top pick
Nike - Vomero Plus
