Comparison:
Nike Pegasus vs ASICS Novablast
The Pegasus is Nike’s legendary neutral daily trainer; the Novablast is ASICS' new, versatile daily trainer. Here we will be comparing these two neutral trainers.
Comparison:
The Pegasus has been around for 40 years and is one of the most popular running shoes in the world. It has always been a reliable, durable trainer with excellent value. It costs $130.
The Novablast is only on its third iteration but has become a very popular trainer in such a short time. Runners love its fun, bouncy ride which is unlike anything else on the market. It costs $140.
Which one of these neutral trainers is better for you?
Similarity and differences: Air Zoom Pegasus 40 vs Novablast 3
Expert score
7/10
8/10
Weight
9.4 oz
8.9 oz
Heel Drop
10 mm
9 mm
Verdict
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 is a daily trainer with a stable ride and durable build. It doesn't have a particularly fun or lively ride but it has a comfortable fit with no major weaknesses. It's best suited to short or middle-distance easy runs. Version 40 is only an upper update which makes the shoe more comfortable but heavier. It isn't a substantial update so it's not a major improvement over the Pegasus 39.
The ASICS Novablast 3 is a polished daily trainer which is best suited to relaxed, easy runs. Its midsole has been upgraded to FF Blast+ foam so it loses a bunch of weight and gains some extra cushioning depth. Version 3 rides smoother than its predecessor but it rides firmer so it doesn't have the fun, bouncy ride which the Novablast used to be known for.
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
balanced
balanced
Cushioning amount
Medium cushioning
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
flexible
flexible
Stability
very stable
very stable
Sizing
true to size
buy half size smaller
Retail price
US$130
US$
Sole unit: Air Zoom Pegasus 40 vs Novablast 3
The midsole of the Pegasus is made of React foam which is medium soft in density. It has a thick, large Zoom Air unit in its forefoot and a Zoom Air unit in its heel. The Zoom Air units add extra responsiveness during toe-offs.
The Novablast’s midsole is made of FF Blast+ which is softer than the React midsole of the Pegasus. It doesn’t have an air unit but the geometry of its midsole results in a bouncy, lively ride.
The Novablast feels better on slower, easy-paced runs because of its softer ride whereas the Pegasus handles faster efforts better because of the Zoom Air unit which provides a firmer platform to push off from.
Long runs are better in the Novablast because it has more long-distance comfort whereas shorter, faster runs are better in the Pegasus which has a more snappy forefoot.
The Pegasus has a stiffer forefoot than the Novablast. It feels more snappy but doesn’t have the flexible, natural feel that the Novablast has.
Stability is better in the Pegasus because it has a firmer midsole with less lean bias. The Novablast feels slightly unstable because of its narrow, tall midsole.
Ride transitions are smoother in the Novablast because it has a single-density midsole so the heel and forefoot feel very similar. In the Pegasus, the forefoot is firmer than the heel so ride transitions don’t feel as smooth.
The outsole of the Pegasus uses very tough, durable rubber which can last over 1000 kilometres. The outsole of the Novablast uses softer, more flexible rubber which is durable but not as durable as the Pegasus.
Upper unit: Air Zoom Pegasus 40 vs Novablast 3
The upper of the Pegasus is made of sandwich mesh which is soft and of average breathability. It has a lightly padded heel and tongue with excellent foot lockdown. The Pegasus fits true to size and comes in a variety of widths.
The upper of the Novablast is made of engineered mesh which is slightly softer and more breathable than the mesh of the Pegasus. It has a heel tab and collar which are more padded than the Pegasus. The tongue is semi-gusseted so there’s also no tongue slide. The Novablast fits a half size large and only comes in a standard width.
Which one to buy: Air Zoom Pegasus 40 vs Novablast 3
Pick the Pegasus if you want a faster shoe for shorter distances. It has better stability, a more durable outsole and costs the same as the Novablast. The biggest difference is its forefoot and heel Zoom Air units which adds extra spring and pop at toe off.
Pick the Novablast if you want a softer shoe for slower runs and longer distances. It has a more cushioned midsole and smoother ride transitions. The Novablast is also lighter and more flexible than the Pegasus.
This expert review is written by
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert Brandon is a South African who lives and trains in Malaysia. He is a marathon runner who eats, sleeps and dreams running shoes. While most people wear shoes to run, he runs to wear shoes.
