New Balance is a company that makes all kinds of athletic shoes for different activities. Nike Pegasus is a specific running shoe model made by Nike that has been around for many years.
Both are high-quality choices, but they’re designed for different purposes and have different features. Let’s explore what makes each special so you can pick the perfect pair for your feet!
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Nike Pegasus Shoes
- 2 The History of New Balance and Nike Pegasus
- 3 Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
- 4 Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
- 5 Cushioning: How They Feel When You Walk
- 6 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
- 7 Stability: Keeping You Steady on Your Feet
- 8 Comfort: How They Feel All Day Long
- 9 Quality: How Well They’re Made
- 10 Style: Looking Cool While Staying Comfortable
- 11 Size Range: Finding Shoes That Fit You
- 12 Materials: What Are They Made Of?
- 13 Weight: How Heavy They Feel On Your Feet
- 14 Flexibility: How They Bend With Your Foot
- 15 Water Resistance: Keeping Your Feet Dry
- 16 Sole: What’s On The Bottom Of The Shoe
- 17 User Reviews and Ratings
- 18 Price Comparison
- 19 Pros and Cons
- 20 Conclusion
- 21 Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance vs Nike Pegasus Shoes
New Balance and Nike Pegasus shoes lies in their design philosophy. New Balance typically offers more width options and focuses on stability, while Nike Pegasus shoes emphasize responsive cushioning and energy return for runners. Both brands provide quality athletic footwear but cater to slightly different comfort preferences and running styles.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | Nike Pegasus |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Type | Full athletic shoe company with many models | Specific running shoe line by Nike |
| Primary Purpose | Versatile – many different activities | Primarily running, also good for everyday wear |
| History | Founded 1906, makes many shoe types | Single model line created in 1983, updated yearly |
| Width Options | Multiple (narrow, standard, wide, extra wide) | Standard and wide in newer models |
| Cushioning | Varies by model (Fresh Foam, ENCAP, etc.) | Zoom Air pods and React foam |
| Price Range | $50-$200 (wide range of options) | $120-$180 (premium only) |
| Target Audience | Everyone – all ages, all activities | Primarily runners, also casual wearers |
| Model Variety | Hundreds of different models | Single model updated yearly (now on version 40) |
| Fit | Generally roomier, especially in toe box | More performance-oriented fit |
| Best For | Versatility and width accommodation | Running-focused activities |
| Size Range | Complete range from small children to adult | Limited kids’ sizes, primarily adult sizes |
| Manufacturing | Some models made in USA | All made overseas |
| Design Philosophy | Different shoes for different needs | One versatile running shoe for most runners |
| Style | Ranges from retro “dad shoe” to modern | Clean, streamlined running aesthetic |
| Available Colors | Huge variety across many models | Limited seasonal color options |
In summary: New Balance and Nike Pegasus serve different markets in athletic footwear. New Balance offers a huge variety of models for all activities with multiple width options at various price points.
Nike Pegasus is a specific running shoe line with 40 years of history, focusing on balanced cushioning and performance for runners. New Balance provides more options for different foot types and activities, while Pegasus offers a refined running experience based on decades of improvements to a single design.
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The History of New Balance and Nike Pegasus
New Balance History
New Balance started way back in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. A man named William J. Riley began making special arch supports to help people with foot problems. Later, the company started making running shoes. New Balance became famous for making shoes in different widths, which helps more people find the perfect fit.
Today, New Balance makes all kinds of shoes for running, walking, basketball, and just everyday wear. They make their shoes in many different styles and models for all kinds of activities.
Nike Pegasus History
The Nike Pegasus has a really cool history! It was first created in 1983, which means it’s been around for about 40 years. The Pegasus was designed to be a shoe that could work for all kinds of runners, from beginners to serious athletes. The name “Pegasus” comes from the flying horse in Greek mythology, because Nike wanted the shoes to feel light and fast.
Nike releases a new version of the Pegasus almost every year, adding new technologies and improvements. The current model is the Nike Pegasus 40, which shows how many versions they’ve made over the years!
Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
New Balance Durability
New Balance shoes are known for being really durable! They use strong materials and solid construction that helps their shoes last a long time. The stitching is usually very secure, and the soles are made to handle lots of activity without wearing down quickly.
Many kids who wear New Balance find that their shoes still look good even after months of playing sports, running around at recess, and everyday walking. New Balance tests their shoes a lot to make sure they won’t fall apart easily.
Nike Pegasus Durability
Nike Pegasus shoes are also built to be durable, especially for running. They use tough rubber on the bottom in areas that tend to wear out first, like the heel and toe. The upper part of the shoe is made with sturdy materials that can handle stretching and bending.
The Pegasus is designed to last for hundreds of miles of running, which is pretty impressive! However, like all running shoes, they will eventually wear out if you use them every day. Both brands offer good durability, but New Balance might have a slight edge for everyday use and mixed activities.
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Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
New Balance Breathability
Nobody wants hot, sweaty feet! New Balance knows this and makes many of their shoes with special mesh materials that let air flow through. This helps keep your feet cool and dry, even when you’re active all day.
Many New Balance shoes have tiny holes or mesh panels on the top and sides. These let hot air escape and fresh air come in, which helps prevent stinky feet!
Nike Pegasus Breathability
Nike Pegasus shoes are designed with breathability as a key feature. They use engineered mesh in the upper part of the shoe that allows excellent airflow. The mesh is designed to be more open in areas where your feet get hottest.
Both brands offer great breathability, but the Pegasus might have a slight edge here since it’s specifically designed for running, where keeping feet cool is super important.
Cushioning: How They Feel When You Walk
New Balance Cushioning
New Balance uses different cushioning technologies in their shoes. Some popular ones include “Fresh Foam” and “ENCAP,” which provide soft, bouncy feelings under your feet. The amount of cushioning varies depending on which New Balance model you choose.
Some New Balance shoes have lots of cushioning for maximum comfort, while others have less cushioning for better ground feel. This variety lets you pick the level of cushioning that works best for you.
Nike Pegasus Cushioning
Nike Pegasus shoes are known for their balanced cushioning – not too soft and not too firm. They use Nike’s “React” foam and “Zoom Air” units (which are like little air cushions) to give a responsive, bouncy feel.
The Pegasus has more cushioning in the heel for landing comfort and less in the front for better push-off when running. This design works well for both running and walking, giving you comfort without feeling too squishy.
Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
New Balance Fit
One really cool thing about New Balance is that they make shoes in different widths. This is super helpful because not everyone’s feet are the same width! They offer narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide options in many of their styles.
New Balance shoes tend to have a roomier toe box, which means there’s more space for your toes to spread out naturally. This can be more comfortable for growing feet or if your feet are a bit wider.
Nike Pegasus Fit
Nike Pegasus shoes typically come in standard width, though newer models also offer wide options. They tend to have a more snug, performance-oriented fit compared to New Balance.
The Pegasus has a secure midfoot fit with a bit more room in the toe area. Nike designed the Pegasus to fit many different foot types, but they don’t offer as many width options as New Balance.
If you have wide feet or need special widths, New Balance would likely be a better choice for you.
Stability: Keeping You Steady on Your Feet
New Balance Stability
Stability in shoes helps prevent your ankles from rolling inward or outward too much. New Balance makes different shoes with varying levels of stability. Some models are designed specifically for people who need extra support.
New Balance offers shoes for “neutral” feet (those that don’t roll inward or outward too much), as well as shoes for people whose feet roll inward (overpronation). This variety lets you pick the right level of stability for your feet.
Nike Pegasus Stability
Nike Pegasus shoes provide moderate stability. They’re designed for neutral runners but still offer enough support for most people. The Pegasus has a secure fit through the midfoot and a moderately structured heel counter that helps keep your foot in place.
If you need specific stability features for severe overpronation, New Balance might offer more options for you. But for most kids with normal feet, both brands provide good stability.
Comfort: How They Feel All Day Long
New Balance Comfort
Comfort is a top priority for New Balance. Besides cushioning, they focus on making shoes that feel good from the first time you put them on. Many New Balance shoes don’t need a “break-in period” – they feel comfortable right away!
New Balance uses soft linings inside their shoes and padding around the ankle collar to prevent blisters and irritation. The multiple width options also help make sure you get a comfortable fit.
Nike Pegasus Comfort
Nike Pegasus shoes are designed to be comfortable for long periods of wear. They have good padding around the ankle collar and tongue, and the cushioning system provides comfort throughout the entire shoe.
One great thing about the Pegasus is that it’s designed to be comfortable for both running and walking, making it a versatile shoe for all-day wear. Many people find the Pegasus comfortable right out of the box, though some might need a short break-in period.
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Quality: How Well They’re Made
New Balance Quality
New Balance has been making shoes for a very long time, and they’ve gotten really good at it! They pay attention to small details like even stitching, secure gluing, and durable materials.
The quality control for New Balance shoes is very strict. Some New Balance shoes are even made in the United States, where they have close control over the manufacturing process.
Nike Pegasus Quality
Nike Pegasus shoes are known for their consistent quality. Since the Pegasus is one of Nike’s most popular and longest-running shoe models, they put a lot of effort into making sure it’s well-made.
The materials are high-quality, and the construction is designed to last. Nike also has strict quality control to make sure each pair meets their standards.
Both brands offer excellent quality shoes, though New Balance might have a slight edge with their USA-made models, which often have exceptional craftsmanship.
Style: Looking Cool While Staying Comfortable
New Balance Style
New Balance has a style that’s a mix of sporty and classic. Their shoes often have a chunky, retro look that has become very popular in fashion recently. They offer lots of color options, from simple white, black, and gray to brighter colors like blue, red, and green.
New Balance shoes are great for everyday wear and can go with lots of different outfits. Some models like the 574 and 990 have become fashion icons that many kids wear just for style!
Nike Pegasus Style
Nike Pegasus shoes have a more streamlined, modern look. They’re designed to look sporty and fast, with clean lines and cool design details. Each year’s new model usually comes in several color options, from basic black and white to brighter, more colorful versions.
The Pegasus has a classic running shoe look with the famous Nike swoosh logo. While they’re designed primarily for performance, many kids think they look really cool for everyday wear too!
Size Range: Finding Shoes That Fit You
New Balance Size Range
New Balance offers one of the widest size ranges of any shoe company. They make kids’ shoes starting at very small sizes for toddlers all the way up to big adult sizes. This makes them great for growing feet!
As mentioned earlier, they also offer multiple width options, which can be really helpful if you have narrow or wide feet.
Nike Pegasus Size Range
Nike Pegasus shoes come in a good range of sizes, from older kids’ sizes (usually starting around size 3.5 or 4) through all adult sizes. While they don’t make Pegasus models specifically for very young kids, they do offer sizes that work for many pre-teens and teenagers.
Newer Pegasus models come in standard and wide widths, though they don’t offer as many width options as New Balance.
Materials: What Are They Made Of?
New Balance Materials
New Balance uses a variety of materials in their shoes:
- Mesh fabric for breathability
- Synthetic leather for structure and support
- Foam for cushioning
- Rubber for durable outsoles
- Suede for some lifestyle models
They choose materials based on what each shoe is designed for. Running shoes use more mesh for breathability, while casual shoes might use more suede or leather-like materials.
Nike Pegasus Materials
Nike Pegasus shoes use performance-focused materials:
- Engineered mesh for the upper part
- Synthetic overlays for structure
- React foam for cushioning
- Zoom Air units for responsive bounce
- Tough rubber for the outsole
The materials in the Pegasus are specifically chosen to provide a good balance of breathability, support, and durability for running and everyday wear.
Weight: How Heavy They Feel On Your Feet
New Balance Weight
New Balance makes shoes in a range of weights. Their running and athletic shoes tend to be lightweight to help you move faster. Their casual shoes and those designed for extra support might be a bit heavier.
For kids, New Balance generally tries to keep the weight down since heavy shoes can be tiring to wear all day.
Nike Pegasus Weight
Nike Pegasus shoes are designed to be lightweight but still have enough cushioning to be comfortable. They’re not the lightest running shoes Nike makes (those would be racing shoes), but they have a good balance of weight and cushioning.
Most Pegasus models weigh about the same as comparable New Balance running shoes, making them light enough for comfortable running and all-day wear.
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Flexibility: How They Bend With Your Foot
New Balance Flexibility
Flexibility is important because your foot needs to bend naturally when you walk and run. New Balance designs their shoes with flex grooves in the sole that allow the shoe to bend where your foot naturally bends.
Different New Balance models offer different levels of flexibility based on their intended use. Running shoes tend to be more flexible, while shoes for sports like basketball might be a bit stiffer for support.
Nike Pegasus Flexibility
Nike Pegasus shoes are designed with flexibility in mind, especially in the forefoot (the front part of the shoe). They have flex grooves cut into the sole to help the shoe bend with your foot as you run or walk.
The Pegasus has a good balance of flexibility and support, allowing natural foot movement while still providing structure where needed.
Water Resistance: Keeping Your Feet Dry
New Balance Water Resistance
Most standard New Balance shoes aren’t fully waterproof, but many have water-resistant features that help keep your feet dry in light rain or wet grass. They use materials that don’t soak up water easily and designs that keep water from getting inside the shoe.
New Balance does make some fully waterproof shoes, but these are usually specialized models for hiking or outdoor activities.
Nike Pegasus Water Resistance
Standard Nike Pegasus shoes aren’t designed to be waterproof. Since they’re made for road running, they prioritize breathability over water resistance. The mesh upper will let water in if you run through puddles or in the rain.
However, Nike does make a special “Shield” version of the Pegasus that comes out each winter, which has water-repellent materials to help keep your feet drier in wet weather.
If water resistance is important to you, look for either New Balance trail shoes or the Nike Pegasus Shield version.
Sole: What’s On The Bottom Of The Shoe
New Balance Soles
New Balance uses durable rubber for their outsoles (the bottom part that touches the ground). They design different tread patterns for different activities:
- Running shoes have flexible grooves and cushioning
- Trail shoes have deeper lugs for grip on dirt and rocks
- Casual shoes have smoother soles for everyday wear
The soles are designed to provide good grip on different surfaces while lasting a long time without wearing down.
Nike Pegasus Soles
Nike Pegasus shoes have rubber outsoles designed specifically for road running. They use a waffle-like pattern that provides good grip on pavement and gym floors. The rubber is placed strategically in high-wear areas like the heel and forefoot to improve durability.
The Pegasus sole has flex grooves that help the shoe bend naturally with your foot. Over the years, Nike has refined the sole design to provide a good balance of grip, durability, and flexibility.
User Reviews and Ratings
| Shoe Model | Overall Rating | Comfort | Durability | Style | User Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance 880 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | “Super comfortable for all-day wear. Great for PE class and everyday walking around school.” |
| Nike Pegasus 39 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “These shoes are amazing for running! They feel bouncy and look really cool with any outfit.” |
| New Balance 574 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “I love how these look, and they’re comfortable for everything I do at school. My feet never hurt!” |
| Nike Pegasus 38 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | “Really comfortable right away and great for running, but they started to wear out after about 6 months of daily use.” |
Price Comparison
| Shoe Type | New Balance Price | Nike Pegasus Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Models | $50-$80 | N/A (Pegasus only comes in premium) | Everyday wear, casual use |
| Running Models | $100-$140 | $120-$160 | Running, jogging, PE class |
| Premium/Special Editions | $150-$200 | $160-$180 | Serious running, collecting |
Pros and Cons
New Balance Shoes
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Come in many different widths for all foot types | Not as specialized for running |
| Available in many different models and styles | Some models don’t look as sleek or cool |
| Can be used for many different activities | Quality can vary between different models |
| Some affordable options that cost less | Not as much cool technology in cheaper models |
| Great for wide feet or narrow feet | Some styles look chunky or like “dad shoes” |
| Some are made in the USA | Can be confusing to pick from so many choices |
| Good for everyday wear and all school activities | Not as famous or popular with some kids |
| Easy to find in many stores | Basic models aren’t as fancy as Pegasus |
Nike Pegasus Shoes
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Designed specifically for running | More expensive than basic New Balance |
| Very comfortable with special air cushioning | Fewer width options (just regular and wide) |
| Looks sleek and sporty | Only comes in one basic design (updated yearly) |
| Consistent quality across all pairs | Not ideal for all sports like basketball |
| Special Zoom Air technology feels bouncy | Hard to find in smaller kids’ sizes |
| The Nike swoosh logo looks cool | Can wear out faster if used for wrong activities |
| 40 years of improvements to perfect the design | Not made in the USA |
| Popular with runners and many kids | Less support for people with foot problems |
Conclusion
After looking at all these features, which shoe is best for you? Here’s what I think:
Choose New Balance if:
- You need special sizes or widths (especially wide or narrow feet)
- You want shoes for different activities, not just running
- You’re looking for more affordable options
- You prefer a classic or retro style
- You need shoes specifically made for kids
Choose Nike Pegasus if:
- Running is your main activity
- You want a proven, popular running shoe design
- You like a more modern, streamlined look
- You want a shoe that works well for both running and everyday wear
- You prefer the Nike brand and style
Both New Balance and Nike Pegasus make excellent shoes, but they serve somewhat different purposes. New Balance is more versatile with options for all kinds of activities and foot types. Nike Pegasus is more specialized, focusing on providing a great running experience while still being versatile enough for everyday wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Nike Pegasus shoes good for kids?
Yes, Nike Pegasus shoes can be great for kids, especially older kids who run or are very active. They come in youth sizes (typically 3.5 and up), though they don’t make very small kids’ sizes.
Can I use New Balance shoes for running?
Absolutely! New Balance makes excellent running shoes. Look for their running-specific models like the 880, 1080, or FuelCell series rather than their casual models if running is your main activity.
Which shoe is better for PE class?
Both can work well for PE class! The Pegasus is great if your PE class involves a lot of running. New Balance might be more versatile if your PE class includes different activities like basketball, soccer, and running.
How do I know what size to get?
For both brands, it’s best to measure your foot or try the shoes on in a store if possible. New Balance tends to run true to size, while Nike sometimes runs a bit small. When in doubt, read reviews for that specific shoe model.
Are these shoes good for people with foot problems?
New Balance is often recommended by doctors for people with foot problems because they offer multiple widths and good support. Nike Pegasus provides good cushioning which can help with certain foot issues, but doesn’t come in as many width options.
Which shoe will last longer?
For everyday mixed use, New Balance shoes typically last longer because they’re designed for versatility. If you’re using the shoes primarily for running on roads, both should last about the same amount of time.
Why is the Nike shoe called “Pegasus”?
The Nike Pegasus is named after the winged horse from Greek mythology. Nike chose this name because they wanted the shoes to feel light and fast, like you could fly when wearing them!