Nike Air Zoom Vomero vs. Pegasus (2022)

These two flagship shoes of the Nike series are complementary.

The Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16 aims to offer a more stable ride although it’s a neutral shoe like the Pegasus 38. Thus, it translates into a wider platform and comes with a TPU piece at the rear to better guide the foot while running.

The Vomero 16 also offers more cushion with its 30 mm heel stack height versus 28 mm for the Pegasus 38. Overall, it makes it more suitable for longer distances even if the Pegasus also does very well at this level.

In both cases, the heel-to-toe drop is 10 mm, which is standard.

Then, even if in theory the Vomero uses a more responsive and cutting-edge foam (ZoomX), in practice, the Pegasus is more bouncy with its React midsole. The testers explain this by the density of the platform: the Vomero feels softer while the Pegasus appears firmer underfoot. Also, on the latter, the Zoom Air unit gives a more responsive bounce while on the Vomero it results in better shock absorption.

Finally, let’s note that the Vomero’s upper is softer which gives a comfort-oriented lockdown. Conversely, the Pegasus upper provides a more snug, performance-oriented lockdown.

Vomero or Pegasus: which one to choose?

Overall, the Pegasus appears to be more versatile with its more responsive cushioning that makes it suitable for tempo sessions. On the other hand, with about 0.7 oz/20 g less, it’s lighter than the Vomero.

Nevertheless, runners who need more stability or prefer a softer cushioning will go for the Vomero. Finally, the Vomero is reputed for its sturdy design, which is particularly well-suited to heavy runners.

Side-by-side comparison

Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16 score
Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16
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The Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16 combines stability and softness for your daily runs. This new version has an even softer upper for more comfort.
Soft and comfortable cushioning
Stable design
Sturdy shoe
New softer upper
Good overall versatility
Not a very responsive ride
Still a bit heavy (no change since the previous version)
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 score
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
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The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 is a star running shoe that offers comfort and comfort and versatility for everyday daily outings.
Great comfort
Cushioning that absorbs shock well
Well-fitting mesh upper with secure lockdown and roomier than previously
Versatile model
Sturdy build
Testers unanimously note the lack of responsiveness when it comes to the cushioning
Some users report signs of creasing on the sole

Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38

Technical Specs

TerrainRoadRoad
Pronation typeNeutralNeutral
Drop10 mm10 mm
Heel stack height30 mm28 mm
Forefoot stack height20 mm18 mm
Weight (men) 292 g/10.3 oz275 g/9.7 oz
Weight (women) 252 g/8.9 oz235 g/8.3 oz
Release year20212021

Technologies

Outsole RubberRubber
Midsole Zoom Air, ZoomXZoom Air, React
UpperEngineered meshEngineered mesh

Cushioning

Softness (1-5) 4 – Soft 3 – Moderate
Bounce (1-5) 2 – Low3 – Moderate

Use

SpeedSlow, moderateSlow, moderate
DistanceMid, long, 10 km, half marathon, marathonMid, long, 10 km, half marathon, marathon
Workout Daily runs, recovery Daily runs
Kevin Le Gall

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner's Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He's also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.