The Pegasus is a crowd-pleaser which has received an upper only update. It has the same React midsole, a thick Zoom Air unit and the same outsole layout. It costs $130.
The New Balance 880 is a widely popular, versatile trainer which has received major upgrades. It has a Fresh Foam X midsole, a knitted upper and a new outsole configuration. It costs $140.
Which of these two every day workhorses is the one for you?
The midsole of the Pegasus is made of React foam compared to the 880’s midsole of Fresh Foam X. The Pegasus has Zoom Air units in its forefoot and heel which the 880 does not have.
The ride of the Pegasus is firmer than the ride of the 880 and is more suited to shorter, tempo runs. The 880 is better suited to longer runs at relaxed paces because of its more cushioned ride and its heavier weight.
Responsiveness is better in the Pegasus thanks to the Zoom Air unit in the forefoot which adds a nice “pop” on toe off. This extra bit of responsiveness comes in handy on tempo runs when you need a snappy toe off.
Stability is better in the 880 than in the Pegasus. The 880 has a midsole which flares out and has a wide, stable base so foot strikes feel more planted.
The outsole of the Pegasus is made of hard carbon rubber on the lateral crash pad and blown rubber on the medial side and forefoot. The 880 also has hard carbon rubber on its rearfoot and toe areas with softer, blown rubber on its midfoot and forefoot. Overall, the Pegasus’s outsole is much more durable than the 880 as its outsole rubber is firmer and harder-wearing.
The React midsole of the Pegasus is a durable material which doesn’t lose much cushioning over the life of the shoe. The Zoom Air unit will also not lose any cushioning as the air is encapsulated. The Fresh Foam X midsole of the 880 is an EVA blend which will eventually lose cushioning over time.
The upper of the Pegasus is made from an engineered sandwich mesh. It has a padded tongue which is sleeved so no tongue slide occurs. The heel counter of the Pegasus flares away from the Achilles to not irritate and foot lockdown is good- there is no heel slippage. The forefoot of the Pegasus is accommodating and the shoe is available in additional narrow, regular, wide and extra wide versions if you need them.
The upper of the 880 is a mesh material which is soft and comfortable but it runs warmer than the Pegasus. The 880 runs true to size and comes in regular, wide and extra wide versions.
If you’re a runner who wants a durable, responsive trainer for mainly shorter, tempo distances, get the Pegasus. The Pegasus has a breathable upper, Zoom Air units for extra “pop” on toe off and one of the most durable outsoles on the market. It has an accommodating fit and is available in wider sizes.
If you want a shoe for longer distances, get the 880. The 880 is $10 more than the Pegasus but it is more cushioned, more stable and has a more comfortable upper. The 880’s outsole is not as durable but it has better ground feel and contributes to a softer ride.
