The Nike Pegasus is one of the most popular running shoes on the market for its wide availability and its consistent fit and feel year after year. The Nike InfinityRN4 is the next version of the Infinity Run Flyknit with some refinements. The InfinityRN4 Flyknit is $20 more expensive but is it worth the extra cash?
The sole units of these two shoes are like night and day even though they both use ReactX foam. The Pegasus uses firmer ReactX foam and Zoom Air whereas the InfinityRN is made from lower density ReactX foam.
The combination of firmer ReactX foam and Zoom Air units in the Pegasus makes it a firmer, stable feeling shoe with moderate amounts of responsiveness. The ReactX sole of the InfinityRN Flyknit is much softer in comparison and less stable.
The Pegasus is better suited to short tempo runs whereas the InfinityRN is better for long, slow runs. The InfinityRN’s midsole has plenty of deep cushioning and foot protection. The Pegasus has a firm toe off which is needed for tempo runs.
In terms of stability, the InfinityRN has a more prominent arch than the Pegasus but the Pegasus is the overall more stable shoe due to the firmness and the lower stack height of its midsole.
Both shoes have very smooth ride transitions: the Pegasus has a forefoot Zoom Air unit, heel Zoom Air unit and one-piece midsole, the InfinityRN also has a one-piece midsole but with no Zoom Air unit, making its ride smoother.
When it comes to the outsole, the Pegasus has more rubber and uses thicker, harder rubber. The InfinityRN has more rubber than the Epic React’s outsole but is not full coverage so the exposed react midsole gets scraped on the sides where there is no rubber. The Pegasus has the more durable outsole.
Both the InfinityRN and the Pegasus’s midsoles are made from ReactX foam which doesn’t lose much cushioning over the lifespan of the shoe compared to regular EVA foam.
In summary, the Pegasus is firmer, more stable and has a more durable outsole. The InfinityRN has a softer, more bouncy midsole which is better suited for long, slow-paced runs.
The Pegasus has a traditional mesh upper while the InfinityRN has a modern Flyknit upper.
The Pegasus has the tried and tested, engineered mesh upper which has an accommodating midfoot and forefoot. It has a comfortable fit and heel lockdown is good.
The InfinityRN has a knitted upper which is more breathable than engineered mesh. The InfinityRN has a secure heel counter with the option of lacing heel lock.
Both uppers run true to size but the Pegasus is offered in narrow and wide sizes if you have extra narrow or extra wide feet. The InfinityRN has more padding compared to the upper of the Pegasus.
The Nike Pegasus is a dependable, consistent trainer. It has similar ride characters from year to year, is good value for money and is good for most types of short runs.
The Nike InfinityRN is a highly cushioned shoe capable of many long, slow miles. It has a modern, breathable upper, a prominent arch and some features such as a heel clip which offer light stability.
If you like the combination of Zoom Air and React foam technologies, the Pegasus is the shoe for you. If you prefer a softer, bouncy ride for long distances, the InfinityRN is for you.
