The Nike Winflo has earned its reputation from being a budget-friendly, neutral running shoe without the price tags of the Pegasus or the Vomero. The newest update of the Winflo has a full-length Zoom Air unit which brings the Winflo 11 even closer to its more expensive siblings. The Pegasus 41 is the oldest running shoe series and is always a safe, durable option. Which of these shoes is right for you?
The Winflo has a full-length Zoom Air unit setup identical to the setup in the Pegasus 36. The Pegasus has a forefoot Zoom Air unit and a heel Zoom Air unit which are thicker than the Zoom Air unit in the Winflo.
Both the Winflo and the Pegasus have firm heels and forefoots that feel responsive and efficient. Transitions are quick and stability is high in both shoes due to the relatively firm midsoles.
The Pegasus and the Winflo have plenty of hard, durable rubber on their outsoles so you can expect to get similar high mileage out of both of them. The EVA midsole of the Winflo will lose cushioning over time and then you will feel the Zoom Air units more prominently. The ReactX foam of the Pegasus is more durable than EVA foam so the Pegasus will not get a lot firmer over time.
The Pegasus and the Winflo both excel in a variety of runs. They have a great balance of cushioning and tight-sprung responsiveness. The Zoom Air units prevent the midsoles from bottoming out and add some pop off the ground.
Stability is better in the Winflo due to the midsole of the Pegasus being softer and more squishy than that of the Winflo.
Ride transitions in the Winflo are smoother than those in the Pegasus due to the Pegasus having a dual Zoom air units. The Winflo air bag in the forefoot is larger so you don’t feel the outline of the air bag through the strobel lining and insole.
The Winflo has a partial sleeve which makes the insides very smooth. The heel and tongue lining also have a soft feel. The fit of the Winflo is wider than previous versions. The toe box is shallow but not uncomfortable. Ventilation through the mesh is average: neither too warm, nor too airy.
The Pegasus has an accommodating toe box and a heel that also flares away from the Achilles. It has heel-lock lacing eyelets so the entire foot lockdown is more secure and performance-oriented than the Winflo. The Pegasus has a long, padded tongue which is sleeved so no tongue slide occurs. The Pegasus also comes in a variety of widths from narrow to extra wide.
On paper, the Winflo and the Pegasus have similar specs. Both are neutral trainers with Zoom Air cushioning, but the Pegasus has the more responsive, newer ReactX midsole.
The Winflo, being priced at only $105 has signs of cost-cutting. The Winflo is still a versatile trainer with a wide performance range.
The Pegasus has a superior upper which has a better midfoot lockdown. If a better fit and more durable shoe is what you’re after, the Pegasus is for you. If you prefer a traditional, more agile-feeling shoe and don’t mind sacrificing some shoe build quality, the Winflo will serve you just fine.
