The Pegasus has been around for an eternity and is now in its 41st version. The reason it is so popular is because it has something for everyone. It's capable of a variety of runs and is very well-priced.
The Wave Rider, now in its 27th version is known for its consistent ride character from update to update. It's also a very versatile trainer and very well-built.
Which one of these classic daily trainers is for you?
The midsole of the Pegasus is made of ReactX foam which is medium firm and very versatile. It makes the Pegasus slightly responsive and moderately cushioned.
Inside the Pegasus’s forefoot is a large Zoom Air unit which increases responsiveness. It is softer in the women’s version than the men’s version. Inside the heel is another Zoom Air unit which increases cushioning.
The midsole of the Wave Rider is made of Mizuno’s brand new Enerzy foam. Enerzy is softer and more responsive than Mizuno’s older midsole foams.
Inside the Wave Rider’s heel is the signature Wave Plate which adds structure and a springy sensation.
The firmer riding Pegasus makes it more suitable for shorter, faster runs compared to the more cushioned Wave Rider which handles long, slow runs better.
The rides of both the Wave Rider and the Pegasus are not very smooth because their midsoles differ in densities: the Wave Rider has a firmer rearfoot with a softer forefoot while the Pegasus has a softer rearfoot and a firmer forefoot.
The Pegasus has a drop of 10mm compared to 12mm of the Wave Rider. This makes the Wave Rider more suited to heel strikers because there is more foam in the heel to soften heel strikes.
Stability in the Pegasus is better than in the Wave Rider because the midsole of the Pegasus is firmer and it also has a lower midsole stack height which results in less lean bias.
On the outsoles, both trainers have plenty of tough, durable rubber.
The Pegasus has BRS 1000 rubber on the heel area for increased durability as well as softer, blown rubber on the forefoot.
The Wave Rider has X10 carbon rubber on its heel for durability and traction as well as blown rubber on its forefoot.
The Pegasus has a comfortable upper with a padded tongue which is sleeved. It has a shallow heel counter but still provides a secure heel hold.
The Wave Rider has a more padded upper with better heel lockdown. The extra padding makes the Wave Rider more comfortable for long distances but it is more prone to absorbing liquid and picking up weight.
If you’re a runner looking for a neutral daily trainer that specialises in shorter, faster runs, the Pegasus is the shoe for you. Its upper is comfortable and its forefoot Zoom Air unit provides extra responsiveness for tempo runs.
If you’re a runner looking for a neutral daily trainer that specialises in longer, slower runs, the Wave Rider is a great choice. It has a plush, comfortable upper for long distance comfort and has superb foot lockdown.
