I’m quickly approaching the point where I need to replace my current (main) pair of running shoes with something new. The Brooks Ghost 11 I currently run in has proven to be a more than capable workhorse, but the new Nike Pegasus 37 has definitely piqued my interest. Why would I possibly select that over moving into the Ghost 12? Let’s find out!

First off, I used to be a Pegasus fanboy. It was the first pair of serious running shoes that I owned. I think it was the Pegasus 10. Those were amazing shoes, and I put many miles on them from tracks to trails. I continued to buy the newest iteration whenever I was in the market for running shoes, but that ceased after owning the Pegasus 30.

To me, the 30 felt clunky and awkward. I felt like it wasn’t terribly smooth, and I didn’t really enjoy running in it. I searched for something else in the Nike lineup, and settled on the Flyknit Lunar 2. Which was great for shorter runs or speed work, but it just didn’t have quite the cushioning I needed for longer runs. The search was on again. This time I looked outside the Nike sphere.

Brooks Helps Me “Run Happy”

That’s how I found Brooks. I had always been aware of the brand, but didn’t really know anyone, at the time, who ran in them. My first foray into “Running Happy” was with their Launch line. It’s a no-frills neutral trainer, and I mean that in the nicest way possible. Enough cushioning to get you through runs and workouts without feeling too beat up the next day. I’m still using a pair of Launch 3 shoes (I stockpiled a few from a sale) for tempo runs and mild speed work. The only problem was I got into playing more basketball and devoted less time to longer runs. Then, when I decided to ramp up my running I found that I needed some extra cushioning. That’s where the Ghost 11 comes in.

I discovered a friend was running in the Ghost 10 and loved them. The Ghost 11 had recently come out so I decided to give them a shot. Within a few runs I knew I was going to love the shoe. It’s got just the right amount of cushioning, but without translating that into feeling heavy or awkward. I can rack up mile after mile without worrying too much about dead legs. It also has great impact protection in the heel which I needed early on because I found that I would start to heel strike as my legs got tired. All in all, it’s been a wonderful and reliable daily running shoe. So why the Pegasus 37?

Pegasus 37 On the Short List

Well, as I’ve increased my mileage and rounded back into running form I’ve been looking for something a little more svelte. Like I said, the Ghost 11 doesn’t feel bulky, and it isn’t all that heavy, probably just under 11 oz. for my size. However, the new Pegasus 37 is closer to 10 oz. and appears to be more streamlined. Though, I will say I heard some complaints of a narrow toe box in the 36 so I’m curious to find out if that carried over to the 37.

I would also like to try getting back into shoes with a lower drop. The Ghost series is typically around 12mm whereas the Pegasus 37 is 10mm. Not a huge difference, but it’s been my experience that those lower drop shoes just “feel” faster. I did enjoy having that higher drop in the Ghost 11 as I battled some Achilles issues. However, I feel like I’ve worked those out, and am ready for something a little lower.

There are two reasons I might stick with Brooks, though. The first is that the Pegasus 37 looks like a really low cut. I know photos can be deceiving, but the space between the top of the midsole and the bottom of the ankle cutout looks quite a bit narrower on the Peg versus the Ghost. It might not be a huge deal if the shoe really locks your foot in.

The second reason would be heel cushioning. I know this sort of runs counter to my desire to move into a shoe with a lower drop, but it seems like the Pegasus 37 has focused more on forefoot cushioning with the new airbag than heel cushioning. I’ve never (knock on wood) had much issue with forefoot pain, but I have had heel pain that radiated up into my knees and back. It wasn’t fun, and while I’m certainly a stronger runner now than when that happened, I would like to take precautions to prevent it from happening again.

Ghost 12 or Pegasus 37?

So where does that leave me? Honestly, I’m going to try both of them. I’m fairly confident the Ghost 12 will fit like my Ghost 11. It could easily become my next 400+ mile workhorse of a running shoe. Yet, there’s just something about the Pegasus 37 that speaks to me. At least as much as it can through a computer screen. I almost picked up the Pegasus 36 at various times when it went on sale, but never did. It looked nice. The reviews were mostly favorable. However, it just didn’t capture my attention the way the 37 has. I didn’t look at it and think about how fun it might be to run in.

Ultimately, that’s the main of the goal of a good running shoe, right? Sure, you want impact protection, a solid fit and durability. Hopefully, all of those combine just right to give you a shoe that you look forward to putting on when you’re heading out the door, and you don’t think twice about as the miles pile up.