Two of the most recognizable names in footwear. Both Adidas and Nike have been making running shoes for a long time. Developing a reputation for producing quality shoes specialized for specific sports. They have become two of the most searched and highest selling running shoe brands around the world. And today we’ll be looking at each of the brand’s most popular road running models. Comparing the Adidas Ultra Boost vs Nike Pegasus. Breaking down the differences, specs, images, and more.
Adidas Ultra Boost vs Nike Pegasus
- Both are neutral road running shoes. Meaning they will be a good choice for the majority of runners.
- The Adidas Ultra Boost are noticeably more heavy. Weighing 11.7 oz compared to the Nike Pegasus at 10.2 oz.
- Both shoes feature a 10mm drop. This would be considered medium/high drop and both shoes should feel fast on the feet.
- The Nike Pegasus has a higher stack height, with a 33mm heel and 23mm fore foot measurement. Compared to a 31mm heel and 21mm forefoot on the Ultra Boost.
- The Ultraboost upper is made from recycled material. Containing at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic and 50% recycled polyester.
- The Ultra Boost run narrow in the mid and toe box. You may want to 1/2 -1 size up.
- The Pegasus run narrow / tight in the mid foot and toe box. This is in part due to Nike’s midfoot webbing, designed to hug and secure your foot in place when laced up. You may want to 1/2-1 size up.
Adidas Ultra Boost
MSRP Price: $190
Men’s – Click Here
Women’s – Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men’s: 11.7oz
Weight Woman’s: 11.7oz (listed on website)
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset: 10mm
Stack Height: 31mm / 21mm
Nike Pegasus
MSRP Price: $120
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Trail Running
Weight Men: 10.2oz
Weight Women: 8.5oz
Stability: Neutral
Drop: 10mm
Stack Height: 33mm / 23mm
Performance Summary
When it comes to running shoes, there are a lot of reasons to look at these two brands. Both have a reputation for making fast shoes when it comes to race day. And with these being each of the brands most popular running models, it’s easy to understand why you would be looking at the Adidas Ultra Boost vs Nike Pegasus. There is a lot to love from both shoes. Below I’ll break down each in more detail.
Adidas Ultra Boost
Out of the box the Adidas Ultra Boost are good looking shoes. Although for the price I was expecting something a little more sleek. They can definitely pass for daily wear if you need them too. And come in a ton of different color options. Picking them up they are a bit heavy at 11.7 ounces but they manage to not feel as heavy on the feet.
The Ultra Boost fit snug and I’d say the toebox runs a bit narrow. So if you want more room, I’d go a ½-1 size up. One thing that I’m disappointed about is that they still have this unnecessary decorative piece of plastic on the front of the shoe. And it digs into your foot. I’m surprised more people haven’t mentioned this in reviews.
Running in the Adidas Ultraboost, they have a great amount of rebound for the weight. And do a great job at taking away road shock. In my opinion the 10mm drop is a bit much for the weight of the shoe. And overall they do a good job of feeling fast. Having tested the shoes in the heat and humidity I do wish the material breathed a bit more. And my pair experienced a bit of insole slippage. Not sure if this is normal.
Nike Pegasus
Opening the Nike Pegasus, my first impression is that they are good looking shoes. With plenty of color options to choose from, and you can even design your own. A really cool feature that Nike offers. Weight wise, the Pegasus are about average compared to other runners but do feel lighter than the Ultra Boost.
On the feet the Nike Pegasus feels snug if not tight. I went a half size up and am glad I did. They run narrow with a smaller toe box. So make sure you get the sizing right. Running, the cushion feels great. Not too soft and plenty of rebound from the foam. Will be interesting to see how long that rebound holds up over time. But for now they are great at handling the shock of the road. The Pegasus has the same 10mm drop, and feels fast on the feet.
My biggest concerts for the Nike Pegasus are the breathability of the shoe. And the overall build quality / durability over time. In the warm and humid weather, the upper on the Pegasus just didn’t provide enough ventilation for my liking. And after about 30 miles of running there was noticeable wear. So I do wonder how many miles I would get out of a pair. That said, they are at a price point that allows them to be replaced more often.
Image Comparison
Below is a side by side image comparison of the Adidas Ultra Boost vs Nike Pegasus.
The two shoes actually share a very similar over design.
Adidas Ultra Boost 22 Profile
Nike Pegasus Profile
From the top you can see the extra heal padding around the back of the Ultra Boost. Also you can see how narrow the both shoes run in the mid foot.
Adidas Ultra Boost Top
Nike Pegasus Top
Here we can really se how narrow the Nike Pegasus are. And where they have saved weight by removing padding. Compared to the Ultra Boost’s wider heel and mid foot.
Adidas Ultraboost 22 Sole
Nike React Infinity Run Flynit Sole
Conclusion – Adidas Ultra Boost vs Nike Pegasus
Two of the most popular and widely available running shoes on the market. There are a lot of good reasons to be looking at the Adidas Ultra Boost vs Nike Pegasus. The Ultra Boost is comfortable, cushioned, and feels quicker than you would expect. While the Nike Pegasus is a great looking runner. With a fast and responsive feel. So which one would I pick?
Which road running shoe to buy?
If I’m choosing between these two shoes, I’m going with the Nike Pegasus. The Pegasus looks better while offering runners a comfortable and faster road runner. With very similar features to the Adidas Ultra Boost at a much cheaper price.
The Ultra Boost is a good shoe that could be great with a few design tweaks. Get rid of the hard piece of plastic on the tongue and add a more lightweight breathable top. This would lower the weight of the shoes too. Hopefully they will make some tweaks in the next release.
