The Nike Pegasus 83 made another comeback this year and since we got a pair on our hands we decided to review its features. As its name suggests this model was released four decades ago and since then almost each year Nike came up with a new version. It has been for generations the go to running shoes, from casual runners to professional athletes. Its simple, stylish look and comfort have remained over the time the main characteristics of this line that in 2023 reached its 40th edition. The original model has remained a favorite for many to this day when it comes to retro shoes.
How They Fit
We got a pair of Nike Air Pegasus 83 in 2023 , released on its 40th anniversary. For a sneaker from that era we knew what to expect so a review was more to confirm what we already knew; a retro shoe with a classic design, lightweight and comfortable for all day wear. They fit true to size and they can even accommodate slighter wide feet due to the upper materials and the lacing system that elongates to the forefront. Going a half size larger for folks with wide feet is something that I cannot recommend. They are pretty flexible with no need to break them in.
Upper
The upper of the Nike Air Pegasus 83 is made of a durable mesh that resembles nylon and suede. It is a setup that we’ve seen at most retro shoes, including the Reebok Classic Nylon or the adidas Dragon. This combination makes it both durable and breathable with enough flexibility to accommodate wider feet. The lacing system is a classic one that adds a good lockdown fit. There is little padding around the heel area but it does a great job in terms of cushioning without adding too much weight. These are great shoes to wear in the spring or summer as they provide decent air flow. In anticipation of the Nike Air Pegasus 83 review we took them to the gym but it was a short trip as we could not recommend it for any serious athletic activities.
Sole Unit
The sole unit of the Nike Air Pegasus is the typical retro shoe setup with the exposed EVA midsole and the rubber outsole. But the shoe also features an Air unit in the heel that is encapsulated in the midsole foam. Back in 1983 this was a revolutionary technology but nowadays we cannot appreciate it as much given the alternatives available. You cannot feel much of the cushioning and responsiveness of the Air unit in the heel but surely has something to do with these shoes feeling comfortable even after a whole day of wearing them. They also feature the signature waffle pattern outsole which does an excellent job as an everyday casual shoe.
Bottom Line
Our Nike Air Pegasus 83 review made it clear to us that after 40 years it remains one of the most emblematic retros of that era. It is a great shoe to use for casual wear when you want to rock a classic look. They feel very comfortable and while they do not have a modern cushioning system they do a great job as an everyday casual shoe. The more modern Nike Air Pegasus 40 is the latest version of this shoe, being a true running shoe and one that is more versatile overall. Yet, it does not have the retro looks.
