Back on Top: The Most Popular Running Shoe of 2024 is from Nike

Despite the recent slide in sales and sentiment that Nike's slipping, the latest Strava Year in Sport Trend Report confirms what runners have known for decades: the Nike Pegasus remains at the top. Strava's year-end report shows that the Nike Pegasus was the most popular running shoe, narrowly edging out the Hoka Clifton. The Pegasus continues its remarkable journey as one of history's most consistent and beloved running shoes.

40+ Years of Good Reputation

Since its introduction in 1983, the Pegasus has earned its reputation as the "workhorse with wings." In its 41st version, the veteran running shoe has maintained its core identity while continuously evolving with modern technology. The latest versions feature a softer React foam technology, offering improved energy return while maintaining the familiar Pegasus feel, alongside an engineered mesh upper that provides better breathability and a more adaptive fit.

Why? Consistency and Reliability

The Pegasus's enduring popularity can be attributed to several key characteristics that have remained consistent throughout its evolution:

• Versatility: the shoe performs equally well during long training runs and quick tempo sessions.
• Balanced cushioning: Offering enough protection for high mileage while maintaining ground feel. The shoe has dodged trends and stuck to its core silhouette.
• Durability: The outsole pattern and rubber composition consistently deliver 400-500 miles of reliable performance.
• Value: Despite premium technology, the Pegasus maintains a mid-tier price point.

Typically, consistency and reliability would mean the shoe is boring. Alongside the sneaker's 41st version, there have been several exclusive colorways and even re-releases of the shoe's 2005 silhouette.

Current Deals on Nike Pegasus

If you want to try out the Nike Pegasus, we've got some of the best deals you can get directly from Nike. One of the perks when buying direct from Nike is the free return policy, so if the shoes don't fit or you don't love running in them, you can still return them for 30 days!

A ton of colorways are available for the Pegasus, and you can get them for under $100. Here are the top picks:

Go vintage and run it back with the Pegasus 2k5 silhouette.

It's not on sale, but these retro-inspired Pegasus Waves caught my eye. The off-white color and TPU basket are a classic look.

Cole Townsend

Cole Townsend is a developer, designer, and Head of Tech at Sole Retriever. He does some writing on top of helping keep Sole Retriever running on web and mobile! In his spare time, you can find him out running. Cole was a graduate from Williams College.