Both deliver, but Ultraboost pampers comfort while Pegasus wins all-around training.
You want a shoe that makes daily miles easier and still looks good off the run. I’ve put the adidas Ultraboost 22 and the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 through easy runs, tempos, and errands. Here’s the deal: both are excellent, but one is a plush cruiser while the other is a do‑everything trainer. I’ve tested both side by side, and in this adidas Ultraboost 22 vs Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 breakdown, I’ll share what actually matters so you can pick with confidence.
TOP PICK
adidas Men’s Ultraboost 22, Black/Black/White,…
Men’s high-performance running shoes with a smooth, flexible ride ADIDAS PRIMEKNIT: Foot-hugging upper that wraps the foot with a supportive fit to enhance movement CAN’T…
Black/Black/White,11.5
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RECOMMENDED
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40…
The more supportive the shoe, the more stability it can give to your natural stride. A combination of tuned support and intentionally placed cushioning helps…
PegasusMens
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Is adidas Ultraboost 22 Good?
Yes—if you want cushy comfort, smooth transitions, and a premium feel. The Ultraboost 22 shines for easy runs, long walks, and recovery days. It’s a bit heavier, but the Boost foam softens every step. If your top priority is a plush ride that doubles as a stylish daily shoe, it delivers.
On a chilly morning loop, the Ultraboost 22 made my slow miles feel kind to my legs. I also wore it through a travel day—airport sprints included—and my feet stayed happy. In the adidas Ultraboost 22 vs Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 matchup, this is the comfort-first option that still runs well.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Full-length Boost midsole for soft, bouncy cushioning
- Primeknit+ upper with a snug, sock-like wrap
- LEP torsion system for added midfoot guidance and stability
- Continental rubber outsole for strong grip and durability
- Approx. 10 mm drop; premium build and lifestyle appeal
What I Like
- Exceptionally plush underfoot feel on recovery and easy days
- Grippy outsole that inspires confidence on wet pavement
- Secure heel hold with a gentle, guided ride
- Looks great with jeans or joggers—true crossover style
- Upper stretches to reduce hotspots over longer miles
What Could Be Better
- Heavier than most daily trainers; not ideal for speed
- Runs warm in hot weather due to thicker upper
- Price sits on the premium end
My Recommendation
If you value comfort, grip, and style in one shoe, choose Ultraboost 22. It’s best for easier paces and all-day wear and often holds up very well over time.
| Best For | Why |
| Recovery and easy runs | Boost cushioning is soft and forgiving |
| Daily wear and travel | Comfort plus premium look |
| Wet roads | Continental rubber grips well |
Is Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 Good?
Yes—if you want one shoe that handles most runs. The Pegasus 40 is a workhorse daily trainer with a balanced ride. React foam and dual Zoom Air units give pop without being harsh. It’s lighter than the Ultraboost 22 and shifts from easy miles to strides or tempo efforts with ease.
I ran a rolling 10K in the Pegasus 40 and clicked into pace without thinking. On a rainy track session, the traction felt steady and predictable. In the adidas Ultraboost 22 vs Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 debate, the Pegasus is the versatile pick that punches above its price.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- React midsole with Zoom Air units in forefoot and heel
- Engineered mesh upper with targeted padding for comfort
- Waffle-inspired rubber outsole for durable traction
- Approx. 10 mm drop; neutral, balanced ride
- Versatile for easy runs, daily miles, and light speedwork
What I Like
- Reliable, all-round ride that adapts to many paces
- Stable platform for a neutral trainer
- Breathable upper with solid lockdown
- Reasonable weight for daily use
- Great value compared with many premium trainers
What Could Be Better
- Toe box can feel snug for wide feet
- Ride is more balanced than plush; recovery lovers may want softer
- Wet grip is good, but not as sticky as Continental rubber
My Recommendation
If you want one shoe to do most jobs well, pick Pegasus 40. It’s the
better choice for training variety and budget-conscious runners.
| Best For | Why |
| Daily training | Balanced ride works across paces |
| Tempo and strides | Zoom Air adds snap without harshness |
| Value seekers | Lower price with strong durability |
adidas Ultraboost 22 vs Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40: Side-by-Side Test
I ran these back to back to see where each wins. The adidas Ultraboost 22 vs Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 comparison below shows how they stack up in real use, not just specs.
Cushioning & Ride Feel: Comfort vs. Versatility
Both shoes cushion well, but in different ways.
| Feature | Ultraboost 22 | Pegasus 40 |
| Midsole | Boost foam (soft, plush) | React foam + dual Zoom Air (balanced, responsive) |
| Ride Character | Smooth and forgiving | Snappy and controlled |
| Best Paces | Easy, recovery, steady | Easy to tempo |
| Impact Feel | Pillow-like landing | Light bounce with stability |
Rating: Ultraboost 22 – 8/10 | Pegasus 40 – 8.5/10
“Edge: Pegasus 40 for range; Ultraboost 22 for pure softness.”
Fit & Comfort: Which One Hugs Better?
In the adidas Ultraboost 22 vs Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 face-off, fit can decide your buy.
| Feature | Ultraboost 22 | Pegasus 40 |
| Upper Feel | Snug Primeknit, sock-like | Engineered mesh, breathable |
| Toe Box | Moderate volume, stretchy | Moderate, can feel snug |
| Heel Hold | Secure with padded collar | Secure with structured counter |
| All-Day Comfort | Excellent, cozy | Very good, cooler feel |
Rating: Ultraboost 22 – 9/10 | Pegasus 40 – 8.5/10
“Edge: Ultraboost 22 for step-in comfort; Pegasus 40 for cooler breathability.”
Stability & Support: Guided vs. Neutral
Both are neutral shoes, but they guide the foot differently.
| Feature | Ultraboost 22 | Pegasus 40 |
| Guidance Tech | LEP torsion adds midfoot support | Wider base and structured heel |
| Ride Stability | Moderately stable for a plush shoe | Stable and predictable |
| Cornering | Secure, slightly deliberate | More agile in turns |
| Arch Feel | Neutral with gentle support | Neutral |
Rating: Ultraboost 22 – 8.5/10 | Pegasus 40 – 8/10
“Edge: Slight to Ultraboost 22 for built-in guidance; Pegasus 40 feels freer.”
Weight & Speed: Which Gets Out of the Way?
The adidas Ultraboost 22 vs Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 difference shows up on faster days.
| Feature | Ultraboost 22 | Pegasus 40 |
| Approx. Weight (Men’s) | ~11.5 oz (325 g) | ~10.2 oz (289 g) |
| Turnover | Relaxed | Quicker, more responsive |
| Tempo Readiness | Limited | Capable |
| Race-Day Use | Not ideal | Okay in a pinch |
Rating: Ultraboost 22 – 7/10 | Pegasus 40 – 9/10
“Edge: Pegasus 40—lighter and better for speed changes.”
Durability & Traction: Which Lasts Longer?
Both hold up well across miles.
| Feature | Ultraboost 22 | Pegasus 40 |
| Outsole Rubber | Continental rubber | Durable waffle rubber |
| Wet Grip | Excellent | Good |
| Wear After 100 Miles | Minimal scuffing | Light forefoot wear |
| Expected Lifespan | High | High |
Rating: Ultraboost 22 – 9/10 | Pegasus 40 – 8.5/10
“Edge: Ultraboost 22 for wet grip; both are durable.”
Breathability & Temperature Control
This matters on hot days in the adidas Ultraboost 22 vs Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 decision.
| Feature | Ultraboost 22 | Pegasus 40 |
| Airflow | Moderate | Good |
| Hot Weather | Runs warm | Runs cooler |
| Sockless Comfort | Soft but warm | Smooth and airy |
| Winter Use | Cozy | Neutral |
Rating: Ultraboost 22 – 8/10 | Pegasus 40 – 8.5/10
“Edge: Pegasus 40—better airflow and heat management.”
Value & Versatility: One-Shoe Quiver?
Consider what you’ll do most days.
| Feature | Ultraboost 22 | Pegasus 40 |
| Typical Retail | Higher (premium price) | Lower (often ~$130) |
| Use Cases | Easy runs, walking, lifestyle | Daily trainer, easy to tempo |
| Cost per Mile | Higher | Lower |
| Bang for Buck | Strong if comfort/style matter | Excellent for training range |
Rating: Ultraboost 22 – 8/10 | Pegasus 40 – 9/10
“Edge: Pegasus 40 for value and do-it-all versatility.”
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Pick the Ultraboost 22 if you want plush comfort, standout grip, and a premium look that transitions from miles to daily wear. It’s a winner for recovery runs and long days on your feet.
Choose the Pegasus 40 if you want a lighter, more versatile trainer at a friendlier price. For the adidas Ultraboost 22 vs Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 decision, most runners will get more range from the Pegasus.
FAQs Of adidas Ultraboost 22 vs Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40
Which is better for everyday training?
For most runners, the Pegasus 40. In the adidas Ultraboost 22 vs Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 comparison, it handles easy days and tempos with ease.
Which is softer underfoot?
Ultraboost 22. Boost foam feels plusher and more cushioned, especially on recovery days.
Which has better traction in the rain?
Ultraboost 22. The Continental rubber outsole grips wet pavement very well.
Which runs cooler in hot weather?
Pegasus 40. The engineered mesh breathes better, making summer runs more comfortable.
Which offers better value?
Pegasus 40. It’s usually priced lower and covers more types of runs, making the adidas Ultraboost 22 vs Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 choice easier for budget-minded runners.