Head-to-head · Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 vs Nike Pegasus 42

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Nike Pegasus 42 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about high-arch runners who want one firm, versatile shoe for easy runs, light speed work, and everyday wear — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

4.3

$160

The Gel-Nimbus 27 is ASICS' range-topping neutral cushioned trainer and a classic high-arch recommendation. Its 42mm-plus stack and reinforced sidewalls deliver a stable, shock-absorbing ride that protects a high arch on slow miles. RunRepeat scored it 85/100 but flagged it as best for easy paces, and Believe in the Run found it soft with a touch of road feel.

Strengths

— Among the highest stack heights and most cushioning of any neutral trainer
— Stable, shock-absorbing platform with reinforced sidewalls that high arches appreciate
— Premium, plush upper and step-in comfort

Watch-outs

— Bottom-heavy feel and firmer-than-expected foam isn't for everyone
— Heavy at over 10.5 oz, lacking versatility for faster paces
— Priced at the top of the daily-trainer range

$160 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Running Shoes for High Arches

Nike Pegasus 42

4.5

$145as of Jun 8

The Pegasus 42 is the versatile do-everything pick: a firm, durable neutral trainer with a curved Air Zoom unit that adds bounce and a very high effective drop that suits heel-striking high-arch runners. RunRepeat scored it 90/100 and called it highly versatile, while Run To The Finish rated it 92% as an easy-day shoe that can transition to uptempo work.

Strengths

— Highly versatile — handles easy runs, moderate uptempo, gym, and all-day wear
— RunRepeat measured a strong 90/100 CoreScore
— Curved full-length Air Zoom unit returns noticeably more energy than the Pegasus 41

Watch-outs

— Moderate stack doesn't match its fairly hefty weight
— Firmer, less plush than max-cushion rivals — less impact protection for very long runs
— Specialist range; pushed too far it wants more cushion and pop

$145 · Buy at nike.com Full review →

How they stack up

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

Plusher and more protective than the ASICS Novablast 5, but heavier and less bouncy. More cushioned than the Brooks Ghost 18 and softer than the firmer Nike Pegasus 42. Shares ASICS DNA with the lighter, heel-biased ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 but sits at the top of the cushioning range.

Nike Pegasus 42

Firmer and lower-stacked than the plush ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 and bouncy ASICS Novablast 5, but more versatile across paces. Its high effective drop mirrors the heel-biased ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28, and it competes most directly with the Brooks Ghost 18 as a do-it-all neutral daily trainer.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27	Nike Pegasus 42
Weight	10.5 oz (M)	10.1 oz (M)
Drop	8mm	10mm (14mm measured)
Stack height	42.7mm heel / 34.4mm forefoot	36mm heel / 22mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral	Neutral
Cushioning	Max (FF Blast Plus Eco)	Moderate (ReactX + Air Zoom)
Width options	Standard, Wide, Extra Wide	Standard, Wide, Extra Wide
Upper	Engineered stretch knit	Engineered mesh

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