Confession: my fitness shoe wardrobe absolutely sucks. It’d be great to amend this unfortunate situation (#FWP) so that like my fitness clothing, I have shoe options that excel in both style and function. Just like with other outfits, shoes can totally change the overall look of a fitness outfit.
Enter the Nike photosynthesis pack, which features 3 different styles of special edition floral print shoes and a couple other coordinating items. I first stumbled upon the photosynthesis pegasus 32 shoes on Instagram, and my initial reaction was simultaneously “wow those are insane” and “OMG I WANT THEM”. I was drawn to the deep, rich color palette and the fun, feminine pattern. Although I don’t usually wear prints like this in larger doses, I like using prints as accents. These totally fit the bill.
I looked for these shoes at the Nike store while I was in Las Vegas this past weekend, but their shipment was delayed and they hadn’t received them yet. I tried on another pair of the same style in a different color to test out size. The pegasus photosynthesis were already out of stock in my size on the Nike website, but the rep had access to inventory through their system, so she had them shipped to my house for free. Since they were selling so fast, I decided this was one of those “buy now, decide later” situations (especially since returns would be free!).
The pegasus 32 are a more traditional, structured running shoe rather than more minimalist options like Nike frees. They have a pretty substantial heel-to-toe drop of 9.6 mm. And that pretty much exhausts the extent of my running shoe knowledge. :)
The purple background is accented with shades of coral, pink, blue, and teal. The side laces are aqua, and the top laces are navy. From the pics I’ve seen, it looks like the pattern placement is the same for all pairs.
I love that the insole of the shoe is the same floral print, too.
When I tried these on in store in another color, my true size felt uncomfortably tight, but a half size up felt good. Because of that, I ordered a 7 in the photosynthesis instead of my usual 6.5. They seem a little bit roomier than I remember, though maybe my feet were more swollen then, or my memory is just bad. :) I never buy running shoes since I’m not really a runner, so I don’t know how I like/need them to fit and if the extra room on these is too much or just right. So far, the prevailing wisdom seems to be that I’m better off in this size, but there’s still a little doubt in my mind about whether I should go back for a 6.5. So, I haven’t tested them for any running or other workouts just yet.
That said, they’re almost too pretty to run in. Part of me is tempted to get one pair for running/hiking/workouts, and another back-up pair just for casual use. :)
I laid out a couple of potential speed short pairing options: inky floral, blue tropics, flash jacquard, menthol, and harbor blue. Blue tropics is very close to the side lace accent color.
Overall, these will be keepers for me! They are as gorgeous in real life as I hoped they would be, and they’re just so unique and fun. I can’t help myself. :)
The photosynthesis pack only dropped about a week ago, but the pegasus have already sold out on the Nike website. They were really hyped up so they’ve been selling like hot cakes! Since they are a special release, I don’t believe they will restocked, other than potential returns. Fortunately, there are a couple other retailers that still have quite a bit of stock as of this writing. I found them online at Six02, Running Warehouse (+$5 and don’t ship til July), and Finish Line. (Update: they are also now available at Nordstrom!!)
Ooooh yes I want those! Clicking those links right now, son!
I know, just too pretty!!
yeah!! i have these – the nike structure in the Lyon Blue/Black/Pink Pow/Clearwater combination for the same reason! so many colors to coordinate with outfits :)
http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/air-zoom-structure-18-running-shoe/pid-10200816/pgid-1538982
Those look great, and they’d definitely go with lots of my stuff, too! Love ’em. :)
Before you buy a pair for running (even if you don’t run long or regular) have your fit done at a local running shoe store before you buy a pair for running. If your gait is different than what these shoes are, you will have problems trying to run in them. Also, running shoes can be fit anywhere from a full size to 1 1/2 sizes up from your actual shoe size. A running shoe store will know how to fit your foot.
Yeah, I definitely hear you that running shoe fit is crucial! I don’t run more than about 3 miles at a time and I don’t do so very often, so I’m not sure how much subtle differences in fit would impact me at such low volume/frequency (that’s probably blasphemy…). I usually run in my crossfit shoes, so mostly it’s just nice to have something even slightly more suited to running when the need arises. If I do start running more, which might end up happening, I will definitely want to go to the pros and get something that’s unquestionably right for me, functionally. It’d be nice to get this particular pair evaluated by someone knowledgable, but I would feel pretty bad about walking into a running store and being like “hey, can you help me with these shoes I didn’t even buy from you”, lol. Worst case scenario, if these are bad for running, I’m happy with them as casual shoes anyway. :)
Don’t feel bad about going in with your current shoe! Happens all the time. The Pegasus line is a neutral shoe so if they analyze your gait as neutral then have them measure to be sure you are in the right size for running in no matter the mileage. If you are not a neutral but need stability I suggest getting the correct shoe for running regardless of the mileage. Just for walking/wearing daily being in the right corrective (or non-corrective) shoe will make a huge difference.
Good points! Thanks so much for the info. I might try to hit them up this weekend. From what I remember from years ago, and the wear patterns on my shoes, I think my gait might be pretty close to normal (maybe a tad supinated), so maybe I’ll be in luck with these…
I’ve been looking for new running shoes for months! Love these!
I know, so cute! :)
Love your collection of speeds. KICKING myself for not getting the harbor blue and the blue tropics when they came out. It was too cold for shorts in Chicago when they dropped… but oh when will I learn…
Oh yeah, definitely been there! :(
OMG I want them!!!
Who can resist a good floral print? Not us, apparently. :)
These are so cute! I kinda wish they didn’t have the teal strings on the sides since the floral is so pretty. It’s usually a good idea to go half a size up for workout shoes (specifically running) so that was a great idea. Hope these work out!!
Yeah, the side accent is a nice color, but it does cover up some of the pattern, which is a shame!
Lucky me that they still have size 6 left. Bought them! You get me into trouble – Splits 59 yesterday and these beauties today :).
Woohoo! Apologies to your bank account. :)
Gorgeous!! Just impulse-bought them the second I saw your pic on Instagram! So naughty :) Hope you’re well – loving all your hiking pics! Tahoe is gorgeous in the summer, so I’m enjoying getting out there too!
Hehe, happy to enable. ;) Every time you mention Tahoe I die a little inside, haha. I’m hoping we can make it out there soon. Things are a little crazy here right now (trying to move, plus several other fairly major life things) but hopefully things are moving in a positive direction overall. :)
Your pics are nicer than the stock ones and convinced me to buy these (been debating since I saw them previewed before the release!). Ordered! I’m so excited to wear them on my upcoming trip through the Southwest, I feel like they’re a great fit. (To echo everyone else who’s said so, .5 size up in these or other Nike running shoes is pretty standard.)
I’m glad! I think the pics here are pretty true to life, so hopefully you won’t be disappointed. :)
YUP THAT’S HAPPENING! Hmm the photosynthesis frees are cute too.. Decisions…
I like the pegasus a lot more, but that’s just me. :) I don’t like the light blue and orangey-red of the frees as much.
Nike Frees are my favorite (I have like 5 pairs) but I agree with you with the print colors! I prefer the print on the Pegasus.
You guys are so right. I didn’t realize the difference at first I think I was just so excited to see such a fun floral print my only reaction was GIMMIE!
Those are gorgeous…makes me wish I could wear Nikes
Yeah that would be a bummer. :
the last second picture! I love that how your blog has become more holistic about other aspects on fitness.
Thank you! I’m trying to incorporate a little more variety while still staying relevant to readers’ interests. :)
I saw these in store yesterday and I loved them, but passed on them. I read your post this morning, and went straight back today to pick them up!!! I ultimately decided on the Nike Frees in this pattern. Just because they felt a bit better to walk in, but I keep thinking about the Pegasus too! I ended up with a half size bigger as well. Tried on both and the size up was definitely a better choice to go with.
Haha happy to enable! ;) Definitely feeling better about my sizing choice the more I read. I hope the frees end up working well for you!
Great article!
I did an On Feet video of these, just a beautiful sneaker. Hopefully you guys will like the vid!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pjd3XXWdcMY
Nice! You got them in some great light for the vid. :)