The Nike Pegasus is one of the most trusted, well-established running shoe models in the industry. Over its 40+ years, “The Peg” has become a go-to for countless walkers, runners, gym-goers, and more.
The Pegasus 42 is beloved, but – to be completely honest – it isn’t the most exciting, uptempo running shoe on the market. It’s cushioned, comfortable, and reliable, but over the years, other models have passed the daily trainer in terms of pop and energy return on runs.
Nike’s response to this growing competition? The Nike Pegasus Plus.
Now on its second iteration, the Pegasus Plus takes everything we love about the original Pegasus – its dependability, durability, and versatility – and kicks it up a notch. The Pegasus Plus is the Pegasus’s uptempo counterpart, using modern, innovative technologies to deliver more bounce and excitement.
If you’re wondering about how the Pegasus Plus compares to the Pegasus, what changes the brand made for the second version, or whether this is the training shoe for you, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive Nike Pegasus Plus review, we’ll answer all these questions and more to help you narrow down your running shoe options and find your perfect fit.
A Brief Overview: Nike Pegasus Plus Specs and Tech
Before we truly dive into everything the Pegasus Plus has to offer, here’s a quick summary of all the specs and technology.
- Advertised as a responsive, uptempo daily training shoe with more energy return than the standard Pegasus
- Stack height: 38 mm in the heel, 28 mm in the forefoot
- 10 mm drop
- Weight: 9.3 oz (M), 7.5 oz (W)
- Midsole composed of lightweight, performance-oriented ZoomX foam
- New exposed Air Zoom unit in the midsole delivers more speed and propulsion than its predecessor
- Redesigned upper features a single-layer mesh with a midfoot containment band for maximum security and ventilation
- New last offers a more accommodating fit in the forefoot
- Updated waffle design outsole with flex grooves ensures effective zonal traction while reducing weight
- Price: $170 (down from $190 in v1)
Pegasus Plus 2: A Closer Look at the Key Features
Want to learn more about what features make or break the Pegasus Plus 2? Keep reading for an in-depth look at the highlights and main technologies in this new Nike running shoe update.
ZoomX Midsole Compound
One of the biggest differences between the Pegasus and Pegasus Plus can be found in the midsole makeup. While the Pegasus features Nike’s proprietary ReactX foam, the Pegasus Plus incorporates Nike’s high-performance ZoomX cushioning.
A similar ZoomX compound is used in Nike’s premium racing shoe line-up, so you can feel confident you’ll be getting lots of bounce, rebound, and energy underfoot in the Pegasus Plus. However, the Pegasus Plus 2 uses a TPU version of ZoomX rather than the PEBA ZoomX used in racing shoes. It’s still light and responsive, but won’t exactly give you the elite Alphafly or Vaporfly racing shoe feel.
And with a moderate-to-high stack height – 38 mm of foam in the heel and 28 mm in the forefoot – you can enjoy plenty of protection and impact absorption without the instability that often accompanies max-cushioned shoes.
New Air Zoom Unit
Nike boasts that the Pegasus Plus has 18% more energy return than the previous iteration. This additional energy stems primarily from the brand-new forefoot Air Zoom unit incorporated into the midsole.
This curved, exposed Air Zoom unit works with the lightweight, resilient foam to help propel you forward through your gait cycle, adding some pop and rebound with each toe-off.
Upper & Last
The upper design also saw some major upgrades in the second Pegasus Plus. The refined multi-zoned single-layered mesh replaced the original FlyKnit, offering a more streamlined, lightweight upper with optimized ventilation.
A midfoot containment band wraps the foot, offering a snug and secure fit that keeps everything locked in place during long, easy mileage or uptempo efforts.
Nike shoes have a reputation for fitting long and narrow, and many models don’t work for athletes with wide feet or who prefer a more accommodating fit. However, the Pegasus Plus 2 incorporates a new last, with a wider forefoot and more all-around volume, making it more versatile for a wider range of foot shapes and sizes.
Versatility & Overall Value
Our review team loves how adaptable and versatile uptempo training shoes can be, and the Pegasus Plus 2 is no exception. There’s enough cushioning and comfort to support you through all your daily miles, all while maintaining the bounce and rebound needed to efficiently pick up the pace.
In classic Nike fashion, the Pegasus Plus 2 uses the brand’s renowned waffle-design outsole to deliver maximum grip, traction, and durability. Flex grooves throughout this waffle pattern keep the shoe feeling lightweight and flexible without sacrificing the reliable grip the brand is known for.
And if you’re looking for maximum value in an adaptable, all-around trainer, the Pegasus Plus 2 is hard to beat. Nike managed to decrease the price by $20, bringing it from $190 to $170. This is remarkably low for such a cushioned and responsive tempo trainer, making it a top choice for anyone who wants a single, do-it-all running shoe that doesn’t break the bank.
Road Test Results: The Pegasus Plus 2 in Action
Nike made a lot of changes from the first to the second iteration of the Pegasus Plus, including the addition of an Air Zoom unit, a new forefoot shape, and an upgraded outsole. We couldn’t wait to take all these new features for a spin and see how they perform across a variety of different runs.
Our review team laced up the Pegasus Plus and headed out for some easy daily miles, long recovery runs, track workouts, and uptempo interval runs for the best possible understanding of who might enjoy running in the Pegasus Plus 2, and who might want to consider an alternative.
Sliding the Pegasus Plus 2 on for the first time, the upgraded upper and fit stood out right away. Many Nike shoes have felt a bit snug for our wide-footed review team members in the past. And while the new last still isn’t the roomiest on the market, there was considerably more wiggle room and volume in the toe box. This extra space felt great on long runs, allowing for more breathing room and toe splay in the forefoot.
The upper itself was also a highlight. There was lots of ventilation and airflow, keeping our feet cool and comfortable even during hot summer runs. A midfoot containment band also kept everything feeling comfortably snug and secure.
The Pegasus Plus 2 did go up a bit in weight from its predecessor, weighing in at 9.3 and 7.5 oz for men’s and women’s shoes, respectively, compared to 8.6 and 7.2 in the first Pegasus Plus. The tradeoff here is the extra cushioning. Runners who want more protection on daily runs will likely appreciate the higher stack height and find it worth the extra grams.
Even with a slightly heavier feel, the Pegasus Plus 2 saw major improvements in rebound, responsiveness, and energy return, making it easier to pick up the pace during faster intervals. A new curved Air Zoom unit rolls you forward, making every stride and transition smooth and effortless. The TPU ZoomX foam delivers lots of bounce, without sacrificing the comfort, shock absorption, and dependability we want in our everyday training shoes.
Uptempo trainers are a constantly growing running shoe category, so the Pegasus Plus 2 has a lot of competition in the running shoe world. And, in full transparency, it’s not exactly the lightest, fastest, or most responsive in the category. But when most uptempo high-cushioned super trainers ring up at $200+, the Pegasus Plus 2 is one of the best options for those looking for a more affordable do-it-all daily trainer.
Heel-strikers will also likely appreciate the Pegasus Plus 2 over some of the low-drop alternatives on the market. With a 10 mm heel-to-toe offset, there’s lots of extra cushioning in the rearfoot for padded, well-protected landings. But this feature can be hit-or-miss – our review team members who tend towards a mid- and forefoot strike found this high drop a bit unnatural on runs.
Ultimately, not every feature works for every runner. But Nike made a lot of improvements and upgrades in the Pegasus Plus 2, and there’s a lot to love about this responsive everyday trainer. While it wouldn’t be our first choice for speed workouts, the versatile shoe can easily transition between long runs, everyday miles, and faster intervals.
When you want that little bit of extra bounce on runs without sacrificing durability and reliability, the Pegasus Plus 2 from Nike could be the perfect choice for your next running shoe.
Pegasus Plus 2 Pros and Cons
While we wish there was a single perfect running shoe, there’s unfortunately no shoe that works for every runner and walker. Every athlete is different, with their own distinct injury history, cushion preferences, and support needs.
That said, the Pegasus Plus 2 has both pros and cons to consider when you’re narrowing down your running shoe choices. Here are the upsides and downsides to consider:
Pros
- New forefoot Air Zoom unit creates spring with every toe-off for a fun and propulsive ride
- ZoomX foam is light and responsive, ensuring an incredibly adaptable, versatile ride that can carry you through nearly any type of workout
- Upgraded last offers more width and volume in the forefoot for a more comfortable, accommodating fit
- Upper is soft, breathable, and padded for extra all-around comfort. A midfoot containment band works with the upper design to hug the foot and provide a secure lockdown
- Decreased in price from the first version, offering exceptional value for your money
Cons
- Can handle uptempo runs and intervals, but leans more towards a standard daily trainer than a super fast and light training shoe
- Increased in weight from the previous version, making it heavier than many comparable uptempo trainers
- 10 mm heel-to-toe drop may feel clunky or unnatural for mid- or forefoot runners
The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 vs the Competition: How Does it Compare?
When it comes to versatility and ability to handle all types of runs, uptempo daily trainers like the Pegasus Plus are top-of-the-line. The Pegasus Plus 2 is a great choice for athletes who want a single trainer that can handle all kinds of paces and efforts. But it’s also worth considering other options to ensure you have the right shoe for you.
The Pegasus Plus 2 has a lot of cushioning, but it leans more toward a responsive underfoot feel over plush softness. If you’re looking for a softer performance training alternative, the Asics Superblast 3 is a great choice. It’s more cushioned than the Pegasus Plus 2, with a 47/39 mm midsole made of soft yet energetic FF LEAP and FF BLAST MAX foam.
However, this premium cushioning also comes with a higher price tag. The Superblast rings up at $210 compared to $170 for the Pegasus Plus.
If speed and lightness are your priority, you may want to compare the Pegasus Plus 2 to the Puma Deviate Nitro 4. While the Pegasus Plus is a non-plated uptempo trainer, the Deviate Nitro features a carbon PWRPLATE along with energetic nitrogen-infused foam for a more propulsive ride.
The shoes have a similar stack height (38/28 mm for the Pegasus Plus, 38/30 mm for the Deviate Nitro), a comparable mesh upper, and both cost $170. The Puma is slightly lighter at 8.81 oz for men’s shoes and 7.23 oz for women’s, and with a carbon plate, may serve you better during dedicated speed workouts. But in general, you can’t go wrong with either of these well-rounded training models.
The Finish Line: Try the Nike Pegasus Plus 2 at Marathon Sports
Running should be fun, so your shoes should make you excited to get outside and hit the road for your next run. After reviewing the Nike Pegasus Plus 2, we think it could be the perfect way to add some fun and energy to all your everyday mileage.
It’s not necessarily the fastest uptempo training shoe you can buy. But during daily miles or mixed effort/pace mileage, the Pegasus Plus shines. With an increased stack height, Air Zoom unit, propulsive geometry, and enhanced upper design and fit, you can enjoy maximum protection, comfort, and shock absorption during all your runs, walks, and workouts.
You can try the Nike Pegasus Plus 2, or some of the other top speed trainers on the market, at your nearest Marathon Sports today. Swing by today to try our free customized Right Fit process and find the perfect running shoes to carry you through every training session in comfort.
