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I recently got my hands on the Nike Pegasus Premium, and after several runs in dry and rainy weather, I’ve gathered plenty of thoughts on how it stacks up – pun intended.
This latest Pegasus model packs a triple layer of cushioning technologies that provides a responsive, energetic ride, however, while it certainly has its highlights, there are some trade-offs worth considering if you’re on the hunt for a new pair of daily trainers.
In this review, I’m going to be sharing all that, along with how it compares to the cheaper Pegasus 41, and my final verdict on weather it’s worth upgrading to.
Key specifications
- Price: $210 at Nike
- Weight: 11 oz / 313g (Men’s US 9 – my pair)
- Drop: 10mm
- Cushioning System: Full-length combination of ZoomX foam, a sculpted Air Zoom unit, and ReactX foam (which is 13% more responsive than previous versions).
- Upper: Stretchy circular-knit and breathable engineered mesh with a padded tongue and collar for a snug feel.
- Outsole: Modified waffle outsole with high-abrasion rubber for solid traction even in wet conditions.
How they fit and feel
Right out of the box, the Pegasus Premium feels nice and secure, soft and every bit as comfortable as you would expect from one of Nike’s oldest and most popular models. They fit true to size and have a medium width – similar to the pegasus 41.
The engineered mesh upper adapts well to my feet, offering a balance between support, flexibility and breathability where it’s needed.
I haven’t been able to wear them in hot weather yet, because, well winter… but I imagine due to the nature of the thick upper that they may not be the most breathable in humid, or very hot running environments.
The padded collars, heel counter, and gusseted tongue feel soft, comforting, supportive, and help lock your feet in place.
What’s good
The most exciting feature for me is the midsole’s design – which looks awesome but also gives the run a unique ride / experience.
The blend of ZoomX, Air Zoom, and ReactX foam creates a very much expectedly springy, bouncy sensation that makes each stride feel lively, it’s almost like running on a series of mini trampolines, thanks to that Air Zoom unit.
The cushioning is soft underfoot yet provides a noticeable rebound, which lends a fun, energetic vibe to your easy runs – see how it compresses under pressure, in the photo above.
Another strong point is the cushioned forefoot.
There’s ample foam and air zoom bubble up front, which really enhances comfort for forefoot runners, compared to some of Nike’s other daily trainers, like the Pegasus 41, for example.
This plushness under the forefoot makes the shoe particularly pleasant for logging those relaxed daily miles. Even over longer runs, the extra cushioning translates into a consistently comfortable experience, even if the shoe does come with some heft – more on that in a moment.
The upper (pictured above) is also well thought out; made from engineered mesh and circular knit materials, it provides a secure, locked-in fit thanks to the padded collar, gusseted tongue, and supportive overlays. Despite its structured feel, it isn’t restrictive and adapts nicely to the shape of your feet.
I especially appreciate that it looks equally at home out on a run or using it as a casual lifestyle shoe – and I think others are going to be eying this one up for casual use too. But serious runners may feel like this doesn’t fit in any one particular category, when at $210, maybe it should.
Traction is another big win for the Pegasus Premium; the modified waffle outsole with high-abrasion rubber provides solid grip even in wet conditions, which boosts my confidence on unpredictable roads.
While the shoe does lean a bit towards a performance aesthetic, its bold design with a full wrap around Air zoom unit, reflective highlights and chrome-looking swoosh logos, also certainly makes it appealing for everyday wear.
Even though the weight is on the higher side, the dynamic response of the cushioning system helps offset that feeling, making it feel lighter than it is for runs up to 10km long.
Overall, the Pegasus Premium delivers a fun and engaging run that is comfortable and visually appealing when you compare other daily trainers available, right now.
Areas for improvement
Despite its energetic ride, the Pegasus Premium comes with a few drawbacks. At 11oz / 313g for a Men’s US 9, it’s one of the heavier daily trainer running shoes I’ve tested, within the last year.
Over longer distances, this added heft becomes more noticeable and could potentially affect your overall run efficiency if you plan to use these for marathon training.
Another issue is the stability, which some runners will notice more than others; more specifically, those who overpronate, or heavier runners who will likely compress the foam more in the lateral. The narrow midfoot (although similar in width to the Pegasus 41), combined with a high stack height that compresses a lot, creates a sense of instability, especially on uneven surfaces.
Even as a neutral runner, I noticed a little bit of lateral roll but nothing that affected my run enough to really worth mentioning. This is something to consider if you’re someone who prioritizes a stable platform during your runs.
If you’re looking to use the shoe for speedwork, it may not be the best fit; the extra weight and the nature of its cushioning mean that it doesn’t offer the snappy response or agility needed for faster paces.
The bouncy ride is incredibly fun for slower paced daily training miles, but it doesn’t translate hugely well into forward propulsion – and that’s fine, it’s not trying to be a speed trainer.
And then there’s the price, at $210, it faces stiff competition from other max cushion daily trainers, that might offer more versatility for a similar or lower price point, like the ASICS Superblast 2, or Brooks Glycerine Max, for example.
The upper, while super comfortable and secure (see photo above), could benefit from some refinement. The padded tongue, is nice and soft, but needs to be a little longer, and multiple overlays, although providing a locked-in feel, add extra bulk that could be streamlined for a sleeker, lighter design – maybe this will come with Pegasus Premium 2, we’ll see.
Nike Pegasus Premium VS Pegasus 41
When compared with the Pegasus 41, which has been a reliable daily trainer for many, the Pegasus Premium offers a distinctly different ride.
The Pegasus 41 is lighter at 10oz, and it strikes a well-balanced combination of cushioning, responsiveness, and stability.
The Pegasus Premium, on the other hand, clearly focuses on a more springy, energetic ride with its wild, layered midsole. However, the trade-off comes in the form of increased weight and a less stable platform.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more flair in cushioning and a design that’s equally at home on the run and worn as a fashionable lifestyle shoe, the Pegasus Premium is a great choice right now.
However, for those who prioritize a lighter, less expensive, and arguably more versatile trainer for varied running needs, the Pegasus 41 still holds strong.
| Feature | Nike Pegasus Premium | Nike Pegasus 41 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $210 at Nike.com | $140 at Nike.com |
| Weight | 11oz / 313g (Men’s US 9) | 10oz / 283g (Men’s US 9) |
| Cushioning System | Triple stack: full-length ZoomX foam, sculpted full-length Air Zoom unit, and ReactX foam | Dual system: ReactX foam paired with two hidden Air Zoom units (one in the forefoot and one in the heel) |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 10mm | 10mm |
| Outsole | Modified waffle pattern with high-abrasion rubber that offers reliable traction, even in wet conditions | Durable waffle pattern designed for flexibility and solid grip across various surfaces |
| Intended Use | Best suited for easy daily miles with an energetic, bouncy ride; not ideal for speedwork or long distances due to the added weight and reduced stability | A versatile daily trainer ideal for easy miles and some tempo runs, offering a balance of cushioning and responsiveness |
My Verdict
The Nike Pegasus Premium is an interesting take on the Pegasus daily trainer formula. Its springy midsole and cushioned forefoot deliver an engaging and comfortable ride for easy runs.
However, the extra weight and reduced stability are notable concerns, especially if you’re planning on using it for longer distances or speed sessions, and tend to overpronate. At $210, it also faces stiff competition from other trainers that offer better versatility.
I’m keeping the Pegasus Premium in my running shoe rotation, for relaxed daily miles and to wear as a lifestyle shoe when I want some extra flare at the coffee shop, rather than using it for any intense training sessions.
If you’re after a fun, energetic run and don’t mind the heavier build, it might just be worth a try, if only for the fun ride / experience they provide, otherwise, you might be better off sticking with a more balanced option like the Pegasus 41.
👋🏼 Looking for your next pair of daily training shoes? Head over to my Best Daily Trainers and Best Max Cushioned Daily Trainers roundups. See you on the next review! -Alastair
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