Nike Pegasus Plus 2: First Look
Nike Pegasus Plus 2: First Look
Nike's lightweight and energetic daily trainer receives its first major update, and the changes are significant. From a redesigned forefoot to an improved fit and outsole, the Pegasus Plus 2 takes a big step forward.
The headline update is the addition of a forefoot Air Zoom unit, bringing race-inspired technology to Nike's premium daily trainer. But how does it perform on the road?
Key Information
Price: £154.99
Weight: 265g
Stack Height: 38mm / 28mm
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10mm
Best For: Daily training, long runs and uptempo sessions
History
Nike recently reorganised its running shoe lineup into three clear categories. The Vomero range now focuses on maximum cushioning, the Structure range provides additional support, and the Pegasus family is positioned as the brand's responsive daily trainer.
For long-time Pegasus fans, that description may seem a little surprising. While the traditional Pegasus has always been dependable, comfortable and reasonably priced, it has never been known as the most responsive shoe on the market.
That's where the Pegasus Plus range comes in. Lighter, more energetic and built around Nike's premium ZoomX foam, it offers a livelier ride designed to make everyday miles feel faster and more enjoyable.
Closer Look
The most noticeable update on the Pegasus Plus 2 is the visible Air Zoom unit in the forefoot. The original Pegasus Plus relied solely on Nike's ZoomX midsole foam, which delivered an impressively lightweight and energetic ride.
By adding an Air Zoom unit beneath the forefoot, Nike has increased the level of bounce and propulsion during toe-off. This area of the shoe plays a crucial role in driving runners into their next stride, and the additional spring helps create a more responsive and efficient feel.
This combination of ZoomX foam and a forefoot Air Zoom unit is already proven at the highest level. Nike's record-breaking Alphafly race shoe uses the same formula, albeit tuned more aggressively for race-day performance rather than daily training. While the setup is new to the Pegasus Plus, the technology itself has an established track record.
To further enhance the ride, Nike has also adjusted the rocker geometry underfoot. The more pronounced forefoot curve helps encourage a smoother transition through the gait cycle, creating a greater sense of momentum as you move from landing to toe-off.
One of the less obvious, but arguably most important updates, is the change in last shape. The Pegasus Plus 2 now uses the same last as the Pegasus 42, which offers a secure yet accommodating fit.
With a slightly wider forefoot than its predecessor, the shoe provides improved comfort and more room for natural foot expansion during longer runs. Runners who previously found the fit restrictive are likely to welcome this change.
The outsole has also received attention. Nike has removed unnecessary rubber to reduce weight while introducing flex grooves that allow the shoe to move more naturally through each stride. The result is a smoother transition and a more fluid ride experience.
Verdict
The Pegasus Plus 2 delivers meaningful improvements across almost every area of the shoe. Some updates are immediately noticeable, while others work more subtly in the background, but all contribute toward creating a smoother, faster and more efficient running experience.
Sitting just below Nike's plated performance models in both price and speed, the Pegasus Plus 2 fills a valuable space in the lineup. It's responsive enough for faster training days while remaining comfortable enough for high-mileage weeks and long runs.
Nike claims the Pegasus Plus 2 is 10% lighter and delivers 18% more energy return than the Pegasus 42. Whether you're looking for an energetic daily trainer or a versatile option capable of handling a variety of workouts, there is now a clear distinction between the standard Pegasus and the more premium Pegasus Plus 2.
The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 is available on 17.09 at Pro:Direct Running.
