Nike Pegasus Premium Review
Published: January 27, 2025
If the Pegasus is a Volkswagen, the Pegasus Premium is an Audi
Likes
- Springy midsole
- Highly cushioned
- Comfortable upper
Dislikes
- A bit heavy
- Laces came untied easily
What's New
Every runner knows the sleek, reliable Nike Pegasus daily trainer, which has been around since 1982, believe it or not. Now enters the luxury model in the line, the aptly named Pegasus Premium. It was designed to be an innovative, super-energetic road shoe to help athletes get the most out of their run.
While "Pegasus" is in this new model's name, the Pegasus Premium is really a shoe all its own, featuring ZoomX foam and a visible Air Zoom unit — elements found in Nike's top-tier racing shoes. It is also souped up with a 45-mm stack featuring plenty of cushioning for long runs. One of the few commonalities between the Pegasus and Pegasus Premium is ReactX foam, of which there is a bottom layer in the Pegasus Premium (underneath the super-energetic ZoomX layer.) Our testers were initially skeptical of the Pegasus Premium concept but ended up being pleasantly surprised by the comfortable, bouncy, and yes, premium experience.
The Bottom Line
Our testers found the Pegasus Premium to be a fun, versatile shoe for everything from daily jogs to faster efforts and long runs. They also appreciated the elements that made the shoe a perfect fit, from the not-too-soft, not-too-firm underfoot feel to the comfortable mesh upper with a plush tongue and heel collar. If you like a bouncy sensation in your running shoes, you will love the Pegasus Premium. And if you want a shoe that tends to make people stop and ask, "What's that?" the Pegasus Premium may be for you. Wearing this with athleisure? A little bit of a flex. The price is a consideration at $209.95.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.9 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.7 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 45 mm (Heel), 35 mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to size |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Sydnie: "The upper was breathable and very comfortable. My feet felt secure and locked in. They didn't move around or feel loose in the upper at any time during my run."
Risa: "Overall, I got a secure lockdown with the Pegasus Premium. At first my heels felt a little loose in the shoe, but I tightened the laces and didn't really notice it anymore. The Pegasus Premium fit a little narrow in the midfoot like other Nikes. I have narrow feet so that suits me."
Midsole
Sydnie: "The underfoot experience felt smooth and snappy. It was a happy medium between soft and firm. There was just the right amount of cushioning to make for a comfortable, bouncy underfoot experience."
Risa: "I loved the feel of the midsole. It felt bouncy whether I was running fast or slow. The midsole was more soft than firm to me, without being plush or mushy. It felt highly cushioned with enough protection for long runs."
Outsole
Sydnie: "The Pegasus Premium had good grip on the road. Obviously it wouldn't hold up as well on the trails, but the shoe seemed durable overall."
Risa: "The outsole seemed standard for a daily trainer, with similar rubber coverage to the regular Pegasus. I had no issues with grip on the roads."
Comparable Shoes
Nike Pegasus Premium vs. New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3
Risa: "I haven't run in many shoes like the Pegasus Premium. The full-length Air Zoom unit makes for a unique underfoot experience in a trainer. Also, there aren't a ton of shoes that fit in the category of max-cushion supertrainers. The closest comparison for me is the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3. While there has been a lot of hype for the SuperComp Trainer v3, the shoe didn't hit for me. It has a firmer underfoot feel and more of a subtle bounce compared to the soft and very springy Pegasus Premium. That said, the SuperComp Trainer is significantly lighter, which is a definite plus."
Individual Thoughts
Reviewer Picture
SydnieOverall Score: 9.5/10
At first glance, I thought the Pegasus Premium would be a firm shoe, but I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it was. I really enjoyed the amount of springiness underfoot, and I found that this shoe had the perfect amount of cushioning for me.
RisaOverall Score: 9.5/10
I immediately liked the Pegasus Premium and appreciated it more the longer I had it. From the cool style to the comfortable underfoot feel, I think most people who get this shoe on their feet will enjoy it. Before testing, I wasn't sure if the Air Zoom unit would be gimmicky and more just for looks (I do love the Nike racing shoes with this feature). However, it created a springy underfoot feel that I noticed whether I was running fast or just walking. Where the shoe really shined for me was on long runs with some faster paces mixed in mid-run. I found it had plenty of cushioning for my long runs of 7 to 10 miles. I would probably choose something else for track workouts and my fastest efforts. Also, the price is a consideration. $210 is a lot for a trainer, and I don't think I'd personally spend that. However, it is a fun, versatile shoe and I will continue to wear it after testing.
Nike Men's Pegasus Premium
The Nike Pegasus Premium is designed to make every run feel both powerful and effortless. It features a thick stack of responsive cushioning that propels you forward with each step, while a full-length Air Zoom unit absorbs impact and delivers incredible bounce for all-day comfort.
Nike Women's Pegasus Premium
The Nike Pegasus Premium is designed to make every run feel both powerful and effortless. It features a thick stack of responsive cushioning that propels you forward with each step, while a full-length Air Zoom unit absorbs impact and delivers incredible bounce for all-day comfort.
