Nike Pegasus Plus 2 Shoe Review
Snapshot
The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 brings a completely updated fit and feel, designed to be a reliable trainer for daily mileage and light workouts. Nike’s high-performing ZoomX foam has been fine-tuned for training, balancing performance in a comfortable package. A new addition of the Air Zoom unit adds bounce and energy to uptempo efforts. This is a solid, reliable shoe, and while it lacks a bit of excitement, we’re glad to see Nike offering a trainer to elevate daily miles for runners of any level.
- Roomier toe box compared to other Nike models
- ZoomX midsole provides a soft but not overly squishy underfoot feel
- Reliable option for any runner
- Air Zoom unit creates a stiff point underfoot
- The fit was slightly uncomfortable and tight for some
- Nothing about the shoe jumps out as special
What's New
- Offers a more dynamic ride than the reliable standard Pegasus
- Builds on the previous version with refined cushioning, an increased stack height, and improved transitions
- Updated with a curved forefoot Air Zoom unit, more ZoomX foam, and a redesigned waffle outsole
Best Use
Surface
Stability
Road Shoes Types
-
Daily TrainersDaily Trainers
As the broad base of the running shoe pyramid, daily trainers are the definition of a go-to running shoe. They prioritize dependable comfort, support, durability, and routine versatility. They're a staple in every runner's closet. If you're newer to running shoes, you can confidently start your journey here.
-
Performance TrainersPerformance Trainers
Performance trainers (or "super trainers") blend elements of daily trainers and super shoes, often giving you the benefits of advanced foams and plates while being adapted for daily training. They make fast runs faster and long runs easier. Their high versatility also makes them great choices as accessible racing shoes.
-
Race Super ShoesRace Super Shoes
The pinnacle of the pyramid, super shoes are the fastest running shoes you can buy. They're designed to race your absolute best and are the apex of running-shoe technology and innovation. Often built with carbon-fiber plates and cutting-edge superfoams for the highest energy return, they're made for ultimate racing speed.
Surface
-
Roads & PavementRoads & Pavement
Road running shoes feature smooth outsoles that are designed for running on paved surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, and bike paths.
-
Smooth Trails & FireroadsSmooth Trails & Fireroads
Designed to handle most trail runs, these shoes prioritize comfort and a smooth ride. These shoes are great for anything from smooth singletrack, park trails, and fireroads making them ideal for those who run from their doorstep on streets before hitting the trail.
-
Rocky & Technical TrailsRocky & Technical Trails
These shoes are best used for hard, rugged trails such as shale, granite or sandstone where grip on smooth surfaces and underfoot protection are important.
-
Soft & Muddy TrailsSoft & Muddy Trails
Designed for use in muddy, soggy conditions, these shoes feature very aggressive outsoles that dig deep into soft ground for exceptional traction.
-
Snowy & Icy TrailsSnowy & Icy Trails
These shoes feature technical outsoles designed to grip snowy and icy trails making them ideal for winter trail running.
Stability Level
-
Neutral Running Shoes
Neutral shoes support the foot through a normal range of arch collapse and generally do not have built-in technology to correct movement.
-
Stability Running Shoes
Stability shoes are a great option for those who overpronate or need added support. These shoes help to limit the inward rolling motion of the ankle while running or walking and assist in guiding the foot straight through the gait cycle.
Shoe Specs
- WeightMen's: 8.9 oz | 252 g
Women's: 7.7 oz | 218 g - Heel Stack39 mm
- Forefoot Stack29 mm
- Heel Toe Offset10 mm
- SizingTrue To Size
The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 is for you if...
- You want a simple daily driver that works for light/medium training sessions and daily walks.
- You prefer a balanced, supportive combination of softness and firmness underfoot.
- You traditionally enjoy the Pegasus but want a slightly livelier option.
What is the Nike Pegasus Plus 2 made for?
The Pegasus Plus 2 is Nike’s lightest and most energetic daily trainer. With the standard Pegasus 42 poised as the classic go-to trainer, this option elevates the foams and materials while reducing the weight for a more energetic experience.
Underfoot, you'll find a plentiful stack of ZoomX foam, known as Nike’s performance foam for faster efforts. In this shoe, it’s tuned for an approachable daily training experience and is paired with an Air Zoom unit for added bounciness in the forefoot. The fit brought an improved, roomier experience than we’re used to seeing from Nike.
All in all, our team found this shoe to be a reliable trainer, though we didn’t quite find that the experience “wowed” us.
Our Breakdown
Performance
Our team agrees that this shoe performs nicely and offers a pleasant ride, but doesn’t have anything especially exciting about it. Each tester found that the ZoomX midsole foam had a nice balance between soft cushioning and responsiveness underfoot. It served as a reliable base for the shoe, transitioning into the forefoot Air Zoom unit, which garnered some attention. The shoe was best for easy through moderate efforts, but it didn’t feel particularly lively or excited to push the pace.
Across the board, the Air Zoom pod didn’t quite agree with us. Because the midsole is soft, the point where it transitions to the Air Zoom unit is very noticeable and caused some discomfort. The harder portions of the unit felt awkward at times as we pushed off through our strides.
"I found the Pegasus Plus 2 to be a solid, straightforward shoe, though no particular feature stood out during my runs."
Overall, the shoe did exactly what a trainer should do: provide comfort, a hint of bounce, and an enjoyable experience through the miles. At the end of the day, it's nice to run in, but it didn’t have the exciting “fun” factor that would set it apart from a sea of noteworthy trainers.
Comfort
Simply put, the Pegasus Plus 2 is a comfortable shoe. Like the midsole experience, the overall comfort was enjoyable and unproblematic, though nothing stood out as particularly special.
Underfoot, the Air Zoom unit did cause some discomfort as we transitioned through our strides, but the combination of Air Zoom and ZoomX foam feels lightweight and more comfortable than some of this shoe’s competition. The ZoomX midsole has found a pleasant balance between firm and soft, cushioning each stride while providing an assistive rebound for moderate efforts.
In terms of the upper, it’s breathable, structured, and has enough padding around the collar for daily comfort.
“It was easy to run in and felt comfortable over the course of my runs. The shoe is lightweight and more comfortable than some other daily trainer options I’ve used recently.”
Fit
In terms of fit, the Pegasus Plus 2 earned complimentary marks. In the past, Nike has been known to occasionally fit on the snug or narrow side. The Pegasus Plus 2 marks a noticeable shift towards a roomier, more accommodating fit that balances security with spaciousness. Colvin noted that this was a big step up from Nike, giving a roomy fit that was still secure.
These have the space to accommodate a variety of foot shapes, regardless of sock thickness. We didn’t have any hotspots, rubbing, or problem areas out on the run.
While Grace did experience some slight heel tightness and discomfort over longer efforts, a majority of our team found them good to go straight out of the box.
“I typically find Nike shoes snug; however these were extremely comfortable. The shoe is roomy without being fitted poorly.”
Comparison
Nike Pegasus Plus 2 vs. adidas Hyperboost Run
"The Pegasus Plus 2 is heavier and roomier than the Hyperboost Run. You can really get up to higher speeds in the Hyperboost Run, but the Plus 2 coasts really well at mid to low speeds. The Hyperboost is softer than the Pegasus Plus 2, but the firmness of the Pegasus Plus 2 makes it more comfortable underfoot." -Colvin
Nike Pegasus Plus 2 vs. ASICS SUPERBLAST 3
"The SUPERBLAST is more fun to run in at higher speeds than the Pegasus Plus 2. The SUPERBLAST is more energetic, but the Pegasus Plus 2 has the advantage of a higher-volume fit." -Colvin
Spec Comparison
| Model | Nike Pegasus Plus 2 | adidas Hyperboost Run | ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 |
| Weight | Men's: 8.9 oz | 252 g Women's: 7.7 oz | 218 g | Men's: 8.7 oz | 247 g Women's: 7.7 oz | 218 g | Unisex: 8.1 oz | 230 g |
| Heel Stack | 39 mm | 38 mm | 46 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 29 mm | 32 mm | 38 mm |
| Heel Toe Offset | 10 mm | 6 mm | 8 mm |
| Price | $169.95 | $169.95 | $209.95 |
| Best For | Daily Training | Daily Training | Daily Training & Long Runs |
| Shoe Type | Energetic Daily Trainer | Energetic Daily Trainer | Performance Long Run |
Individual Thoughts
Colvin
The Pegasus Plus 2 is a great shoe, and as a beginner-level runner, the roomy volume paired with a solid, soft underfoot feel and good energy makes for a really good go-to daily trainer. The biggest problem is the shoe's "go-to” features. The Air Zoom unit really lets this shoe down, making it harder to hit higher-tempo runs. But maybe that's what this shoe is going for!
This is a great shoe that can transition from your daily runs to a casual shoe you can wear around town without instability. Personally, as someone who doesn’t like very tight-fitting shoes, I really enjoyed wearing it. The spacious upper and thin tongue really make for a comfortable ride, and the heel’s flare makes getting the shoes on and off a cinch.
| Colvin's Breakdown | |
| Performance | 7 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Fit | 9 |
| Overall | 9 |
Ali
Overall, I enjoyed running in the Pegasus Plus 2, though nothing about it particularly stood out. The fit felt great, and the cushioning was comfortable without being too soft or too firm. It’s a reliable option, but based on my experience, there are other shoes in this category I’d reach for first.
| Ali's Breakdown | |
| Performance | 7 |
| Comfort | 7 |
| Fit | 9 |
| Overall | 8 |
Grace K.
Overall, I think this is a solid daily trainer that does what it’s supposed to do without necessarily standing out from the crowd. It’s comfortable, lightweight, and reliable, but the ride didn’t give me the same level of energy or excitement that I’ve found in some of my other recent shoes. I’d keep it in my rotation for easier runs and everyday mileage, but it wouldn’t be my first choice when I’m looking for more out of my run.
| Grace K.'s Breakdown | |
| Performance | 7.5 |
| Comfort | 7 |
| Fit | 7 |
| Overall | 7 |
Featured Reviews
About Running Warehouse
