Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 120 Mile Road Test Review Update: Light, Comfortable Trainer Built for Breaking 2... or Breaking 4!

Article by Sam Winebaum, Sally Reiley, Michael Ellenberger, Derek Li, and Jeff Beck

Update: Michael Ellenberger (30:21 10K PR. 1:12.12 Half PR) joins the RTR review team and tested my pair of Zoom Pegasus Turbo for an additional 100 miles.


Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo ($180)

Available at select Nike retailers August 2nd including Running Warehouse here
On July 11th Nike released the Zoom Pegasus Turbo, an approximately 8 oz/ 227 g (men's 9), 6.9 oz /196 g (women's 8) run trainer.   Nike's official weight at a size 10 men's is 8.4 oz. The Turbo has a 10mm drop and is based on the popular Pegasus. Running Warehouse has the stack height at 27 mm heel/ 17 mm forefoot, so a 10mm drop here.

The Zoom Pegasus Turbo is the second shoe, after the magic Vapor Fly-the Breaking 2 shoe, (RTR review) with a Zoom X midsole. Zoom X is a PEBA based foam which is incredibly light and has superb energy "return" and cushioning characteristics. The Vapor Fly has flown elites and four hour marathoners to shockingly fast times while keeping the legs fresh through the race and after. I can attest to the friendliness and speed of this incredible shoe.  The Turbo geometry seeks to reproduce the familiar feel of the Pegasus, at race shoe weights, as well as the energetic softer ride of the Vapor Fly with a hint of its propulsive effect but with no carbon plate in the mix.

Sam: The Turbo was developed with feedback from Eliud Kipchoge who got oh so close to the magic two hour marathon barrier last year and who has been the world's most dominant marathoner. Eliud wanted a training shoe with the very light, lively, soft, and friendly feel of his record setting Vapor Fly to hammer out the hundreds of miles of training required. Quite frankly, Nike had few if any training shoes with such a ride feel and light weight in their current line up until the Turbo.


Michael: The Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo is, as you’re no doubt aware by now, Nike’s newest running shoe with its “revolutionary” ZoomX foam (the only precedent coming from the elusive and expensive VaporFly 4%). While it’s a lightweight model (8.4 oz in a size 10), Nike is pitching it as a lightweight daily trainer - their own website describes the trainer bringing "record-breaking speed and responsiveness to your daily training runs.” Now, I don’t start most of my recovery runs looking for record breaking speed, but maybe you do. Regardless, it’s a hotbed of new Nike goodness - technology and simplicity rolled into one.

The Pegasus Turbo is, on paper, my dream trainer. In college, I trained primarily in racing flats, and specifically in the LunaRacer 3 (as long as it was available), back-stocking them to the extent my DIII-runner budget would allow. I’m a lighter runner (125 pounds or so) with a stride that was once described as a “train wreck” by my coach, but has necessarily smoothed itself out over years of high milage training. If you’re going to make your body run two hours per day, I think, it learns how it needs to do so. Not to say there weren’t some roadblocks along the way. Anyway - I love training in racing flats or lighter trainers. One reason for doing so is the low-cost… that’s not really a factor here. Another reason is aesthetics… that’s a big win for the Turbos. But the biggest reason is just necessarily. I have a small frame and a quick stride and I don’t need to carry a 13 oz trainer along for the ride. So I choose not to.

Sally: I succumbed to the hype and got a pair of Nike Vapor Fly 4% when they were released in April, just days before the Boston Marathon. I figured that I was up for anything that could help me get through my fifth consecutive Boston with a compromised hamstring, even if the help was all in my head! As it turns out, duck boots or galoshes would have been the ideal footwear for the 2018 Boston Monsoonathon, so the soggy wet VF 4% were not truly tested.

My first run with the Nike Epic React in February had me hooked on Nikes after a long streak of Adidas. I loved everything about the Epic React. I couldn’t resist the Pegasus 35 after all the hype and marketing, so I recently gave them a try. Nice solid shoe. Like other “running shoe geeks,” I understand the love-hate relationship with Nike and their marketing hype and “early release” dates on their member only app! I copped a pair of the Peg Turbo on that early release (congratulations to me), $180 and all. Gulp. Sucker. But news flash: I LOVE THEM! Great every day trainer:  comfortable, light, fast, smooth, energetic… fun to run in! This just might be the shoe I have been waiting for.

The look is fast and sleek. Folks are either going to love or hate the fruit punch/hot pink stripe down the middle. It is definitely growing on me! And they are NOT grey, as described. I would call them “Marblehead Green,” a classic yet so hip nautical color that matches my sailing shorts (named for the color of anti-fouling boat bottom paint, so prevalent in this sailing town, similar to the nantucket red of the Cape and the islands).

Jeff: What else can be said about this shoe? While Nike has been rolling out the hype and marketing machine for all of their big releases lately, this seemed to be bigger than most. Limited pairs were sold as an early pre-sale on their app, the sole had been photoshopped into a rocket ship, and it seemed like virtually everyone in the running community had pre-judged this thing as a total flop and waste of money or the slightly cheaper, but far more available little brother of running's unicorn shoe Vaporfly 4%. I think the truth lies somewhere right between both of them, in that it is a really good shoe that offers quite a bit, but it is very expensive and does have some issues.
Sam: Nike was kind enough to send us a pair for testing. I have run 21 miles in them since receiving them a 5.5 mile moderate tempo run,  4.5 mile slow recovery pace run, a short pre race tune up with a faster mile and a 7.5 mile hilly daily pace run. I handed off my pair to Michael Ellenberger who has put another 100 miles on them and Sally miles in her own pair. Read on, but Nike has a winner here. The Turbo is a training shoe that is a light, comfortable, softer and is smoother and at the same time is not quite as aggressively responsive and firm as the standard Pegasus. Recall Eliud wanted some comfort in his trainer and we should too!

The test sample is a women's size 10 which fit my 8.5 size perfectly with a touch more mid foot volume and comfort than the Pegasus 35.  Update: Nike confirms that a women's size 10 is the same fit as a men's 8.5. This appears to mean that while pairs are labeled men's or women's in terms of sizes the actual shoe fit is the same, so put a men's 8.5 label on the box of women's 10 and you have the same shoe.

It is certainly more comfortable for me than the Epic React's upper where I was almost pinched, down low at the arch. I once tested a Pegasus 33 in a women's 10 and this fit is clearly more voluminous at mid foot yet with plenty of length if a bit low over the toes due to the racing stripe when new. While I can't exactly judge, lower volume, narrower men's feet may need to size down.

Guys should definitely consider a "women" labeled mode, subtracting 1.5 of US shoe size if supplies are short, and they will be! The initial color way is identical for everyone as well with more color ways to be released August 2nd.

The size W10/M8.5 shoe tested weighs 7.6 oz/ 220 g which should translate to approximatly 8 oz./227 g at a US size 9.  This is 1.4 oz/40 g less than the current standard Pegasus 35. The weight difference is instantly noticeable on the foot and on the run.

First Impressions and Fit
Sam: I really dig the day glow pink and light gray green here.  I have to assume the wide racing stripe down the toe is functional providing some structure. It is reproduced on the outsole as a full contact surface in the center, just where it should be.  The shoe disappears on the foot with no sense of the constraining fit of the Epic React or even of the new Pegasus 35 which fits me well if still somewhat snugly.  I did notice some pressure over my tricky big toe nails from the broad and flashy racing stripe but one run in thicker socks was what it took to pad the toe nail and pack down the sock-liner. and the fit was dialed and the pressure gone on for my next run in thin socks.
The achilles collar fit is similar to the Pegasus 35, swept back to relieve achilles pressure and a bit more "open" and loose feeling than normal towards the top but all in all as secure if relaxed rear of the shoe fit.

Sally: The fit was very true to size for me and comfortable right out of the box. After running on them some 50 plus miles over the past 10 days, I am pleased that there are absolutely no hot spots or areas of concern, just all around comfort. I do find that my favored Feetures padded socks are superfluous in the Peg Turbo - almost too much combined cushioning in the back of the heel with those socks. Low cut no show socks or higher quarter socks would work better with the high achilles collar in this shoe. I have a low volume foot, and these wrap and hold my foot nicely. More toe wiggle room than the Epic React, less than the unisex Vapor Fly 4% (which also might be half size too large for me). I could wear this shoe all day. The only negative I see is that they take longer to dry than other mesh uppers (but I am not about to run twice a day at my age, so no worries here.)

Derek:
This is the first shoe I own that got positive aesthetic comments from my family members so that’s always a good start. I really like the racing stripe down the middle motif, and especially in pink it really stands out! The shoe definitely has a softer feel compared the stock Pegasus 35. That’s pretty obvious from the moment you put it on and walk around in it. The upper also seems to fit looser around the arch than the Peg 35, even though they are built on the same last. This is a good thing for me, as I had issues with the arch being too snug for the D width Peg 35. (Peg 35 also comes in 2E and 4E) In fact, I think because the upper uses some thinner materials than the Peg 35, the overall width of the shoe is slightly wider overall. I had read some initial reports that the toe box was quite low, but I didn’t notice any issues with this. The fit is definitely true to size, and shoe volume is pretty much middle of the road. I didn’t have to resort to any funky lacing to get a good lock down.

Jeff:
I usually wear an 11 in Nike. From the Zoom Fly to the Epic React, Terra Kiger, LunarTempo, Flyknit Lunar 3, Zoom Streak 6, a handful of Vomeros, I am for sure an 11 in Nike. Except for the Vaporfly 4%, and the Pegasus Turbo. On a whim I went down to my true to size (for most companies) at the last minute, and I'm glad I did - lengthwise they fit me perfectly.
You may notice from the pictures that unlike everyone else, I received the black, gray, and white version so no bright red/pink stripe down the middle for me. I could see the bowling shoe comparisons (though nothing like what Altra had done in the past, looking at you Altra One 2.0), but the slightly lighter stripe of different material isn't evident when you look at the dark colorway. At first it just looks like an innocuous Nike, until you get to the back of the shoe. Somewhat reminiscent of what Santa's Little Elves wear on their feet, nothing about the heel bothered me on foot. The extra pointed rear of the sole was slightly awkward the first time I put them on, but then I got used to them.

Upper
Sam: The upper is a very fine translucent mesh reminding me of a tiny holed fishing net. It has a full lining which is fairly thick and which attaches to the tongue to create a bootie. The FlyWire cords sit between the outer mesh and the inner bootie and I never noticed them when laced up as the lining pads the FlyWire cords very effectively.
The upper is very pliable and foot conforming while not being "soft feeling" in the conventional sense with mid foot support provided by the bootie and the FlyWire cords, as well as a slight raising of the midsole side walls at mid foot above the foot bed on the medial side. The laces are pliable with some grip texture. Lace up was once and done.
The swept back achilles collar is a distinctive feature of the Peg Turbo and Pegasus 35. It does keep pressure off the achilles but feels a bit open at the top although overall rear hold is just fine.
There is plenty of toe box volume with the caveat that on first try on, before they molded to the foot the racing stripe was noticed with some pressure over my big toe nails. By the end of the first run this went away. The upper is breathable and should drain very well.
The tongue is lightly padded with a smooth continuous covering.
Michael:  As Sam noted, the upper on the women’s 10 (he gracious sent me his pair above to try on) is loose, and the stripe down the middle (which I think is visually awesome) seems to dig into my middle toes a little. It seems more obtrusive when walking than running (that is to say, it hasn’t effected my training at all) but it’s a little annoying, none the less. A minor (cosmetic) negative is that cleaning the upper, is essentially impossible. Somehow the plastic-y outside structure traps dirt beneath it (on the fabric layer) and means that any spots of dirt essentially cannot be cleaned off. Is that a deal breaker? Not in the slightest. But if you’re a fan of pristine shoes, it’s worth noting.


The curved heel in the back is an… interesting aesthetic choice, but has some functionality to it, according to Nike. Comfort-wise, this is also a huge win, with the excess upper issue described below notwithstanding. I used to train sockless in the LunaRacer 3 (tried it once in the LR1, and won’t add the evidence here due to extreme NSFW imagery) and I imagine the same could fly on the Peg Turbo, should you choose. The heel is extremely cushy and really cradles the achilles. Normally, a lightweight trainer and a plush trainer are not the same thing - here, with the lightweight upper and midsole, they’ve managed to keep around some of the cushioning and soft feeling that makes the Pegasus so great, with a stripped down weight.

Derek: It can feel a bit warm in this shoe. I’ll say that upfront. The plastic outer skin seems to limit ventilation and trap water/sweat somewhat. Couple this with the thick Ortholite insole it comes with, and you have the potential for hot spots to build up underfoot. Other than that, the upper is incredibly comfortable, and I’ve actually had no issues going sockless in this shoe for runs up to an hour. The only possible source of irritation is where the heel segment transitions to the mid-foot and there’s a big seam there. This seam is not present in e.g. Zoom Fly and I wish they had adopted the same approach in the Peg Turbo upper. Even after multiple runs including a run of over 2 hours in high 80s temperatures, I did not experience any issues of the middle stripe causing irritation to my foot. The heel continues to be a little loose but doesn’t bother me when I’m running.

Jeff: Getting used to the shoe's overall aesthetic was easy, but dealing with the front of the shoe was a different beast. While it does not look overly narrow, it is a very tight toebox. 
Perhaps even Hoka tight. Every single run I had in this shoe threatened blisters for each of my small toes, which is less than ideal. Sam had mentioned that he'd had the same issue, but after a few runs the upper (or perhaps even the stripe) stretched enough and it got better. Maybe the black doesn't stretch as much, or maybe I have a wider foot (though I do not measure a wide on a Brannock), either way, they were and are still snug. My wife has a pair of those wooden shoe stretchers that I employed to help the situation. I think it did, but not nearly enough. The toebox is also very limiting vertically, and while I notice that early on, it didn't have any bearing on a run. I really like upper overall. It is lightweight without feeling fragile, and has a little bit of stretch up front. Even running in August in Phoenix (amidst some truly awful heat and humidity combinations thanks to heavy duty monsoon storms) I had no heat issues whatsoever. My midfoot was locked down with very little effort, and I experience no heel slip, but runners with lower volume feet that need more could utilize the last eyelet to help. If they used just a bit more material in the toe area I'd be a much bigger fan.

Midsole

Sam: The Zoom X midsole is the star feature.  Nike tells us the entire midsole is Zoom X which we understand is a PEBA based foam and not the usual EVA.

There is no full length carbon propulsive plate in the mix as the Vapor Fly has. This is a softer midsole for sure than the Pegasus with its Cushlon cradle of foam surrounding a full length Zoom Air unit. Even though the Pegasus 35 is much improved and lighter (although still more than an ounce heavier than Turbo), it still has a somewhat lumpy, firm and lifeless serious feel, and certainly so in comparison to its Turbo sibling. The Turbo feel is closer to Nike shoes such as the Lunar Tempo but with a silky softness and a more noticeable, well measured rebound and a distinct, if more subtle than in Vapor Fly, sense of energy return as downward forces are released, I assume due to the lack of the propulsion plate of the Vapor Fly in the Turbo.
Those familiar with Nike new Epic React will find the Turbo midsole somewhat softer and with much more life to it. I found the Epic React ride muted and quite dull despite the light weight of the shoe, a touch lighter at 7.8 oz than the Turbo.
At first I thought I felt two densities of foam, and as we were told there is some React foam in the mix, slightly firmer under foot then softer below at the heel but this feel may be caused by the flared geometry of the heel and midsole side walls. Update: it turns out the white layer above the outsole is React and it is thick making up a good part of the midsole. The foam directly under foot is Zoom X. Watch this YouTube where the Nike developer explains at 3:50 here .Even with the outwardly flared heel sides, as a heel striker, I wish for a touch more width at the rear. This said they are way more stable than the Vapor Fly.
The flex is long, breaking past the second lace loop from the front, basically just in front of the Swoosh. Forward of that, the shoe is quite stiff reminding of the Vapor Fly but of course as there is no carbon plate more flexible overall as the Vapor Fly is completely rigid.

As with the Vapor Fly, there is a delightfully soft feeling under the forefoot from the Zoom X but no sense of bottoming out. The Turbo transitions incredibly easily at all paces including very slow but given no plate and relatively thin rubber outsole it is not as responsive and snappy as the Pegasus 35. As with the Vapor Fly but distinctly more muted there is a groove with the body slightly angled forward where they run best. One feels a very smooth and easy flow through the gait to toe off.  Recall this is a training shoe for long miles at moderate paces, in great comfort, day in day out.  The Vapor Fly is the race and faster days shoe in this Nike rotation.

Derek: I think one of the downsides of a softer shoe is that transitions can feel a bit sluggish if you are more of a heel striker. The heel essentially compresses to create a lower drop feel and makes you work a bit more to turn the shoe over. The same is happening here with the Turbo. The top half of the midsole being the softer ZoomX, you get a lot of compression when you land, and even though there is plenty of rebound, you just feel like you are spending a little more time on the heel. I think the Vaporfly got around this with the carbon plate, but there’s no plate here. Even the Peg 35 seems to transition better because it has a firmer heel and so you roll through it a little faster. That said, there is a lot of vibration dampening for a shoe that doesn’t really have as much stack as you would have expected - 28/18mm (same as Epic React and Brooks Launch) but much lower than eg Zoom Fly at 33/23mm.

Jeff: Leading up to the release of the shoe, Nike banged the "IT'S ZOOMX JUST LIKE THE VAPORFLY" drum really hard, and while that is true, it is not completely true. The Pegasus Turbo uses ZoomX and React foam together, and it seems like React is more prevalent than Zoom X, but the shoe doesn't say React anywhere, only "Nike ZoomX" printed on the side of the midsole. That nitpick aside, it has a very cushioned feel. Very very cushioned with a whole lot of squish. The heel is more built up than I would prefer, but the forefoot still has more than ample cushioning. The amount of creasing in the midsole (or the paint layer covering the side walls of the midsole as in the VaporFly) is a little concerning with only twentyish mile on them. If it is purely aesthetic, than no worries. But if the creasing continues and leads to the degradation of the shoe, that's a problem. Interestingly enough, the shoe creases both above and below the split, so it isn't just the ZoomX foam, the React is creasing as well. My Epic Reacts have 60 miles on them without any of the same creases, so maybe it is a design flaw/feature - but it could be a failure point for heavier runners.

Outsole
Sam: The outsole is durable rubber which may be be slightly firmer at the heel than forefoot. There is a full band of rubber around the entire outsole edges which we assume helps stabilize the soft Zoom X and provide some wear resistance at the edges, and it does.  Leveraging the geometry of the midsole the flex point is at the narrowest on the ground area, so quite far back and at mid foot.

Nike's press release says there is some React "underfoot for durability and stability"
The white areas showing through the black midsole and at mid foot may be a thin layer of more abrasion resistant and I would assume more stable React foam, as Zoom X itself is not abrasion resistant. Comparing what this layer feels like by pressing it to the Zoom X sidewalls and I note it is different but this could also be the outer skin of the sidewalls. As the press release also says "underfoot" it could be an invisible layer embedded within the Zoom X just below the foot. The landing feel is a touch different than below on initial contact.

The contact black rubber is concentrated in two areas of pentagonal lugs at the front and rear in a general arrangement similar to the Epic React.
Unlike the Epic React, which I found difficult to toe off, I sensed due to its continuous patches of rubber here with openings through, and real rubber and not the translucent material in the Epic. that toe off is soft, easy and smooth, seamless, and unforced. I found I had to force the toe of the Epic React at slower paces, not here with the Turbo.
Pressing the heel area rubber,  particularly at the far pointy back, I find the whole system there a bit softer than I would like, My only ninor criticism of the Turbo so far is that the heel landing may be to pointy and or the rubber not dense enough back there to create an ideally stable platform for us heel striking Breaking 4 types but ideal for closer to breaking 2:20 types such as Michael.
Michael: The outsole still looks very good after my 100 miles plus Sam’s 30 or so. 

It is much better than the Epic React at a similar amount of mileage (but I know that’s a well documented problem). I can easily see 500-600 out of these shoes given my light weight. 
So far I’d say no change in the feel of  the Zoom X whatsoever (though visually you can see a little compression). Editor Note: The creasing of the side walls seen below is similar to that seen in the Vapor Fly. The Zoom X given its yellowish color has a skin of paint which seems to easily crease. The creasing has in no way proven to be a functional problem in the Vapor Fly and shouldn't be here.
Sally: Like Michael, I am a lightweight (106 pounds soaking wet) and don’t put too much stress on my shoes. The outsole looks new after 50 miles.

Derek: I’ve no issues with the outsole here. They put as little as necessary to keep weight down and the feel soft. A little blown rubber at the toes and the heel with exposed React foam in the middle. No problem. If Epic React is anything to go by, exposed midsole durability is a non issue. The shoe has plenty of grip and the React actually gets a little bit tacky in the wet for extra grip. I think the stock Peg 35 could have borrowed a little from this theme rather than go crazy with carbon rubber all over the place, but that’s another story.
Jeff: The Pegasus Turbo uses a quite a bit of rubber for the outsole, but does keep the exposed midsole for the center of the shoe. While other shoes have done something similar, by ringing the perimeter of the shoe with a thin strip of rubber, I think they have set themselves up for a big mileage shoe - at least for the outsoles. Unlike the completely exposed midsole/outsole of the Epic React, the small strip of rubber has taken all of the abuse from my supinator gait. The rubber nubs up front shoe show the slightest bit of wear, but from what I have seen so far I think the midsole will lose its pop long before the outsole gives up the ghost. A few of the midsole nubs have small scuffs, but nothing to worry about.

Ride
Sam: The ride is delightfully easy going and smooth. Soft, but in no way mushy. the Turbo is very easy on the legs, as is the Vapor Fly. The long flex was particularly good on steep climbs. The pointy heel is not quite as stable as I would like on steep downhills. So far, I am finding the ride best at paces between mid tempo and easier going daily miles and even very slow miles are a delight. The most unique sensation here is the transition from a subtle "platform" like feel at mid foot to a very easy and comfortable toe off with lots of well modulated softness up front. It's not a snappy responsive toe of, just a sense as in the Vapor Fly, but less so, of falling forward slightly and easily and very smoothly toeing off without ever forcing the toe off as I felt I had to in the Epic React. I do wish for a touch more front snap as the pace picks up, but for the long daily miles training purpose the comfort and smoothness here is outstanding.

Michael: All that to say, even in light of shoes like the Epic React, Pegasus 35, Odyssey React, and Fly, the Pegasus Turbo stands out. It’s soft, but responsive - these are buzzwords, of course, but also undoubtedly proven true. My first run in these was a 4 x mile workout on the track one morning - and the way the shoe transitioned from upbeat warm up running, to 10k-pace mile work, and down to cool down slog was impressive to say the least. I didn’t feel the need to tote my racing flats to the track, or slip into something like the Peg for the cool down. Maybe this shoe could do it all. 
Since then I’ve put about 100 miles on the Trubo over a couple weeks, with a smattering of “regular” Pegs and Epic Reacts in the mix for reference. Time and time again, I pull on the Peg Turbo for basically any effort - a longer tempo run, a Saturday recovery session, or a track workout. For those wondering, the PTs also seem to handle much better in wet conditions than the Epic React, which felt like a slip-and-slide on the painted elements of the road. Yikes. They are just so flippin’ soft and comfortable. The curved heel in the back is an… interesting aesthetic choice, but has some functionality to it, according to Nike.

Sally: The Peg Turbo is a joy to run in. It is smooth, and soft but not mushy. Miles go by without thinking of my feet, which is a good thing. The shoe transitions well, rolling forward seemingly effortlessly at slower or faster paces. It feels great powering uphill and cruising downhill. I have not had the chance to run on wet pavement yet, but I anticipate they would grip well (much better than the slippery outsole of the Epic React). Easy, comfortable ride all around!


Derek: I found the shoe to be quite versatile in terms of paces. It is soft enough that just jogging along at recovery paces does not beat you up, but it really starts to shine at moderate and uptempo paces. Once you get a good tempo going, you really start to notice the bounce in the shoe. I actually experimented with several different insoles for this shoe, as the stock Ortholite insole was generating too much heat for me. I’ve come to the conclusion that a regular EVA insole works best for easy runs, but if you really want to do hard tempos, try putting a pair of Superfeet carbon insoles in it. The latter firms up the heel a little and really aids in the transitioning of the shoe for the faster paces. Another thing I noticed is that the heel still slips. As I mentioned earlier, the overall volume is a bit higher than in the Peg 35. One result of this is that any heel slippage you may have had in the Peg 35 just gets magnified in the Turbo. I know it looks cool and all, but they should have just stuck with a conventional heel counter. Overall, the shoe transitions fairly smoothly, though if you are an extreme heel-striker, you may find the soft heel gives a bit of a sluggish feel to the shoe. The softness is what I expected from ZoomX but this shoe also illustrated to me the importance of the plate in the Vaporfly and Zoom Fly; without it, there’s no way to get a soft shoe to transition very well. The longest run I put in the shoe was 16 miles, and towards the end I started to feel like I wanted a little more stack under the forefoot; it was a big contrast to the amount of forefoot cushioning I experienced with the Vaporstreet the week before for my long run.

Jeff: This shoe is a chameleon. It looks like a Nike, fits and feels like a Hoka, and runs well, like the combination of a few more shoes. The soft cushioning made me think I should try it out on easy days, and after two easy runs I alternating between hating it and really liking it. The first run was overshadowed by just how tight the toebox was, and nothing else stood out. A day later the shoe stretchers had given me enough room to think about the ride and even at a slow easy pace, they felt good, but there are a number of shoes that feel great at a slow, easy pace -- many with more comfort and a lower price tag. 
Then I wore them to a group run put on by my local running store, and running with a few other guys I pushed pace a little, and the shoe just disappeared. It was a non-event, which in my world is a good thing. If I'm not thinking about my shoe during the run, it means that it isn't doing anything to attract my attention. For the first five miles of the run the shoe was fine, but as we made the final turn back to the store, somebody pushed pace a little. Then someone else pushed it more. Then we all picked it up more, and what had been a mid-nine minute per mile pace turned into a low-seven minute per mile pace - and the Turbo was having every second of it. I felt a pop in the shoe that had not been there on any other run, and unlike the few times I have tried to push pace in the Epic React, there weren't any hotspots. Not to say it felt as good as the Vaporfly, but it really seemed like a different shoe at the faster pace. 

On a whim, I took the Turbos out for my interval run (4x400m at 5K pace) a few days later, and they held up pretty well there too. And all of this makes sense, considering the shoe is called the Turbo and they literally put the word "FAST" on the midsole.

Conclusions
Sam: By focusing on the training needs of its elites and learning from the leg saving experiences of the Vapor Fly and its Zoom X midsole, Nike has delivered an outstanding new trainer with the Pegasus Turbo. Even in recent years, many Nike racers and trainers have definitely on the heavy, rough or firm side with shoes such as the Pegasus and Streak 6. Yet Nike did have a line of softer rides, the Lunar series. The Vapor Fly opened eyes and moved legs fast and relatively painlessly so why not train that way too!

This is one comfortable ride top to bottom: easy going, light, and energetic without any rough edges beyond a wish for a bit more heel firmness/stability and a touch more front response. It is not a highly snappy responsive trainer targeted at up tempo workouts ( use theVapor Fly for that) but a smooth, smooth operator for daily miles which can go fast or slow with equal ease and with less roughness and jarring than the fine standard Pegasus 35. Runners of all paces, except maybe extreme hard and heavier frame heel strikers will enjoy this shoe as a daily trainer. We will have an in depth multi tester review soon.
Sam's Score 9.3/10
-.04 for rear stability for this heel striker and overall softness. I wish for a bit more pop.
-0.2 for low toe overhead from the racing stripe. Issue resolved for me. Patience is advised to stretch them out before plunging into a long run.
-0.1 for price. It is what it is and Zoom X is hard to work with but...
Michael: 
Michael: They’re $180. $180 for trainers! To me, that’s almost inexcusable. And I’d be ready to kick them to the curb…. If they weren’t so damn comfortable. Seriously, like, so comfortable. If you can get over the price, I’d wholeheartedly recommend them. Well… most-heartedly, because I’d confirm that the baggy upper doesn’t irritate your foot when you run. And, assuming it doesn’t, if you’re willing to plop down $180+Tax on shoes that are only designed to last a few months of training… do it, by all means. I’ve run 4:40 and 8:40 pace in them and had no issues. These are terrific shoes and probably my favorite trainers to-date, and a strong candidate for my favorite trainer yet.
Michael Score: 9/10. 
The only substantive change, in my mind, is tightening the upper a little (knowing Nike, it’s reasonable to think we’ll get a $200 Peg Turbo Flyknit at some point). Besides that, if you can get over $180 for a pair of daily trainers, I think this is the shoe to get.


Sally: 
Yes, they are pricey at $180, but this an awesome daily trainer shoe! They are light, energetic, soft but not at all mushy, COMFORTABLE, versatile at all paces, smooth and easy in transition, and downright FUN to run in! I anticipate that they will serve me as my go to training shoe for 500 miles. I am so excited at the thought of no blisters, no foot discomfort, and fast miles!
Sally Score: 9.75/10.0. Loving this shoe. Only drawback for me is the plastic coating on the upper, making it hold in moisture and dirt. Worth the money.

Derek: 
I think the main issue to bear in mind is that this shoe is a Pegasus first, and ZoomX second. Don’t go buying this shoe thinking it’s a Vaporfly trainer. It isn’t. Instead, think of it as a softer bouncier version of a historically firm and traditional feeling Pegasus 35. More of a Pegasus Racer. Overall I think the shoe works well for me for its intended purpose. It is soft without feeling excessively mushy, and picks up the pace fairly easily. Finally it lacks the inherent high stack instability of the Zoom Fly and Vaporstreet. I use it more for easy-moderate pace runs now, including long runs where I think I want to do any sort of pace progression. I think as a shoe, it would not work so well for extreme heel strikers as they may find that the soft heel makes transitions feel a bit ponderous. Another issue to note is that like most D width Nike shoes, the fit is on the narrow side compared to the other major brands, so if you usually need a 2E width shoe, you probably won’t be able to get away with a D width Pegasus Turbo.
Derek's Score: 9.2/10
-0.5 for poor breathability upper
-0.3 for heel slippage

Jeff:
This is a shoe that wants to go with you on your uptempo runs. This is not the shoe for those easy or long runs that see you putting down 9-10 minute miles. That said, it doesn't have that spring in the step feeling that more and more shoes have. They don't feel particularly energetic, like the Vaporfly 4%, or even the New Balance Beacon or 1400v6. Every one of those shoes has a pop to them just walking around, like they are encouraging you to go run fast, and they'll do whatever they can to help. The Pegasus Turbo won't get in your way, and they are very much along for the ride at faster speeds. While they are very comfortable in a variety of ways, the upper is so tight in the toebox despite days of stretching, it really flavored the shoe for me. If I ever have the small toe of each foot amputated, the Pegasus Turbo will be a major player in my rotation. The run very well, the outsole looks geared up to handle 300-400 miles, and while I have no idea if the soft midsole would last that long, I would like to try. But couple all of that with the $180 price point, and that is a tough sell. It's a great shoe, with some major league flaws.
Score 8.5/10
-1 for lack of toebox room
-.5 for price

Comparisons
Nike Zoom Pegasus 35 (RTR Review)
Sam: Turbo is lighter, smoother, and more easy going on the legs. It is not quite as stable or responsive. The Turbo is way more fun.
Sally: Win for Peg Turbo: lighter, smoother, and I thought more responsive.
Derek: The Turbo is softer overall with better vibration dampening. I don’t see myself tolerating the Peg 35 over longer runs but the Turbo would be fine. The Peg 35 seems to transition a bit smoother and faster due to the firm heel, but the heavier weight holds it back.

Nike Vapor Fly 4% (RTR Review)
Sam: Train most miles in the Turbo. Do harder faster workouts and races in the Vapor Fly. That's Eliud's combo.
Derek: Somehow the Pegasus Turbo feels like 70% React and 30% ZoomX so it actually has less in common with the Vaporfly than you would think. I can see the Turbo being a good trainer for people who like the 4%, but honestly I think a true 4% trainer would need a little more stack across the board, even if it makes the shoe a little heavier.
Sally: Apples and oranges - Do what Sam says. These two shoes serve different purposes.
Jeff: It's almost unfair to compare these two shoes but Nike has been doing it so we might as well. If you are expecting a more durable VF4% in the Pegasus Turbo, you will be disappointed. More weight and less pop, but they are different tools for different jobs.

Nike Epic React Flyknit (RTR Review)
Sam: Not a big smiles shoe for me. A constrained, snug upper and muted, stiff ride despite the lightweight of the Epic. Zoom X is clearly a superior midsole foam a more energetic and lively while softer than the Epic React with smoother transitions and far superior and easier and more natural toe off while having a touch less response.
Michael: I thought the Epic React was a soft shoe, until I tried on the Pegasus Turbo. While I do like the fit of the Epic React - specifically the upper, where I think the flyknit gives a better lockdown than the upper on the Turbo - the midsole looks visually like it’s going to last only a few hundred miles (to-be-tested) and the traction on wet surfaces can be downright scary. Would much prefer the Turbo unless you just have to have flyknit.
Sally: I love both of these shoes. Epic React fits more snuggly and actually causes hotspots under the pads of my big toes, Peg Turbo has more comfortable fit for me. Both have a smooth, fast ride, good for the moderate effort training runs. My Epic Reacts are being rationed due to concerns for wear to outsole. Peg Turbo for the win.
Jeff: This is a tough one for me because of how much I've like the Epic React. It's a great shoe, especially for 3-8 easy miles, but if you are inclined to pick up the pace it doesn't handle faster miles nearly as well as the Pegasus Turbo. However, its upper is infinitely more comfortable, and its toe box feels like a dream. Coin flip between the two - fast and flawed or slow and perfect.

Nike Zoom Fly (RTR Review)
Sam: Firmer and very stiff with conventional foam, the Zoom Fly seemed to operate for me in a narrow pace range around moderate tempo and was no fun faster or slower. Turbo will range better from faster tempo to slower paces and is easier on the legs.
Jeff: No question, the Pegasus Turbo. The Zoom Fly looks an awful lot like the Vaporfly, but the Zoom Fly is so stiff, and despite a high stack they aren't well cushioned - and every attempt to push pace in them was met with what felt like resistance. Take Pegasus Turbo, even with the toebox issues and higher price.
Derek: ZF has much firmer heel and really doesn’t like to go slow, but is a dream at tempo paces. Think of the Pegasus as a softer heel version of the shoe, with the downside being a slower transition due to lack of plate.

Nike Vaporstreet
Derek: the Street and Turbo actually feel quite similar in terms of softness and transition. The Street is a little lighter but feels less stable due to the unstructured knit upper, and much higher stack height, as well as less grippy outsole. If the route is technical or has sweeping inclines, I would prefer the Turbo, but if it’s long straight roads, I would prefer the Street for added cushioning.

Skechers GoRun Ride 7 (RTR review)
Derek: the Skechers Ride 7 is the overall trainer of the year for me thus far, due to its comfort and versatility. The Turbo reminds me a bit of the Ride 7, with better outsole grip, and lighter weight that allows you to pick up the pace a bit easier. The Turbo also transitions a little smoother than the Ride 7, but not by much. The elephant in the room is the significant price difference.

New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon (RTR Review)
Sam: Very similar light shoes. The Beacon is somewhat firmer and more responsive and is a better race and faster days option but won't cross over to most runners' daily training needs as well as the Peg Turbo.
Jeff: This is the shoe that ruined the Pegasus Turbo for me. It's a little lighter, $60 less, fits far better, and has more of a pop to its step - all combine to make the Beacon the winner, no contest. The Pegasus Turbo has a more substantial outsole, and may outlast the Beacon, but I'd rather pick up a second pair of the New Balance and keep enjoying every mile - both fast and slow.

Saucony Kinvara 9 (RTR Review)
Sam: The Kinvara is more stable overall and feels like a better up tempo option, barely. It won't handle the daily miles as well as Turbo or last as long.

Reebok Floatride Run Fast (RTR Review)
Sam: Lighter than the Turbo by almost an ounce, the Fast also has PEBA based midsole with a layer of firm EVA below the foot with a ride that is firmer and having a more responsive overall ride. The Turbo from what we understand puts the softer Zoom X PEBA foam below the foot and the firmer denser React below. Fast definitely leans more towards race and fast workouts more than towards training as the Turbo does but is my pick of the light do anything 2018 crop leaning towards speed vs. daily miles.

Adidas Ultra Boost
Sally: I am adding these here to compare because I originally did a lot of training miles in the UltraBoost. Similar in the comfortable/cushioned department, yet Peg Turbo is a “faster” shoe. Same price point of $180. I have retired my beloved Ultraboosts to a lifestyle role, so Peg Turbo for the win as a trainer.

Watch Our YouTube Video Review

Official Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo Press Release here
Reviewer Bios
Sally Reiley started road racing in her mid 50's. Since then she has run the Boston Marathon five times and Chicago once with a PR of 3:29 in 2017 in Boston, in the heat. Along the way she has also has raised over $160,000 with Team Mass Eye and Ear for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital. A mother of five she lives on the North Shore of Massachusetts.
Sam Winebaum is the Editor and Founder of RoadTrailRun. He has been running trails and roads and run shoe and tech geeking for 45 years. As he turned 60 in 2017 he was thrilled to clock a 1:35.24 half as well as 2 days after his 61st birthday a 3:40 marathon.  He also runs trails in rocky rooty New Hampshire and smooth Park City, UT. 
Derek Li is a family physician who lives in Singapore. He has been running marathons for the past four years with a 2017 marathon PR of 2:41 and a 2018 1:17 half marathon PR. Derek is focusing on  a bid to run all the World Marathon Majors. In his free time, he likes to review running shoes and related products at his blog Running Commentary.
Michael Ellenberger
Michael is a rising third-year law student at Northwestern in Chicago, with an interest in patent and intellectual property law. Prior to law school, he competed collegiately at Washington University in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). He was the top Illinois finisher in the 2017 Boston Marathon (2:33:03, 82nd overall) and recently finished 5th at the North Shore Classic Half Marathon in a PR of 1:12:12. Michael is a gadget and running nerd. His pre-race breakfast is, and will always be, Pop-Tarts.
Jeff Beck is the token slow fat guy runner. Wasting his youth on such endeavors as playing golf and writing, he only started running in his thirties, and has a marathon PR of 4:15 to prove it. A full-time property manager, this part-time author and cold brew coffee maker lives in Phoenix, AZ with his wife and daughter. He enjoys running desert trails as well as the road, and is trying to get his 5K time to sub-twenty.
Photo Credits: Michael Ellenberger, Sally Reiley, Jeff Beck & Sam Winebaum
One pair reviewed in this article was provided at no cost, another was purchased at a discount. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
Comments Questions Welcome Below!
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38 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi
Looking forward to this to pair with my Vaporfly
What is the sizing like - I use a UK 13 in most shoes and Nike’s but I am able to use a UK 12 in the Vaporfly (its the largest size they make anyway so no choice) and note the review suggests they are a bit loose

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Anonymous,
A bit hard to judge for me as they sent me a women's 10 which fit perfectly with both thin and thick socks. I was an 8.5 in the VaporFly 4 but have to wear thicker socks to dial in the fit. In a men's last my sense is they are roomy due to the unstructured upper and certainly compared to the Peg 35 especially at mid foot. I likely would size down a half in a men's.
Sam, Editor

Anonymous said...

Yeah , it looks like Nike is coming back around to softer now, but at double the price $$ of the old Lunar Tempo & Racer. Wish they would bring both back with the new foam, be in the 6 oz. range, and around $100.00 too. Until then, no new Nikes for me.

They left us runners that used and liked the Lunar Racer/Tempo, pretty well hung out to dry. And $180.00 is too steep for me and a lot of runners. Get you act together Nike! Most of us can't afford $200.00 shoes. :(

Michael said...

How do these compare to Hoka One One Machs?

Sam Winebaum said...

Compared to Mach Turbo is softer, more flexible feeling , not quite as stable especially at heel and far easier to toe off at all paces. Mach i would run Trails with and one of our testers ran a 100 miler in them ,Turbo not. Our Mach review at the link below.
Sam, Editor
Thanks for reading Road Trail Run! See our page with links to all shoe and gear reviews HERE. You can also follow RoadTrailRun on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram where we publish interesting run related content more frequently as well as links to our latest reviews. Shopping through links on articles help support RoadTrail Run and is much appreciated!

matheus said...

Hi, congrats for the review!can you compare this with the Skechers go run ride 7? You all loved the ride 7 and it's a daily trainer, that's why I wanna know. I'm really interest in buying one of the when my zante v4 dies. I want a ff beacon too. I'm from brazil, vapor fly 4% cost here something like 300 dollars, so I can't afford. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Have been waiting for this review for a while! Love it & can't wait for further updates once you get more miles.

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Matheus,
Yes we all liked the Ride 7 but I thought it was not as stable particularly at the forefoot as I would like in a daily trainer. The Peg Turbo is more stable and yet livelier and is considerably lighter and pricier. You can get two Ride 7 for the price of one Turbo more or less. All of this said and not considering price in a soft fast trainer I prefer the Turbo's ride and upper.
Sam, Editor

matheus said...

Thanks! Could the peg turbo be used in recovery too? Or there are better options?

Sam Winebaum said...

Yes for recovery! Excellent soft and easy to transition without being mushy. Ran a recovery run in them yesterday and superb. Sam, Editor

Anonymous said...

Agreed, the Lunaracer 3's (& by extension, the Tempo) were a slam dunk... Why can't they simply update those great formulas with the new foams (& call them 'ReactRacer/Tempo' or whatever) - simple, low'ish stacked soles with perfectly tailored uppers - it can't be that hard?!

Thomas Gamble said...

Very interesting... I have not been a fan of recent Pegasus models but this sounds more promising. How would you say these compare to an Adidas Boston 6 or 7?

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Thomas,
Have not run the Boston 7 (review linked below) but did extensively the Boston 6. What immediately comes to mind is that the Turbo forefoot is far more cushioned, and maybe a touch less responsive in the traditional sense of a distinct pop off the road as the feel is softer with Turbo. The heel of the Boston while not the most stable due to Boost with no rear Torsion plastic is a touch more stable as it is broader. While there is nothing wrong with the Boston upper for me the Turbo's is clearly superior in its light secure hold while Boston is quite snug. Overall the Turbo has a wider range of uses leaning towards utility for every day miles over the Boston. While much heavier a closer comparison to Turbo in the adidas line might be the new Solar Boost.
Sam, Editor

Frederick said...

Can't wait to hear how the Pegasus Turbo compares to the Nike Zoom Elite 9. I've ran a couple of half marathons in the ZE9 and I simply love them. How would you compare the forefoot feel of the Turbo and sizing compared to ZE9?

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Frederick,
Thanks for asking and reading!
So far Peg Turbo is very different than ZE 9 with the only thing I see in common is the relatively soft heel of the ZE9. The Turbo is considerably softer in the forefoot but not a mushy soft as the Zoom X gives it some pop but I would not call it as responsive as the ZE 9 upfront. I find it transitions better at all paces whereas at least for me the ZE 9 only worked at faster paces and then I found the disconnect between the soft heel and firmer responsive forefoot not to my liking. As for uppers the ZE fit and materials while decently generous leans towards performance while the Turbo while totally secure is more pliable and more comfort oriented.
We will more closely compare in our full review.
Sam, Editor

Florian said...

What I'm most curious about with this shoe is durability. Given that it's designed as a daily trainer for marathon running the ZoomX foam has to last. If the shoe is done after 300 mi then it is too expensive (for me) too justify.

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Florian,
Thanks for writing. Your concern about durability of Zoom X is certainly valid. I have about 140 miles of racing on my Vapor Fly. Many report well over 300 miles on theirs. I see no real change beyond a touch firmer and no collapses given the geometry the Turbo does not have a carbon plate but is a more conventional midsole geometry. While with lighter weight foams and lighter weight shoes there can be trade offs in terms of durability I expect at least 300 if not more here. The weak point in the end may be the outsole which while durable rubber with no wear showing is not as thick as many "daily trainers" such as Peg 35 from what I can tell. ShoeGoo to the rescue!
Sam, Editor

tpd said...

Hi Sam! I love reading/following your reviews (and, Strava)! Anyway,I am very interested in these. I just retired a pair of ZE9, and I am currently rotating a pair of Epic Reacts. As you've stated, they are not all that "Epic"....the upper is too snug & now the sole seems to be "clicking". I can not figure that one out. I have and race longer stuff in the VF4%, and love them. But, as you've stated, they will not last if I train in them. I where a 9.5 in the ZE9 & the Epic's, what size should I get? If a Women's shoe is the only available option, what size is equal? Thanks, again! TPD

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi tpd,
Thanks for following RTR and my adventures over on Strava as well. Who are you on Strava?
I sized my usual 8.5 in Epic React and should have gone up a half. In VF I am 8.5 but wear thicker socks and fit then is perfect. Don't think I would size down in VF as I think length would become an issue. Can't recall my ZE sizing. A 9.5 Men's should correspond to 11 women's unless something funky happens to the lasts as they get bigger in women's. As I said in review I am perfect in W!0 only issue maybe a bit low over the toes at the Racing Stripe but they have stretched and now with thinner socks things are fine. Runner's World review for Peg Turbo said they all sized down a half size. I think if I got a men's version I would too which I haven't done in ages.
Sam, Editor

tpd said...

Thanks, Sam! So, I usually run true to size in most everything, so I should try to stick with 9.5M's, hugh...I will try the 11 in a Women's if needed. Tom Danielson is my name. I am Jo Rupp's husband...we met you and D at the MDI half in Oct., 2015!

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Tom, of course! MDI was special! Sam

Calvin said...

How's the durability of the ZoomX?

Ty said...

Hey Sam

I have a foot that's on the wider side of "normal" and I have a high instep (though I have low arches). I know this is a tough question to answer but I'm currently using Peg 35s in a US 10 and they fit well, but maybe a little snug. Maybe some spillover in the midfoot. I'm probably looking to order a US 10 Turbo even though people are recommending going down half a size. Any thoughts?

I'm in Canada and I'm doing some shenanigans to get the July 19th pre-order, so I'm really hopeful that I get the size right :)

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Sam...so no road to trail in these. The Reg Peg has always been regarded as a great buffed trail shoe. Peg Turbo midsole sounds like it would be great for light trail use and forefoot looks wide enough...is it the instability in the heal? Also, you're saying size down half from reg peg 34/35 sizing? Thanks, JT

Sam Winebaum said...

HI Calvin, Don't have a ton of miles of Pegasus Turbo but do Vapor Fly. Durability of midsole and outsole of VaporFly has been very good. Very little wear at 130 miles of racing and only a slightly firmer feel to midsole. Peg Turbo has the same Zoom X midsole foam so midsole should hold up very well. Also lugs are lower profile than Peg 35 and feel softer so jury is out but should be good for 300-400 miles but as with VaporFly could be extended with some ShoeGoo.
Sam, Editor

Sam Winebaum said...

HI Anonymous,
The Peg Turbo would not be a door to trail shoe for me as the Peg 34 and 35 can be due to the heel instability especially on steeper terrain. This said I ran them with no problem on a road base bike path with some moderate hills.
Sam, Editor

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Ty,
It's a tough question as I was sent a women's 10 which fit perfectly if a bit long. It is equivalent to my normal M8.5 sizing which I have in Peg 35. Like you I find it fits somewhat snug in the arch and overall as it has a far more structured feeling upper than the Peg Turbo. My foot appear narrower than yours as I had no spillover in Peg 35. Your width might say true to size but overall it seems many are sizing down half a size. I think as the upper is quite pliable narrower feet need a bit less volume and length than their standard size. You should also be aware while I did not notice that the on the ground mid foot platform width is quite narrow, Hope this helps,
Sam, Editor

Anonymous said...

Did you find these stretched out a little bit? I am a woman with a narrow foot. I wear an 8.5 in the Vaporfly. I bought both the 9.5 and 10 in the Turbo and can’t decide. Length is fine in the 9.5 but they do press down on the bug toes. 10s feel almost sloppy.

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Anonymous, As noted in review my W10 Turbo with 8.5 in Vapor Fly did press down on big toe and felt low when new. After one run actually with thick socks things stretched out and as is often the case sock liner packed down. To give you an idea of my foot volume and width I have to wear relatively thick socks in Vapor Fly to get them to fit. Hope this helps. Sam, -Editor

Unknown said...

Hi Sam,

Firstly, thanks for all the input and hard work! I almost always consult your website before I buy.

What do you think of Altra’s Ego foam compared to Nike’s Zoom X? I typically train the Altra Paradigms, but I was considering racing in these shoes if they are considerably different.

During my last marathon, I struggled a bit with foot fatigue in the Altra Torins, but I’m also wanting something a bit lighter than the Paradigms on a race day.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

sinusone said...

I have an upcoming marathon Aug 12. I ran a 3:17 in the Elite 9s off low mileage. I am planning to crack 3:03 and get to boston. Lean build, if any of this matters.

Would you say the elite 9/10 or the pegasus turbo would be a better fit for marathon race day? I have used both and both feel great, the peg turbo has the newer technology and technically is a little lighter, but is it designed for race day? (The vaporfly 4% is out because likely no restock by the time Aug 12 comes in)

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Sinusone,
Tough call as you have had good success in Elite. I personally fine the heel soft and forefoot nice. It is a shoe for forefoot to midfoot strikers and not heel strikers... which we all become later in marathons, Peg Turbo should be a softer easier ride on the legs but not quite as snappy, See how your last longer runs go in them and decide. Best of luck chasing that Boston BQ unicorn!
Sam, Editor

Unknown said...

Hi

I was running previously free rn distance 2 and I’m considering these one.
My size is 9,5 US and I took 10 US for the FRD2.
For these one, should I take 9,5 or 10 ?
Thanks

Sam Winebaum said...

HI Unknown,
Unfortunately have not tested the FRD2 so can't comment on sizing. True to size worked for me and Michael although they are a bit roomy at mid foot and a bit low over the toes from the Racing Stripe although length is fine if a bit long for me.
Sam, Editor

Unknown said...

Thank you. I ordered the 10 and see. Had a 30% discount with Strava

Anonymous said...

Hello,

I was a big Hoka Clifton fan and decided to change it up with Nike. I ran LSD 9:05 Pace in the Zoom Fly and the big pad of my feet hurt from the carbon plate after the run. I wanted to see if they were going to be my marathon racing shoe. Do you have any insight at what pace does one gain any benefit from this shoe? I have about 7 weeks of training left and am undecided as to what shoe to race in the epic react, zoom fly or Pegasus Turbo.
Thank you!

Kuzco said...

Hi,
I'm actually running on Hoka Bondi 5 and time has come to change for new shoes. I feel very confmfortbale in it but I'm really interested in Pegasus Zoom Turbo.
So if you have to compare Pegasus Zoom Turbo with bondi 6 what will be the major benefits/disadvantages of each and which one would you recommend?
Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hello! Enjoyed reading your very thorough analysis of the Peg Turbo. I was thinking of using the Peg Turbo or Zoomfly for a marathon. I usually average 3:15-20 for marathons wearing Hoka Cliftons 3 & 4. Would the Peg Turbo (or Zoomfly) be a better shoe performance-wise and/or comfort-wise? Thank you!