Article by Sam Winebaum and Michael Ellenberger
Nike Pegasus Premium ($210)
Introduction
The Pegasus Premium is Nike’s most highly cushioned, highest stack trainer since the legendary 2020 Tempo Next %, the OG in the super max cushioned road trainer category. At 45mm at the heel / 35 mm at the forefoot, the Peg Premium clearly joins the super max party along with the likes of Hoka Skyward X and Brooks Glycerin Max. Compared to the latest Pegasus 41 with all React X, it essentially adds 8mm of stack height and about 1 oz in weight.
As it is in the Pegasus family, it has Air! But not the usual front embedded Air Zoom unit which gave traditional Pegs their firm rebounding forefoot. Here, below 20 mm of Nike race shoe grade Zoom X we have a full length 5mm thick visible Zoom Air unit with a mildly curving spoon shaped “air plate” similar to the carbon Fly Plate in Nike’s racers such as the Vaporfly.
Nike says: “Digital capabilities such as finite element analysis, a computerized method for predicting how a product will react to physical forces, helped Nike teams test the sculpted Air unit to predict how it would react to the repeated pounding of running”
And to “bottom out” the layer cake of Nike tech the heel has a tapering 10mm thick layer of ReactX foam as found in the current Pegasus 41. Technologies mish mash or effective collaboration? Let’s find out!
Pros:
Super max cushion: at 45mm heel / 35 mm forefoot stack height Nike’s most deeply cushioned road trainer since the Tempo Next %:Sam/Michael
- Effective geometry: while entirely rigid, the high drop and plenty of soft front:Sam/Michael
- Zoom X delivers a smooth, easy, any pace roll with some pop from the Zoom Air.
Very stable for a high stack shoe:Sam/Michael.
Air Zoom “plate” delivers both propulsion up front and some adaptive stability at mid foot: Sam
Safety: Broad bands of 360° reflectivity
Most breathable upper in a deluxe comfort trainer?: Sam
True to size adaptive fit: Sam
Cons:
Weight at 11.1 oz US9 is up there, even in its super max cushion category:Sam/Michael
Full Zoom Air plate may be too much: While a cool idea, the full length Air plate makes the heel (and shoe) heavier and not as bouncy/pleasing as it could be
Toe box is a bit pointy and low at big toe
Uninspiring visual design with symmetrical squared off midsole side walls does not convey ease of motion or speed, something the shoe can deliver
Below average wet traction, poor snow traction
Most comparable shoes
Hoka Skyward X (RTR Review)
Brooks Glycerin Max (RTR Review)
Saucony Endorphin Trainer (RTR Review)
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 11.1 oz / 315g US9
women’s 9.8 oz / 279 g (US W8)
Sample Weight: men’s10.86 oz / 308g US8.5
Stack Height: men’s 45 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot (10 mm drop)
Platform Width: 90 mm heel / 65mm midfoot / 110 mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
The visual design of the platform quite frankly gives pause and makes one wonder if the Pegasus Premium is a performance running shoe which it clearly is.
Squared off vertical sidewalls showcasing the layer cake of foams and Nike orange air unit along with a flat on the ground profile and the light colored upper didn’t inspire confidence that the Premium wouldn’t be a lumbering ponderous giant of a shoe. Silvery Swooshes at the front of lace up and at the medial heel add a deluxe look while various small printed highlights adorn the shoe.
The dark gray upper version Sally and I took for a run at TRE (Preview Video) presented more of a performance edge. Not to worry appearances aside the Peg Premium, while heavy, moves along very well.
In somewhat of a contrast to the “heavy” appearance of the underfoot platform, the upper surprises with a light and airy construction quite different from its competitors, which often have somewhat suffocating and heavy deluxe knits and meshes. I have run them outdoors in winter weather and on an indoor track and this is one breathable upper so it should be super in summer’s heat
The toe box and upper parts towards the rear of the shoe is an open circular knit while the midfoot is made of supportive panels of a sort of mono mesh with a tight but open weave.
The tongue is a very soft lightly padded material with many ventilating holes. The lacing harness is integral and attached to perforated panels extending to the midsole and not to the tongue so no traditional gusset tongue here.
Lace up with the textured laces is super easy and effective with no lace bite for my lower volume feet with the mid foot fit working well for higher volume feet as well.
The entire upper is circled with a broad reflective overlay which clearly provides support to what is a light upper, a nice touch to combine safety and support
And to really make the foot hold work given the light upper the heel counter is big and rigid. All the collars are well and densely padded and comfortable with the heel hold excellent. No mushy oversoft rear of the shoe hold
While overall the Premium is a relatively high volume shoe, the toe box is on the pointy side and a bit low at the very front by the big toe. Nonetheless I would call it true to size and would worry about excess volume elsewhere for lower volume feet if sizing up. Higher volume feet might try true to size and a half size up.
Michael: The only comment I got back on Instagram when I posted the Pegasus Premium was, resoundingly, “that looks like a lifestyle shoe.” And at first glance, I have to agree - the Premium is a bit of a (very handsome) head-scratcher. The squared-off sidewalls, stacked foams, and that bright orange Air unit don’t necessarily suggest “performance trainer,” and, as Sam mentions, the flat-on-the-ground stance and light-colored upper don’t exactly scream “speed,” either. One would be forgiven for calling it “clunky.”
But, I’m here to tell you that I am ultimately quite a fan of the Premium, and it all starts with the upper. Unlike some max-cushioned trainers that go overboard with thick, heavy materials, Nike went light and breathable here, and outdoors (cold) or treadmill (warm, lately!), I’ve had no issue. Most of the shoe is an open-style circular knit, with some supportive mono-mesh panels lining the midfoot. The tongue is soft, lightly padded, and full of ventilation holes. Really nothing to complain about - and, since I must acknowledge the price, a setup that lives up to the “Premium” name, I think.
As Sam notes, the heel counter is quite firm, but I didn’t have any Achilles discomfort, and the collar padding is dense and comfortable. I wouldn’t recommend it for Haugland’s sufferers, but it’s nice for everyone else. My 8.5 (true-to-size) was the right call, as well - nothing really stands out with the sizing.
Midsole & Platform
Sam: The Pegasus Premium is for sure in the super max cushion trainer category with 45mm of stack height at the heel and 35mm at the forefoot. I note the somewhat unusual for these days 10mm drop, although 9 to 10mm is common for Nike (Pegasus, Invincible Run).
As a rigid rocker shoe, with a not particularly pronounced rocker (say compared to Glycerin Max), the higher drop is appreciated and proved effective at toe off which is surprisingly easy and smooth at all paces.
This smooth ride is due to its unique underfoot construction. It features 3 key Nike technologies stacked up and all in in one shoe:
20mm of Zoom X supercritical foam underfoot back to front for forgiving high energy return cushion
10mm thick full length Air Zoom “plate” that is spoon shaped as Nike’s carbon FlyPlates are but with a more gentle curvature for propulsion, some stability and response
10mm layer of React X foam but only at the heel and midfoot which delivers the drop and a stable heel landing
5mm thick (upfront but less to the rear) outsole providing some response
It all works quite well together to deliver an easy to move along max cushion platform with lots of protective cushion, a touch of stability and, despite the shoe’s weight of just over 11 oz in a US9, a surprisingly fast ride but not a particularly exciting one. Steady eddie and smooth at any apce here with the front combination of Zoom X, Air Zoom then outsole providing the vital and difficult to achieve big shoe kick toe off that isn’t ponderous or a labored no matter the pace.
Such an elaborate construction of layers, glues and materials comes at a cost and that is weight. At 10.86 oz / 308g US8.5 we are up there for sure and somewhat above similar super max competitors but the geometry and combination of technologies largely saves the day as I felt the Premium ran well below its weight even if that weight is felt.
While I have talked alot about the smooth and quite decisive toe off, the rear of the platform could use some work.. The air unit extends all the way to the heel. While I think it provides some stability, noting that the underside of the Air Zoom is a sort of flexible plastic substrate or plate, I am pretty sure it adds weight vs foam and makes the shoe slightly back weighted despite the high drop.
While upfront the Air adds a nice roll and response at the heel the landings are somewhat dull if very highly cushioned and stable and not particularly bouncy due to the combination of Air and React X below the Zoom X .
This sensation diminishes as the pace picks up (for me below 9:30 per mile) making me also think that heavier runners who can really compress the air unit to make it rebound at the heel will do better at slower paces than lighter ones. I weigh 164 lbs / 74kg
I wonder what a partial Air Zoom unit ending at midfoot would do with a deeper layer of Zoom X at the heel. Or,and at $210 here, keep the Air Zoom and go all lighter Zoom X foam at the rear with the lower layer slightly denser than the top layer.
Lots of words to say the midsole and platform here is largely successful and brings Nike back into the super max cushion category they invented eons ago with the clearly more up tempo Tempo Next which weighed almost 2 oz / 56g less at the same stack height and carbon vs Air Zoom plate, Air Zoom just up front and all ZoomX midsole. Here we have a more general and accessible trainer. But this comes at a cost of considerable weight that I would like to see reduced with the Tempo Next providing “clues” as to how to achieve that...
Michael: The Pegasus Premium definitely falls into the super max cushion trainer category with its massive 45mm heel and 35mm forefoot stack. It’s perhaps controversial, but I appreciate the 10mm drop; there’s no getting around how hefty this shoe is, but I think the offset and geometry helps keep the barge rolling smoothly, especially since this is a pretty rigid shoe.
As Sam noted, Nike stacked (literally) multiple key cushioning technologies to create a unique ride: 20mm of ZoomX foam; a full-length, 10mm-thick Air Zoom unit, shaped like a spoon; and 10mm of ReactX foam at the heel and midfoot, all atop a a 5mm-thick outsole at the front of the shoe.
In some eras, any one of those technologies could be… the entire midsole. But, despite the hefty build, the Premium runs smoothly and doesn’t feel its full weight (though, yes, it feels heavy).
As has been my complaint with many recent Pegasus models, though, I think the Air Zoom unit is just a touch too firm and unforgiving, and while its definitely masked by the ZoomX and ReactX (especially the former), there’s still an odd harshness here that doesn’t feel “right” in such a heavy, made-for-easy-running shoe.
I got over it - there’s a lot to love here - but I almost wonder if Nike’s goal of adding all of its flagship technology got in the way of what might be a superior shoe without it (something we have in the Vomero line and will likely see more of soon!).
Outsole
The outsole is a miss for me on a number of levels. First, and this may be a function of its use as the layer just below the Zoom Air upfront to protect the Air, it is 5mm thick up front with a dense pattern of mini lugs which may contribute to the weight, Second, the dense array of mini lugs up front has below average grip on snow, ice, and slush and it is just OK on wet roads while the heel has lighter coverage and the midfoot none, again not great grip there either. The more typical Peg outsole with more pronounced and separated lugs does far better.
Michael: Sam found the outsole to be a bit of a letdown; I wouldn’t wholly agree. I tested my Premium on the treadmill, dry roads, and some quick slick ice/frozen road and sidewalk days, I didn’t have any issues with slippage. It might be slightly behind the “traditional” Pegasus in pure road grip, to be sure, but I prefer it to either the Pegasus Plus (nee Turbo) or Invincible for rough-weather running.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Sam: With the Pegasus Premium Nike for sure delivers a super max cushion and highly protective platform that competes well with others in its class.
It features Nike’s showcase technologies, including “old” Air but expressed in an innovative new way as a plate instead of a mere air bag. It is bold from a tech and marketing standpoint and “premium” in construction and finish touches. As such it also has potential appeal to a broader audience than just hard core runners.
It is largely effective on the run. Of special note, the use of an Air Zoom “plate” delivers stability and friendly and effective propulsion at all paces but affects the shoe’s weight and has a somewhat dull if highly protective feel at heel landings with deep cushion but not much bounce, especially at slower paces. Put more force, more runner weight or faster paces, and its bounce and response increases.
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The upper stands in contrast to the underfoot platform as it is very light, very breathable, and at the same time very supportive. It is not, in contrast to competitors, an overplush and heavy “premium” upper but is equally as comfortable.
I found the ride very stable, highly cushioned, and with plenty of front kick for its high stack and weight with credit to the mostly successful integration of technologies and the geometry, I would like to see it “lightened”. This could be potentially done through reconsideration of the use of Air Zoom the full length of the shoe and/.or substituting Zoom X for React X at the rear of the shoe to give that area a more pleasant and quicker return. Looking at others in its class below in Comparisons ,the Air Zoom unit is clearly heavier than a carbon plate (Skyward X and Endoprhin Trainer ) or no plate at all (Glycerin Max).
While I am sure not an easy or inexpensive shoe to manufacture, and striking in its technologies and particularly the Air Zoom plate, at $210 a lighter Premium would for sure be a better value..
I see it as a solid option for those daily miles and longer runs at moderate to slower paces as it is easy to turn over and stable. The Premium’s weight, while it doesn't overly overshadow its performance is the only thing that just keeps it out of the daily all around training “max cushion” category for me. It is also the most solid choice in the current Nike line up for beginner runners seeking maximum cushion, a touch of stability and a “premium” option.
Sam’s Score: 9.05
Ride (50%): 9 ride is impacted by the weight
Fit (30%): 9.5 a superb lightweight upper
Value (15%): 8.5 again impacted by weight limiting versatility
Style (5%): 8.5 so, so due to blocky geometry
😊😊😊 1/2
Michael: Nike set out to make a high-tech, premium max-cushion trainer, and in my book, they largely succeeded. The Pegasus Premium boasts a multitude of signature technologies; in my book, they all work well with the relatively minor exception of the Air Zoom “plate,” which - far from a dealbreaker - adds a touch of harshness that I could do without. I believe Nike could have gotten the same forward momentum through geometry.
To my surprise, the upper is a standout feature—light, breathable, and supportive without the bulk or overbuilt feel of some competitors. It’s premium without being excessive, which I earnestly did not expect.
At $210, the shoe is not cheap, and hard to genuinely recommend when Nike has some stellar (dare I say, under-appreciated!) trainers in its lineup in the Vomero and Pegasus Plus, and a not-too-shabby “regular” Pegasus. That said, if you have the budget, I see the Pegasus Premium as a solid option for daily mileage and longer runs at easy to medium paces. It’s easy to turn over and provides a stable, cushioned ride; while the weight doesn’t ruin its performance, it keeps it from being my top choice for an everyday max-cushion trainer.
Michael’s Score: 9.0/10
😊😊😊 😊
6 Comparisons
Peg Premium
Weight:10.86 oz / 308g US8.5
Stack Height: men’s 45 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot (mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 90 mm heel / 65mm midfoot / 110 mm forefoot
Pegasus 41 (RTR Review)
Weight: 9.68oz / 274g US8.5
37 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot ( 10mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 85 mm heel / 65 mm midfoot / 110 mm forefoot
The regular Pegasus has an all React X midsole about the same platform width and is 8mm lower front and back in platform width with the same 10mm drop and front Air Zoom only. Its weight is well over an ounce lighter and its purpose is daily all around training and value at $140 while somewhat “tuned” down, softer and heavier than before. The Premium has better integration of its Zoom Air unit, more cushion and is more easier and longer runs focused with an airier roomier yet equally secure upper
Michael: I prefer the Pegasus Premium to the Pegasus 41, though that requires me to forget the price - at $130 on Nike’s website (and frequently dropping below $115 elsewhere), I don’t genuinely feel as though the Premium is worth nearly 2x the price. And, as I’ve written above, both suffer slightly in relying on Nike’s Air Zoom units, which just don’t quite do it for me - they’ve improved on this feel in the recent past, to be sure, but it’s still inferior to ZoomX or ReactX, let alone combined. The Pegasus 41 is a fine shoe and has some benefits, but the Premium commands, well, a premium.
Hoka Skyward X (RTR Review)
Weight: 10.44 oz / 296g US8.5
Stack Height: 48 mm heel / 43 mm forefoot ( 5mm drop spec)
Platform Width:95 mm heel / 80 mm midfoot / 120 mm forefoot
The Skyward X is a direct competitor to the Peg Premium. It has an all supercritical foam midsole with an elaborate and very effective carbon plate. Higher stack upfront with a 5mm drop, yet 0.4 oz / 11g lighter with a broader platform it has a softer and more dynamic and pleasing ride. It demonstrates what all supercritical foam and appropriate carbon plates do to reduce weight. I mention weight… the Hoka upper is considerably heavier, more plush and warmer. With the superior and lighter upper of the Peg Premium I wonder where its weight might drop too. Both are true to size for me with the Hoka toe box more rounded.In this match up I prefer the Pegasus Premium.
Saucony Endorphin Trainer (RTR Review)
Weight: men’s 9.9 oz / 280g US8.5
Stack Height: men’s 42 mm heel / 34 mm forefoot (8 mm drop)
Platform Width: 90mm heel / 70mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot
The Endorphin Trainer is slightly lower stack, about 1 oz /28g lighter and has a very soft and bouncy top layer of supercritical foam with below dense EVA based PWRRUN for stability and actually as the outsole as well. It is not as balanced in feel or as stable and is better suited to faster paces than the more well rounded riding if heavier Nike. Both are true to size with the Saucony upper roomier and somewhat less structured. Again I prefer the Nike upper in this match up.
Brooks Glycerin Max (RTR Review)
The Brooks has the same 45 mm heel stack height but has 4mm upfront at 39mm. It has a dual density co-molded Nitrogen infused midsole on a broader platform and is slightly lighter but not light at 10.85 oz / 307g US men’s 9. That big 39mm forefoot stack height is joined by a very pronounced front rocker, no smooth easy paces roll here as in the Premium making the Max more appropriate for faster paces. I find it more lumbering and overly broad underfoot, less smooth flowing than the higher drop Premium. It has a fairly conventional deluxe plush upper that is comfortable but again prefer the Premium’s. In this match up, I prefer the Pegasus Premium.
Nike Invincible Run 3 (RTR Review)
10.12 oz / 287g (US8.5)
39mm heel (measured) / 30.6mm forefoot ( 8.4mm drop spec)
Now quite dated, the lower stack, lighter all Zoom X, (no plate) Invincible Run is more uptempo focused than the Premium.It is not as slow paces friendly as the Peg. Its upper is comparatively crude and not nearly as comfortable as the Premium’s, if more secure and performance oriented. In max cushion Nike trainers for general daily use at moderate paces the Premium is my pick.
Michael: I love the Invincible line. Seriously, for a couple years there, if it weren’t for the Invincible line (and the recently re-added and awesome Pegasus Plus), I would think NIke has given up on trainers. Now the Vomero and Premium are more than solid to round out the lineup, but I digress.
While the Invincible 3 isn’t the best Invincible ever made, it’s still a really great shoe, and I do prefer it to the Premium, if only slightly. The Premium fits me better, has (slightly) better outsole traction (and, I think, durability), and has a more deluxe upper. But, ultimately, I think both Air Zoom and ReactX are window dressing to ZoomX, and that’s where the Invincible shines - all cushion, all the time.
Yes, in a choice between the two, I’d take the Premium over the Invincible for a tempo run, but that isn’t their purpose - and for cruising easy miles, I would choose the Invincible - especially with its recent discounts.
361 Ventus (RTR Review)
Michael: Not many folks cross-shopping the 361 Ventus and the Pegasus Premium, I expect, but having both in my regular rotation, I see some key similarities and differences.
Ultimately, I think a blend of both shoes would be perfect. The high-stack and layered cushion of the Premium is superior the midsole on the 361, but the 361 has a very inoffensive ride that could, perhaps, take a page from the Premium’s book and add a little stiffening.
Both uppers are good, but the Nike’s more streamlined approach is ultimately more effective. No complaints on either outsole, but I think Nike’s is slightly better.
When it comes to the ride, I think the 361 has a bit more zip (consider its drastically reduced weight!), and it’s a more competent workout shoe than Nike, though neither is ideal. Ultimately I do like the Premium better, but if I was picking my one and only shoe to own, I think there is more utility to the Ventus.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Tester Profiles
Michael is a patent attorney and graduate of Northwestern University Law School. Prior to law school, he competed collegiately at Washington University in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs include a 67:43 half-marathon (Chicago Half-Marathon) and a 2:20:41 marathon PR at the 2025 Houston Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ in the future.
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2024 Sam’s 52th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
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2 comments:
I don't understand this shoe. The Pegasus line is supposed to be Nikes lighter and more nimble option in their new lineup, as opposed to the Vomero line. This shoe fits in the Pegasus line like a 4WD truck at a NASCAR race.
I'm still convinced that it's a fashion shoe more than a running shoe, exactly because it goes totally opposite of the Pegasus line.
Also, who have ever considered the disaster that was the Invincible 3 an "uptempo choice"? The 1 and 2 can work that way at a push, it f you need a LOT of cushioning (anecdotally I run faster at the same heart rate in those shoes), but the 3?
Tanks for running one of the best review sites out there, by the way. The only thing I'd like to see changed is that shoes that get glowing reviews often are talked about the next year as poor shoes here, on the same sote. I really wish the original reviews would reflect that more. It seems like far too many shoes get initial glowing reviews
Thanks Mads_o! The common Pegasus thread is not the name but the Air Zoom it seems although yes Nike needs to focus on product and its best uses not as much on naming conventions although done right it can help segment different products for example Endorphin at Saucony or S/Lab at Salomon.. If one can get past its weight and after running them several times I thought less about the weight especially at faster paces. As far as the glowing reviews, the fact is today's run shoes are by and large really good on many levels and the competition between brands big and newcomers fierce, so we are benefiting from all this innovation. This is not to say some shoes will be "great" for one runner and not nearly so good for another. Then by the next year a great shoe can get seem comparatively dated. We try to describe what we feel and how the shoes compare which may be the most important thing in helping runners decide. Thanks for reading. Sam, Editor
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