Some shoes are designed for running. Others, for competition. And then there are those shoes that aim to sit right in the middle: fast, comfortable and versatile models for those days when you want to train with a bit more spark.
That’s where the new Nike Pegasus Plus 2 comes in – a shoe designed for runners who want to bring a sense of speed to their daily training sessions. We’re not talking about an extreme competition shoe or a ‘super shoe’ with a carbon plate, but rather a tempo shoe designed for agile, comfortable running with a highly responsive ride.
It’s set to launch on the 1st of October at Running Emotion, and it comes with a clear aim: to offer speed, energy and comfort in a shoe that you can use for more sessions than a purely competition-focused model.
What is Nike Pegasus Plus 2?
The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 is a fast training shoe. In other words, a model designed for those days when you don’t just want to rack up the kilometres, but to run at a faster pace.
It’s ideal for lively runs, tempo sessions, long intervals, pace changes or sessions where you’re looking for a more responsive shoe than a classic daily running shoe.
The essence of the Pegasus remains: comfort, reliability and versatility. But in this Plus 2 version, everything is geared towards a faster, lighter and more energetic feel.
It’s a shoe for runners who want to train hard without always having to resort to a carbon plate shoe.
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Running Shoes Women Pegasus Plus 2 Flash Crimson-Mtlc Silver-Black-White
€169.99Go to technical description -
Running Shoes Pegasus Plus 2 Glam
€169.99Go to technical description
ZoomX: the heart of Pegasus Plus 2
One of the key features of this running shoe is its ZoomX foam midsole, one of Nike’s most responsive foams.
The aim is clear: more bounce, greater lightness and an easier way to maintain a brisk pace. It’s not just about absorbing impact, but about returning some of the energy with every stride so that running fast feels more natural.
This makes it a very attractive option for runners who already train fairly regularly and want a shoe that responds when they need to push the pace.
Visible Air Zoom in the forefoot
The standout visual and technical feature of the Pegasus Plus 2 is its visible Air Zoom unit located in the forefoot.
This unit is designed to provide a faster and more dynamic transition between strides. The idea is that, upon landing and taking off, the shoe helps make your stride smoother, more responsive and more efficient.
In practice, this works particularly well during training sessions where you run on the midfoot or forefoot, pick up the pace and need a more direct response underfoot.
Competition feel, but without a carbon plate
One of the most interesting features of the Pegasus Plus 2 is that it aims to replicate the feel of fast racing shoes, but without using a carbon plate.
This makes a lot of sense for everyday training. A shoe with a carbon plate can be very useful for racing or specific training sessions, but it isn’t always the best option for everyday use. The Pegasus Plus 2 is designed to be more versatile, more natural and more comfortable for frequent use.
That’s why it works very well as a second shoe in a rotation: a daily running shoe for easy runs and a Pegasus Plus 2 for tempo days.
New MR10 2.0 last
Nike has also refined the fit with an improved MR10 2.0 last. This translates into more space in the forefoot and secure support in the midfoot.
This is an important detail, because a fast running shoe mustn’t feel uncomfortable if we want to use it for a variety of training sessions. The Pegasus Plus 2 strikes that balance between a firm fit and a comfortable feel, which is key when it comes to long runs at pace, interval sessions or tempo runs.
It also features carefully selected materials around the ankle, reflective elements and a waffle-patterned outsole with flex zones designed to enhance the running experience.
What is Nike Pegasus Plus 2 designed for?
The Pegasus Plus 2 isn’t a shoe to leave in the cupboard until race day. Its natural habitat is in training.
We’d use it especially for:
- Lively runs.
- Tempo sessions.
- Long intervals.
- Pace changes.
- Progressive runs.
- High-intensity sessions.
- Medium-distance runs at a controlled pace.
- Sessions where you want to run fast without using carbon-fibre.
It can also work well in fun runs for runners who don’t want a shoe as aggressive as a pure racing shoe. Over distances such as 10K or a half-marathon, it can be a very interesting option if you’re looking for lightness, responsiveness and comfort.
Pegasus Plus 2 or classic Pegasus?
The Pegasus range has always been one of Nike Running’s most recognisable. But not all Pegasus models are designed for the same purpose.
The classic Pegasus is a more versatile shoe for everyday training. It’s comfortable, balanced and reliable. Perfect for easy runs, light training sessions, frequent use and runners who want a shoe for just about everything.
The Pegasus Plus 2, on the other hand, takes a faster approach. It’s designed for those who want a shoe with more responsiveness, more energy and a more dynamic feel.
| Model | Ideal for | Feeling |
|---|---|---|
| Nike Pegasus | Daily training and runs | Comfortable, well-balanced and reliable |
| Nike Pegasus Plus 2 | High-speed runs and tempo sessions | Lightweight, responsive and energetic |
The choice depends on how you intend to use them. If you’re looking for a main pair of shoes for daily training, the classic Pegasus might be the more logical choice. If you already have a comfortable pair for running and want a faster option, the Pegasus Plus 2 is a much better fit.
Where does it fit within Nike Running range?
Within the Nike Running range, the Pegasus is associated with responsive cushioning and daily training with good responsiveness.
The Vomero offers a more cushioned and comfortable ride, ideal for runners seeking maximum protection on long runs. The Structure focuses more on stability and support. And models such as the Vaporfly or Alphafly are reserved for competition and peak performance.
The Pegasus Plus 2 occupies a very interesting position: above a classic training shoe in terms of a fast feel, but below a competition ‘super shoe’ in terms of aggressiveness.
We could summarise it as follows:
- Pegasus: responsive daily training.
- Pegasus Plus 2: fast training and tempo runs.
- Vomero: maximum comfort and cushioning.
- Structure: stability and support.
- Vaporfly/Alphafly: competition with a plate.
Who is Nike Pegasus Plus 2 designed for?
The Pegasus Plus 2 is designed for runners who already have a certain level of fitness and want a shoe to help them run faster during training sessions.
It could be a good choice if:
- You run several times a week.
- You want a faster shoe than your everyday model.
- You do tempo runs or interval training.
- You’re training for a 10K, half marathon or marathon.
- You’re looking for a responsive shoe without a carbon plate.
- You want a second pair of shoes for high-intensity training days.
- You like the Pegasus range, but want more energy underfoot.
We wouldn’t recommend it as a first shoe for a complete beginner. If you’re just starting out, you’ll probably be better off with a comfortable, stable and easy-to-run-in model for gentle runs. But if you’re already training regularly and want to take your pace sessions to the next level, this makes perfect sense.
What’s it like to run in the Pegasus Plus 2?
The main idea behind the Pegasus Plus 2 is to make running fast feel easier.
Its combination of ZoomX and Air Zoom is designed to deliver a light, fluid and springy stride. It isn’t intended to be a stiff or aggressive shoe, but rather a fast option that you can enjoy during a variety of training sessions.
The sensations you should expect are:
- Smooth transitions.
- Good responsiveness off the ground.
- A livelier ride than a classic daily trainer.
- A comfortable and secure fit.
- A fast feel without being extreme.
- Good connection with the ground.
- Versatility for training at different paces.
It’s a shoe for those days when you head out for a run, but know you’ll end up picking up the pace.
Pegasus Plus 2 at Running Emotion
The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 arrives at Running Emotion on the 17th of September as a pre-release, with the rest of the range following on the 1st of October, as one of Nike Running’s most exciting new releases for those looking to train at a faster pace.
It is a lightweight, responsive and comfortable shoe, designed for runners who want to feel speed in their day-to-day training without always having to wear a competition shoe.
A perfect choice to round off your rotation alongside a more cushioned shoe for easy runs or long runs.
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Running Shoes Women Pegasus Plus 2 Flash Crimson-Mtlc Silver-Black-White
€169.99Go to technical description -
Running Shoes Pegasus Plus 2 Glam
€169.99Go to technical description
A Pegasus for running with more spark
The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 isn’t here to replace all your shoes. It’s here to fill a very specific niche: those training sessions where you want to run with more energy.
If you’ve got a comfortable shoe for long runs and are looking for a faster model for high-intensity sessions, the Pegasus Plus 2 could be a great companion. It features ZoomX foam, visible Air Zoom, an updated fit and a feel designed for smooth, fast and confident running.
A livelier Pegasus. Faster. Better equipped to set the pace for your training sessions.
Discover the new Nike Pegasus Plus 2 at Running Emotion and get ready to run your next few kilometres with more energy.
