Nike Pegasus Premium Review: The Wild Supertrainer You’ll Love or Hate
The Nike Pegasus Premium isn’t just a step up from its predecessors—it’s a whole new category of Pegasus. Packed with a triple-layer midsole, a full-length Air Zoom unit, and a breathable knit upper, it’s a bold, high-tech supertrainer that feels as flashy on foot as it looks in the box.
From the first wear, the shoe offers a highly cushioned, spring-loaded sensation that’s hard to find anywhere else in Nike’s lineup. It’s designed to dazzle during easy runs, long mileage days, and even tempo sessions, but it’s also unapologetically heavy and narrow-fitting. While the high price and bottom-heavy feel will turn some runners away, the Pegasus Premium offers a ride unlike anything else on the market.
Design and Construction
The design team went all-in on this model’s visuals and construction. The Pegasus Premium’s triple-layer midsole is its defining feature—ZoomX on top for bounce, ReactX underneath for stability and durability, and a full-length Air Zoom unit sandwiched between them for that trampoline-like rebound.
Up top, the shoe uses a premium knit combined with structured mesh panels. This combination allows it to stretch where needed while still holding the foot securely. From the stitching to the reflective detailing, it feels like Nike put significant thought into every element of the build.
Cushioning and Ride
In testing, the Pegasus Premium delivered exceptional shock absorption—155 SA in the heel and 136 SA in the forefoot. The heel stack stands tall at 42.8 mm, offering max-cushion protection that erases most road harshness. The forefoot is also generously cushioned at 31.0 mm, making the shoe equally comfortable for midfoot and forefoot landings.
With this much foam and air beneath your feet, ground feel is nonexistent, but that’s exactly the point. The shoe creates an ultra-protective, buoyant ride that works beautifully for long runs or recovery days.
Triple-Layer Midsole Explained
The star of the show is the midsole. The top layer is ZoomX, Nike’s PEBA-based foam known for its energy return. However, the formulation here is tuned for training rather than racing—denser and slightly firmer at 18.5 HA to improve durability and control at such a high stack.
Beneath it lies a ReactX layer at 21.5 HA. This EVA-based compound brings structure to the ride and helps balance the soft ZoomX above. Finally, the Air Zoom unit runs the entire length of the shoe, creating a springboard effect from heel to toe. It’s a unique setup that offers a bouncy, almost elastic feel on each step without relying on a rigid carbon plate.
Energy Return
With a measured energy return of 67.3%, the Pegasus Premium sits above average but short of racing “supershoe” territory. The trade-off comes from including the more durable ReactX foam, which sacrifices some rebound for longevity. The result is a ride that still feels lively but is better suited to everyday training than to chasing personal bests.
Drop and Geometry
Nike lists the drop at 10 mm, but lab measurements put it closer to 11.8 mm. This makes the shoe particularly accommodating for heel strikers, as the geometry naturally tips you forward. The rocker shape is surprisingly mild, especially in the rear, which makes walking in the shoe feel natural. It’s less aggressive than many other max-stack trainers, making it more versatile for mixed-use wear.
Fit and Sizing
The Pegasus Premium fits true to size but is clearly built for narrow feet. The midfoot width measures just 91.3 mm, and the toebox narrows to 70.3 mm—both notably slimmer than the average trainer. On the upside, the toebox height is generous at 29.1 mm, and the knit material stretches to relieve pressure from above.
Runners with wide feet may find the fit restrictive, and Nike does not currently offer this model in wide sizes.
Breathability and Upper Comfort
One area where the Pegasus Premium excels is airflow. The upper scored a perfect 5/5 in breathability testing thanks to large ventilation holes in the toebox and tongue. Air moves freely through the shoe, keeping feet cool during warm-weather runs.
The knit feels soft and luxurious, wrapping the foot in comfort. Padding in the heel and tongue is generous, making for a plush step-in experience. The tongue is thick at about 9.8 mm, which helps with lace comfort but adds to the shoe’s overall weight.
Stability
Although this is a neutral shoe, the Air Zoom unit and ReactX base add a degree of firmness that keeps the ride from feeling unstable. Torsional rigidity measured at 4/5, and the heel counter stiffness is maxed out at 5/5. That said, the midsole platform is narrow—108.6 mm at the forefoot and 90.3 mm at the heel—which makes it less forgiving for runners who need added support.
Traction and Outsole
The outsole design uses a two-zone rubber layout with diamond-patterned lugs in high-impact areas. It performed well in grip testing, scoring 0.49, which is solid for both dry and wet conditions. However, competitors from brands like ASICS and Adidas still lead in this category.
Rubber thickness is 3.2 mm, slightly above average, suggesting good longevity. Durability testing showed 1.0 mm of wear after abrasion—acceptable, though not exceptional.
Flexibility and Responsiveness
The Pegasus Premium is on the stiffer side, requiring 21.2N to bend in a 30-degree flexibility test. This stiffness is largely due to the Air Zoom unit replacing the role of a carbon plate, giving the shoe a responsive snap despite its high stack.
On the run, the stiffness translates into a controlled, directed ride. It’s not as nimble as a lightweight daily trainer, but it feels quick for its size during uptempo work.
Weight
At 10.9 oz (308 g) in a men’s size 9, the Pegasus Premium is heavy compared to many daily trainers. The combination of three midsole components, generous padding, and substantial outsole coverage adds grams quickly. While the bounce and cushioning help offset the weight on the run, it’s still noticeable, especially during faster workouts.
Durability
The heel padding is exceptionally durable, scoring 5/5 in testing. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the toebox, which scored just 1/5 due to the large ventilation holes and soft knit construction.
While the outsole should hold up for many miles, the upper’s vulnerability could limit overall lifespan for high-mileage runners who are hard on their shoes.
Cold-Weather Performance
The Pebax-based ZoomX foam retains its characteristics in cold conditions, firming up by just 8% in freezer tests. This means the Pegasus Premium will feel consistent whether you’re running in summer heat or winter chill.
Reflective Details and Heel Design
Nike gave the Pegasus Premium 360-degree reflectivity, making it one of the most visible shoes in low light. The heel features an extended collar design for easier entry and reduced Achilles pressure—functional as well as stylish.
Insole and Interior
The insole is on the thinner side at 2.7 mm, likely to make room for the midsole tech without increasing stack height even further. It’s removable, so runners can replace it with orthotics or a more cushioned option, though this will slightly reduce the already snug interior space.
Lacing System
The laces run through reinforced loops that integrate smoothly with the knit upper. Lockdown feels secure without creating hot spots, and there’s an extra eyelet for runners who prefer a runner’s knot. The absence of a gusseted tongue is a missed opportunity—it would have improved midfoot lockdown even more.
Price and Value
At ¢2590 (about $210), the Pegasus Premium sits at the top of Nike’s non-racing lineup. The cost reflects the materials and technology, but it’s a steep ask for a shoe that’s heavier and less versatile than some rivals. For runners who want the cutting edge in cushioning tech and a unique ride, the price may feel justified. For others, more affordable options like the Vomero 18 or Zoom Fly 6 deliver excellent performance without breaking the bank.
Who Will Love It
This shoe is a strong fit for runners who:
- Want a daily trainer with a supershoe-like bounce
- Prefer a breathable, premium knit upper
- Don’t mind extra weight in exchange for high cushioning and unique tech
- Have narrow feet and appreciate a snug fit
Who Should Look Elsewhere
It’s less ideal for those who:
- Need a lightweight shoe for speed sessions
- Require a wide or roomy fit
- Want maximum durability in the upper
- Are put off by a high price tag
Strengths
- Unique triple-layer midsole with full-length Air Zoom
- Plush, breathable knit upper
- Excellent heel cushioning and comfort
- Strong grip in varied conditions
- 360-degree reflectivity for visibility
Weaknesses
- Narrow platform and toebox
- Heavy for its category
- Poor toebox durability
- High price
Our Final Verdict
The Nike Pegasus Premium is bold, bouncy, and unlike any Pegasus before it. Its triple-layer midsole and full-length Air Zoom unit deliver a ride that’s fun, protective, and smooth, if a little unstable for some. It’s not for everyone—the narrow fit, weight, and price will turn away certain runners—but for those who want a high-tech, conversation-starting trainer that doubles as a premium lifestyle sneaker, it’s an exciting addition to the rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nike Pegasus Premium
What makes the Nike Pegasus Premium stand out?
It features a unique triple-layer midsole with ZoomX, ReactX, and a full-length Air Zoom unit, delivering a highly cushioned, spring-loaded ride unlike most daily trainers.
Who is the Pegasus Premium best suited for?
It’s ideal for narrow-footed runners who want a plush, breathable knit upper and a bouncy, max-cushioned feel for long runs, recovery days, or tempo work.
What are its biggest downsides?
The shoe is heavy, has a tapered and narrow fit, offers poor toebox durability, and comes with a steep price tag.
Is it worth the price?
For runners seeking cutting-edge tech, comfort, and a distinctive ride, it can be worth it. But more budget-friendly options offer similar performance for less.
