Nike Pegasus Premium Review
By Matthew Klein
Nike Pegasus PremiumPrice: $210 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 11.5 oz, 326 g (men's size 10), 9.7 oz, 275 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 45 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot
Drop: 10 mm
Shoe Purpose: Premium Max Stack Height Daily Training Shoe
Pros: Bouncy Forefoot, Runs Lighter Than Listed Weight
Cons: Clunky Heel due to lack of a bevel, Narrow Midfoot, Heavy, Thick Upper with Tapered Toe Box, Expensive
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Nike Pegasus Premium is the most technologically packed Pegasus for those who want a maximal stack height with a firmer, but bouncy daily training shoe. An interesting fit with a tapered toe box and a slightly wider midfoot sits up top with an upper that breaks in for a secure fit. The ride is slightly firmer but responsive, best for those who land farther forward due to an especially bouncy forefoot and a slightly clunky rearfoot. A shoe that blends easy run performance with style, the Nike Pegasus Premium is for those with neutral mechanics who land farther forward and want a high stack shoe that provides a firmer bounce for daily training.
SIMILAR SHOES: None At This Time
PAST MODEL: New Model
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Pegasus Premium fits me mostly true to size in my normal Men's US size 10. The fit is fairly normal overall but has a tapered toe box, normal forefoot width, a slightly wider midfoot and a normal width heel. The tapered toe box makes this shoe feel slightly short but after a few miles it breaks in and most people should stay true to size unless they are really sensitive to that. This transitions into a normal width forefoot with a normal to slightly lower volume. This changes into a slightly wider midfoot with a moderately thick, ungusseted tongue. I initially had some tongue slippage until I tightened down the laces at the midfoot, which locked the foot in and gave me plenty of security. I did not have to lace lock this shoe to get a secure fit, mostly because of the decent heel collar padding and the extremely stiff heel counter. While the counter locked me in, it is one of the stiffest counters I have experienced in a while. It is extremely hard and did cause me some heel irritation, so those that are sensitive to stiff counters will not do well in this shoe. The inner liner of the upper is well aerated but requires socks. The midfoot liner and toe guard create quite a bit of pressure, so sockless running is not advised. The overall security is good once the laces are locked down with additional reinforcement from the overlay that runs the length of the shoe. So once adjusted, the Pegasus Premium provides a decently locked down ride with a little extra midfoot wiggle room if needed.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
BONUS FIT THOUGHTS
Andrea: The Nike Pegasus Premium fits true to length in my usual women's 9.5. However, the severely tapered toe box kept me from being able to walk or run comfortably in the shoe for any amount of time. The taper is particularly pronounced on the medial (big toe) side and the upper put a high amount of pressure on my big toes, pushing them towards my second toe. I could actually see how poorly aligned my big toes were through the mesh upper. Unlike the toe box, the midfoot is quite wide and the material of the upper hangs over the medial aspect of the narrow midfoot base. The rearfoot similarly felt on the narrower side, with increased pressure on the medial aspect of my heel. I think the increased pressure I felt was due to the extremely stiff heel counter combined with the highly padded heel collar, which appears to be twice as thick on the medial side as compared to the lateral side. The non-gusseted tongue is thick and does not integrate well with the upper, which also made the shoe feel too tight across the dorsum of my foot. The fit of the Pegasus Premium was a disappointment for me, particularly because so many other Nike shoes fit me well (Alphafly 1, Vaporfly 1-3, Streakfly, Vomero 17). Unfortunately, the extreme pressure on my big toes from the tapered toe box prevented me from being able to test the shoe without high risk of injury.
Andrea's Typical Size: Women's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit Andrea well: Brooks Hyperion Max 1 and 2, Topo Cyclone 2, Nike Vaporfly 3, ASICS Novablast 4 and 5, PUMA MagMax Nitro
Shoes that have fit snug: Altra Escalante 4 (toe box width and volume), Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 and 3 (length), Saucony Endorphin Speed and Pro 1-4 (length)
Shoes that have fit large: Adidas Boston 12 (length), Adidas Adios 8 (length)
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Somewhat
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Not Flexible
How Flexible is the Shoe: Not Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: No
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Pegasus Premium is a maximal stack daily training shoe. There is a top layer of Zoom X, a full length Air Zoom Pod and a bottom layer of React X. This makes for a slightly firmer but responsive ride once the shoe breaks in. Initially, I found the ride firm and incredibly stiff. The combination of materials in the midsole did make it bouncy but only in a way that offset the higher weight. Due to a tiny heel bevel, the rearfoot is extremely clunky and makes the 10mm drop noticeable. I naturally found myself moving my footstrike forward to avoid the heel as it caused an aggressive transition that over longer efforts would make my knee ache. Once the shoe is grounded, it does transition you quickly through the midfoot and into a really stiff forefoot. Although there is no plate in this shoe (to my knowledge) it is one of the stiffest shoes I have run in. There is a fairly moderate forefoot rocker with mild toe spring, but it took almost 20 miles for the front to break in. It is so stiff my feet had some aching especially going uphill during those initially miles when I needed really needed to transition over the front. This makes this shoe way better for faster runners and those landing farther forward, but it should be known this shoe really needs time to break in. Pace wise it is best for daily miles and uptempo efforts. It is too heavy for anything faster but it can lock into a consistent pace. I have used this shoe for easy runs, long runs and one attempted fartlek. It was too heavy for the fartlek but did surprisingly well on the long run where it was easy to get into a rhythm with the solid bounce. The durability is great as I have 50 miles in my pair with only a tiny bit of wear in my normal areas on the outsole. Surface wise this shoe is only good for road and track. The relatively narrow sole, especially in the midfoot, makes it unstable on softer surfaces. So avoid trails and stick to firm surfaces.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Nike Pegasus Premium is a neutral shoe. There are no traditional stability methods and the narrow sole of the shoe, especially in the midfoot, keeps in neutral. The stiff ride does add some rigidity does offset this slightly and there is a small sidewall in the midfoot. However, the heel and midfoot are incredibly narrow for how tall the midsole is. The heel is not as bad due to a little bit of sole flare and the fact that the split outsole and the guidance line due provide some subtle guidance. I found the lateral column of React X to collapse more than the medial side given their separation and I land more laterally. This made the shoe less unstable than expected but still neutral overall. The forefoot is the only part of this shoe that could qualify as mildly guided due to the lateral progression of the guidance line and the stiffness. Overall, this shoe is best for those with netural mechanics and should NOT be used by those with any level of midfoot stability or guidance needs.
Thoughts as a DPT: Basic Requirements of Maximal Shoes
By Matthew Klein
As stack heights increase, there are several footwear components that become necessary to maintain a comfortable, forward progression of gait. During normal gait (ie without a stiff maximal shoe), three rockers of the foot and ankle facilitate efficient forward motion. The first is the heel rocker, or the natural curve to the calcaneus that helps the foot roll forward at heel contact. The second is the ankle rocker, where by the tibia rolls over the planted foot. The third is forefoot rocker, or the mobility of the toes that allow them to extend and progress the body forward. As shoes get taller and stiffer, these natural mechanisms are restricted and must be artificially facilitated by the shoe to maintain forward movement. Without them, the shoe can feel clunky, cause abrupt landings, feel overly stiff and uncomfortable. The heel rocker can be replaced by a beveled or curved heel. This can mimic the natural curve of the heel bone and the taller the shoe, the larger the bevel needs to be to roll the person forward during heel contact. If this is not present, this can make the landings feel clunky and cause an aggressive transition of ankle from a dorsiflexed to plantarflexed position. This puts a ton of pressure on the muscles that control this, drives the tibia forward and by connection drives the knee farther forward. This can also stress the patellofemoral joint and requires extensive strength and control from the anterior tibialis, toe extensors and quadriceps muscles.
Some shoes, like the Pegasus Premium, attempt to get around this by having a midsole that is supposed to compress enough upon contact that one is created but this rarely works with maximal shoes. The tall stack height and stiffness of the forefoot prevents the toes from adequately extending to allow the natural forefoot rocker to work. This must be replaced by an artificial forefoot rocker in the shoe, or the upward curve of the sole under the toes. The taller the shoe, the larger and earlier this curve needs to start to allow the shoe to rock forward as the body transitions over it so it can continue forward. Without it, this can cause uncomfortable or stiff push-offs. Some people benefit from a really stiff forefoot, like those who lack adequate motion at their toes (Hallux limitus).
However, if the shoe is too stiff and prevents forward motion, this can backfire and cause stress through the same areas and other parts of the foot as it attempts to bend in other areas that don't normally bend. While maximal stack height shoes are popular and interesting in today's era of footwear, they have specific requirements that MUST be integrated to facilitate natural biomechanics, especially during running. Walking requires smaller ranges of motion and induces much smaller forces, which allows for lower requirements for forward progression. The larger movements and higher forces (4-8 times body weight with each step) necessitates these modifications. Without them, they will not work for people and will make the shoe uncomfortable for many.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: While I applaud Nike for trying something new, there are several things that need to be changed in this shoe. The most obvious is the heel design. The lack of a major bevel in a 45mm stack height shoe makes the heel incredibly clunky and uncomfortable. >70% of the running population naturally lands at the heel and we have spoken endlessly how one footstrike is not better than the other. The midsole compression is not doing enough to offset this, so there needs to be a larger bevel in place to better facilitate the initial contact and loading response phases of gait (ie make landing more comfortable). I would also look at the forefoot rocker and potentially lengthen it slightly. The front does break in with time but it is still far stiffer than necessary. I am concerned some of my initial foot aching came from the fact that the shoe was bending in the narrow midfoot and not correctly in the forefoot. Sole width is important especially when contrasted with other areas, so widening the midfoot slightly may be necessary. The Pegasus series is neutral, so I will not suggest additional stability methods that will be integrated into the Structure line.
My last suggestion is to somehow drop the weight. I have always considered the Pegasus series to be a versatile shoe that can handle training and workouts. The Pegasus 41 feels more like a trainer and has not worked for me during faster efforts. The Pegasus Plus obviously does but I was hoping the Pegasus Premium might given the materials and high price tag. I think the weight is holding it back. Dropping this just a little might help. My suggestion for doing this includes removing material to make room for the heel bevel and rethinking whether this shoe really needs to be 45 mm / 35 mm or if the stack height being a little lower may still accomplish the goals of this shoe.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Nike Pegasus Premium is for those with neutral mechanics who land farther forward, have a normal width foot that is okay with a tapered toe box and wants a shoe for easy miles and some uptempo work. The upper fits mostly normal with a tapered toe box that does take time to break in. The ride is bouncy but slightly firmer, making it easy to get into a rhythm, but is too heavy for any faster efforts. The heel is really clunky, so those who land farther forward or those who want a really high drop feel shoe will do best. The price tag is incredibly high and similar to the Pegasus Plus is priced higher than necessary. While the shoe is durable, it does not feel like a super shoe or a true super trainer. I would expect this shoe to be lighter and faster if it was to hold that price point. It is a great looking shoe, so from a fashion standpoint and material makeup I do understand. However, there is a little more work that needs to be done to make this a usable shoe for the masses, regardless of its premium status. Even though this shoe isn't fully working for me, I may still try to get it to 100 miles to see how it progresses. Regardless, Nike has caught my attention and I am excited for the clear delineation of their modals. I am especially excited for a Structure Plus and if Nike can pull this off, they will have one of the most versatile and clear running lines on the market.
SECOND THOUGHTS
Andrea Myers: I was disappointed to not be able to run in the Pegasus Premium at all, but it was so uncomfortable just walking in the shoe that I knew I would not get very far running in it. I am sensitive to pressure on the medial aspect of my big toe, and the tapered toe box just does not work with my foot shape. I have written about the importance of sufficient toe box width here: https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2023/10/monday-shakeout-deep-dive-on-importance.html
I would love to see the fit more like Vaporfly 3, which has a wider and higher volume toe box, a slightly wider midfoot base, and overall a better designed and well-fitting upper. I have to say that the uncomfortable fit and high weight of Pegasus Premium makes it a very poor value for me. $210 for a shoe that is 9.7oz for a women's size 8 and that will only fit those with a narrow foot is not a great value, and not the innovation that I would expect from Nike. There are many maximal trainers on the market that are much better in fit and weight than Pegasus Premium for me (Puma MagMax, Mizuno Neo Zen, On Cloudmonster Hyper), all of which are less than $210 (with Cloudmonster Hyper now on sale for $165). I look forward to testing future versions of the shoe and hope that Nike makes some improvements in both weight and fit.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: B- (Tapered toe box that does break in with a wider midfoot that can be locked down and a really stiff heel counter)
Performance: B (A bouncy but heavy shoe that does best over longer efforts and some mild uptempo stuff)
Stability: C+ [Neutral] (Incredibly narrow midfoot/heel that is offset somewhat by the stiff ride and guidance line)
Value: C- (Although a great looking and durable shoe, the weight and geometry do not match the $210 price tag)
Personal: C+ (After breaking it in, I want to like this shoe, but this would never be something I normally choose to run in. However, outside of the toe box and heel design it can get into a nice rhythm but I expect this shoe to break in faster for the price tag)
Overall Design: C+/B-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORNike Pegasus PremiumPrice: $209.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
*Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!
Check out Gear We Love
Naked Belt The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist.
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!
FURTHER READING
Wild amounts of foam and bevel.
A foam change helps lighten and speed up the budget flat.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
Thanks for reading!
FOLLOW DOCTORS OF RUNNING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: Doctors of Running
Youtube Channel: Doctors of Running
Instagram: @doctorsofrunning
LinkedIn: Doctors of Running
Strava: Doctors of Running
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
Pinterest: Doctors of Running
PODCAST
Check out the Doctors of Running Podcast to find more reviews, interviews, and running features from the team.
Visit our Podcast Page
Find us on Apple
Find us on Spotify
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
NEXT: Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3
