Nike Pegasus Plus 2 Running Shoe Review – Verdict, Price, Comparison, Who It’s For

Nike Pegasus Plus 2 Running Shoe Upper

The upper of the Nike Pegasus Plus 2 running shoe is made from a moderately thick, lightweight engineered mesh fabric that feels pleasant to the touch, is relatively soft and offers average breathability. An interesting feature of the upper is an internal layer, an inner strap that extends underneath the foot. This improves foot lockdown, but because it has large perforations, it does not compromise the shoe’s breathability.

Thanks to the new last, the toe box is wider and taller, providing more room. The midfoot offers a secure hold, while the heel area is of average width. Wide and extra-wide versions are not currently available, and since the previous version was not offered in these widths either, they are unlikely to become available for this model. The Pegasus Plus 2 fits true to size in length.

The tongue is gusseted on both sides, so it does not shift during running. It is thin, with just enough padding to prevent lace pressure and to keep the upper eyelets, which have plastic reinforcements, from pressing into the foot from the sides.

The heel collar has generous padding, which is unusual in this category. It is moderately wide and rigid, and together with the substantial padding, it provides good heel lockdown and is also very comfortable.

Unlike the previous version and the Pegasus Plus’s predecessor, the Pegasus Turbo, this shoe has a much more comfortable upper. It is optimized more for comfort than outright performance, although it retains the relatively low weight needed for faster running and a more secure, precise lockdown than average.

Nike Pegasus Plus 2 Running Shoe Midsole

The midsole of the Nike Pegasus Plus 2 running shoe is made from ZoomX foam, but the name alone does not tell us much, as Nike uses several different foam formulations under the ZoomX name without even distinguishing them with additional descriptors (unfortunately, this is becoming increasingly common among other brands as well). This ZoomX foam is not as soft as the ZoomX found in Nike’s racing shoes. It is denser and therefore likely to be more durable. Unofficially, the foam is understood to be a blend of TPE and PEBA. It has some responsiveness, but its character is more balanced. It provides a noticeable push-off, but it is not explosive like the Alphafly.

There is an AIR ZOOM unit in the forefoot, which is also different from the Air Zoom units found in the Alphafly. One innovation is its slightly curved shape, which helps deliver faster transitions. An interesting feature of these Air Zoom units is that they are inflated to different pressures depending on shoe size, taking into account that larger shoe sizes are typically worn by heavier runners. The Air Zoom unit requires a minimal break-in period. It feels noticeably firmer during the first few kilometers before gradually softening. The Air Zoom unit does not feel like it provides a particularly significant boost during toe-off. It is there and obviously contributes something, but there is no rocket-like sensation. At the same time, the shoe almost feels as if it has two different soles. The heel is soft and pleasant, with plenty of cushioning, while the forefoot is firmer and bouncier. The more pronounced rocker geometry, combined with the curved Air Zoom unit, also delivers quick transitions. The midsole provides average stability for a neutral running shoe. The heel section is softer and not particularly wide, while the Air Zoom unit in the forefoot can compress significantly. As a result, runners who need additional support will not find it in the Pegasus Plus.

The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 running shoe has a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop, which tends to encourage heel or midfoot striking. From there, the more pronounced rocker geometry provides a smooth and quick transition, while the Air Zoom unit assists with toe-off. However, this does not make the Pegasus Plus an explosively fast shoe. It is lighter and more responsive than the Pegasus 42 and more comfortable than its predecessor, but the midsole of the Zoom Fly 6, which costs just 10 $ more, is considerably more responsive.

Nike Pegasus Plus 2 Running Shoe Outsole

The outsole of the Nike Pegasus Plus 2 running shoe covers a fairly large proportion of the midsole. This obviously affects traction, but the extensive rubber coverage also influences the shoe’s stiffness. Although there is a large cutout in the center that improves flexibility, a ring-shaped section of outsole rubber also runs around the perimeter, providing additional support and rigidity.

The outsole is made from a relatively hard rubber compound, which is good news for durability, as harder rubber wears down more slowly. Thanks to its better abrasion resistance, the outsole rubber does not need to be particularly thick, allowing for a significant reduction in weight.

The outsole provides good grip on both wet and dry asphalt, although this traction primarily comes from the small, relatively shallow tread elements. Because the rubber compound is fairly hard, its inherent grip is not particularly high. However, the small rubber lugs of the waffle pattern can move independently and grip the ground very effectively, providing excellent traction during changes of direction and acceleration.

What Is It Like to Run in the Nike Pegasus Plus 2?

Cushioning and Midsole

The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 is a running shoe without an exceptionally high midsole stack, yet it still provides good cushioning. The 38 mm of ZoomX foam at the heel and the Air Zoom units in the forefoot both contribute to impact absorption.

Stability and Ride

The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 running shoe has a slightly higher-than-average drop of 10 mm, which encourages midfoot and heel striking. The curved midsole guides the foot smoothly through the transition without feeling aggressive.

Upper and Comfort

The upper of the Nike Pegasus Plus 2 is versatile because it is comfortable without being heavy. I would not describe it as fully performance-oriented, as a considerable amount of padding could be removed to make it even lighter. However, it is clear that care was taken to avoid unnecessary weight. It is also obvious that a snug, precise lockdown was a priority in the upper’s design, which is a characteristic typically associated with performance-focused running shoes.

Ground Contact and Traction

The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 running shoe has an outsole made from a harder, less inherently grippy rubber compound, but its tread pattern provides good traction. The small rubber lugs of the waffle pattern in the forefoot grip the asphalt effectively, ensuring adequate traction. Although the forefoot has more outsole rubber and a larger ground-contact area, the higher drop tends to encourage heel striking.

Pace and Responsiveness

The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 running shoe is more responsive than the standard, iconic Pegasus 42, but do not expect an enormous difference. Its foam is noticeably more responsive, the thicker Air Zoom unit also helps generate a stronger push-off, and the more pronounced rocker geometry of the midsole makes transitions faster. However, these features do not turn it into a racing shoe. It is more versatile because it works across a wider range of speeds. You can use it for faster intervals or tempo runs, while it remains comfortable and does not feel overly firm during low-intensity running.

Long Runs vs Tempo Runs vs Daily Training

The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 is a versatile running shoe, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage. The advantage is that it is suitable for practically most types of training, but the disadvantage is that it does not excel in any single one of them. It can work well for longer, low-intensity runs because it is comfortable, not overly stiff and offers good cushioning. However, there are shoes that are more comfortable, more flexible and provide greater impact protection. You can run fast in it, but it will not be your fastest shoe, especially over longer distances.

Who Should Buy the Nike Pegasus Plus 2 Running Shoe – and Who Should Avoid It?

The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 running shoe is recommended if you want to do practically all your runs in a single pair of shoes. If you are looking for a comfortable running shoe that is not overly snug and can also handle faster workouts, the Pegasus Plus 2 can be a good choice. It can also be a good option if you really like the Pegasus 42 and want to take your pace to the next level without sacrificing comfort.

The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 running shoe is not recommended if you are looking for a lightweight, fast running shoe for racing or high-intensity speed workouts. It is also not the ideal choice if you want a maximally cushioned running shoe with plenty of padding, maximum impact protection and exceptional comfort. If you overpronate or supinate and therefore need a stability shoe, this will not be the best choice either.

What Has Changed Compared to the Previous Version? Nike Pegasus Plus 2 vs Nike Pegasus Plus

The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 running shoe has undergone a major redesign compared to its predecessor. You could almost say it is an entirely new shoe.

• The thicker Flyknit upper has been replaced with a lighter mesh material. The last has changed, making the new version wider and taller in the toe box, while improving midfoot lockdown and adding slightly more padding to the heel collar.
• The midsole features a new foam formulation (with the same name), which is softer and compresses more. A curved Air Zoom unit has been added to the forefoot, and the midsole geometry has become more curved. The midsole stack height has increased considerably: compared to the previous 32/22 mm, the new version is 6 mm taller, measuring 38/28 mm. The new model is more versatile, offers greater cushioning and is also suitable for longer runs.
• The outsole tread pattern has also changed. The waffle pattern now features smaller lugs, while the distinctive longitudinal strip down the center has gained transverse grooves that improve traction. The outsole also features a ring-shaped perimeter that improves the shoe’s stability, which is necessary because the midsole has become softer and taller.

Thanks to these changes, the Pegasus Plus 2 has become more versatile, more comfortable and less firm-feeling. Despite the significant increase in midsole stack height, the shoe is only 20 grams heavier in men’s EU 44.

Is There a Difference Between the Men’s and Women’s Nike Pegasus Plus 2 Running Shoes?

There are no structural differences between the men’s and women’s Nike Pegasus Plus 2 running shoes. The weight difference is significant, which may partly be explained by the fact that the official weight of the men’s version is measured in EU 44, while the women’s version is measured in EU 39. Nike does not officially confirm this, but the weight difference may also be partly due to the women’s Pegasus Plus 2 being built on a narrower last.