Nike Pegasus Premium

To talk about Nike is to go back to the origins of innovation in the modern running universe. From Bill Bowerman's first experiments with his famous waffle iron for the sole of the first Nike shoes to the development of cutting-edge technologies such as Zoom Air, React and now ReactX, the Oregon-based brand has not stopped taking steps forward. The Nike Pegasus Premium is yet another example of this relentless search for the perfect running shoe, one that combines responsive cushioning, comfort without sacrificing stability and a look so striking that it makes you want to wear them even when you go for a walk.

These new models represent the latest step in Nikes "Pegasus pillar", in which the brand groups all running shoes characterized by reactive cushioning. After the standard edition ("Icon") and the Plus version (direct successor of the famous Nike Pegasus Turbo), the American company goes one step further with an option that offers a triple combination of technologies: ZoomX foam, ReactX foam and a visible and sculpted Air Zoom unit that runs along the entire midsole. The goal? To achieve the highest energy return in the history of the Pegasus family and, in the process, push the boundaries of innovation, putting them at the service of the popular runner.

Origin and philosophy of the Nike Pegasus Premium

To understand what the new Nike Pegasus Premium represent, we must first place them in the context of Nikes great innovations. The Swoosh brand, aware that its running catalogue could be confusing for some users, has reorganized its performance line focused on training in three very recognizable sagas:

• Nike Pegasus, the saga that stands out for its reactive cushioning.
• Nike Vomero, the maximum cushioning line.
• Nike Structure, the family that offers the best balance between cushioning and support.

In the specific case of the Pegasus family, the Nike Pegasus 41 would be the most affordable edition (what Nike staff call "Icon"); the Nike Pegasus Plus takes up the legacy of the mythical Nike Pegasus Turbo; and now the Nike Pegasus Premium crowns this saga with the most advanced technology to date.

In the development of the Nike Pegasus Premium there is a common thread that links the old Nike Zoom All Out (the first shoes with an almost complete Zoom Air unit in the midsole) and the inspiration in the Nike Vaporfly, where a curved carbon plate favors a more efficient transition and a spectacular energy return. Nike wanted to replicate that idea of curvature, but in the inner tube itself. Instead of a rigid plate, here we find a sculpted Zoom Air that favors momentum in each stride.

The philosophy behind the Nike Pegasus Premium is clear: combine the historical DNA of the Pegasus saga (reliability, daily use and agile feel) with the most radical innovation that Nike is capable of offering. If before we saw the "Air" technology in small capsules or specific sections, now comes a visible, full-length design that is also integrated with the latest generation of foams to maximize comfort and reactivity.

How are the Nike Pegasus Premium defined?

Even though the name suggests "premium", the reality is that these shoes do not aim to be a shoe with maximum cushioning -that's what the Vomero line is for-, but an option that, within the reactive cushioning, comes close to the comfort levels that many runners want to have under their feet.

Specifically, the midsole reaches 45 mm in the heel area and 35 mm in the forefoot, which is the highest geometry in the Pegasus series to date. This unique midsole height is divided into layers:

• ReactX foam in the heel, which provides stability and reduces the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process.
• Visible and sculpted Air Zoom unit that runs from heel to toe, providing rebound and promoting the "rocker" effect in the transition of the stride.
• ZoomX foam in direct contact with the foot, famous for its lightness and the "spring effect" that has given so much joy in the Nike Vaporfly and Nike Alphafly.

Thus, the Pegasus Premium becomes a "triple cocktail" that seeks to combine the best of each house: the lightness and reactivity of ZoomX, the stability and lower ecological impact of ReactX, and the dynamic propulsion of a sculpted Air Zoom unit. The result is a super training shoe that, despite being slightly heavier than its direct rivals, competes very well in terms of comfort, aesthetics and durability.

Main Technologies of the Nike Pegasus Premium

Now let's get into the details of all the applied technology that these Nike Pegasus Premium bring with them.

ZoomX Foam

What is it: an ultra-lightweight and highly reactive material that Nike debuted in its racing shoes.

What does it contribute here: being glued directly to the sole of the foot, it offers that immediate "bounce" that you feel when taking off and the sensation of stepping on a cloud charged with energy.

ReactX Foam

What it is: the latest and most advanced evolution of the classic React foam.

Advantages

• 13% more reactive than its predecessor, which positively influences the "responsive" feeling with every step.
• Lower environmental impact (up to 43% carbon footprint reduction in manufacturing, according to the brand's own data).The big news: Nike takes the idea of the Zoom All Out and combines it with the carbon plate-inspired curvature of the Vaporfly.

Visible and sculpted Air Zoom unit

Function: join your transition from heel to toe with added reactivity.

Effect: feels more energy return in the forefoot and a soft landing.

Other interesting details of the Nike Pegasus Premium

Within the overall design of Nike Running's Pegasus Premium, there are additional aspects that complete the wearing experience and make this model more than just an evolution of the saga. Here are the key points:

Upper design.

• Stretchy, breathable circular mesh: inspired by materials used in other high-performance models, it offers a snug fit without compromising ventilation.
• Reinforcements and overlays: features strategic support points to stabilize the lateral stride, which is very important in a shoe with such a high midsole geometry.
• Tongue and laces: the tongue has two different textures: a more ventilated and snug lower part, and a slightly padded upper part. This combination seeks a balance between comfort and fit.
• Retro-futuristic aesthetic: many runners have compared this design to the Air Max 2013 or the aforementioned Air Max 97. That "Air Max" feel is noticeable in the exposed air balloon and the rugged model, a mix of nostalgia and avant-garde.

Modified Waffle outsole with improved traction.

• Waffle pattern: Bowerman created his first soles with a homemade waffle iron, and that tradition is constantly reinvented at Nike. The sole of the Pegasus Premium features a modified waffle with lugs and flex lines for improved traction on asphalt.
• High-abrasion rubber: strategically placed to resist wear in key areas, such as the outer heel and forefoot area.
• Extensive coverage: with the exception of the midfoot area, the outsole is well reinforced for remarkable durability.

Sustainability

ReactX and carbon footprint. Nike claims that this new foam reduces the carbon footprint by at least 43% over the previous React foam, thanks to a more efficient manufacturing process. But they also represent a long-term commitment, because these Pegasus Premium demonstrate the Oregon-based brand's intention to keep improving its processes, even though they are not 100% sustainable shoes. Still, it is a step forward that the company is proud to point out.

Runner profile and recommended distances of the Nike Pegasus Premium

Pegasus Premium adapt to a wide range of runners. Here are some clues to find out if they fit your profile:

• Intermediate to heavy runners: they will appreciate the high cushioning capacity and generous midsole structure.
• Those looking for reactive cushioning: if you love to run with that feeling of elasticity and "bounce" in your stride, these shoes are ideal.
• Recommended distances: from 5 km to full marathons. In particular, they shine at medium paces or long distance runs, where their excellent energy return will reduce your muscle fatigue.
• Athletes who attach importance to neat aesthetics and style: the visible design of the sculpted Air Zoom unit attracts attention. If, in addition, you like to wear shoes with a "casual" style (something you can wear off the asphalt), the Nike Pegasus Premium delivers.

However, it should be remembered that their greater height and weight do not make them the most agile for very intense interval training and speed series. For that function, Nike has models more focused on lightweight performance, such as the Nike Zoom Fly 6 or the Nike StreakFly.

When do these new Nike Pegasus Premium go on sale?

One of the great attractions of these shoes is that, despite being a long-awaited model, we won't have to wait too long to have them available and on sale:

• Global launch: January 30, 2025.
• Initial availability: there is talk of limited units after the launch, so if they catch your eye, it's a good idea to keep an eye out.
• Estimated price: Nike has not made the exact figure official at the time of writing, but, being a "Premium" model, expect a price range somewhat higher than the Nike Pegasus 41 and Nike Pegasus Plus. It is likely to be around or above the 200 barrier, in line with other super trainers on the market today.

Why wear the new Pegasus Premium?

The Nike Pegasus Premium marks an important chapter in the continuing evolution of the Pegasus series. With them, Nike wanted to take responsive cushioning to its maximum expression, integrating for the first time a full-length visible Air Zoom unit and sculpted in conjunction with ZoomX foam and the new ReactX foam. Such is the technological innovation, we're talking about a model that offers outstanding energy return, groundbreaking design and an extremely comfortable ride.

Now if you ask yourself: "What do I find when I wear this new Nike revolution?", at RUNNEA we give you the exact answer:

• Softness and bounce: the landing feels soft thanks to the height of the sole and the combination of foams. In turn, the boost effect is noticeably more energetic than in previous versions of the Nike Pegasus.
• Contained stability: the configuration with ReactX in the heel and the wide base prevent the shoe from feeling unstable, something that could have been given by its great height and the presence of a large air unit.
• Higher weight: the trade-off for including the full-length Zoom Air unit and high-density foams is inevitably an increase in weight. A detail that will not be a big problem if you are looking for comfort and long runs at controlled paces.
• Design that makes you fall in love: the visual aspect - inherited from the Air Max aesthetics - is an infallible hook for those who enjoy wearing a running shoe that combines performance and street style.

If you love the feeling of running "on air" and are looking for the security of a brand that has been dominating the running scene for decades, the Nike Pegasus Premium is an exceptional choice. Whether to improve your pace in long-distance training or to face the preparation of a half marathon or marathon with guarantees, these shoes can become your inseparable companions.