When Nike introduced the Pegasus Plus with lofty marketing claims about reviving the legendary Pegasus Turbo and utilizing famed ZoomX foam, many runners expected a lightweight, explosive Super Trainer. Reality, however, turned out to be quite different.
Don’t be fooled by the nostalgic “Turbo” label or the flashy ZoomX branding. With a retail price nearing $200 (approx. 5 million VND), the Nike Pegasus Plus 2 is honestly one of the most disappointing performance trainers from Nike this year. The shoe feels heavy, lacks propulsion, and is severely overpriced for what it offers on the road. That said, if you can snag them at a 50% discount or more, the value proposition shifts entirely.
After over 50km of testing—spanning road running, treadmill sessions, and gym workouts—from the perspective of a 165cm, 57kg runner, here is an unfiltered, objective look before you decide to spend your money.
1. Technical Specifications
Here are the core specs for the Nike Pegasus Plus 2 based on my testing:
- Weight: 250 grams (Size 8 US). This is a MAJOR DRAWBACK. While modern speed trainers and Super Trainers typically hover between 180g and 210g, the 250g weight makes the Pegasus Plus 2 feel clunky and ill-suited for speed work.
- Drop: Classic 10 mm (36 mm heel / 26 mm forefoot).
- Midsole Foam: ZoomX blend (a hybrid foam that is softer than the original but lacks the genuine high-energy return of pure PEBA ZoomX).
- Plate: None (Plateless).
- Upper: Flyknit with the iconic racing stripe.
- Outsole: Full-coverage high-abrasion rubber with horizontal lugs.
- Ideal Pace: 6:30 to 8:00/km (easy, recovery pace only).
- Recommended Distance: Under 8km – light jogging, walking, or gym cardio.
- Retail Price: 4,800,000 – 5,200,000 VNĐ.
- Sale Price (50%+ off): Around 2,399,000 VNĐ (A very reasonable price point).
💡 Tip: Compare these specs directly against other models at Thich Chay Bo’s Shoe Compare Tool.
2. Real-World Experience: Great looks, heavy ride
Out of the box, the Pegasus Plus 2 looks fantastic. The racing stripe design from tongue to toe pays homage to the original Turbo, and the fit is sleek. Aesthetically, Nike never misses.
But the moment I started running, the disappointment set in. At 250g for a US 8, the shoe feels heavy with every stride. As a smaller runner (165cm, 57kg), weight is critical to my cadence. If you’re used to 190g–210g trainers, you will immediately feel the heft. There is no “breezy” or “lightweight” sensation; instead, your calves and thighs have to work harder to maintain a steady turnover.
It simply cannot compete with true super-shoes or dedicated performance trainers in this price bracket.
3. Fit
True to size for those with average to narrow midfeet. The midfoot is snug, typical of the Pegasus line, providing a secure lockdown for cornering. The tongue is thin and light, and the lacing system distributes pressure well without digging into the bridge of the foot. The heel counter is well-padded, and I experienced zero heel slip.
However, if you have wide feet (2E+) or high arches, the snug Flyknit upper might feel restrictive after 30 minutes of running. Consider going up half a size if you have wide feet.
💡 Unsure about your fit? Try our Shoe Finder tool for personalized recommendations.
4. Cushion: Soft, but lacks energy return
Nike labels this ZoomX, but don’t confuse it with the super-bouncy foam found in the Vaporfly or Alphafly.
This is a blended ZoomX, meant for durability rather than performance. It’s soft upon landing, which is pleasant for walking or slow jogging at 7:00/km paces. For my 57kg frame, it offers decent impact protection on asphalt.
But the fatal flaw is energy return. When I tried to pick up the pace to 5:00/km or 4:30/km, the foam compressed but failed to snap back. The energy is simply swallowed by the midsole, making the ride feel “dead” and sluggish. You won’t get any propulsive “pop” from this shoe.
5. Stability
As a neutral shoe with a narrowed midsole, the Pegasus Plus 2 lacks medial posts or a wide base. Fortunately, the blended foam is dense enough that it doesn’t feel overly mushy, keeping you balanced during normal landings. However, if you have weak ankles or mild overpronation, the heavy 250g build—combined with a lack of support—will lead to ankle fatigue beyond 10km.
6. Ride: Why it’s not for speed
Even with a slight rocker profile, the lack of a plate and the 250g weight make for a clunky transition.
- At 6:30 – 7:30/km: It feels fine; a soft, easy shoe for 3-5km recovery runs.
- Under 5:00/km: Heavy and exhausting. It feels like I’m dragging the shoes rather than being aided by them.
7. Upper & Outsole
The Flyknit upper is the highlight. It’s highly breathable, perfect for hot and humid climates. The full-coverage rubber outsole provides excellent grip on asphalt, park tiles, and gym floors. It’s incredibly durable—likely good for 700km+.
8. Gym, Walking & Style
This is where the shoe shines:
- Gym & Cardio: The stable, moderate cushioning is perfect for treadmill walking, cycling, jumping rope, or light lifting.
- Walking: It’s a comfortable machine for daily use. I can stand or walk all day without foot fatigue.
- Style: The 3.6cm stack height adds a bit of height, and the sleek profile looks great with joggers, jeans, or workout shorts.
9. Who is this for?
Let’s be honest: The Pegasus Plus 2 is not for serious runners or long-distance racers.
- BEST FOR:
- People looking for an all-in-one shoe: Gym, walking, and occasional 3-5km light jogs.
- Lighter runners who want a stylish Nike shoe for casual wear and light training.
- Anyone buying at a 50%+ discount.
- NOT FOR:
- Serious runners doing tempo, intervals, or marathon training.
- Those looking for lightweight speed or high energy return.
10. Value for Money
At the retail price of 4.8M–5.2M VND, the value is ABYSMAL. There are far better, lighter, and bouncier shoes in that price range. Even the Pegasus 41 (at half the price) is more practical.
However, if you wait for a 50% sale, the price drops to ~2.4M VND, turning it into a solid lifestyle and gym shoe that you can occasionally run in. At that price, the weight concerns are much easier to overlook.
11. Final Verdict: 7/10
The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 is a great-looking lifestyle and gym shoe. As a high-performance runner? It falls short. The 250g weight and dead foam are hard to ignore at full price.
- Design & Aesthetics: 8.5 / 10
- Walking Comfort: 7.5 / 10
- Speed Performance & Energy Return: 5.0 / 10
- Weight (250g): 5.5 / 10
- Gym & Lifestyle Versatility: 8.5 / 10
- Value at Sale Price (2.4M VND): 7.5 / 10
- ⭐ OVERALL SCORE: 7.0 / 10
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