Why is the Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature shoe name so long? This isn’t new (really), and Nike has made dozens of their shoe names confusing and long. The Next Nature brings back an old favorite, but in a new way. If you *loved* the original Pegasus Turbo, you may like the Nike ZoomX Pegasus Turbo Next Nature, but you also think it’s not the same. Because it’s not, Nike should have named the Pegasus Turbo Next Nature something completely different that didn’t share the Pegasus Turbo name.
Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature Quick Stats:
Weight: 8.6 oz
Heel-to-toe drop: No information given? (guessing 8-10 mm)
Cost: $150
Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature Intro:
The Nike ZoomX Pegasus Turbo Next Nature is a lightweight and tempo trainer. It’s designed to do longer workouts. You can use it to race, but that wasn’t Nike’s intention with the shoe. They want you to use the Vaporfly or Alphafly. Unlike many “faster” workout shoes, there is no carbon plate. The new Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature is not as bouncy as the original Pegasus Turbo and is also firmer.
The original Pegasus Turbo had a significant cult-like following. Why Nike discontinued this popular trainer…who knows. The closest thing to the original Pegasus Turbo is the Nike ZoomX Streakfly, but it’s lighter and has far less cushion and durability. I said closest, not 1:1 replacement.
Now, what about the Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature? Is it remotely similar? It’s not. It’s best if you clear your mind of thinking of previous versions of the Pegasus Turbo when thinking about this shoe.
What makes the Nike Pegasus Turbo Nature different?
As the name “Nature” implies the shoe is fairly sustainable and uses 50% recycled materials by weight. It uses 100% recycled Flyknit yarns in the upper to create a more secure fit and at least 55% recycled ZoomX foam. Yay for using less waste. Although if you’ve ever run in a pair of Nike shoes with ZoomX foam and too many miles, you know how firm the ride is. Would that happen with the Nike Pegasus Turbo Nature?
Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature Upper:
The upper of the Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature is weird. It doesn’t feel like a running shoe but more of a casual and lifestyle shoe. That’s fine, except it doesn’t breathe well. I live in the Mojave Desert, and I can tell you this is currently not my favorite shoe to bring in the summer weather. The thick Flynit material is stiff and not breathable. You can also see one glimmer of the past Turbos with the racing stripe down the center. Black on black doesn’t exactly make it pop.
The visual of the Turbo Next Nature technology is interesting too. The compressed midsole already looks like it has hundreds of miles on it. While the shoe is brand new, it almost looks dirty and likes it has been preworn. I know it hasn’t been, and it’s just the design, but still weird. If you remember the original Nike 4%, they also had a similar already compressed midsole. It makes me nervous because the 4% only lasted 50-100 miles.
There are flywire cables on the outsole to give you a secure midfoot. The tongue is attached in a more bootie-like construction. I firmly believe that the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and the Pegasus Turbo Next Nature does that…except when it’s hot. Then it doesn’t breathe well. I don’t think this is a shoe I would bring in the torrential rain just because it would absorb so much water and be so heavy.
Regarding sizing, I typically wear between a size 10-11 in running shoes, and the Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature in size 11 fits the best. Nike is known to be “narrow,” but it’s not. The midfoot hugs your foot more, but there is plenty of room to splay your toes.
Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature Ride:
I’ll try not to compare this too much to the old Pegasus Turbo, even though they share the same name. For your thought process, they might share the same name, but they are different shoes. I cannot emphasize that enough! They do not ride the same at all. Nike should have just renamed this the Pegasus Nature or something.
Nike advertises the ZoomX in the midsole, but there are two midsoles: The ZoomX and the Nike React foam. In sandwich terms, the React foam is like the bread, and the ZoomX is the filling of the sandwich. The ZoomX never touches the ground, which is good because it’s a brittle foam. If it had contact with the ground, the foam would deteriorate quickly and the shoe would probably last 50 miles. I’m glad the shoe isn’t called the Nike ZoomX React Pegasus Next Nature. Could you imagine?
Now, what makes the Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature so firm? Nike uses 50% recycled ZoomX foam for the Nike ZoomX Pegasus Turbo Next Nature midsole. If you’ve ever run in worn-out ZoomX foam, you know it’s firm and hard. That’s what makes you want to retire the shoe! The Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature starts as firm and only gets firmer. The React foam keeps it soft, so you don’t feel like you purchased an old running shoe.
Durability and Traction: I was slightly concerned with how the recycled foam would last, but the Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature is fairly durable. I’ve run about 100 miles on it and expect the Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature to last 300-400 miles. Regarding traction, that isn’t a concern either, and I’ve run a few times in the dunes with no issues. I don’t worry about sliding around.
It doesn’t feel bad, though, and it’s a fun shoe to run “fast” in. It’s easy to pick up the pace and you feel like you can run fast with no issues. The old Pegasus turbo was a workout shoe for me, and the Pegasus Turbo Next Nature is also a workout shoe; it just rides differently. It reminds me of the original New Balance Rebel, which I liked. If you’re a fan of firmer shoes, you will probably enjoy the Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature.
Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature Conclusion:
I have mixed feelings about the Pegasus Turbo Next Nature. As a “new shoe,” it’s fairly good. As a continuation of the Nike Pegasus Turbo, it’s terrible (because it’s so different). If you are looking into this shoe because you are looking into a shoe that is similar to the original Pegasus Turbo, this is not the one. I enjoy running in it, and I still will; it’s different. I also appreciate how much of it is made from recycled materials. I hope this is a thing that we continue in 2022 and beyond with running shoes.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: New Balance 1080v12, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Saucony Triumph 19, Brooks Launch 9,
Speed Work: Brooks Hyperion Elite 3, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Pegasus Turbo Next, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge,
Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Are you looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature?
Have you tried a shoe made from recycled materials? Many Hoka models have them too.