Nike Pegasus Plus Shoe Review

I was excited to try the Nike Pegasus Plus. I was a big fan of the Turbo back in the day, and it’s always been strange to me that Nike discontinued it. The Nike Pegasus Plus is the latest reboot of the much-loved Pegasus Turbo series, renowned for its unique blend of bounce, lightweight feel, and non-super shoe flexibility.

After several attempts to reintroduce the Turbo in various forms, Nike has finally released the Pegasus Plus, positioning it as the Turbo’s spiritual successor. With a full-length ZoomX midsole, this shoe is intended to bring Pegasus Turbo fans back into the fold. But my question is… does it?

I had a few questions about the Nike Pegasus Plus before I tried it:

• Does the Nike Pegasus Plus fit true to size? Actually no, it’s a bit wider then true to size and some may find the midfoot to be to wide. Not me, I appreciate the extra width.
• Is the Nike Pegasus Plus a good replacement for the Nike Pegasus Turbo? It’s the closest replacement since the 2019 favorite, but it’s not a perfect replacement.

Read this honest review of the Nike Pegasus Plus and see if the shoe is right for you.

Nike Pegasus Plus Quick Facts

• Price: $179.95
• Weight: 8.4 oz (men’s), 7.3 oz (women’s)
• Stack Height: 34 mm / 24 mm
• Drop: 10 mm
• Shoe Purpose: Lightweight Trainer

Nike Pegasus Plus Fit

Just pulling the Nike Pegasus Plus out of the box, it has many similarities to the old Turbo, including the non-breathable racing stripe. Nike had to bring that back, right? The Pegasus Plus features a Flyknit mesh upper that provides a high-volume fit, especially in the midfoot.

The best running shoes disappear off your feet, and for the most part, the Nike Pegasus Plus does that—though there are some issues. While the Flyknit material is comfortable, the upper’s volume can lead to fit challenges. Surprisingly, the Nike Pegasus Plus runs large. The midfoot area, in particular, may feel too roomy, possibly causing hot spots for some runners. The tapered toe box could feel tight initially, but it softens and expands after break-in.

As I mentioned, it does run large. Typically, in running shoes, a women’s size 10-11 wide fits me best. In the Nike Pegasus Plus, the size 10 fits best, though I might even be able to go down to a 9.5. It’s definitely worth trying this one on if you can.

Nike Pegasus Plus Ride

The midsole is where the magic happens, right? How does the Nike Pegasus Plus actually compare to the Pegasus Turbo? A full-length ZoomX midsole gives the Pegasus Plus its signature ride. Although it’s firmer than other ZoomX shoes, it provides moderate responsiveness for easy runs and uptempo efforts. The forefoot is flexible with a mild rocker for smooth toe-offs, but it might feel too firm for midfoot and forefoot strikers.

The moment I tried the Nike Pegasus Plus, I noticed how roomy and comfortable it is. I’ve now run about 100 miles in it, and it feels like it can handle most paces well. I enjoy using it for longer and harder efforts. Does the Nike Pegasus Plus feel like the Pegasus Turbo? Yes and no. It’s definitely the closest shoe to it, but it still doesn’t feel as fast. It’s much firmer than the Turbo. Am I the princess and the pea? Maybe. It’s a good shoe, and I enjoy running in it.

Outsole

Designed mainly for road running, the outsole includes rubber coverage that delivers solid traction on dry surfaces. However, exposed areas of ZoomX in the midfoot are vulnerable to wear, especially on rough surfaces. As mentioned, I’ve put about 100 miles on my pair with no signs of slowing down. I suspect it will last between 300-400 miles.

As far as traction, I’ve used them on desert trails as well as on inclement weather days and I’ve really had no issue. You aren’t going to slide around making hairpin turns like the Vaporfly or Alphafly. I do find they get a bit heavy on rainy days…it’s like the upper just absorbs all of that moisture.

Nike Pegasus Plus Conclusion

The Pegasus Plus is a well-crafted, lightweight trainer suitable for a range of runs, from easy to moderately paced workouts. However, its higher-volume midfoot fit and firmer ZoomX midsole distinguish it from the softer feel of the original Pegasus Turbo. Fans of the Turbo series might find the Pegasus Plus an interesting, though not identical, successor.

Who Should Buy the Nike Pegasus Plus

• Runners looking for a lightweight daily trainer with firmer ZoomX foam.
• Those who prefer a more structured shoe for everyday runs and mild uptempo workouts.
• Rearfoot strikers with higher-volume midfeet who can manage the tapered toe box.

Who Should Not Buy the Nike Pegasus Plus

• Midfoot and forefoot strikers who prefer a softer forefoot feel and less pronounced heel drop.
• Runners seeking a highly responsive and softer ZoomX experience like that of the Vaporfly or Streakfly.
• Those with narrow feet may find it too roomy.

My Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, New Balance 1080v13 Shoe Review , Newton Gravity 12, , ASICS Superblast

Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future 1.5 Shoe Review Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Nike Alphafly 3

Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review

Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,

Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future 1.5 Shoe Review Hoka Cielo X1, New Balance Fuelcell 5280,  Reebok Run fast Pro ,Nike Vaporfly 3 , ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

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:

What is your favorite running shoe?

What is one shoe they discontinued that you wish they’d bring back?