Nike Pegasus Premium – Legendary Look, High-Tech Cushion

5 February 2025 6  min reading
Nike Pegasus Premium - sideview

The Nike Pegasus Premium is the latest addition to the iconic Pegasus family, and its name suggests that it is the most exclusive model in the series. This is evident in the advanced technologies used, such as ZoomX and ReactX foams, as well as a visible gas cushion along the entire length of the shoe, which provides excellent cushioning. Additionally, the shoe’s design strongly references the lifestyle Air Max, combining sport with urban style.

Basic info

  • brand: Nike
  • release date: 2025
  • terrain: road
  • shoe type: training
  • pronation: neutral
  • best for: daily run
  • regular price: 210 €

Tech specs

cushion: very soft
5/6
stack: high
45/35 mm
drop: classic
10 mm
grip: versatile
2.3 mm
upper width: narrow
102.6 mm
weight: heavyweight
368 g

Purpose

The Nike Pegasus Premium is a versatile running shoe that provides excellent cushioning and comfort on hard surfaces like sidewalks and paved trails. Thanks to its advanced cushioning technologies, it is ideal for everyday training and longer runs. This model is designed for runners with a neutral foot strike, meaning those who do not overpronate (roll their ankles inward). It is especially recommended for people weighing up to about 90 kg.

Nike Pegasus Premium - sideview
  • very good cushioning
  • good dynamics
  • good fit
  • attractive design
  • too much softness under the heel can cause the heel to “float”

Nike running shoes – lineup

Nike offers a wide selection of running shoes, so competition within the brand is fierce. Despite this, the Pegasus Premium stands out from the standard Pegasus, offering better cushioning and greater comfort while running. Thanks to its neutral characteristics and level of comfort, this model rivals the Nike Vomero, one of Nike’s best cushioned training shoes for hard surfaces.

To see the full lineup, check out the Nike running shoe guide.

NEUTRAL
SHOES
STABILITY
SHOES
maximum cushioningNike Invincible 3
Invincible Run 3
very high cushioningNike Pegasus Premium
Pegasus Premium
Nike Vomero 17
Vomero 17
Nike Infinity Run 4
Infinity Run 4
high cushioningNike Pegasus 41
Pegasus 41
Nike Structure 25
Structure 25
mid cushioningNike Winflo 11 - jasne
Winflo 11

Nike Pegasus Premium alternatives

The Nike Pegasus Premium is one of the best cushioned shoes in the “everyday training” category, nearly matching the “max-cushioned” shoe segment. Competition in this category has been fierce in recent years, with all major brands offering highly cushioned models designed for maximum comfort. So what makes the Pegasus Premium stand out? Its key features are its completely different construction with an external gas cushion and its premium design.

MODELSTACK
HEIGHT (mm)
DROP (mm)WEIGHT
MEN'S (grams)
WEIGHT
WOMEN'S (grams)
REGULAR
PRICE (€)
Asics Novablast 541.5/33.58255225150
Asics Gel-Cumulus 2537/298253222160
Brooks Ghost Max 239/336306269160
Hoka Skyflow39/345280244170
Mizuno Wave Rider 2738/2612273235160
Nike Pegasus Premium45/3510325275210
Nike Zoom Vomero 1739.5/3010300241150
On Cloudsurfer 732/2210245205170
Saucony Ride 1735/278282238150

The midsole: three key technologies

The Nike Pegasus Premium midsole is a blend of technology that combines three elements: an Air Zoom cushion, ultra-lightweight ZoomX foam, and resilient ReactX foam. These elements work together to create a dynamic and complementary cushioning system.

Nike Pegasus Premium - midsole

The most distinctive feature is undoubtedly the Air Zoom cushion, which runs the full length of the midsole. Its construction—a thin layer of gas-filled plastic with a network of flexible fibers—acts like miniature springs. With every step, the fibers bend to provide a soft landing and then rapidly expand to generate dynamic energy.

Until now, Air Zoom technology has primarily been found in smaller cushions under the heel or forefoot. With the Pegasus Premium, Nike takes it a step further by extending the cushion across the entire midsole — it’s like running on a cloud. The gas cushion has also been adapted to the specific characteristics of a running shoe. It is slightly higher under the heel and lower under the forefoot.

However, the cushion itself is not the only important factor; the foams also play a key role. There are two types of foam in the Pegasus Premium: The first, ReactX, is located in the rear of the shoe. It is more durable and stable than traditional foams and provides cushioning and stability. However, stability is not this model’s strongest point. The shoe’s softness and flexibility can make it feel “floaty” around the heel, especially for runners who do not keep their feet perfectly straight and tend to pronate or supinate.

Nike Pegasus Premium - Air Zoom unit

The second foam is ZoomX, which is the softest, lightest, and most responsive. Located directly above the Air Zoom cushion, it is responsible for the exceptional bounce, dynamic cushioning, and top-level comfort. The Pegasus Premium is extremely pleasant to wear thanks to its softness. It is best suited for people weighing up to about 90 kg, although lighter runners can also enjoy its comfort and solid cushioning.

Is this shoe dynamic? Yes, thanks to the midsole with plenty of springy foam and a gas cushion. This provides a pleasant bounce during your run, increasing the feeling of dynamism. However, that’s where it ends. To provide that “something extra,” it lacks a rocker and carbon elements. Nevertheless, it is perfect for everyday training. After all, the Pegasus Premium is designed to be a high-end training shoe.

Quite deep outsole

The outsole of the Nike Pegasus Premium resembles those of other asphalt models from the brand. It features a classic pattern with a distinctive “S” shape that runs through the midsole and reveals the gas cushion. The large amount of rubber in the outsole should positively impact its durability, providing better grip and making it last longer. The tread pattern is relatively aggressive and deep for a shoe designed primarily for hard surfaces. The 2.3-millimeter-high lugs are average for running shoes and quite high for training models designed for asphalt. This makes the Pegasus Premium ideal for streets and sidewalks, but it will also perform well on forest trails and uneven terrain.

Nike Pegasus Premium - outsole

Upper

The Nike Pegasus Premium’s exceptional breathability makes it the perfect choice for warm days. Made from a single layer of loosely woven mesh, it provides excellent ventilation and comfort, even during long workouts in high temperatures. Importantly, the tongue is breathable too.

The upper’s fit is also worth noting—it is slightly narrower than standard. At its widest point, the upper measures only 102.6 millimeters, ensuring a snug fit that provides stability and a fairly precise grip. This will probably be the perfect fit for people with narrow and standard feet. Those with wide feet will not have enough room. It is necessary to measure and check.

Nike Pegasus Premium - upper

The back of the shoe is classically stiffened with a plastic clip that holds the heel in place and limits sideways movement. For added comfort, the heel counter is lined with sponge to provide soft support for the heel and make the shoe very comfortable. Additionally, it features a high, backward-curved tongue commonly found on shoes. This small detail often improves comfort in the Achilles tendon area.

However, the grip of the upper provides completely different stability than the stability underfoot. As I mentioned earlier, due to the soft and “floating” midsole, this model’s overall rear stability is not great.

Nike Pegasus Premium - cushioning

Heavyweight

According to the manufacturer, the men’s shoe weighs 325 grams, while the women’s shoe weighs 275 grams. From this perspective, these are high values, suggesting that the shoes will be heavy.

In size 12 US, the shoe weighs 368 grams, which is significantly higher than the average weight of running shoes. Among all running shoes, this one ranks in the top 12% for weight. The situation is similar when looking only at well-cushioned training shoes. Against this background, these shoes are among the 14% heaviest. The Nike Pegasus Premium is not a lightweight shoe. Among all running shoes, it is a heavy shoe.

Nike Pegasus Premium - detail

Summary

The Nike Pegasus Plus has the potential to be an excellent everyday running shoe. It offers softness and overall comfort that will make you love it from the moment you put it on. The upper is made of thin, breathable mesh. The design? Original! This design may attract customers looking for a premium sports shoe, not just for running. That’s exactly what the Pegasus Premium is.

Pawel Matysiak
Post author Pawel Matysiak

I am an amateur runner and have participated in 1000-meter runs on the treadmill, half marathons, marathons, and ultra-marathons. I give professional advice on choosing the right running shoes. I have more than I can count at home.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments