Nike Pegasus Plus 2 Review: Bouncier, Lighter, and Worth the Upgrade

Introduction to the Nike Pegasus Plus 2

The Nike Pegasus lineup has always inspired a high degree of loyalty among runners worldwide. If you are a devoted fan of the franchise, the new Nike Pegasus Plus 2 serves as an exceptional addition to the family. Offering a significantly more enjoyable, responsive, and versatile ride than the standard Nike Pegasus 42, this updated iteration brings a much-needed injection of fun and energy to everyday training sessions.

Priced at $170 in the U.S. and £155 in the U.K., the Pegasus Plus 2 costs $25/£25 more than the Pegasus 42, yet remains considerably cheaper than the luxury-tier Nike Pegasus Premium. After logging 40 intensive miles over several weeks of marathon training—incorporating easy efforts, progression runs, and long stretches—we explore whether this model truly lives up to its hype.

Design, Fit, and Specifications

Available in a variety of striking colorways, the Nike Pegasus Plus 2 maintains Nike's reliable sizing consistency. Runners accustomed to the brand should experience an accurate fit right out of the box. True to its lineage, the shoe features a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, which sits slightly higher than the modern industry average.

Upper and Breathability

The upper consists of an engineered mesh layered with generous padding around the collar. While this design provides outstanding step-in comfort and securely locks down the foot during faster paces, it does result in a slightly thicker structure that lacks optimal breathability in hotter weather conditions.

Midsole Innovation

The most substantial upgrade in the Pegasus Plus 2 lies within its midsole construction. Nike has combined its plush, responsive ZoomX foam with an embedded Air Zoom pod in the forefoot. Unlike the ultra-soft compound found in elite race-day models like the Alphafly 3, the ZoomX used here is firmer and more resilient, providing the ideal balance of springiness and daily durability.

Outsole and Durability

The outsole utilizes Nike’s signature waffle tread rubber. While there is a notable amount of exposed foam in the midfoot area, the high-impact heel and forefoot zones feature solid rubber coverage. After 40 miles of testing—including light trail runs—the outsole has shown zero premature wear and tear.

Running Performance and On-Road Feel

When put through its paces, the Pegasus Plus 2 stands out as the most impressive evolution of the Pegasus Turbo lineage in years. It feels softer, lighter (tipping the scales at 9.3oz for a men's US size 10), and bouncier than both its predecessor and the Pegasus 42.

Transitioning from heel to toe feels remarkably smooth. However, due to the traditional 10mm drop, the forefoot landing can still feel slightly "slappy." Fortunately, the soft ZoomX foam helps roll the foot forward smoothly, while the forefoot Air Zoom pods deliver an explosive pop during toe-off at faster speeds.

While it makes for a lively and cushioned daily trainer ideal for long and easy miles, it stops short of being a true lightweight super-trainer. Runners seeking a dual-purpose shoe that excels equally at speedwork and interval training might find better alternatives within Nike's ecosystem, such as the Nike Zoom Fly 6.

Should You Buy the Nike Pegasus Plus 2?

Deciding whether to invest in the Nike Pegasus Plus 2 depends entirely on your running preferences. If you are a dedicated Pegasus enthusiast or strictly prefer a 10mm drop shoe with maximum cushioning, this model is easily the best Pegasus option on the market and a worthwhile upgrade over the standard Pegasus 42.

However, if you are willing to look outside of Nike, strong competitors offer exceptional value and versatility:

• Asics Novablast 6: A fantastic, highly cushioned daily trainer that punches above its weight class while costing less.
• Puma Deviate Pure Nitro: Lighter, more versatile, and better optimized for speed workouts.
• Adidas Adizero Evo SL: A premier daily choice for runners seeking a snappy, fast-feeling trainer.

Ultimately, the Nike Pegasus Plus 2 is a welcome evolution that easily outperforms the uninspiring Pegasus 42 and overpriced Pegasus Premium, securing its place as a reliable daily companion for dedicated distance runners.