We've tested the Nike Pegasus Plus 2: our most personal review
There are shoes you need to try to truly understand what has changed. The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 is one of them.
On paper, Nike has introduced significant new features in this second generation. It continues to feature ZoomX, but now adds a visible Air Zoom unit in the forefoot, modifies the geometry, redesigns the upper, and updates the outsole. The result, according to Nike, achieves 18% more energy return than the previous generation. But this time, we didn't want to rely solely on the specifications.
At BeUrban, we had the opportunity to test the new Pegasus Plus 2 and see how all those changes translate when you start running in them. And if we had to summarize our experience in two main points, they would be quite clear: more responsiveness underfoot and a generally lighter and fresher feel in the upper.
The Pegasus Plus was already an interesting shoe for those looking for something faster and more enjoyable than a traditional daily trainer. With this second generation, Nike seems to have a much clearer idea of where it wants to take the model.
First impressions of the Nike Pegasus Plus 2
The original Pegasus Plus already used a full ZoomX midsole, Nike's most reactive foam, and had that lightweight and dynamic feel that made it particularly enjoyable when we wanted to pick up the pace. However, in the Pegasus Plus 2, we noticed a clearly superior energy return.
It's not just a matter of feeling a soft foam; the sensation is more like propulsion. As you start to increase your pace, the front of the shoe supports the toe-off much better, making the transition more energetic.
And here we find one of the major new features of this generation.
ZoomX + Air Zoom: The change we really noticed
Nike maintains a ZoomX midsole but incorporates, for the first time in this family, an exposed and curved Air Zoom unit in the forefoot.
It's no coincidence that this technology feels familiar. Nike uses Air Zoom in some of its most advanced racing shoes, although here the configuration is adapted for a training shoe. The unit even adjusts its construction and pressure depending on the size to adapt its behavior to the runner.
The combination of ZoomX and Air Zoom is precisely responsible for much of the sensation we experienced. When you land, ZoomX provides cushioning and return. When you start to push off, the Air Zoom unit in the forefoot adds that extra point of responsiveness.
Nike claims an 18% more energy return compared to the previous Pegasus Plus. We can't put a percentage on the feeling, but we can say something much simpler: you can feel it.
A shoe that encourages you to pick up the pace
One of the things we liked most about the Pegasus Plus 2 is its personality.
Of course, you can run at a relaxed pace in them. These aren't radical shoes that need to always go fast to perform.
But we believe it's when we progressively increase the pace that they truly make sense.
The transition becomes more enjoyable, and the forefoot starts to return the energy we apply quite well. This sensation also aligns with other recent independent tests, which specifically highlight its performance at medium and tempo paces.
Therefore, after trying them, we see them as particularly interesting for progressive training, tempo runs, and those days when you want to run briskly without needing to use a racing shoe.
And here, we believe Nike has found an interesting niche: you don't need a carbon plate to enjoy running fast.
No carbon plate, and perhaps therein lies part of its charm
In recent years, we've become accustomed to associating any fast shoe with a plate. The Pegasus Plus 2 proves that it doesn't have to be that way.
Here we have ZoomX + Air Zoom, but no carbon plate. This makes the experience less demanding, and the shoe maintains a very natural feel.
It doesn't aim to replace Vaporfly or Alphafly on race day, and we don't think it should.
The Pegasus Plus 2 occupies a different space: they are training shoes that allow you to have fun when you want to run fast, without reaching the aggressiveness of a super shoe exclusively designed for chasing records. For us, that versatility is one of its strong points.
We also liked the upper more
The second major difference we noticed is in the upper; the upper feels lighter and more breathable, which is especially appreciated when we start to accumulate miles or train in high temperatures.
Nike has simplified the construction and uses a lightweight mesh that reveals the midfoot support band. The brand has also modified the forefoot shape to offer a bit more toe room.
We don't want a fast midsole underneath and a heavy construction on top. Here, everything conveys the intention of making a shoe ready to move with agility.
Furthermore, we like that Nike has maintained good midfoot support. When we increase the pace, we need the foot to remain controlled within the shoe, and that internal band helps achieve precisely that.
More room up front
There's another small change that can be quite significant depending on your foot: Nike has modified the last and forefoot geometry to create more space around the toes. It also increases the toe spring for greater propulsion.
This is interesting because Nike's fast shoes can traditionally feel quite snug; here, we find a more forgiving balance.
The foot remains secure when you start to accelerate, but the forefoot doesn't need to feel excessively compressed to achieve this.
As always, we recommend trying them on because every foot is different, but this is an evolution we find to be a good move.
Are they really lightweight?
Here's an interesting point: our impression of the upper was one of greater lightness, but that doesn't mean the entire shoe weighs less than its predecessor.
Nike states approximately 265 grams for a men's size 44, with a 10 mm drop.
Therefore, the interesting part isn't simply pursuing the lowest possible number. What matters is how that weight moves when you run, and thanks to the ZoomX return, the front Air Zoom, and the new geometry, the dynamic sensation is quite good when we start to accelerate.
It's important to make this distinction because a shoe can weigh very little on a scale and feel flat when running, while another slightly heavier one can disappear much better underfoot due to its geometry and responsiveness.
The outsole also changes
Nike maintains its recognizable Waffle concept but modifies the tread pattern using a diagonal design, more pronounced edges, and new flex grooves. The goal is to improve localized traction and maintain a good ground feel.
For a fast training shoe, we need to find a tricky balance. We want enough rubber for grip and durability, but fully covering the midsole also adds weight and can reduce flexibility.
Nike's solution tries to find that middle ground.
Nike Pegasus Plus vs Pegasus Plus 2: Where did we really notice the difference?
If you're coming from the previous Pegasus Plus, this is probably the part that interests you most.
We don't believe Nike has completely changed the concept. It's still a shoe designed to offer a more dynamic training experience within the Pegasus family.
But the second generation feels more complete.
| Features | Pegasus Plus | Pegasus Plus 2 |
| Midsole | ZoomX | ZoomX |
| Air Zoom | No | Yes, in the forefoot |
| Energy Return | High | Higher |
| Upper | Flyknit | Redesigned mesh |
| Forefoot Fit | Snugger | More space |
| Outsole | Durable rubber | Redesigned Waffle |
| Drop | Approx. 10 mm | 10 mm |
| Focus | Dynamic training | Dynamic training / tempo |
The most important difference for us is clearly underfoot.
The Pegasus Plus 2 returns more energy and feels livelier.
Then comes the upper. The new construction felt lighter and more breathable to us, giving the shoe a more performance-oriented overall feel.
This doesn't mean the original Pegasus Plus are no longer good. They are still fast, light shoes with a fantastic ZoomX midsole. But if we had both in front of us and wanted to choose one, we would go with the Pegasus Plus 2.
What kind of workouts would we use them for?
We wouldn't buy them thinking only of very easy recovery runs. For that, there are more cushioned and relaxed models that would make much more sense.
Nor would we reserve them exclusively for racing; their strong suit is precisely in between.
We would especially use them for:
- Tempo runs and progressive training, where we can truly leverage the forefoot Air Zoom.
- Brisk runs and controlled-pace long runs, when we want comfort but also responsiveness.
- Quality workouts without a carbon plate, for those who prefer a more natural feel or want to save their racing shoes.
They can also function as a relatively versatile shoe for a runner who enjoys training at medium and fast paces.
What type of runner do we recommend the Pegasus Plus 2 for?
You don't necessarily have to be an extremely fast runner. The important thing is that you enjoy changing paces and want to feel some responsiveness when you push yourself.
If you do several workouts a week and already have a cushioned shoe for easy days, the Pegasus Plus 2 can be a fantastic companion for those workouts where you want to add a bit more energy to your legs.
We also find them interesting for those who are curious about ZoomX and Nike's Air Zoom technology, but don't want to jump directly to a racing shoe.
What we liked most after trying them
After running in them, we would primarily highlight three things.
The first is energy return. It's the change we noticed most compared to the previous version and what we believe most justifies this update.
The second is the lighter and more breathable upper. It seems like a minor detail until you've been running for a while and appreciate that the shoe doesn't feel overly restrictive.
And the third is a bit less technical: they're fun.
There are incredibly comfortable shoes that simply log miles. The Pegasus Plus 2 has that little something that makes you want to pick up the pace a bit when you start to feel good during a workout. And for us, that counts too.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nike Pegasus Plus 2
What has changed in the Nike Pegasus Plus 2?
One of the main new features is the incorporation of an exposed Air Zoom unit in the forefoot, combined with ZoomX. We also find a new upper, more toe room, updated geometry, and changes to the Waffle outsole.
Do they have a carbon plate?
No. The Pegasus Plus 2 achieves its responsiveness through the combination of ZoomX and Air Zoom, without using a carbon plate.
Are they more reactive than the Pegasus Plus?
Yes. Nike claims 18% more energy return, and in our test, precisely one of the differences we noticed most was that increased responsiveness.
Are they suitable for fast workouts?
Yes. In fact, we believe that's where they make the most sense. They perform especially well when we move away from easy paces and start running at medium and brisk speeds.
Are they suitable for everyday training?
They can be, depending on the runner, although we see them as particularly interesting as a shoe to alternate with a more relaxed and cushioned model.
Is it worth upgrading from Pegasus Plus to Pegasus Plus 2?
If your Pegasus Plus are still in good condition, you don't need to replace them immediately. But if you need to buy new shoes or are deciding between the two generations, we would choose the Pegasus Plus 2 for their greater energy return and the improvements in fit, upper, and geometry.
Our conclusion: a Pegasus Plus with much more personality
After trying the Nike Pegasus Plus 2, we are left with a very clear impression: Nike has managed to give this second generation more personality.
The change that truly makes a difference is in the responsiveness. We noticed significantly more energy return than in the previous Pegasus Plus, and we believe that is precisely what the model needed to better define its position within the Nike family.
Added to this is an upper that we found lighter and more breathable, a more comfortable forefoot fit, and geometry that better supports you when you start to pick up the pace.
These are shoes that you can log miles in, accelerate when your legs are willing, and enjoy ZoomX and Air Zoom without relying on a carbon plate.
After trying them, we're quite clear where we'd place them: for the runner who doesn't just want to train, but who some days wants to have fun running fast.
The new Nike Pegasus Plus 2 have already been tested by the BeUrban team. If you want to discover them, try them, and see if they fit your running style, you can find them at BeUrban, both online and in our stores, where our team can help you choose the model that best suits your training and goals.
