Nike Pegasus Plus 2 Review: ZoomX, Forefoot Air and Everyday Pace

Nike Pegasus Plus 2 Review

Quick Verdict

The Pegasus Plus 2 is worth considering for easy-to-uptempo road running if you want ZoomX cushioning and a forefoot Air Zoom unit without a plate. Its 10mm drop and substantial weight make it a less obvious choice for runners seeking a light interval or racing shoe.

Decision Evidence

Research basis: TrainingPlan has not hands-on tested this exact model. This review combines published specifications and attributed independent observations. Fit, comfort and durability remain individual; no mileage lifespan or performance gain is promised.

Key Specifications

Nike lists 9.3oz for a men's US 10. Doctors of Running lists 8.0oz for a women's US 8 and 38/28mm stack. Its men's figure is 9.5oz, rather than Nike's 9.3oz; the catalog retains the brand weight and labels the sample difference instead of averaging them. The review lists MSRP: $165, while Nike's checked US product price is MSRP: $170; this record uses Nike's price.

What Changed

Nike pairs ZoomX foam with an exposed curved forefoot Air Zoom unit, a revised mesh upper and a Waffle outsole. Its August 20 announcement places availability in late August. The US listing shows a MSRP: $170 reference price; this is not a live offer or a promise of stock in your size.

The important change is the addition of forefoot Air to the ZoomX platform and the revised fit. Treat the name as a family relationship, not proof that your old pair and this shoe will feel interchangeable. If the original already fits comfortably, the useful question is whether the new forefoot sensation improves the sessions you actually run. A new generation by itself is not a reason to retire a serviceable pair.

Ride and Intended Use

Doctors of Running describes improved forefoot space and midfoot security compared with the first Pegasus Plus, but notes weight and heel geometry as limitations at faster paces. These are that reviewer's observations, not TrainingPlan test results. Try the shoe at the pace you intend to use; a comfortable standing fit does not settle how its forefoot unit feels while running.

Fit and Sizing

Before buying, check length, toe room, heel hold and midfoot security with the socks you plan to use. Compare the labeled size with the regional size chart. A review describes the tested foot and sample; it does not guarantee the same fit for yours. The source notes above identify the available sample context so you can judge how closely it matches your situation.

What Works Well

• ZoomX and a visible forefoot Air Zoom unit provide a distinct unplated construction.
• The revised forefoot shape is worth trying if the original Pegasus Plus felt restrictive.

Tradeoffs

• The 9.3oz men's reference weight is substantial for a speed-focused purchase.
• A 10mm drop and prominent forefoot unit may not match every runner's preferred transition.

Same-Brand Comparison

Read our Nike Pegasus Plus 2 vs Pegasus Premium for the detailed matchup.

Compare it with the original Pegasus Plus as a different construction and fit, not simply a color update. For a lower-cost easy-run shoe, the Downshifter 14 answers a different budget question. The Plus 2 earns its place only if the forefoot feel and fit justify the added spend for you.

Who Should Consider This Shoe

This is a candidate for someone seeking one unplated shoe for easy miles with some controlled faster running. It is particularly worth a trial when you are curious about forefoot Air but do not want to commit to a plated trainer. Decide which sessions it would replace before buying. If you already own separate easy and workout shoes, the Plus 2 needs to solve an identifiable gap rather than duplicate both imperfectly.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Look elsewhere if your main goal is minimum shoe weight for intervals or racing, or if you strongly dislike a pronounced drop. Budget is another clear filter: the premium construction is only useful when its feel suits you. Runners whose priority is an inexpensive first daily trainer can compare our budget shoe guide. The cheaper choice is not automatically worse for easy running.

Cross-Brand Comparison

The ASICS Sonicblast 2 is a useful contrast because it uses a tall plated platform. That is a different decision from choosing between two colors of a daily trainer. Compare warm-up comfort as well as faster pace: the shoe you enjoy during a short store trial may serve a different role over a complete session. Our daily trainer guide provides more conventional alternatives.

Value

At the checked MSRP: $170 reference price, judge value by fit, the sessions it can comfortably cover and whether you will actually choose it over your existing shoes. There is no evidence here that the new model lasts a particular number of miles or saves enough energy to pay for itself. A sale price on the original may change the purchase decision, but this article does not track live discounts. Compare the exact size, return terms and total price at the retailer.

Final Verdict

Choose the Plus 2 because you prefer its unplated forefoot-Air construction after trying it, not because its name promises a universal upgrade. Its strongest case is a defined easy-to-uptempo role. Its weight and geometry are the reasons to keep alternatives on the shortlist.

Sources and Availability

Consult the exact regional listing for stock and sizing. Listed prices are reference metadata, not live sale prices. No Amazon listing was verified for this publication.

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