When Nike released the first Pegasus Turbo last year, it was a major hit. The consensus was that people wanted a more premium daily trainer, and after the launch of ZoomX foam, many elite’s wanted to have the feel of their Vaporfly racing flat, but in a more relaxed daily trainer. While the Turbo was an instant hit, I had some concerns right off the bat and had high hopes that the second version of the shoe would fix these issues. After a yer long wait, I finally got exactly what I hoped for!
The Specs
Model: Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2
Mens size: 12
Weight: 8.96oz (mens 12)
Offset: 10mm (17mm toe / 27mm heel)
Type: Daily trainer; cushioned, light weight
Use: Daily runs / long runs / speed work / racing (although it may be too soft for some)
Color: Electric Green/Bio Beige/Phantom/Black
Style Number: AT2863-300
Style Rating: 4.4/5
Style Creativity: 4.5/5
Color Combinations: 4.5/5
Upper Physical Lines: 4.5/5
Midsole Physical Lines: 4.5/5
Choice of Materials: 4.5/5
Graphics & Overlays: 4.5/5
Outsole Design: 4.5/5
Durability: 4/5
Pros
The major draw to this shoe is its aggressive premium look. From the racy upper to the sleek midsole with aggressive angles. One of the biggest draws this year is the removal of the stripe from last year’s model. I really did not like that look and am thrilled that its gone. The upper is a vibrant electric green which almost glows in low light. All of this coupled with the pattern of the upper material, this shoe looks like something out of Tron!
Cons
There’s no major flaws to the style in my opinion. Where I did ding the score however was in the midsole and outsole. I downgraded the durability rating due to the swept back area in the heel. Due to the 2 layers of midsole foam being laminated together, there are issues with this separating if the heel gets snagged on something. This makes the shoe a little more work to care for and something you have to be weary of. I also took a half point away form the outsole. While I love the design, I really would have loved the strip in the center to have been color matched like in the previous model.
On-Foot Feel Rating: 4.8/5
Toe Box Fit / Comfort: 4.5/5
Midfoot Fit / Comfort: 4.5/5
Tongue Fit / Comfort: 5/5
Heel Fit / Comfort: 4.5/5
Midsole Feel: 5/5
Outsole Feel: 5/5
Pros
The feel of this shoe is fantastic and much improved over last year. The upper material is thin and light on foot. The material used inside the shoe feels very smooth against the foot and had no rubbing or hot spots. The midsole and outsole of the shoe are soft on landing and feel very smooth and comfortable to land on. The shorter tongue this year is fantastic as well. There’s no rubbing against the shin, and the material used is a neoprene feeling, which is super smooth an stretchy.
Cons
From a feel standpoint, the only score dings I had to give were due to the fit. Even with my foot being a tad bit more narrow than average, the toe box felt pretty cramped in all directions. Also, the midfoot was extremely tight. As I got miles in on the shoe, all of this did stretch out and become comfortable, but there is a slight narrowness in the toe box and midfoot area still which may be uncomfortable for some. It resembles the fit of the Pegasus 35, for those that have worn those.
Performance: 4.4/5
Forefoot Stability: 4.5/5
Midfoot Stability: 4/5
Heel Stability: 4.5/5
Weight: 4/5
Weight Balance: 5/5
Cushioning: 4.5/5
Lock Down: 4.5/5
Responsiveness: 4.5/5
Outsole Traction: 4/5
Upper Ventilation: 4.5/5
Pros
In the trainer category, this shoe is fantastic. It’s weight is amongst the lightest considering how much upper material is provided. The midsole is super soft, and the materials used are pretty responsive and springy. This shoe feels great on your foot and feels very comfortable under foot during any distance. With the racing heritage that this shoe was designed off of, it has a smooth ride and feels fast at all paces. When running more toward the forefoot, the shoe performs well and will allow for a relatively stable and fast turnover.
Cons
The cons of the performance are a byproduct of the benefits. Due to the soft cushion, the shoe can be a bit unstable, especially when landing at the midfoot or farther back. The grip and longevity of the outsole are minimized compared to the regular Pegasus due to the reduction in material. This is a trade off of saving weight.
Overall Score
Should You Buy This Shoe?
This shoe is fantastic for pretty much anything but trail running, and it’s a major go-to for me. This shoe is best suited for anyone wanting a more premium feeling trainer, someone who’s willing to spend a little extra for that enhanced experience and performance. If you like the style of the regular Pegasus but want something lighter and softer, this is exactly what you’re looking for. As far whether you should the version 1 or 2 though, that’s a tougher one. The midsoles are the same so it comes down to your ideal upper. If you want a slimmed down and less puffy upper like me, it’s a no brainer that the version 2 is a must have, as in my opinion it’s well worth paying extra for the smooth and sleek feeling. If you like a puffy cotton upper, or don’t care either way, then the version 1 is what you need. Version 1 can be had for amazing prices, I’ve seen them selling new for anywhere between $60 and $140, typically around $110. If you like the same things I do, which is a secure and sturdy upper, yet minimal and smooth, it’s worth paying full retail for the version 2.
Full Review
For the full review, checkout my video on YouTube
Show the OG’s of the review game some love by checking out their channels as well! No single review is sufficient, it’s best to see multiple opinions in order to see what resonates most with you.
Jami’s Reviews
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWPzT9H7dH5i7FaI9-BuUmA
Kofuzi
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe43pe3w4L6w3tNMRkWiJBA
