Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Review

The new Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 are the latest addition to Nike huge catalogue, in conjunction with Nike Vaporfly Next (soon to be reviewed). Twelve months after the first Pegasus Turbo 35 model, Nike has provided a design update with some important changes. Apart from the name, the Pegasus Turbo is now a separate model. For a small but growing group of enthusiasts, the Pegasus has become the best choice for slow, medium and long runs. If initially the € 180 price list negatively influenced most of the amateur runners, for those who had the opportunity to take advantage of the summer sales, the Turbo were a pleasant surprise, especially after the "disappointment" of the new version of the Nike Vomero 14. Here what we think about the shoe.

Nike Pegasus Turbo 2, our opinion

On the calendar of the amateur runner, July is much awaited not only because it is possible to find discounted shoes, but above all because many companies promote the new models of the autumn season. Nike really is no exception to the rule: four different models were launched on 11 July. At least 3 out of 4 shoes will be reviewed by us in the coming weeks. Unless having to run a marathon under 2h20, for the amateur runner, without a doubt the most awaited exit is the evolution of the Pegasus Turbo. If, on the other hand, you are wondering what the Vaporfly Next, or the upgrade of the Pegasus Turbo 36, we suggest you check the site again in the next few days. If not, read on.

Main review questions

• Key Characteristics
• Technical Specs
• Ride Behaviour
• Durability assessment
• Conclusions
• Pricing

Key Characteristics

Technical specifications

Let's look at the technical features of the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2, then describe the main developments with respect to the previous model, then we will discuss the impact on the race. The shoes are wider in the forefoot, but also in the heel. The same advice applies: they fit quite wide, for those who should use them in the race, perhaps half less could be recommended. Once again, those who plan to use them for long runs are advised to buy "your usual number". As soon as you wear them, the shoe shows all the cushioning that is now missing from the Vomero 14.

Weight

As for weight, a few grams have been removed, thanks to some technical variations that we will describe in comparison with the previous model. The technical specifications speak of 209 grams on the 42 and 1/2 model, but honestly thanks to the cushioning, it does not seem a real problem:

Weight: 7.2 oz (size 9), 209 grams

Stack Height: 28 mm (Heel), 18 mm (Forefoot)

Available Widths: D=Medium

How It Fits (based on width D)

• Sizing: True to size
• Heel Width: Medium to wide
• Midfoot Volume: Medium
• Toe Box Width: Medium
• Toe Box Height: Low
• Arch Height: Medium to high

• Upper, the upper now sports a lighter and certainly (more) breathable mesh, allowing for weight reduction:

• Weight, compared to the first version, the weight has decreased by 29 grams, making the shoe really lighter. With 209 grams, the feeling of lightness is excellent;

• Front, although the space seems quite similar, the Peg Turbo 35 horizontal band that had been added to add stability is now missing. For many users, that horizontal colored band was the biggest obstacle to use. Changing the upper, it turned out to be a useless frill for the support of the upper part:

• Lacing and Tongue: both thinner and lighter, to reduce and improve weight and facilitate better locking of the foot, with the new upper. Not that the foot is more stuck than the previous version, indeed. But we think that the design was necessary for the modification of the shell:

• Heel Fit, finally the heel is changed. While it was softer and more padded in the first version, now it is less oppressive, less blocked and certainly lighter. We don't know exactly what prompted the designers to change, in the end there is a not insignificant impact on the behavior of the race, especially at high speeds. It will still take several long exits to establish the advantages and disadvantages of this choice, but as with the normal Pegasus 36s, the feeling is that if the shoe is not well fastened, it can "take off" by running at high speed.

It is difficult to express an overall opinion on the change in the design of the shoe itself. The shoe is not fundamentally changed compared to the previous version. The "essence" is the same: the Pegasus Turbo are devoted to long training sessions, because they offer incredible comfort at all speeds.

Form and upper

We do not dare to define the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 among the best shoes, in terms of shape and aesthetics. Despite being a subjective concept, also this time the look and feel of the Turbo 2 was fantastic, at least at first glance: white and nuanced midsole, every single detail seems to be thought of even to wear the aperitif shoes with friends. The upper has changed slightly. The Nike marketing documents speak of "knit all over the surface." The knit is in engineered mesh and seems to be particularly soft but resistant at the same time.

Lacing

Front view: the first thing that the Aficionados will notice is the lack of the front band. If it is true that we had never been bothered, over long distances we heard very negative opinions. Everyone will be happy about this change, the toes are not as compressed as in the first version:

The lacing is more traditional than the Pegasus Turbo 1 and all the holes must be laced to ensure the foot is locked in the shoe:

On the heel there is a large "FAST" vertical writing, on which we will comment later. For the rest, the writings are exactly identical to those of the previous model, as well as the amount of foam on the heel:

Heel Counter

The heel area is very large and comfortable, but the foot rests quite adequately, although there is a feeling that it is not perfectly "locked", as was the case in the previous model. We are a bit dubious about the choice, which certainly favors the comfort of the performance. However, we didn't have any problems even at a fast pace. A reflective element is missing, which instead was present in the first version of the shoe itself:

The heel extends far less towards the outside and the padding and the external extension have virtually disappeared, as can be seen from the photo:

Unlike the Pegasus Turbo 35, the Turbo 2 models have no padding on the inside of the heel, but comfort is still adequate. To be clear, those who suffer from heel problems will not feel any pressure with this design:

Insoles

The compression-molded EVA insole is not particularly premium, very similar to that of last year's model and the "normal Pegasus" (35 and 36). In the central part we will find a large white writing to indicate the presence of the "Zoom" technology, even if the letter X is missing:

The insole of the shoe is not perforated, but the midsole is particularly soft:

Bottom / Sole

To reduce weight and improve performance, Nike moved on to thinner soles in 2018. We have already seen it with the Pegasus 35 as well as with the Vomero 14. The geometry is pentagonal in the central part and there are studs both anteriorly and posteriorly. The structure is waffle-shaped (not by chance it is called "waffle") just to improve the transition of the support to the ground. In the first part of useful life, we think that the grip is discreet, before obviously that the cleats are consumed, according to your way of running:

At the rear the cleats are clearly visible, the huge presence of rubber makes the shoe very reactive. Since the sole is exactly identical to that of the Pegasus Turbo 35, there will be no major variations in the behavior of the race:

In the central part the design foresees the direct exposure of the foam to the ground, with the advantage of improving the flexibility of the shoes during the transition of the running phase, those who run mid-foot will really notice an unexpected softness:

Seen from the side, the sole makes a beautiful figure giving a good psychedelic feel, thanks to the waffle.

Ride Behaviour

It is the Elephant in the room for those who have had the strength to spend at least 150 euros to buy this shoe. If the word "Fast" appears on the outside of the foam, many have wondered if the shoe is running really fast. As usual, everything is relative, but here are our tests.

Slow Runs

The first thing we will notice as soon as we start running is the presence of great cushioning in all parts of the shoe. The presence of a dual ZoomX and React foam over the entire surface guarantees very smooth transitions during the slow outputs. The weight of the midsole is also well balanced between the heel and forefoot, making the shoes even lighter than they really are. At the end of the first twelve kilometers, we didn't really notice: the shoes disappeared in the feet.

Speed runs

Long Runs

And for long runs? In this case we can say that the shoes are ideal, perhaps even to run for several hours. After an hour of training, you can really feel the sensation of softness, allowing you to make the most of long pre-marathons. After trying the Pegasus Turbo 2 in conjunction with the Hoka Clifton 1, we noticed a great similarity: cushioned shoes, light but at the same time fast and responsive.

Durability Assessment

For the reader who has just arrived on the site, we would like to remind you that the duration of a shoe is strongly influenced by the weight of the athlete who uses it, its running biomechanics, but above all by the materials used by the company. It is always a matter of personal taste in the "tire change", also because before changing a shoe it is essential to establish the annual budget and at the same time the risk of injury. As with all things, it is an individual matter. Obviously our reviews are often published at the exit of the shoe. Although it is difficult to evaluate empirically how much the shoe will last after a few days of the release of the Pegasus Turbo 2, we are sure that many of the materials have not changed compared to the previous version, consequently at least for sole and midsole we have a consolidated experience ( third model used).

We didn't think we just bought them, but the Pegasus Turbo 2 are surprisingly durable. We had already realized this a few months after the review of the Pegasus Turbo 35. Initially we thought that the shoe was really fragile. In particular, the rubber sole was very thin and would have been the first to be ruined. In fact, thanks to the design, despite its limited thickness, it is destined to last a long time, also thanks to the Continental Rubber (yes: you read that right, it is not a copy of an Adidas review). But why will Pegasus Turbo 2 last so long? Basically for three reasons. First of all, due to the sole design, which thanks to the softness of the Zoom X midsole allows you to flex dynamically and does not undergo large pressures compared to more rigid models. Secondly, the materials of the upper. Do you know Hoka One One (and note that we love the Californian brand)? well, here we are at the antithesis, despite an equivalent breathability, the Flymesh, soft breathable fabric, is also very durable:

Finally, the durability of the midsole is excellent. It does not help the visual aspect for sure. We haven't done the necessary kilometers yet, but after 100 km we will notice an important ripple of the Zoom X foam. It is just an optical effect! Once you've seen the creases on the midsole, don't worry: the performance of the Zoom X foam won't change for long. Don't be fooled by the comparison with the old Lunarlon either, both the Zoom X and the React foam are super durable!

Conclusions

Pricing and availability

The list shoe costs € 180. Given the previous experience of the Pegasus Turbo 2, it is slightly discounted on different websites. For those wishing to save a few euros more, we suggest buying the Peg Turbo 35 version, which is slightly heavier and probably more comfortable. Here are the main purchase links:

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