Are the Nike Pegasus Premium Running Shoes Worth the Hype?

Not since the introduction of the original Nike Pegasus running shoe in 1982 has there been a more anticipated running shoe from the Swoosh. The Nike Pegasus Premium draws inspiration and use from that famed style of running shoe, i.e., a daily trainer meant for all kinds of miles. The introduction of the Premium came with a refresh to Nike’s running models, but what’s most important is that Premium distinction, i.e., new technology that makes it worth its namesake.

While it originally debuted earlier this year, the souped-up shoe drew all kinds of interest, quickly selling out at Nike and most of its supporting retailers. The attention and hype surrounding the Premium distinction made it a must-try for runners keen to see if Nike’s revamped approach to its offerings had an impact. The critical difference that drew everyone’s attention? The massive, full-length ZoomX air bubble, which has long been the staple of Nike’s more lifestyle-oriented offerings like the AirMax and others. Oh, and the fact that it’s quite a head-turner that may even double as a shoe that could go from the pavement to the park with a bottle of wine without skipping a beat.

While the splashy features are cool, there’s only one way to know how well the shoe fares. Now that the Nike Pegasus Premium is a little easier to come by, it’s time to put it through its paces. GQ got a pair to test across both long and short runs to see if all of the hype—and Nike’s new strategy—is worth the buzz.

The Best of Both Worlds

Looking too quickly, one might think the Premium is just a ritzy lifestyle shoe. The combination Zoom units don’t look unlike something that would make its way into a swanky new AirMax release. The black colorway Nike sent for testing certainly turned a few heads at my local Sunday run club, where fellow runners were keen to take a look at them not only on their feet but also to pass around the shoe and take a glimpse up close. It’s not quite as tech-y as some running shoes get, but the AirZoom tech in the midsole and heel does make it feel a little out of this world, especially by daily trainer standards.

William Goodman

The out-of-this-world nature is heightened by the fact that Nike’s packed this thing full of bleeding-edge technology. As mentioned, the sole is likely what will draw attention first, especially depending on the colorway, as it extends the length of the shoe. On my pair, the orange-red hue of the bubble naturally drew my eye line to it when compared to the nighttime hues of the upper.

The upper doesn’t look radically different than mesh uppers on most other running shoes. Still, the textured portion around the midfoot is accented by Nike’s swoosh, which features a bit of metallic-esque detailing that pops rather nicely.

Snug Like a Bug

Despite having feet that I would describe as near flipper-like (I’m a 13), I felt that the Premium felt good. The shoe certainly runs on the narrow side of things, but I felt quite comfortable in them. The feeling is snug, a reassuring grip around the arch and through the heel. Upon first wear, I didn’t feel a need or desire to lace up a runner’s knot, as the stability of my foot throughout the shoe was secure.

What also stood out to me was the tongue, which was the perfect length. I sometimes get annoyed with ones that are overly long. This one goes right up to the eyelets and no further. For some, it might not be quite long enough, but I appreciated that it was otherwise out of my way. Plus, the way the laces lock down across the top didn’t feel like they dug into my feet at all, so it’s not like I needed the extra length to accommodate accordingly.

Bouncing to the Finish Line

The week after I rocked the Premiums at run club, notched up a few other runs, and then came back to the crew, having dubbed them the Tiggers. Stick with me. Remember how in Winnie the Pooh, Tigger the Tiger is always bouncing on his tail? That’s how wearing the Premiums felt across both long and short runs. There was always a nice pop and bounce on return, almost as if I were Christopher Robin’s favorite tiger, just bouncing my way through DC’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Naturally, the orange and black colorway reminded me of dear old Tigger, too.