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Equipped with Full-Length Visible Air Zoom Unit! The Future Created by "NIKE PEGASUS PREMIUM"

2025.03.06
The full-length and visible Air Zoom unit adopted in the NIKE PEGASUS PREMIUM is designed to contour to the shape of the foot, making it a groundbreaking attempt for the Air Zoom unit.
This has been made possible through the use of computational design, AI engines, and rapid prototyping techniques that differ from conventional methods.

Achieving the Largest Energy Return in the History of the "Pegasus" Series

The "NIKE PEGASUS PREMIUM" which had its visuals unveiled at "Nike On Air" in Paris, France in 2024, is finally available for purchase. What kind of shoe is it exactly?
NIKE PEGASUS PREMIUM, 29,700 yen (tax included)
Before delving into the details, I want to clarify the restructured Nike road running models.
Unlike racing models which pursue speed, road running models focus on comfort. They can be categorized into three pillars: maximum cushioning "Vomero," responsive cushioning "Pegasus," and supportive cushioning "Structure."
Each pillar includes an iconic model alongside higher models named "Plus" and "Premium." Currently, only the "Pegasus" series has both options available, but there are plans to offer similar lineups for "Vomero" and "Structure" in the future.
While all road running models feature high cushioning and comfort, runners can more easily select the appropriate shoe: choose Vomero for superior cushioning, Pegasus for energy return and lightness, and structure for stability,” says Ryo Ota from EKIN (a representative responsible for conveying the technology, innovation, development background, and stories of Nike products).
Among the "Pegasus" series, the model with the largest energy return is the "NIKE PEGASUS PREMIUM."
"The Nike Pegasus Plus, with a similar fit to the icon model Nike Pegasus 41, meets the expectation for a lightweight, responsive shoe. For even greater responsiveness and higher energy return, the Nike Pegasus Premium fulfills those runner's desires."
A distinctive feature: obtaining high energy return

Air Zoom Unit Designed to Contour to the Foot Shape

The "NIKE PEGASUS PREMIUM" features a full-length and visible Air Zoom unit designed three-dimensionally to follow the contour of the foot.
"This is the first time an Air Zoom unit has been designed to conform to the shape of the foot using the latest technologies like AI, enabling a more efficient conversion of the excellent energy return of the Air Zoom unit into forward propulsion for a smoother run, along with support for effectiveness.”
Furthermore, its shape was inspired by the carbon plates found in racing shoes.
The midsole incorporates ZoomX foam, known for its lightweight and superior responsiveness, also used in Nike's top racing models, while the heel employs ReactX foam, which offers greater energy return and durability than traditional React foam. The combination of the full-length Air Zoom unit and strategically placed foam results in the "NIKE PEGASUS PREMIUM" achieving the highest energy return in the history of the "Pegasus" series.
The upper features flexible circular knit and breathable mesh, creating a soft touch while also contributing to the shoe's lightweight nature.
The midsole features ZoomX foam, flanked by Air Zoom units, with ReactX foam utilized in the heel
The Air Zoom unit is designed to conform to the shape of your foot with a three-dimensional design.
The outsole is made of highly durable rubber, providing excellent ground grip.

A Completely New Ride Unlike Any Existing Shoes

Those who have long worn the "Pegasus" series may already know this. It is not the first time a full-length Air Zoom unit has been incorporated into the "Pegasus" series. Both the "NIKE PEGASUS 35" and "NIKE PEGASUS 36" featured full-length Air Zoom units integrated into their midsoles (the material used in the midsole was Cushlon foam).
The new aspects of the Air Zoom unit are its visibility (presumably increasing in volume) and its three-dimensional design that conforms to the shape of the foot.
 
The "NIKE PEGASUS PREMIUM 41" also features Air Zoom units in both the forefoot and heel, and its midsole uses ReactX foam. The energy-returning ZoomX foam is fully utilized in the "NIKE PEGASUS PLUS" for its entire midsole.
 
Some may wonder whether the "NIKE PEGASUS PREMIUM" significantly changes the level of responsiveness or energy return compared to those. However, it is not an exaggeration to say that the "NIKE PEGASUS PREMIUM" is an entirely different shoe from existing models, boasting both incredible responsiveness and comfort.

The "NIKE PEGASUS PREMIUM" is a Shoe Whose Impression Changes with Running Speed

When you start running at a slow pace, the first thing you notice is its high cushioning. This seems to be largely due to the effects of ZoomX and ReactX foams. As you pick up the pace, the height of the responsiveness and the magnitude of energy return become increasingly prominent. You feel a better lift off the ground, and there's a sensation that when you put weight down, it returns that energy effectively.
The shoe weighs about 325g (men's size 28cm), offering a moderate weight feel; however, it doesn't feel heavy while running, likely due to the significant energy return. Above all, it was a fun shoe to run in.
At a slow pace, the cushioning is strongly felt, while increasing speed enhances the responsiveness. This shoe seems versatile for various runner styles.

Text by Fumihito Kouzu

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