Nike Pegasus Plus 2

The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 aims to cash in on the famous Pegasus name, being slightly lighter and with a bit more substance than the classic of the family, the Air Zoom Pegasus 42, with the idea of reviving the spirit of the legendary Pegasus Turbo: bringing the soft cushioning and responsiveness of racing shoes to everyday running. It is the (currently struggling) American brand's take on a more energetic, characterful version of the range, in line with what other manufacturers do with their "Pro" versions such as the Clifton Pro: the same daily trainer philosophy but with a livelier ride geared towards faster paces, building on a model the general public knows well.

Compared with the original Pegasus Plus, the main new feature is the exposed Air Zoom unit in the forefoot, curved and with its pressure tuned to each size, combined with full-length ZoomX foam to deliver 18% more energy return than the previous model. The upper is a lightweight mesh with a midfoot band integrated with the laces for a more secure fit at faster paces. Unlike other Nike shoes, the MR-10 last offers a wider toe box and a roomier instep, something those who have always found Nike shoes too narrow will appreciate, without losing lockdown at the heel and midfoot.

With a 38 mm heel and 28 mm forefoot stack height (10 mm drop), the shoe suits heel strikers, for whom the higher drop helps relieve strain on the Achilles tendon. The waffle-style outsole with flex grooves offers good wet traction without standing out much beyond the longitudinal band, a nod to the pioneering Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo. It is somewhat heavier than is usual for a lightweight trainer, which keeps it in light training territory rather than among racing shoes, a point that may hold it back against the competition, so Nike is spending a lot of money promoting it. Ideal for controlled runs and quality sessions for neutral runners looking for a comfortable shoe with character.