Nike will drop their latest running technology savvy-shoe on August 2nd. There $180 Nike Zoom Pegasus 35 Turbo. There was an exclusive release back in late July through their app and I was able to get one pair. I didn’t know much about the shoe until a few months about new prototypes Nike had been testing out based off of their Breaking2 concept.
I had to do some researching and googling and found out that Nike was creating a new trainer based off the needs of their elite running athletes that could be used as a racing shoe but double as a training shoe for speed runs and track workouts. It turns out the Pegasus Turbo was born.
Pegasus 35 Turbo Specifications:
- Weight (Size 10): 8.4 oz
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10.1 mm
- Heel Height: 32.7 mm
- Forefoot Height: 22.5 mm
Upper:
Nike has been using translucent material as of late with a lot of their running models and sportswear models, so it is only fitting they have a semi-translucent upper. I was hoping for a flyknit upper, because I am obsessed with flyknit.
It still uses the flywire cords to help lock your foot in place when you tighten your laces, something Nike has been using for several years now.
The upper is breathable the toe box was incredibly roomy, more than the Pegasus 35 and I thought a bit roomier than the Vaporfly 4%. When you take them out of the box you can’t help but notice the giant racing stripe going right down the center of the shoe all the way to the bottom of the outsole on the forefoot region.
What the Turbo maintains that the Vaporfly 4%, Zoom Fly, and Pegasus 35 have had is the curved heel pad. At first when you look at the shoe, you think of it as being purely cosmetic and to make it look a little different, but what I’ve read and Nike has stated is that the curved heel as allowed it to reduce friction on your achilles’ tendon when running.
Midsole:
This is where the price point of $180 kicks in. Their ZoomX midsole. It was first seen on the Vaporfly 4% models and their Breaking2 shoe the Vaporfly Elite. Based off information from Nikeinc.com the ZoomX foam delivers 85% energy return with each stride and it’s [currently] the lightest of all their midsole cushioning systems.
When you put the shoe on initially, you notice immediately just show soft the shoe is but yet you’re able to feel some firmness that is distinct with the Nike Pegasus running line.
Now in comparisons with “React” cushioning, I though react was much more plush and softer, but what it lacked was after wearing it for several hours the plushness and softness of the foam would be lacking. I noticed it after running about 4 miles in them, that the shoe was just essentially lose any sort of “bounce” or “return.”
When I was running the Turbo model, I felt a pop (it could have also been because I know this shoe is suppose to have a great energy return), but it was fantastic. I felt like I would be able to keep running and the mile 6 felt like mile 1 in terms of the comfort and ride of the shoe.
Outsole:
It doesn’t have the same outsole that was used in the Vaporfly 4% and the Epic React. In regards to the Epic React, it’s reinforced. There was hardly an outsole on the Epic React. What is unique about the outsole is that the rubber is reinforced to prevent the pavement from wearing out the ZoomX midsole and is mixed with some Epic React to keep reinforce the plush feel.
Test Run:
Yeah they’re dope. I’ve used them outdoor short runs (5K), outdoor long runs (10 miles), and treadmill runs (5-8 miles). They’re fantastic. You feel fast and you run fast. The later miles feels like the first few miles.
When I was taking them out, I felt light on my feet. I didn’t feel the reverberation of every step (like you can in the Pegasus). The Pegasus Turbo is much more forgiving than the Pegasus 35.
In terms of traction, the shoe is great. Transitioning from pavement to dirt to small rocks, the shoe held up great. It is easy to use words such as responsive, springy, or plush. But aside from the Vaporfly 4%, this is Nike’s best shoe. The last few miles feel like the first few miles and I feel like I’m propelling forward.
I still want to lift in them (not maxing or doing crossfit) and still need to add a track workout, but if the long mile runs are any indication the workouts are going to be just as productive and effective.
Comparison:
Pegasus 35: They feel like a Pegasus. Yes I know it’s the Pegasus 35 Turbo. But when you put them on for the first time, you notice it’s more plush than a traditional Pegasus and the toe box is slightly roomier than a traditional Pegasus but it has the DNA of a Pegasus. You can still feel the firmness that makes the Pegasus a staple in the neutral running shoe community. I’ll still use the Pegasus 35 for speed workouts and if I was going straight to the gym to workout in.
Pegasus Turbo 1. Comparisons 0.
Vaporfly 4%: It’s just not better than the Vaporfly 4%. It’s not. The Vaporfly 4%, in my opinion is the standard. It’s in a class of it’s own with the carbon-fiber plate. It’s still the shoe I’m going to attempt to qualify for big races in and run in when I’m running in marathons or half-marathons.
Pegasus Turbo 1. Comparisons 1.
Zoom Fly: The Zoom Fly is still my everyday training shoe for most runs. It’s the shoe I use for most of my training. I don’t particularly like it for tempo runs or speed workouts because of how thick the shoe is overall. Like the “standard” Pegasus, I won’t replace it with the Pegasus Turbo unless I’m able to get more than one since I like rotating shoes everyday and not wearing the same shoe everyday to run in.
Pegasus Turbo 2. Comparisons 1.
Epic React: I have had huge drop off with the epic react in terms of a running shoe. I think the shoe is entirely too plush for me to run in consistently. I love how soft the react midsole is but like the Vaporfly 4% the shoe wears out quickly. I’ve retired running in the epic react the last few weeks and have strictly transitioned it into a work sneaker and just a shoe to kick rocks in.
Pegasus Turbo 3. Comparisons 1.
Closing Thoughts:
In terms of what my racing shoe I’ll use in my attempts to qualify for Boston or any of the other major marathons, I’ll stick with the Nike Vaporfly 4%. Since I believe I can get at least two races out of each them. In terms of running half-marathons and trying to run faster 10-milers or 5Ks; I probably will use the Pegasus Turbo .
The shoe is available August 2nd on Nike.com. For runners who need a nice shock to the system when they are in Mile 9 and 10, the Turbo holds up well. It has a distinct plushness to go with some of the firmness felt in the traditional Pegasus line. While it’s still a hefty price for a running shoe, cutting off seconds and minutes off your 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or marathon might be too nice to pass up. It’s absolutely a great option if you haven’t been fortunate to get your hands on the Nike Vaporfly 4%. Happy Running!
