Nike’s Groundbreaking Pegasus Premium Running Shoe Is Finally Releasing This Month

Nearly a year after it was first announced, Nike’s next big step forward in running is finally set to release.

The Nike Pegasus Premium will release in late January as the brand’s first sneaker to feature a sculpted, visible Air unit. This full-length Zoom Air unit curves down and back up as it approaches the forefoot, which enables more efficiency in the transition from heel to toe. It’s also works in conjunction with ZoomX and ReactX foam, the latter targeted at the heel, to deliver more energy return than any other Pegasus sneaker in the franchise’s 43-year-old history.

“Air is Nike’s separator in the footwear industry — no one can create cushioning innovations like we can,” Kathy Gomez, Nike vice president of NXT Footwear, said in an April press release announcing the Pegasus Premium. “We wanted runners to get the most energy return possible out of the sculpted Air Zoom unit. Not only does it double as a spring-like mechanism, the Air unit is also designed to engage with the entirety of your foot, no matter your gait pattern or stride length.”

Nike’s latest breakthrough in Air is emphasized by rendering the unit in orange on the launch “Airscape” colorway that’s otherwise predominantly white. But just because the upper is largely devoid of color isn’t to say that it’s lacking in tech either; an engineered circular knit is reinforced in spots at the lateral and medial forefoot to provide additional support during your strides.

The Pegasus Premium comes amid Nike’s efforts to regain momentum in running as part of an even wider turnaround for the company as a whole. In November, Nike announced a simplified lineup of running shoes centered upon the Pegasus for responsiveness, the Vomero for comfort and the Structure for support. And just this week, the details and imagery leaked for the Vaporfly 4 expected to release in April.

The Nike Pegasus Premium will release January 30 through Nike’s website, as well as select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $200.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.