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The Most Advanced Trainer in Nike History Just Confirmed Its True Purpose

Innovation takes on many forms. Sometimes it disrupts. In this case, it dazzles.

Nike Pegasus Premium Blue ForceNike

By Jack Seemer

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Innovation can take on many forms. The Pegasus Premium, on the other hand, is a form with many innovations.

Released in early 2025, the shoe will go down in history as the first Nike design to feature a full-length Air Zoom unit. However, it’s not the sole technology powering its state-of-the-art platform.

The Pegasus Premium also features foams from two distinct eras of innovation, ZoomX and ReactX, combining for what is easily Nike’s most advanced daily trainer to date.

Nike Pegasus Premium running shoe
The Pegasus Premium, first released in early 2025, is the first Nike shoe to feature a full-length Air Zoom unit.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol
Nike Pegasus Premium running shoe
The shoe also boasts two other innovations in cushioning: ZoomX and ReactX foams.
Photo by Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Surely such a superlative would have runners chomping at the bit to wear the shoe on everything from easy runs to workouts.

But its premium price tag and hefty weight (it’s one of the heaviest trainers on the shelf) beg the question: is the Pegasus Premium really for running?

From where I’m standing, the next colorway all but settles it.

Pair of blue Nike Air Max running shoes with a mesh upper, teal accents, and a glittery silver Nike swoosh logo on the sides. The shoes feature a visible air cushion sole with a gradient effect in shades of blue and purple.
The Pegasus Premium’s most luxe colorway, “Blue Force,” will arrive this fall.
Nike

Razzle dazzle

Dropping later this year, “Blue Force” is dark and handsome rendition of Pegasus Premium, with a tonal midsole that sees the Air Zoom unit take on a similar hue to the two foams.

Pair of blue athletic shoes shown from the back, featuring a mesh upper with darker blue accents and a thick, cushioned sole with visible air cushioning. The shoes have a pull tab on the heel and a textured outsole for traction.
All three cushioning technologies match the upper.
Nike

At face value, there’s nothing out of the ordinary with a good-looking running shoe. Nike is known for its attractive designs. And fashion’s influence over athletics has only become more pronounced in recent years.

That said, a closer look at the Swoosh logo reveals dozens of Swarovski-sourced crystals that add a layer of glam to an already-striking silhouette.

Blue Nike running shoe with a textured upper, dark blue laces, and a prominent glittery silver Nike swoosh. The midsole features a visible air cushioning unit labeled "Zoom," and the heel has a pull tab with a grid pattern. The shoe has a sleek, modern design with various shades of blue.
Dozens of Swarovski bring the Swoosh logo to life.
Nike

The show goes on

This isn’t the first time Nike’s worked with Swarovski to upscale a shoe. Just this year, the pair collaborated on a one-off edition of the Air Jordan 1 Low OG, which features high-end crystals all across the upper.

Black and gray Nike Air sneaker embellished with numerous small sparkling rhinestones, featuring black laces and a white sole, worn with a black sock and a silver anklet with a round charm. The shoe is reflected on a shiny surface.
Nike and Swarovski have worked together before. The pair’s Air Jordan 1 Low OG (pictured) features crystals all throughout the upper.
Swarovski

But calling the upcoming colorway of the Pegasus Premium a runner would be equivalent to calling that AJ1 a basketball shoe, even if the tech is decidedly more advanced here.

There’s a chance I’m wrong, of course, and that runners will want the Pegasus Premium “Blue Force” for key workouts or races — assuming they’re willing to pony up for this luxe take on the Pegasus.

Dark teal and navy blue Nike running shoe with a mesh upper, a textured Nike swoosh on the side, and a visible air cushion sole. The shoe features a wave-like design element in a lighter teal color along the side.
This Pegasus Premium will be the most expensive to date, with prices estimated north of $300.
Nike

Pairs are expected to retail for more than $300, with an official drop slated for later this year.

After all, innovation can take on many forms. Sometimes it disrupts. For a price, it even dazzles.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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