
Pegasus Turbo is back, only this time it wears a new badge. Nike’s calling it Pegasus Plus, and despite the familiar lineage, this one feels like a total reset again. If you remember our [Pegasus Turbo Next Nature review](https://shoegeeks.in/review/nike-pegasusturbonextnature-002016000/), that shoe had drifted far from the OG Turbo’s brief; the Plus swings the pendulum back, landing closer to the original Turbo’s roots than PTNN ever did.

In the Pegasus lineup, the Plus sits a notch above the Pegasus 41, signaling “faster miles” without jumping all the way to plated-racer territory. The rebranding from Turbo to Plus does look a bit rushed.  Flip it over and you can still spot Turbo stamped on the bottom-sole.


+ _So where does that leave it as a speed trainer, the job the original Turbo nailed?_
+ _And with full-length ZoomX underfoot, how does the ride stack up against the Pegasus 41’s ReactX foam?_

Check out our two person review of both Men's and Women's editions:


<ShoeCard shoeCode="002018001M"></ShoeCard>

#### What makes up Nike Pegasus Plus?

Pegasus Plus uses an engineered Flyknit upper with a full-length ZoomX midsole (no plate) and a high-abrasion rubber outsole. Nike lists the shoe at ~245 g (men’s UK8/US 9) with a ~9.5 mm drop. The shoe is much lighter than Pegasus Turbo Next Nature. UK 10 weighs about 278g, when compared to PTNN’s 290g.  While it has shed some weight, it is not the lightest uptempo trainer in the market.   New Balance Rebel, Asics Novablast etc., are much lighter, almost by 10-20g. However, compared to plated counterparts such as [Zoom Fly 6](https://shoegeeks.in/review/nike-zoomfly6-002006006/), Magic Speed 4, [Deviate Nitro 3](https://shoegeeks.in/review/puma-deviatenitro3-005001003/), Boston 13, this one is much lighter. 

##### Midsole

Full-length ZoomX is the star of the shoe.  It is lighter and springier than the ReactX found in the regular Pegasus, aimed at more bounce and quicker turnover for steady/tempo days. Like the earlier Turbos, there is no carbon or plastic plate. Stated drop shows as 10mm, same as classic Peg.   The stack height is 34mm, two mm more than the previous edition, which has a livelier underfoot feel from the foam. 

##### Upper

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The upper is engineered Flyknit with perforations over the instep to improve the airflow, and to cut the weight. It’s one of the lightest Flyknit upper’s I have seen, while still feeling durable.  The stripe adds an interesting ascent to the upper, but it does hamper the airflow a bit.  Despite the lightweight and seamless nature, the upper maintains the shape and structure.  An excellent job by Nike on the upper.

The tongue is quite well done without bulking up the upper or restricting the airflow.  Though it is not gusseted, it stays in place well. 

##### Forefoot & Toe-box

The forefoot of the shoe is quite tapered similar to classic Peg. So if you are a regular Pegasus user you will feel right at home.  If you have a wide-forefoot or wide-toes you may want to test the fit before you consider this shoe.  The height of the forefoot and toe-box is much better than most shoes though.


##### Midfoot & Heel

The anterior wall of the outsole is raised to support the midfoot.  So it does help a bit with stability. Surprisingly the heel has excellent structure and plenty of padding for an up-tempo trainer.  

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##### Outsole

There is plenty of rubber on the outsole and has a traction pattern that is good for asphalt roads and pavements.   The outsole is embossed with “Nike Pegasus Turbo” throughout the length of the shoe (it's a first) with the Nike logo in the middle. 


#### Why did I consider this shoe?

_Aravind_

My Puma Deviate Nitro 3 just crossed 900 km of mileage.  While it is still runnable, the snap and character are gone.  So I have been looking for alternatives in my rotation.  Being a [Pegasus Turbo](https://shoegeeks.in/review/nike-pegasusturbonextnature-002016000/) user in the past, the Pegasus Plus felt like the natural swap for my current half-marathon cycle. With Nike US stores running a discount, it became the easy pick: something light and lively for steady to tempo days without going into plated-racer territory.

_Aditi_

The racing season has started, and so has my hunt for reliable daily trainers — because let’s be honest, no number of trainers is ever enough. My shoe rack currently sports a healthy rotation of Nike and Puma (and no, this isn’t a sponsored review).

My main objective for these shoes was to have a daily trainer, which will help me alternate with the current ones, as we have a long season ahead. My last [Peg 41](https://shoegeeks.in/review/nike-pegasus41-002010041/), I used for 1000+ kms, and it did me good. 


#### Ride In Pegasus Plus

*Aravind*

I have run about 160km in Plus so far; Hill Sprints and Strides, Long intervals, Progression runs, and long runs. The shoe could take it all. Despite the relative low stack height, the shoe works quite well, and the ride stays confident and lively. The best part here is the **full-length ZoomX**: excellent energy return and a natural roll that never feels forced. Flex through the midfoot/forefoot is noticeable. On Durometer, its softness is measured at around 30-35HA, which makes it a medium soft midsole. 

At faster speeds such as strides, hill sprints, long intervals, the shoe works really well.  While there’s no spring board effect on landing like carbon plated trainers, it does offer a quick response. For steady and progression runs, it adapts well to the pace.  On very long runs (the longest I have run is [35km](https://www.strava.com/activities/16026094976)), the forefoot can feel a touch thin late in the run.  

*Aditi*

I have run around 100 km.  I did a few tempo runs, while the shoe feels light, it's missing the bounce, despite the ZoomX foam running through the midsole. If one has used the Deivate Nitro from Puma, the PWRPLATE is highly responsive compared to this one,  at a cheaper price point. During my tempo runs, especially, I could feel the lower bounce much more pronounced, as compared to the [Puma Deviate Nitro 3](https://shoegeeks.in/review/puma-deviatenitro3-005001003/).

During the hill repeats, with short strides, the shoes glide along and help in take off. However, the changes are felt over longer distances. If one is looking for long-distance daily trainers with shorter workouts in between, this is suited to you just right. It is very comfortable in hill repeats and short bursts of speed too. 

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##### Fit & Comfort

*Aravind*

The shoe fits true to size similar to other Pegasus models.  However, the thinner Flyknit upper meant it is not as snug. The lacing however is very adjustable and with the flexible I could adjust to fit well.  

Breathability of the shoe is excellent, making it an excellent choice for long runs in the heat. 

*Aditi*

The shoe fit is good and stays snug. The heel protection and the toes box do a good job of keeping the ankle protected and toes airy. No sweat accumulation post a long run. The feet are well secured during the run, and no movement inside the shoe.

##### Stability

*Aravind*

Relatively low stack height, and slightly wide midfoot and heel offers good stability for neutral trainers.  The raised wall on the midfoot helps a bit as well.  However, if you are looking for stability as an overpronated runner, this may not be the best choice.

##### Road Grip 

*Aravind*

No prizes for the grip, but it is very decent on roads, and pavements.  I had no issues in handling the slightly dirt filled roads, and wet roads as well.  But the traction doesn’t feel great on roads with loose sand and construction debris though. 

*Aditi*

I have run in Pegasus Turbo Plus \- post and during rain, the grip is unshaken on Bangalore roads. 

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##### Durability

*Aravind*

The outsole is holding up very well with almost no wear after 1600km. There is not much compression observed in midsole either, which is otherwise typical for ZoomX. The Flyknit upper is also holding very well. I’d estimate 800–1000km of life.

##### Aesthetics

*Aravind*

I loved the sporty, elegant look. The Stripe on the upper is super cool, and gives a nice contrast to the rest of the upper which is simple. I have the Platinum Tint/University Read colorway which looks gorgeous.   The flyknit upper and stylized outsole only makes it better.

#### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="002018001M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Lightweight and comfortable for daily use",
    "Highly Breathable Flyknit upper",
    "Good road grip and offers decent stability",
    "A flexible midsole makes it quite versatile, and feels natural.",
    "The shoe is quite responsive and offers good energy return."
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
"Premium price for performance delivered",
"Not comparable in performance and bounce to similarly priced carbon plated trainers",
  ]}
/>


<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
Pegasus Plus settles into that sweet spot where daily miles and tempo work overlap. The fit runs true to size with a medium forefoot and a reliable heel hold; the Flyknit breathes well over the instep and never feels swampy, even on humid runs. Full-length ZoomX is very responsive, though it does not feel bouncy or soft like software uptempo trainers with carbon plates. Flexibility through the forefoot gives a natural roll that keeps progressions smooth and intervals snappy.  

If you are looking for a daily trainer with a bent towards speed training, but don’t want to run in a carbon plated shoe, Pegasus plus is an excellent option.  
</InfoCard>

Nike Pegasus Plus


I still remember the first time when I ran in AlphaFly Next%. The feeling of unreal bounce, springy stride and the joy of hitting the pace so effortlessly. Since then I have used super shoes from Adidas, Nike, Puma, New Balance, and Saucony.  Most do their job well as racing shoes, but they no longer feel different, these are now the new Normal. 

I’ve heard about Fast R3 Nitro as part of Puma’s Project 3 on the run up to the Boston Marathon 2025\. Having used Puma’s other super racer, [Deviate Nitro Elite](https://shoegeeks.in/review/puma-deviatenitroelite-005012000/), I was excited.  It was so hyped that I wanted it badly.  Thankfully Puma India brought these supershoes right after they launched in India.  I bought a pair from Puma Indira Nagar store. 

*How does this new super shoe from Puma Fast R3 stand against the other racers? Does it really deliver on the hype?   Is it a worthy shoe for race day? Read the review.*

<ShoeCard shoeCode="005014003M"></ShoeCard>

##### What makes up Fast-R Nitro 3?

The shoe is so light (200grams in UK 10\) that it is unbelievable.  They do feel very delicate in the hands and are beautifully made.  If you have seen the previous edition of Fast R, this shoe looks similar –  A split midsole with a carbon plate visibly protruding out and the plate extending all the way forward beyond the toe box.   Fast R3 however is much more refined in looks.  The plate in the midsole is hidden now, and looks more similar to the early editions AlphaFly Next%.  The midsole is still split into two halves and the plate is also extended beyond the toe box.   

<LightBox src="/images/puma-fastR3_3.jpg" caption="Plate extended beyond toe-box" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Midsole__

The midsole of Fast R3 uses Nitro Elite Foam, which is made of Aliphatic TPU foam. The midsole feels superior to touch and is super soft. The split midsole is quite aggressive with a distinct tapered heel cutout – kind of inverse of Puma Fast FWD Nitro’s midsole shape.   The shape of the heel doesn’t give much confidence to heel first strike runners though.   The midsole has 40mm stack height at the heel, and 32mm in the forefoot, effectively offering an 8mm drop, just right for a racer.  

<LightBox src="/images/puma-fastR3_1.jpg" caption="Split midsole with deep heel cut-out" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Upper__

The upper is made up of a single layer engineered mesh (ULTRAWEAVE as Puma calls it).  It is the thinnest upper I have ever seen, and feels like paper.  It is extremely breathable and semi-transparent.    

The upper material is soft and wraps around the foot securely, providing a conforming sock-like fit.  The tongue is minimalist, is also paper-thin and not gusseted, and is made of the same upper material.  It takes a bit of time to make sure the tongue sits in properly above your foot though.

__Heel__

The heel area is really well-executed for a light weight racer. It has conventional heel collar with reasonable padding and a rigid heel cup for a comfortable and secure fit. The fit and lockdown are definitely an improvement over Deviate Nitro Elite that I’ve used in the past.  There is no heel tab though.  Given the shoe is easy to get in, one wouldn’t miss it much.

<LightBox src="/images/puma-fastR3_5.jpg" caption="Heel area is really well done for a racer" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Outsole__

The outsole is made from PUMAGRIP rubber.  However it is quite different from other Puma racers.  It is thin and resembles the outsole that you see in the Adios Pro series.  The tread pattern is flat and minimalist and primarily meant for road surfaces.  
The outsole is primarily focused on the forefoot which gives an indication of the shoe priorities.   The heel portion hardly has any rubber coverage. Two smaller rubber patches are located on the sides of the heel.

The midfoot area is left exposed with no rubber coverage to probably save weight and not interfere with the carbon fiber plate.  Carbon fiber plate can be seen through

##### Why did I buy it?

For my races I currently use AlphaFly Next %3.  I have settled on the AlphaFly line after trying other supershoes including Adios Pro, VaporFly, and Deviate Nitro Elite. I am quite happy with it and really not looking for an alternative. But given what I heard of Fast R3 Nitro from my friends, I really wanted to feel the excitement.  Bonus is that I might find something worthy of replacement.

##### Ride in Fast-R 3

The first time I laced up the Fast R3 Nitro, I couldn’t believe how light they felt.  At 200 grams for UK 10, I have never worn any shoe so light.  I felt a déjà vu from my first Alphafly experience, an unreal bounce when I tested it for a few strides.

However I had mixed feelings, given it has a bit of instability. The split midsole and that hollow heel design made them tricky to control, but once I found my rhythm after a few strides, it worked well.  That said, your ankle has to work a bit harder compared to other shoes. But the responsiveness and lightness makes up for it.

My first run with them was a local 10K, more of a threshold effort than a full race. After I started running, they felt quite stable, and I couldn’t really notice any tinge of instability.  The bounce was electric, almost playful, and even though I’m a heel-midfoot striker, the run went surprisingly smooth.

A few weeks later came the Hyderabad marathon (half). I went in confident after that 10K, and the shoe didn’t disappoint. The ride was soft yet powerful, every step full of energy return, and even in the final stretch, the shoe kept giving. However, in the final mile, my socks got soaked with sweat, I started to feel my feet slipping slightly inside the shoe. It didn’t ruin the race, but that is something to note.  Despite that, it was a PB on the course by a massive 3 minutes from the previous year.  The shoe definitely played some role. 

Next up was the Bengaluru half marathon. I planned a fast finish, and when I picked up the pace after the 12th kilometer, as expected the shoe felt like it was flying with me. But during the descent at the 19th kilometer, I suddenly felt a lump under my foot. For a moment, I thought my sock had bunched up, but later after the race when I checked it turned out the insole glue had given away had come loose and slid forward. Even then, I managed to hold pace and finish strong, with a surprise personal best by a minute, and this is not even a goal race.

__Fit and Comfort__

With 50+ km logged so far, it is one of the most comfortable racers I have used.  It feels **incredibly minimal and delicate** and you could sense just how thin and lightweight it is. It gives a super “skin-like” feel over your foot, which can feel amazing when everything is in place.  It is true to size, however, the fit is a bit relaxed.  You might have to try adjusting the lacing to get the right fit. Especially when your feet sweaty, or when your socks are soaked you may experience the slippage. 

__Stability __ 

The shoe feels a bit wobbly when walking or when running at slower speeds.  However, once you pick the pace the shoe is really stable.  I am particularly impressed by the uncompromised heel cup design and padding around it.  The cut-out in the heel might be a problem for extreme heel strikers though. 

__Road Grip __ 

Lack of tread in the outsole means the shoe is primarily designed for roads with good traction.  The shoe may slip on roads with gravel or loose sand probably.  All the three races that I tried the shoe in, I had no problem with the grip.  Heel strikers may find issues with the limited rubber in the heel. 

<LightBox src="/images/puma-fastR3_4.jpg" caption="Decent grip for a road racer" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Durability __  

Puma mentions the Fast-R 3 Nitro is designed for 150 km lifespan, which I think is a good practice.  Because the upper is ultra-thin, split midsole sections expose more foam edges, and the minimal outsole rubber on the heel, the lifespan can be even lower.

__Aesthetics & Ergonomics__

The shoe looks futuristic, aggressive, and highly distinctive. The "Heat Fire-Sun Stream" colorway that I have has a high-energy aesthetic, with vibrant orange and gold upper contrasted by black accents. The black Puma logo pops prominently off the side of the shoe, while the Puma Cat logo appears throughout the silhouette. The minimalist, almost transparent Ultraweave upper, the distinct decoupled midsole, and the visible carbon plate all contribute to the technical and aggressive look. "FOREVER. FASTER." is written on the insoles, finally makes sense.

### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="005001003M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Excellent bounce and energy return",
    "Extremely light weight",
    "Fits like a sock",
    "Excellent heel padding and fit for a racer"
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
  "May not work well for heel strikers",
  "Low durability compared to other racers"
  ]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
The Puma Fast R3 Nitro is a high-performance super shoe that pushes the limits of running fast. It’s unbelievably light, extremely responsive, but also a bit unstable, especially at slower paces. The thin upper and exposed midsole makes it a bit fragile, with durability limited to around 300 km.

<br>
</br> 
<br>
</br> 
Personally, I am still split between AlphaFly and Fast R3 as my choice of race day shoe for my next marathon in February, I am more inclined to Fast R3 given the experience so far.
<br>
</br> <br>
</br> 
Despite its quirks, it delivers an extremely performant ride that rewards faster runners who are looking to unlock their next level of performance. I’d recommend it for serious runners chasing their next personal best, and for those special days when every second counts.  
</InfoCard>


Reviews

Nike Pegasus Plus

Puma Fast R Nitro Elite 3 Review