I Put Nike's Most Advanced Consumer Running Shoe, the Zoom Pegasus Turbo, to the Test

During the unveiling, Nike VP of global running footwear Brett Holts boasted that the Pegasus Turbo features ZoomX foam, the lightest foam — but still an extremely durable one — that Nike has developed in its history. (Plus, who wouldn't want to run in a shoe almost identical to one developed for Kipchoge, the world's greatest marathoner?)

In the Vaporfly 4% shoe, a carbon fiber plate helped give the ZoomX foam extra stability, but the Pegasus Turbo is all foam. That means the Turbo gives everyday runners like the rest of us a reliably comfortable shoe that's just as easy to wear on race day as an average morning jog.

Another feature I personally love in the Pegasus 35, which I already wear and favor as a daily running shoe, makes an appearance here: the Achilles-friendly design. The upper curves back and away from the Achilles, which helps minimize rubbing and discomfort in that area, something that often bothers me in running and training shoes. Plus, it just looks cool. Which brings me to . . .

Sleek and sporty. The classic swoosh extends from the upper onto the foam, giving it a graphic edge, and I'm personally a big fan of racing-stripe design on the front of the shoe. While the ZoomX foam grants lots of cushioning, the Pegasus Turbo also avoids the overly bulky look of some other technical running footwear offerings that are popular right now.

The faint-gray-and-bright-orange colorway and a newly reported black-and-silver colorway will both be available in the initial launch, with more options expected down the road.

From left to right: athletes Yuta Shitara, Shalane Flanagan, and Suguru Osako

Moment of truth: after an 11-hour flight — on which I clocked just a three-hour nap — it was time to take the Pegasus Turbo on our first test run. We set out for an easy two miles by Tokyo's famed Rainbow Bridge, one mile at an easy pace, one mile pushing fast. My legs felt like cement as we got going, and it was still scorching hot and humid even though it was already dark. Not the kind of weather I'm used to running — or breathing — in. But I was surprised to find my attempt at a fast mile came in close to my typical mile pace of about 7:40, and even though my legs still felt heavy from being immobile on a plane all day, my feet felt springy.

The next morning, we headed out on a 5K jog with Flanagan around the Imperial Palace. After a decent night's sleep, I felt even better and noticed how receptive to my push-off the shoes really were. I also found the lightweight spring of the Turbo actually encouraged me to strive for better form, lifting my knees higher and more efficiently with every stride.

One minor drawback? I do think the Pegasus 35 offers more breathability in the upper than the Turbo does. But the bounce the Turbo offers is certainly worth a slightly stuffier feel when it comes to pushing your limits.

Flanagan — who says the Vaporfly feels like "dessert" for her self-proclaimed sensitive "diva feet" — said she plans to make the Pegasus Turbo a new regular player in her long-run training.

"I feel like I can run quicker [and be] more aggressive" in the Turbo she said during the presentation. High praise for a woman who's tested the best of the best in running technology.

As for me, an avid but amateur runner, I'm probably going to save the Turbo for race days to make the most of the technology it offers. I'll be honest: although Nike stresses the Pegasus Turbo's durability, it's going to be hard not to treat them as extra precious, knowing what went into developing them and being aware of their relatively high cost (although it will also be tempting to wear them often in the next few days, before they're available to the general public, to garner some sneakerhead cred I totally don't deserve).

I did wear the shoes for a 10-miler the day after I got back to LA to break them in a bit, and despite my jetlag and general exhaustion, I put in a solid pace and felt strong. If you want to try the Zoom Pegasus Turbo for yourself, you can find them in select stores and on Nike.com now.