Athletes asked for the magic of the Vaporfly 4% in an everyday running shoe. They received it in the form of this new silhouette, available beginning July 19.
Source: Meet the Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo
I don’t want to sound redundant, but as Nike continues to develop the platform for Nike Plus it’s important to note that in October of last year during the “Scale of Sport” Investor’s Day Meeting the brand made it a point to counter the continued words of analysts like Matt Powell who keep attempting to establish that performance footwear is dead. During the Scale of Sport presentation Mark Parker said with emphasis that, “Running remains a strong focus,” running silhouettes are fueling lifestyle. The Running platform for Nike for 2018 was established in three formats:
Nike Zoom X – Pure speed and energy return. 85% energy return. Most responsive cushioning system by Nike. Will be featured in Pegasus.
Nike React – Widest range of service to consumers. (I predicted that Nike would move the tech to running and they will launch the Epic React.)
Nike Air – If Air was a standalone brand it would be the 3rd largest in the world. VaporMax will drive expansion and new demand. New platform Air Max 270 is lifestyle specific.
During the presentation Nike stated that Pegasus would be the delivery system for the commercial release of Zoom X. As of today the tech has only been featured in very limited releases of the Vapor 4% and Vapor Elite. The Pegasus isn’t considered a sneakerhead styled release. There typically isn’t any hype over the Pegasus. The shoe appears in both retro lifestyle and performance formats, but has always typically been a consistent presence in running circles as Nike’s go to for daily training and jogging.
With the addition of Zoom X the Pegasus is now trending on sneaker websites and running websites. The shoe appears to be poised for a crossover styled launch as sneaker culture is waiting in anticipation of the Zoom Turbo version. It will be an interesting thing to watch as Nike recently launched the similarly shaped Zoom Pegasus 35 at 120.00. That model uses full length Zoom Air which is a first for the runner. The Pegasus Zoom Turbo ups the ante with Zoom X.
I haven’t seen any Zoom X models retail for less than 180. The 4% is a 250 dollar shoe and I’ve never seen the price on the Zoom Vapor Elite. I’ve resold a few 4% at 300+ dollars hinting that the Pegasus Zoom Turbo has the ability to push Nike’s running line further ahead of the pack if the community is excited as I think they will be for this release.
What is also being done by Nike with this release is the focus on CDO via Nike Plus App. “The Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo will be available July 19 for NikePlus members in the U.S., China, Japan, Germany, U.K. and Brazil via the Nike and NRC apps. In France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands it will be available via the Nike app only.”
While it appears that the Pegasus could be a commercial release, I think Nike will treat this version like they have the 4%. The drop will be limited. My one prediction for this shoe is Nike Flyknit 360 will transition from the Kobe to the Zoom Turbo Pegasus and Nike also has at its disposal the addition of the carbon fiber used in the Vapor Elite; possibly making it one of the highlights of the year. Use the source link above to see more of the technical aspects of the Turbo Pegasus.
