Story perspectives

Nike’s Pegasus Plus 2 Promises 18% More Energy Return

8/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Nike unveiled the Pegasus Plus 2, a faster daily trainer.
Deepa Ramprasad, senior director of Nike Running Footwear, called it a “revolution, not an evolution.”
Nike claims the Pegasus Plus 2 delivers at least 18 percent more energy return than the Pegasus Plus 1.
Over 30 elite athletes, including 1500 m world leader Cameron Myers, tested the shoe.
The Pegasus Plus 2 launches in late August at select retailers and nike.com.

History

Historical Context

In 1987 Nike launched the Air Max 1, the first sneaker featuring a visible air-cushion unit that boosted runner comfort. Designer Tinker Hatfield and marketing chief Phil Knight reported the shoe generated $100 million revenue and sold 1.5 million pairs worldwide within two years. Today's Pegasus Plus 2, praised by senior director Deepa Ramprasad and tested by 1500 m world-leader Cameron Myers, mirrors that breakthrough by promising 18 percent more energy return. The Air Max precedent suggests the new model could reshape footwear sales, prompting retailers like Foot Locker and Nike.com to allocate substantial inventory for the upcoming launch.

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Story summary

Nike unveiled the Pegasus Plus 2, a faster daily trainer.
Deepa Ramprasad, senior director of Nike Running Footwear, called it a “revolution, not an evolution.”
Nike claims the Pegasus Plus 2 delivers at least 18 percent more energy return than the Pegasus Plus 1.
Over 30 elite athletes, including 1500 m world leader Cameron Myers, tested the shoe.
The Pegasus Plus 2 launches in late August at select retailers and nike.com.

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