GET TO KNOW THE NIKE VOMERO PLUS, STRUCTURE 26, PEGASUS PREMIUM

Published: 03/09/2025, Written by: Alex Courbat | Photography by: Adam Horton

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably noticed the huge boom in interest in running lately. It’s been everywhere. But let’s be honest: even if social media makes it look like a walk in the park, running is a series of tough choices. From deciding to even leave the house, to picking the right shoes for that cold, wet, early morning recovery session – every run starts with a decision. And Nike’s new running pack is there to make that decision a little easier. So, strap in – because in this first edition of Get To Know, we’re breaking down the three shoes this pack is all about: the Vomero Plus, Structure 26, and Pegasus Premium.

The Vomero Plus, Structure 26, and Pegasus Premium are fundamentally different shoes, but they share the same mission – to take you from f**k no to f**k it and make you fall in love with running again – and again.

Designed for every kind of runner – from those squeezing in miles between meetings, school drop-offs, and late-night dinners to those chasing Olympic medals and personal bests – this pack is a call to starting lines everywhere. Each shoe is built to meet different needs – whether you’re chasing pure comfort, more stability, or that extra-plush feeling, Nike’s got your back – and we’ve broken it all down to help you find the pair that’s built for your road ahead.

RUN BIGGER WITH THE NIKE VOMERO PLUS

If you thought the Vomero 18 was the softest ride you've ever had, well, it's about to change. But before we jump into the specifics, let’s take a look at the overall design. The first thing that stands out with the Vomero Plus is that it looks different from your usual Nike running shoe. That’s because it’s inspired by the classic Air Max 95 with flowing lines and layered detailing design to make this model feel both technical and approachable. It’s off to a good start.

Now, the specifics. At 45mm of stack height in the heel, the Vomero Plus doesn't mess about when it comes to cushioning. But here's where it gets clever – while its predecessor, the Vomero 18, mixes different foam types (pairing ZoomX with heavier ReactX foam), the Plus goes all-in with 100% ZoomX foam throughout the midsole. This is the same lightweight, responsive material Nike uses in its fastest racing shoes like the Alphafly 3, meaning you get that bouncy, energetic feel without the added weight.

While the upper deserves special mention for its engineered mesh construction – softer and more breathable than what you'll find on the Vomero 18 – it's the outsole that truly stands out. Unlike the Vomero 18's weight-saving cutaway sections, the Plus features nearly complete coverage with waffle lugs, significantly improving grip across a different surface while the denser lug pattern makes the shoe more durable over the long run.

What's brilliant about the Vomero Plus is its versatility. It's officially positioned as a recovery and easy run shoe, but that considerable rocker geometry means you can actually pick up the pace when you want to. The wide platform provides stability without being a stability shoe to give you confidence regardless of your level. And maybe best of all? It just makes running feel good. No surprise it’s a favourite of Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson.

RUN SUPPORTED WITH THE STRUCTURE 26

For years, stability running shoes have had a bit of an image problem. They were the sensible, slightly boring option – functional but hardly inspiring. The Structure 26 throws that stereotype out the window, proving that support and style can absolutely go hand in hand.

Instead of the traditional "medial post" method where shoes have a firm, rigid piece on the inside to stop your foot from rolling inwards, Nike has created a smarter midfoot support system that works around the medial arch and

lateral heel. It's designed to keep things steady when you need it most but still lets your foot move naturally, meaning it's not stiff or awkward like stability shoes can sometimes be.

The midsole itself has had a big upgrade too. Instead of using the older combination of Cushlon 3.0 foam and Zoom Air units from the Structure 25, the 26 now uses Nike's ReactX foam throughout. This creates a more comfortable and cushioned running experience while getting rid of the firmer materials or rigid structures that you can usually find in stability footwear.

Nike has also fine-tuned the heel-to-toe drop to work with the stability system for smoother transitions. But what's really impressive about the Structure 26 is how it changes the way stability shoes feel. The upper has extra padding to fit different foot shapes comfortably without losing that important support. The outsole provides grip and durability where you need it. And, most importantly – it doesn't feel like you're wearing a bulky shoe. It feels like a proper running shoe that happens to keep you stable.

Nike's approach here shows they understand that stability shoes don't have to be boring. The Structure 26 is modern in design and materials, and it shows. Perfect for anyone who's after that extra bit of support without compromising performance.

RUN POWERED WITH THE PEGASUS PREMIUM

The Pegasus name carries serious weight in running circles. Since 1982 (yes, you read that right), it's been the reliable choice for runners who want something that works without fuss. The Pegasus Premium takes that heritage and asks a very simple question: what if we made it even better?

The answer involves some serious engineering. The Premium features Nike's first-ever sculpted visible full-length Air Zoom unit – a significant step forward in Air technology. By sculpting the Air unit to mimic the natural shape of the foot – curved in the forefoot and arch areas – the Premium creates more efficient energy return and smoother transitions compared to traditional flat Air units.

However, the midsole is where the Premium really shows off. It's a carefully designed three-layer system: the ZoomX foam on top provides lightweight responsiveness and acts as the contact layer with your foot. In the middle sits the sculpted Air Zoom unit, which compresses and rebounds with each footstrike to provide that signature bouncy feel Air technology is known for. And the bottom layer uses ReactX foam specifically in the heel area to provide stable cushioning and act as a foundation for the Air unit above. In other terms, yes – this is the most responsive Pegasus ever created.

The engineered mesh and circular knit upper are designed to give you a secure, breathable fit, while the plush tongue and heel collar enhance that premium feel. Underfoot, the outsole features rubber in all the right places and uses Nike’s classic waffle pattern, for a very reliable grip.

Visually, the Premium stands out with its distinctive full-length air bubble. At first glance, you might wonder if it's designed more for the fashion world than the running track. But spend some time in the shoe, and you'll discover there's serious substance behind the style. That being said, that substance comes at a cost – weight.

Weighing in at 330g for a UK size 10, the Premium may be on the heavier side – but that added weight brings real benefits as we’ve seen above. The standout cushioning and energy return help take the edge off high-mileage weeks, making long runs feel more manageable. And, what’s particularly impressive is how versatile the Premium is across different paces. While it's built with easy runs and endurance in mind, the full-length Air unit means it can easily handle a switch in tempo.