Nike Air Pegasus 2K5

Air Pegasus 2K5

The Nike Pegasus has long been known as the brand’s ‘running workshorse’, offering athletes a reliable footwear option for over four decades. Throughout this time, dozens of iterations have been released, each with its own unique style. One particularly popular silhouette was the 2005 version, which was brought back in 2024 as a classy retro sneaker called the Air Pegasus 2K5.

Originally designed to be a high-quality running shoe, the Nike Air Pegasus 2K5 retains its soft, comfort-giving midsole technology. This includes a slab of spongy foam and full-length Air cushioning for the very best underfoot support. Below this lies a grippy outsole made from durable BRS 1000 rubber with a Waffle tread pattern that delivers classic traction. 

The upper takes on the same mesh base layer and leather paneling as the 2005 edition, making it highly breathable and durable at the same time. Plenty of the mesh is revealed through the frame-like construction of the overlays, which have extra perforations in the forefoot for even more ventilation. Meanwhile, larger panels appear on the toe and heel, giving better protection to these key areas.

One of the most distinctive elements of the Air Pegasus 2K5 is its sidewall overlays, which have waves of arrow-shaped openings cut into them to allow air to flow through. As well as having this functional aspect, these panels create a captivating esthetic effect that continues visually into the midsole with dynamic stripes. This is merely the beginning of the stylish look of the shoe, which has captivating lined details punctuating the sole unit all the way around.

Sophisticated branding effects appear across the Nike Air Pegasus 2K5, from the small sidewall swooshes to the even smaller ones on the toe, forefoot and heel. Air Pegasus lettering adorns the heel, tongue patch and outsole, while the full-length Air cushioning is announced on the lateral midsole and the heel of the outsole. Just beside this, the shoe highlights Nike’s running shoe heritage by referencing the Nike Running website.

When the Air Pegasus 2K5 was relaunched in 2024, the retro release was bolstered by an elegant collaboration with fashion label Comme des Garçons Homme Plus. This resulted in two monochrome colorways with smooth sidewalls and an even more minimalist look than the original. Alongside this refined two-pack, Nike produced a collection of eye-catching editions, some of which honor designs released in the mid-2000s, others with novel color schemes for the modern era.

The timeless styling and athletic performance of the Nike Air Pegasus 2K5 are the perfect homage to the Y2K era and the outstanding running shoes designed during that period. Nike has faithfully reproduced these famous features to forge a compelling contemporary sneaker with strong nostalgic appeal.