Is the Swoosh Developing an “Illegal” Running Shoe?

According to one study, technologically advanced running shoes (TARS) — a.k.a. super shoes — may reduce “cumulative tibial damage” by up to 12 percent. In other words, having a training shoe with similar properties could empower athletes to run faster and longer, with a reduced risk of injury at higher volumes, intensities or both.

If Nike does release the super trainer, it wouldn’t be the first on the market to skirt the rules. In fact, it might even help kickstart a trend among manufacturers to design trainers with equally high stack heights.

Earlier this year, Hoka released its own super trainer with a monstrously thick midsole, the Skyward X (48mm). Meanwhile, Adidas, New Balance and other brands have their own models exceeding the 40mm limit.

Whether or not Nike joins them remains to be seen, however, you can count on one thing if it does: the “Vomero Premium” will almost certainly carry a price tag worthy of its midsole.

The Pegasus Premium has reported price tag of $220, suggesting an MSRP here upward of $250 or more. No matter how you slice it, that’s very high, indeed.