With constant changes in running shoe trends and technologies, not every shoe stands the test of time. Very few brands can say they’ve had a running shoe model withstand 40+ years and 40+ iterations.
However, with the Pegasus, Nike did exactly that. Over 42 iterations, “the Peg” has truly earned its mythological name, becoming an esteemed fixture in Nike’s running shoe lineup.
Nike recently released the much awaited Pegasus 42, complete with both major upgrades and minor tweaks to improve the all-around fit. But any new shoe brings lots of questions, and this is especially true with any shoe that has as much fanfare as the Nike Pegasus.
You may be wondering what gives the Pegasus so much longevity, and how this translates in the Nike Pegasus 42. Maybe you’re interested in what the brand carried over from the previous iterations. Or maybe you’re simply curious if the shoe is right for you.
No matter your questions and history with the Nike Pegasus, our review team at Marathon Sport has your back. We’ll dive into the answers to all these questions to help you understand how the 42nd iteration of this shoe performs and whether you should consider adding it to your shoe rotation.
Our Review Process
At Marathon Sports, we’re honored that people of all running and walking levels trust us with their footwear needs. And we don’t take this trust lightly. Our team is constantly learning, researching, and testing out new shoes so we can provide the best possible recommendations for your goals.
We like to learn every new model inside and out so you know exactly what to expect when sliding a shoe on for the first time. So we put the Pegasus 42 to the test, diving into all the features and taking it for a range of walks and runs for the best possible understanding of how the updated training shoe performs.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at all the elements the Pegasus 42 has to offer, dive into our road test findings, and offer some alternative options in the running shoe market today. By the end of this guide to the Nike Pegasus 42, you’ll have a better idea of whether this Nike shoe could be right for you, or if you should consider looking elsewhere.
The Nike “Peg” 42: A Quick Overview
Before taking a closer look under the hood, here are some fast facts and specs you can expect to find in the Nike Pegasus’s 42nd iteration:
- Advertised as a versatile, moderate-cushion neutral daily trainer
- Stack height: 37 mm in the heel, 27 mm in the forefoot
- 10 mm drop
- Weight: 10.59 oz (M), 8.6 oz (W)
- Midsole made from reformulated ReactX foam for a responsive underfoot ride
- Curved full-length Air Zoom unit improves energy return and propulsion
- Lightweight mesh upper provides a secure fit with maximum breathability
- Updated toe box offers a wider, more natural fit compared to the Pegasus 41 and other previous iterations
- High-abrasion waffle rubber outsole offers exceptional traction and durability
- Updated silhouette with increased toe spring drives more forward propulsion
- Price: $144.95
Nike Pegasus: The Nitty-Gritty Details
Nike jam-packed the newest Pegasus with new features, along with some minor tweaks, to deliver the most comfortable and dependable iteration of this daily trainer yet. So let’s take a closer look at these elements and how they play out in Nike’s fan-favorite running shoe.
ReactX Midsole Foam with Air Zoom Unit
The Pegasus 42’s midsole unit is made from ReactX cushioning, a springy, lightweight foam that boasts 13% more responsiveness than previous React foam.
Embedded in this ReactX foam midsole, you’ll find a full-length curved Air Zoom unit, Nike’s renowned foam technology designed to deliver unmatched bounce and energy return. And while the Pegasus 42 only had Air Zoom units in the heel and forefoot, this full-length unit in the Pegasus 42 takes the shoe to the next level, propelling you forward and providing even more energy heel-to-toe.
Refined Shoe Geometry
The Air Zoom unit’s rounded design is paired with an updated curved silhouette to deliver even more of the bouncy, dynamic ride the Nike Pegasus is known for.
Along with the curved unit in the midsole, the newest Pegasus also has more rock and toe spring than ever before. This combination guarantees smooth, effortless transitions and maximum propulsion through every stride.
With the Pegasus 42, the devil is in the details, and Nike incorporates some other small geometric elements designed to deliver the flexible and versatile feel that made the Pegasus so famous. Along the midsole, you’ll find small flex grooves that improve the shoe’s flexibility and contribute to smooth and natural transitions.
The Nike Pegasus also features a high heel-to-toe drop – a 10 mm offset between the heel cushioning and forefoot cushioning. This is one of the highest drops you can find in running shoes, making the Pegasus a great choice for heel-strikers or anyone who prefers extra cushion and protection in the heel.
Upper Design and Fit
The Pegasus has a no-frills, streamlined design, and this sleek and low-profile construction extends to the upper.
The upper is made from a trusted engineered mesh that comfortably wraps the foot and provides a snug and secure lockdown. The mesh was refined for the Pegasus 42, offering more breathability and ventilation than before to keep your feet feeling fresh and cool.
While the mesh upper only saw minor tweaks, Nike did make some major upgrades when it comes to the Pegasus 42’s overall fit. Previous versions of the shoe often felt too narrow in the toe box, limiting natural toe splay during longer runs.
Nike redesigned the toe box in the Pegasus 42, offering a roomier, more anatomical fit. So while the upper provides a snug and secure fit in the heel and midfoot, the wider toe box ensures you have all the wiggle room you need in the forefoot.
Value and Durability
The Nike Pegasus is advertised as a workhorse daily trainer that can handle all your daily training runs and mileage. And when you’re spending money on a daily trainer, you want to feel confident that it won’t wear down too quickly with everyday use.
The Nike Pegasus excels in this area, offering some of the best value and durability for your money you can find in the running shoe world today. The high-abrasion Waffle rubber outsole provides exceptional traction and durability, so you can enjoy all the Pegasus has to offer for mile after mile.
Road Test Results
With each new shoe release, our review team is always eager to lace up the update and take to the roads to see how each feature feels and performs. And after 42 Pegasus models, we’re happy to report that the shoe delivers the same reliable comfort and no-frills design that made it a household name in the running world.
The Pegasus 42 was able to really shine when we set out for relaxed daily mileage. The refined ReactX foam, paired with the new full length Air Zoom unit and rocker midsole design, gave us more spring and energy return through every step. While the midsole unit isn’t particularly luxurious or plush, the reliable, streamlined construction offered a smooth and natural ride as we racked up everyday miles.
The upper was another standout in the newest Pegasus. Like its predecessor, the Pegasus still runs relatively narrow. However, the Pegasus 42 offers a wider, more spacious toe box, with an enhanced technical mesh that feels light and breathable around the top of the foot.
Most runners will likely find that, while the Pegasus 42 excels in casual daily miles, it doesn’t quite have the versatility needed to be a do-it-all training shoe.
The streamlined design and bouncy cushioning allows you to comfortably pick up the pace for more uptempo runs or walks. However the shoe doesn’t quite have the spring and lightweight design some runners may look for in a speedy track workout shoe. And with a moderate amount of cushioning, runners who prefer an ultra-soft, cushioned feel on long runs may prefer something with a little more plush foam underfoot.
Another hit-or-miss feature is the high 10 mm offset between the heel and forefoot. While this element provides extra cushioning and protection in the heel, runners who land on their forefoot or midfoot may find this extra heel padding unnatural or uncomfortable throughout their stride.
But that’s not to say the Pegasus hasn’t earned its status as a running shoe legend. As a standard, responsive daily trainer that works for all kinds of runners, the Pegasus is truly one of the best and most reliable options out there. If you’re looking for a shoe you can trust to carry you through daily walks or relaxed everyday miles, the Pegasus is up for the task.
Nike Pegasus 42: Pros and Cons
No shoe is perfect, even a long-standing, well-established shoe like the Pegasus. So here are some of the pros and cons we uncovered throughout our Pegasus 42 testing.
Pros:
- New full-length Air Zoom unit provides more bounce and responsiveness than previous iterations
- Refined ReactX foam is 13% more responsive than in the past for maximum comfort during daily mileage
- Technical engineered mesh upper offers unmatched breathability with a secure lockdown
- Has extra width in the toe box for a roomier, more accommodating fit
Cons:
- Lacks versatility for speed workouts or long runs
- 10 mm drop may feel too high or unnatural for some runners
The Nike Pegasus 42 vs the Competition: Is the Pegasus Right for You?
After testing the Nike Pegasus 42, it’s clear why the shoe is such a fan favorite in the running community. The classic and efficient design, durable construction, and reliable comfort makes it a great choice for entry-level runners or any athletes looking for a dependable, high-drop daily trainer.
However, if you’re not sure if the Pegasus is right for you, you still have plenty of fantastic running shoe options. And for one of them, you don’t have to look too far from the Nike Pegasus.
While the Pegasus offers a stable and responsive ride, Nike recently took its cushioning and softness to the next level with the Vomero Plus. With a higher stack of responsive foam, this plush max cushion shoe offers plenty of versatility for daily miles and long runs. But at $179.95, this premium cushioning comes with a premium price tag. If you’re looking for an affordable daily trainer with plenty of value and durability, the Pegasus may be the better option for you.
If you want to compare the Pegasus 42 to a similar daily trainer, try out the Saucony Ride 19. These two shoes both offer stable landings and a moderate amount of balanced foam underfoot. And while the Pegasus is ideal if you want a trainer with a high offset, the Ride offers a more moderate 8mm offset.
Final Thoughts: Try the Pegasus 42 at Marathon Sports
Over 42 different iterations, it’s no surprise that the Nike Pegasus has become a classic running shoe for entry-level athletes and experienced runners alike. Between the responsive cushioning, springy Air Zoom unit, and well-balanced and streamlined overall design, the Pegasus has reliable features that countless runners can enjoy.
However, not every shoe is perfect for every type of runner. At Marathon Sports, we suggest taking advantage of our free personalized gait analysis to help you determine if the Pegasus is the right choice for all your running needs. Swing by any of our New England stores to get the shoes and gear you need to be off and running.
