Nike Pegasus 41 vs Nike Pegasus 42
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 5 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Better underfoot feel up front due to increased toe spring and full-length Air Zoom unit; 41 felt flat and dead under the forefoot
v42 heavier even when sized down half; React X slightly softer than v41 but not meaningfully different
Marginally more fun underfoot due to full-length Air Zoom unit, but not as big an update as expected
Nike Pegasus 41 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: medium cushion , neutral stability .
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Decent dependable daily trainer but underwhelming for the Pegasus name; better picks at the price point exist.
Ride:ReactX feels too firm and muddles the Air Zoom sensation; reviewer can't really feel the Air Zoom units; ride feels generic and underwhelming for the Pegasus name.
Fit:Better-fitting upper than recent Pegasus models — a little puffy but appropriate for a daily trainer.
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A solid traditional daily trainer with a snappier, higher-drop feel and a more durable outsole, but less versatile for running than the Clifton 10.
Ride:Traditional high-drop setup with a very soft, squishy heel and firmer Air Zoom pods; ReactX foam lacks punch off the toes and forefoot feels less cushioned than the Clifton.
Fit:Stick to normal running shoe size; thick, padded upper can run warm, especially around the forefoot.
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The most trainer-like and cheapest of the three Pegasus shoes, offering reliable impact protection and good durability but little bounce or excitement.
Ride:Denser ReactX with two air units offers little bounce back - focuses on impact protection rather than throwing you forward, but the air units are more durable than foam over time
Fit:More built-up internal structure with bootie inner and consistent tongue padding; needed a runners knot to avoid heel slip
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Pegasus 41 has shifted away from versatility; now a true daily trainer that can do some tempo but is not a speed shoe.
Ride:Significant weight increase makes it no longer a versatile workout shoe. ZoomX-style smooth heel bevel feels like a higher drop than 10mm in practice (similar to Mizuno Wave Rider's 12mm feel). First Pegasus in a long time with a decently stable heel and mild guidance. Best for easier efforts.
Fit:Wider forefoot than the Plus with low volume — feels true to size but slightly short for those between sizes; size down. Fairly stiff heel counter.
In their words: "no longer that versatile shoe" · "feel like it's a much higher heel drop than 10 mm" · "for the first time in I don't know ever actually has a a decently stable heel"
Nike Pegasus 42 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: medium cushion , firm_responsive feel , moderate energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.
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Lost round one to the Adidas Supernova Rise 3, 2-1; opinions were split, with one panelist's critique based on the prior-generation Pegasus 41 rather than the 42 itself.
Ride:One panelist praised its versatility for runners with neutral mechanics; another had not yet run the 42 specifically and based his skepticism on a disappointing experience with the Pegasus 41.
Fit:Fit described as narrow but locking down well; one panelist said it 'feels fast.'
In their words: "just feels fast"
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Nick calls this an easy loss to the Novablast 6 for pure running performance — comfortable at the heel and very durable, but firm, thin in the forefoot, and 'dull' at faster paces — though he still rates it highly for gym/crossover/general use.
Ride:A traditional, higher-drop, lower-stack ride that's comfortable at easy paces and under the heel, but feels cumbersome and can cause forefoot discomfort on longer runs; heavier and less versatile than the Novablast 6 despite the lower stack.
Fit:True to size with good room around the toes and secure heel/midfoot hold; runs a bit warm due to heavy padding.
In their words: "can feel a bit dull at times" · "feels a little bit cumbersome" · "It will last forever"
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EDDBUD finds the Pegasus 42 an adequate but stagnant daily trainer that hasn't meaningfully evolved in years.
Ride:Typical air units with a more modest, firm carrier foam; okay for easy or daily activities but hasn't moved on much in 6-7 years
In their words: "it isn't really a shoe that's moved on all that much over the last 6 or 7 years"
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An incremental improvement over the Pegasus 41 with a new full-length Air Zoom unit and wider toe box, but the dead ReactX foam and 311g weight leave it outclassed by competitors in the same price range.
Ride:Improved forefoot feel vs the Pegasus 41 thanks to increased toe spring and a full-length curved Air Zoom unit acting like a plate, but the ReactX foam is lifeless and heavy
Fit:True to size with a wider toe box than the previous version, providing inherent stability
In their words: "the ReactX foam in here is boring" · "too heavy for a daily trainer" · "more width in this toe box"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the Nike Pegasus 41 if
- Runners who want dependable daily grip and traction at a cheaper price, especially available below retail — EDDBUD
- Daily easy miles, walking, and gym use for runners who like a higher-drop, snappier ride and a more durable outsole. — The Run Testers
- Classic Pegasus user who wants a higher-feeling drop and mild heel guidance for daily training and long runs — not for workouts anymore. — Doctors of Running
- Reliable daily-trainer staple for runners who don't want max-cushion stack — The Running Channel
- Runners who prefer a lower-stack traditional daily trainer with more ground feel. — The Run Testers
- Heavier runners who want consistent response and a proven waffle outsole — EDDBUD
Consider the Nike Pegasus 42 if
- Daily training miles and a do-it-all workhorse for runners who want one shoe for running and gym use. — Believe in the Run
- Fans of the Pegasus 41 who want a versatile do-it-all daily shoe — FORDY RUNS
- Pegasus stalwarts who want a structured, mild-stability daily trainer for easy miles, walking, or all-day wear — EDDBUD
- General daily training and easy runs for traditional runners who prefer a higher-drop, close-to-ground, firm feel; also functional for walking and gym use — The Run Testers
- General/crossover use — easy runs, gym training, and walking — for runners who value durability and a traditional ride over versatility. — The Run Testers
- Easy daily miles and walking for heel strikers who want a familiar comfortable ride — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Nike Pegasus 41 and the Nike Pegasus 42?
The Nike Pegasus 41 is a daily trainer and the Nike Pegasus 42 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the Nike Pegasus 41 weighs 283g, has a 37mm heel stack and a 10mm drop, while the Nike Pegasus 42 weighs 292g, has a 38mm heel stack and a 10mm drop. MSRP is $140 for the Nike Pegasus 41 and $145 for the Nike Pegasus 42.
Should I buy the Nike Pegasus 41 or the Nike Pegasus 42?
EDDBUD on the Nike Pegasus 41: Runners who want dependable daily grip and traction at a cheaper price, especially available below retail. Believe in the Run on the Nike Pegasus 42: Daily training miles and a do-it-all workhorse for runners who want one shoe for running and gym use.
Per EDDBUD, Believe in the Run.
Has anyone reviewed both the Nike Pegasus 41 and the Nike Pegasus 42?
Yes — FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD, and The Run Testers directly compared the Nike Pegasus 41 and the Nike Pegasus 42 in their reviews.
Per FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD, The Run Testers.
Which is lighter, the Nike Pegasus 41 or the Nike Pegasus 42?
The Nike Pegasus 41 is lighter, at 283g versus 292g (men's 9) — about 9g less.