Nike Pegasus 42 vs Brooks Ghost 17
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.
Smoother transition heel-to-toe but less pop off toes and more forefoot discomfort at pace
Listed as an alternative that could cover similar daily runs
Ghost 17 offers a bit more stack for a similar value proposition.
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"
Brooks Ghost 17 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: medium cushion , neutral stability .
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Kofuzi says the Ghost 17 is basically the same shoe as the Ghost 18 (the tongue being the main difference), and at its $110 sale price he calls it a very good deal for a Ghost.
In their words: "pretty much the exact same shoe" · "a very good deal for a Ghost"
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A decent, lighter daily shoe than the Ghost Max 3, but its DNA Loft foam can't match modern ATPU compounds from other brands.
In their words: "not a patch on the ATPU stuff that's out there right now" · "good foam for durability"
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A reliable, stable, firmer daily trainer with the versatility to handle slightly faster miles; good value and durable, though not the most exciting ride.
Ride:Firmer, poppier DNA Loft v3 midsole with a snappier, more traditional flat-feeling ride; more versatile than the Nimbus with a bit more pop off the toes; one reviewer finds the heel-to-toe transition not smooth
Fit:True to size with a roomy toe box; narrower midfoot than the Nimbus; improved heel collar over the Ghost 16 with no Achilles rubbing
In their words: "It's like a workhorse shoe" · "spritlier ride by far" · "lighter, more kind of poppy foam"
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Brooks added more forefoot foam and it transformed the shoe into a very good, versatile daily trainer.
In their words: "extra foam under here has transformed it" · "right amount of softness" · "very good daily trainer"
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 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
Consider the Brooks Ghost 17 if
- A reliable, no-nonsense workhorse daily trainer for long, slow, and easy runs, with enough range to pop out marathon-pace miles. — The Run Testers
- A reliable, stable, comfortable workhorse daily trainer for easy and long runs, suitable for runners of any level — especially new runners wanting a do-everything shoe. — The Run Testers
- Runners wanting a more performance-leaning Ghost that can handle daily miles, long runs, and some workouts, including those with mild stability needs. — Doctors of Running
- Beginners wanting stability and comfort for marathon prep — The Run Testers
- Runners wanting a plush daily trainer with a hint of stability — Run Moore
- A versatile, reasonably priced daily trainer for runners wanting one pair to handle running, walking, and all-day wear. — Believe in the Run
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Nike Pegasus 42 and the Brooks Ghost 17?
The Nike Pegasus 42 is a daily trainer and the Brooks Ghost 17 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the Nike Pegasus 42 weighs 292g, has a 38mm heel stack and a 10mm drop, while the Brooks Ghost 17 weighs 289g, has a 36mm heel stack and a 10mm drop. MSRP is $145 for the Nike Pegasus 42 and $150 for the Brooks Ghost 17.
Should I buy the Nike Pegasus 42 or the Brooks Ghost 17?
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. The Run Testers on the Brooks Ghost 17: A reliable, no-nonsense workhorse daily trainer for long, slow, and easy runs, with enough range to pop out marathon-pace miles.
Per Believe in the Run, The Run Testers.
Has anyone reviewed both the Nike Pegasus 42 and the Brooks Ghost 17?
Yes — The Run Testers and EDDBUD directly compared the Nike Pegasus 42 and the Brooks Ghost 17 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, EDDBUD.
Which is more cushioned, the Nike Pegasus 42 or the Brooks Ghost 17?
Measured by stack height, the Nike Pegasus 42 has more underfoot foam — 38mm at the heel versus 36mm.