Nike Pegasus 42 vs Brooks Ghost 17

Ride profile: medium cushion , firm_responsive feel , moderate energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.

• The Pegasus 42 is a slight improvement over the 41 with a smoother ride from the new full-length Air Zoom unit, but it remains a heavy, firm, conservative daily trainer that won't win new fans when rivals offer more cushioning, responsiveness, or lightness at similar prices.

  Ride:New full-length Air Zoom unit creates smoother heel-to-toe flow than the disconnected pod setup in prior models; still quite snappy and firm overall; heavy for its stack height at 305g; heel striker may experience forefoot discomfort at faster paces; React X foam is comfortable but not particularly responsive or bouncy; performs best at easy paces

  Fit:True to size; reviewer has used same size since Pegasus 33; wide version available; thick tongue and collar padding can feel oppressive in hot conditions and soaks up sweat

  In their words: "same old reliable workhorse shoe" · "a bit cumbersome" · "it's not the most soft and bouncy shoe out there"

  — The Run Testers , 34 mi tested , source

• A structured, mild-stability daily trainer that's more plush than ever but feels heavy and un-versatile next to lighter PEBA-based competitors at the same price point.

  Ride:Full-length Zoom Air and ReactX give a predictable, structured, denser landing platform; React X holds shape better than foam-only alternatives; higher drop feel than Azura; better on hill work than expected

  Fit:Price £130 (UK); heavier than the other shoes in comparison at 332g (UK 10.5); more padding across top of foot and heel than competitors — feels like a stability option now

  In their words: "more sort of controlled shoe" · "predictable landing platform" · "more present shoe on foot"

  — EDDBUD , source

• 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"

  — FORDY RUNS , source

• A solid, well-executed update that the reviewer considers one of the better-looking and more enjoyable Pegasus iterations in years, though its firmer, one-trick-pony ride keeps it from being truly exciting.

  Ride:React X foam paired with a full-length curved Zoom Air unit that acts like an air plate, noticeably returning energy through the stride; leans firmer but feels light and lively with a cushioned forefoot sensation.

  Fit:True to size in size 10.5; dialed-in fit with comfortable tongue thickness, good heel counter and collar; slightly opened toe box versus prior versions.

  In their words: "Feels light on the foot" · "a little bit on the firmer side" · "a onetrick pony"

  — Believe in the Run , source

Ride profile: medium cushion , neutral stability .

• The best Ghost Kofuzi has tried since the Ghost Max 1 — a welcome update with a more modern 10mm drop, softer-feeling DNA Loft v3, and helpful flex grooves, though still slightly firm and annoyingly bumped to $150.

  Ride:New DNA Loft v3 feels softer than last year's version but still a touch firm for a daily trainer. Stable, predictable, good roll-off. Flex grooves make an otherwise plank-like shoe more flexible. Light stability elements under the arch are noticeable but not obtrusive.

  Fit:True to size; available in regular, wide, and extra wide widths. Tongue feels slightly short but not bothersome on the run.

  In their words: "very stable for me" · "a little bit more firm than I'd prefer" · "kind of like plank like on the bottom"

  — Kofuzi , source

• 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"

  — EDDBUD , source

• 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"

  — The Run Testers , 35 mi tested , source

• 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"

  — FORDY RUNS , source