Nike Pegasus 42
Road Daily Trainer

Nike Pegasus 42

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. — Believe in the Run

Physical blueprint

Where this shoe sits

Weight 292 g
Heel stack 38.0 mm
Drop 10.0 mm
Cushioning Medium

Best for

Daily TrainingRecovery & Easy
Suits Heel, Midfoot strikers
Pronation Neutral
Surface Road

Specifications

Weight (M9)
292g (10.3 oz)
Stack (Heel)
38.0 mm
Stack (Forefoot)
28.0 mm
Drop
10.0 mm
Midsole
ReactX (TPE) + full-length Air Zoom unit
Outsole
High-abrasion waffle rubber
Upper
Engineered mesh with 3D printing
Lacing
Traditional

Fit Profile

Length
True To Size
Forefoot Width
Standard
Midfoot Width
Narrow
Heel Width
Roomy
Lockdown
Good
Toe Box
Average
Sizing
True To Size

Ride Characteristics

Cushioning
Medium
Feel
Firm Responsive
Energy Return
Moderate
Stability
Neutral
Rocker
Moderate
Transition
Smooth

Durability

Outsole
Above Average

Expert reviews · 4 reviewers · grouped per channel

BI
Believe in the Run Youtube

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.

Best for: Daily training miles and a do-it-all workhorse for runners who want one shoe for running and gym use.

E
EDDBUD Youtube

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.

Best for: Runners who want a structured, mildly stable daily trainer and don't mind the weight

+1 earlier review from EDDBUD

An 8.3/12 middle-of-the-road daily trainer that's heavier than its predecessor and feels anchored next to peppier, lighter PEBA-based competition at the same price — reviewer rates it disappointing after initial runs.

Best for: Pegasus stalwarts who want a structured, mild-stability daily trainer for easy miles, walking, or all-day wear

FR
FORDY RUNS Youtube

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.

Best for: Fans of the Pegasus 41 who want a versatile do-it-all daily shoe

TR
The Run Testers Youtube

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.

Best for: 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

34 miles tested · source

Frequently asked questions

How does the Nike Pegasus 42 fit?

Reviewers note: 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.

Per Believe in the Run.

How much does the Nike Pegasus 42 weigh and what is its drop?

The Nike Pegasus 42 weighs about 292g (men's 9), has a 38.0mm heel stack and a 10.0mm heel-toe drop.

What shoes is the Nike Pegasus 42 compared to?

Reviewers compare the Nike Pegasus 42 to Adidas Adizero Evo SL, New Balance Ellipse, Nike Pegasus 41, Mizuno Neo Zen 2.

Per Believe in the Run, FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD, The Run Testers.

How many experts have reviewed the Nike Pegasus 42?

Next Pair aggregates 6 expert reviews of the Nike Pegasus 42, including Believe in the Run, FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD.

Per Believe in the Run, FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD.

Where it sits among similar shoes

Compared to other road daily trainer in the same lane.

Weight · lower = lighter Men's size 9
Nike Pegasus 42
292g
Saucony Omni 23 ST 23
286g
Nike Vomero 18
298g
PUMA ForeverRun Nitro 2
292g
Heel stack · higher = more cushioning mm
Nike Pegasus 42
38.0mm
Saucony Omni 23 ST 23
40.0mm
Nike Vomero 18
44.0mm
PUMA ForeverRun Nitro 2
36.0mm
Drop · higher = more heel-leaning mm
Nike Pegasus 42
10.0mm
Saucony Omni 23 ST 23
8.0mm
Nike Vomero 18
10.0mm
PUMA ForeverRun Nitro 2
10.0mm

Nike Pegasus 42

Data-driven recommendation backed by expert reviews.

Ask the advisor
Methodology. Specs come from manufacturer data and authoritative third-party catalogs. Reviewer verdicts are summarized from named, linked sources — never copied verbatim. We weight clinical and lab-tested sources more heavily than community commentary, but the specific weights stay internal. Never sponsored, never paid placement.
Last updated 2026-06-19