Below we are breaking down the changes Nike made to the Pegasus 42 from the previous versions and how they affect the experience and ride. Find out below if you should add the Pegasus 42 to your running shoe rotation.


Nike finally gave the Pegasus the update it needed, swapping in a new full-length Air Zoom unit and adding more foam up front to make the ride feel smoother and more natural than the Pegasus 41. While it’s not the most exciting daily trainer on the wall, this is a clear step forward with a more accommodating fit, a more pleasant toe-off, and the kind of stable, reliable ride that works for easy miles, daily training, and everything in between. It does come in a bit heavier at 292g, but the durability still make it a solid no-frills option in the daily trainer category.


Although not mindblowing, the Pegasus 42 is a solid upgrade over the previous generation. In our testing, the Pegasus 41 felt flat, unresponsive, and firm. Due to the uninspired ride, we did not recommend it to anyone.
The Pegasus 42 has one more millimeter of foam in the heel—going up from 37mm to 38mm—with the same 10mm drop. The weight also increased with the stack height, by about 10 grams. Nike did add more foam to the front of the forefoot, which made the ride more smooth and it felt more protective in the forefoot in the newest version.
The Pegasus 42 has a slightly more accommodating fit than the previous version. The previous version had a more narrow, tapered fit.
.png)
The Pegasus 42 feels like a real step forward for the franchise, with the full ReactX midsole and full-length Air Zoom unit finally making a noticeable difference in the ride. You’re getting a smoother transition, better cushioning, and a much cleaner toe-off than past versions, with less of that harsh heel “thud” the Peg has been known for. It also showed solid range on the first run, feeling comfortable for easy jogging while still handling hill sprints and strides without issue, and the updated upper feels far more forgiving through the toe box for everyday comfort. It’s still not the most modern or exciting shoe in the category, and the weight remains the biggest drawback, but for durability, reliability, and an easy daily ride, this is a meaningful step in the right direction for the Pegasus line.
For Yowana's full first run review of the Pegasus 42, check out the Supwell YouTube channel:
For a weekly dose of MILEAGE, shoe reviews, and inspiration, sign up for Mileage Mantra, the Supwell weekly newsletter.
Answer a few questions to find the best shoe based on your preferences and goals



