Nike Pegasus 42 Overview & First Run Review

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.

Nike Pegasus 42 Specs

Stack: 38mm if foam in the heel, 10mm drop

Construction: ReactX foam with new full-length Air Zoom unit

Fit: True to Size

Highlights:

• The full-length Air Zoom unit, increased forefoot stack, and decreased drop-feel result in a much more pleasant ride than the 41.
• At 292 grams, the Pegasus 42 is very heavy relative to its competitors. Regardless, the ride is smooth, stable, and reliable.
• While much less exciting than shoes like the Adidas Evo SL, and the R.A.D Synth, this executes well on its brief, delivering a solid, versatile, and no doubt durable package.

Daily Trainer

Nike Pegasus 42

Entry-level training shoe designed for versatility and durability

Price

$145

Plated?

No

Foam

TPE

Weight (oz)

10.3

Drop (mm)

10

Support

Mild Stability

see details

Pegasus 41 vs Pegasus 42

The Ride

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.

Specs

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.

Fit

The Pegasus 42 has a slightly more accommodating fit than the previous version. The previous version had a more narrow, tapered fit.

First Run Review

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:

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