Nike Pegasus 42 Review: A Versatile Workhorse

All shoes are reviewed by the Fleet Feet tester team, which represents a wide variety of goals, foot shapes, running locations and terrains. Reviewers pound the pavement, climb the hills, tackle the trails, then come together to compare notes. Debates ensue over the feel of the cushioning, the purpose of the shoe, and how it compares to last year’s model. While each reviewer has their own individual preferences, we hope that capturing our debates will help you make an informed decision.

The first time I put on the Nike Pegasus was the first time I fell in love with a running shoe. It wasn’t the brand-new 42nd version, it was the Pegasus 35. Light grey at the top and light pink at the bottom, it was the coolest looking pair of running shoes I had ever worn. I had just started working as an Outfitter at Fleet Feet Delray Beach and was discovering that running shoes are meant to be enjoyed, not just tolerated. Of course, this lesson was largely due to finally being fitted for the proper shoes.

As years went by, I branched out and explored other brands and models. When I returned to later iterations of the Pegasus, it didn’t spark that same joy in me. Some of them felt firm and clunky, a far cry from the smooth, flexible and springy sensation I experienced in the 35.

Mason and I were excited to get our hands on the Pegasus 42, since Nike promised this latest version would be more responsive, lighter weight and better-fitting than the last. What’s the verdict? Read on to find out.

The Pegasus is a winged horse in ancient Greek mythology that symbolizes speed. The Pegasus franchise has often been described as a “workhorse” of a shoe, one that can log all kinds of miles through multiple training cycles, which is a more accurate equine comparison in my opinion.

First, Nike increased the toe spring, the upward curvature of the forefoot that guides you into your next stride. This shift makes it even easier to transition into toe-offs as soon as you land, for a smooth, fluid ride.

Nike also upped the ante with their proprietary Air Zoom Unit. These units host tensile threads that act as springs, contracting as you land and popping up as you take off. Previous versions of the Pegasus only had Air Zoom Units in the heel and forefoot. Shifting to a full-length unit delivers more of this springy surface area, delivering more energy return with every step.

I mentioned that the Pegasus 42 hasn’t broken any world records, and that’s because it’s not designed to be a racing shoe. The Pegasus encases the Air Zoom Units in ReactX midsole foam, adding some stability to the hyper-responsive ride. In Nike’s top-tier racing shoes, like the Alphafly 3, the Air Zoom Units are exposed. When the Air Zoom technology is encased in foam, the energy doesn’t have anywhere to go, so the energy return feels much more contained — as opposed to being completely exposed and able to bounce you down the road towards your next PR!

“The Pegasus 42 isn’t a flashy shoe, but it’s consistent and quietly impressive across just about any type of run,” says Mason. “It certainly isn’t a boring option either — the Air Zoom Unit works wonders to make the experience feel lively. This shoe is a bit of a “sleeper” option in my mind, like a sporty Honda Civic that’s hiding a big ol’ turbo charger under the hood.”

While I wasn’t chasing any PRs during my test runs in these, I did feel light and nimble on my feet. These shoes feel really versatile, and I can see runners enjoying them for easy runs and speedwork. However, that means they don’t excel at any one thing. They’re a “Jack of all trades, master of none” type shoe.

Mason agrees, saying, “After several runs, I found myself really appreciating the simplicity of the Pegasus 42. It’s a true “no frills” trainer in the best way, it just wants to rack up miles. Easy runs, long runs, walks and even some quicker strides all felt well within its comfort zone. Despite being a slightly lower profile trainer, there was always enough cushioning and structure for my feet once fatigue started to set in.”

The main update to the fit of the Pegasus is a wider forefoot. This makes the shoe more accommodating for those with wide feet, or those who just enjoy some extra wiggle room for their toes.

“This version of the Pegasus seems to have changed in the “fit and feel” department for the better,” Mason says. “The fit is true to size with no tightness or pressure points, and the upper materials feel more premium than I expected — both in hand and on foot. It’s one of those step-in experiences that immediately gives me confidence in a running shoe.”

I don’t have wide feet but my left foot is a C width, which is slightly wider than medium width for women (which is B). So, while I don’t wear a wide size, I won’t say no to extra toe space. I think the Pegasus 42 will be perfect for those types of runners and walkers.

A lightweight mesh upper feels soft yet secure, while a slightly tapered heel collar ensures my achilles will stay blister-free. I have narrow heels, and I found myself needing to tie the marathon loop to reduce slippage. Otherwise, the ankle collar would be way too wide on me. For my fellow narrow-heeled cohorts, this shoe has extra eyelets around the ankle so you can do just that.

Not sure about the width or shape of your feet? Your best bet will be to head into your local Fleet Feet. Fleet Feet outfitters use 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to gather information about your feet and the support they need by taking precise measurements of your foot length, width and arch height. You can learn a lot about your feet while you’re there!

We took a look at some comparable models to see how the Nike Pegasus 42 stacks up. Here’s what we found.

The Pegasus 42 and Ellipse v1 are both categorized as “springy,” meaning they offer slightly more pep than your average trainer without being a full-blown “speed” shoe – this would require a carbon or nylon plate, per our categorization chart.

I found both shoes to feel remarkably similar, with almost identical stack heights.

For reference, a shoe’s stack height is the difference in height between your feet and the ground. Nike’s ReactX foam and New Balance’s Fresh Foam X foam both deliver a satisfying blend of softness and responsiveness, with the Ellipse feeling slightly more forgiving and the Pegasus more tuned for faster efforts.

The Altra Experience Flow 3, on paper, doesn’t appear similar to the other two shoes, but I couldn’t help but come back to it as a comparable option. Altra’s EGO™ P35 foam delivers that same hint of energy disguised under a soft step-in feel.

The Nike Pegasus 42 is best for runners and walkers who like a balanced blend of cushioning — not too soft, not too firm. It’s what I call a “Goldilocks shoe.” It’s just right.

With its responsive Air Zoom unit, propulsive toe spring and steady, stable foam, the Nike Pegasus 42 can handle multiple kinds of runs. Whether you’re running easy, running long or running fast, this shoe can handle the pace and distance, making it a great bang for your buck at $145.

“I think the Pegasus 42 is an especially strong option for runners who want to experience that iconic “Nike” ride — the combination of ReactX foam and the responsive Air Zoom Unit gives it a distinct feel that’s both familiar and fun underfoot,” says Mason.

With a roomy toe box and accommodating ankle and heel collar, it will work best for runners and walkers who enjoy some extra space.