Running shoes have changed drastically since I started in 2002. Nike is part of that process with big cushioned shoes like the Vomero and yet, they have found a way to both update and hold steady to the past with the Nike Pegasus 42.
I’m not a fan of 10mm higher drop running shoes, BUT the Pegasus has stayed in my running rotation for years because it is just so dang reliable. I enjoy that it’s not an overly soft shoe and my body seems to enjoy having that in the mix.
In fact, both myself and my husband wore them to run the Bolder Boulder 10k last year and loved that it was a daily trainer which really picked up the pace well. It also handled the very wet streets like a champ.
The Pegasus 42 made some bold claims about being the “best Pegasus ride to date”. I kind of wish I had gone in with no expectations because that made it sound like I’d be getting a wild new experience. Not quite. Let’s talk about the updates and who is going to love or hate them.
Who is it Good For?
- Wide Feet: Nope, it’s a typical more narrow Nike fit.
- Heavier Runners: Absolutely a stable fit, moderate cushion and good turn over.
- Long Runs: Can definitely handle big miles, but may lack the softer cushion some prefer.
- Front of the Pack: Not a race day or speed workout shoe, but able to pick up the pace.
The Pegasus remains a well priced daily trainer that is going to be extremely durable, carry runners through a lot of easy miles without feeling heavy or clunky. It’s not a max cushioned soft trainer, that goes to their Vomero line up, and it’s not a speed workout shoe, but it can pick up the pace.
Nike Pegasus 42 Overview
Peak responsive cushioning, that’s how Nike describes what you’ll feel in the Pegasus. I actually think that’s probably pretty fair. This isn’t super soft and it’s no super bouncy.
This falls right in that moderate cushioned category. And that’s what all running shoes used to be! In fact, this shoe is still more cushioned than what I ran any marathon in prior to 2015, so it makes me laugh when I say it won’t be enough for long runs.
Nike is leaning hard into the idea of “more energy return” with the Pegasus 42, thanks to a full-length Air Zoom unit.
The move to a full-length Air Zoom unit (instead of just heel and forefoot) gives the ride a more consistent feel underfoot. Paired with the ReactX foam, there’s a nice balance of cushion and stability. It keeps things controlled rather than overly springy, which honestly works in its favor for everyday miles.
There are also an additional 3mm of cushion under the forefoot which improves comfort for the ride a lot, but created some fit issues that I’ll note below. The trade off is a better roll through from the heel because now you have that cushion to push off.
You can feel a bit more snap compared to older versions, and their data says it’s 15% faster than the 41, but let’s keep it real: this isn’t some wildly bouncy, race-day ride. It’s still very much a daily trainer.
What the shoe does well is avoid feeling heavy or sluggish.
It rolls along smoothly, doesn’t sap your energy over longer miles, and has just enough responsiveness that you can pick up the pace when you want to. But it never crosses into that super plush or overly soft territory, and it definitely doesn’t mimic the pop of a carbon-plated shoe, no matter how much energy return. So I don’t love the description of bouncy, but yes, quick pick up and responsive.
Everyone wants the bounce or cushion right now, but I love that the Pegasus is staying true to this line of shoes. It’s got plenty of tech in it and looks flashy, but really it’s a great basic daily trainer.
It does it’s job. It lasts.
Part of what’s tricky now is with each line up they do 3 shoes. So the Pegasus has to remain the workhorse with the basics, allowing them to then get flashier with the Pegasus Plus (mehh) and then Pegasus Premium (didn’t work). Now we all wait and see what they do to those models in the future! 
Nike Pegasus 42 Specs
- Weight: 10.6 oz Men’s, 8.6 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 37 mm
- Heel Drop: 10 mm
- Colors: 6 colors
- Available in wide: Yes for some colors
- Available at nike.com for $145
Underfoot, the classic waffle outsole still does its job, providing reliable traction and smooth transitions whether you’re cruising easy or adding in some steady efforts. As noted, it does a great job on wet surfaces, but does make it a shoe that I don’t like for the treadmill because it has a little grip.
Looks wise I’m sold. I love the updated feel that does give it more of a racing vibe.
Quick Take
Pros
- Feels lighter than it is
- Solid daily trainer that can do more
- Durable and good price
Cons
- Shallow toebox
- Runs a bit short
Pegasus Fit
Unfortunately one change I noticed immediately is the new last.
The last is what the shoe is built on and thus changes the fit of the shoe. By adding more cushion under the forefoot the shoe now felt too small and way too tight through the toebox. I put on the 41 and 42 in the same socks and the difference is noticeable in a shoe that already might run a smidge short.
Right now 9 miles is the longest I’d done in the 42 and I’m nervous to go any farther because I think I’ll get a black toenail. Going up 1/2 size would make it feel better, but I think the toe box will still be shallow for those wanting more space.
Otherwise it’s a really comfortable fit with a nice padded tongue and heel collar. No issues with anything rubbing or moving around because the tongue is attached on both sides.
It wasn’t a tight fit overall, just in that toe box area, so if you’re used to doing heel lock lacing that will likely be on tap for this shoe. Interestingly, I didn’t really notice any slippage without doing it.
I never have a ton to say on the upper with daily trainers because they’re roughly the same. Breathable material, but can get warm because they are thicker than faster shoes.
Who is Going to Like the Pegasus 42?
One of the first questions around an updated model is should I stock up on the previous model, so let’s talk. I like the Nike Pegasus 41 which you’ll see from that review and I still think it’s a good shoe. I wore it again this week!
Savings wise, I say go for the 41 and enjoy the ride. The feel is a little different, but if all you want is a well priced daily trainer that isn’t over cushioned, it hits the mark.
But if you really want an upgrade, there are components that make the 42 better:
- Curved airsole is going to provide a bit more rocker to help with picking up the pace
- Better cushion under the forefoot feels really appreciated on longer runs
- Overall fit is tighter, so definitely size up 1/2 size in the 42 for comfort
- 42 is available in extra wide for those who need more space and that’s a win
It’s a great option for runners who are doing long runs up to half marathon distance and want a shoe that can do a number of things. It’s not going to be as fast as any super trainer, but for a daily trainer and the middle of the pack you’ll be just fine doing your goal pace work without needing another shoe.
Similar Shoes to the Nike Pegasus 42
We’ve tested a few great daily trainers that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:
- New Balance Ellipse: Interesting this new model is actually fairly similar in cushion and usage, 8mm heel drop
- Adidas Supernova Rise 3: Well priced daily trainer that is moderate cushioned, slightly lower stack, 8mm drop
- Puma Velocity Nitro 4: Similar narrow fit and 10mm drop, a little lighter to pick up the pace even more
Our Verdict
The Pegasus 42 remains what it has always been. A daily trainer that will cover a lot of miles with you allowing you to hit easy days without a problem and can transition to some uptempo work as needed. It looks fun and feels faster than it is.
What to Read Next?
- Our favorite moderate cushioned running shoes
- Best Running Treadmills – Tested by our team
- What does dry needling actually do for runners?
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