Nike Pegasus 40 Review (2023): The Best Daily Trainer?

Published on: 06/20/2023

The Nike Pegasus 40 is a comfortable, durable, and versatile daily trainer for medium to long distances.

The Consensus

Introduction

Even if you’ve just started running, you’ve probably heard of the Nike Pegasus 40. It’s THE bestseller from the American brand! And to top it all off, here’s the shoe in its fortieth version!

Nike didn’t go all out to mark this edition. However, while not a substantial update, this new Pegasus does pack a few interesting changes. Read on to discover them and find out if these road shoes are right for you!

Comfort

Let’s get right to the heart of the matter: comfort! The Pegasus 40 is a mass-market model designed to suit as many people as possible. That’s why we often recommend them to the running newcomers seeking our advice.

Comfort is immediate when you put these running shoes on. The lockdown is effective, with a precise fit, while the sole encapsulates the foot perfectly, especially in the middle of the arch.

Men’s vs. Women’s Version

The men’s and women’s versions are virtually identical. Technology and configuration are the same (e.g., sole). Only the fit is different (the women’s model is tighter). The colors are also different. The best thing is to try them both. You might be surprised!

Cushioning and Underfoot Feel

With a 33 mm heel stack height (23 mm for the forefoot), the Nike Pegasus 40 delivers comfortable cushioning that absorbs shock well. This model features Nike React foam with two Zoom Air units (one in the rear and one in the front).

Overall, the feel is rather firm without being too stiff or hard. This configuration has the advantage of providing a good underfoot structure for improved stability.

Overall, there are few changes to the midsole and cushioning compared to previous versions, especially the Pegasus 39. If you liked it in the past, then you’ll be happy with this new version.

Bounce and Energy Return

It’s all relative. As a versatile daily trainer, the Nike Pegasus 40 does pretty well in terms of responsiveness, with a slight bounce to each stride that saves your energy a little. However, it’s not a competition or speed shoe, and certainly not a carbon-plate racer.

Simply put, responsiveness is average and sufficient for your long runs at a slow or moderate pace or even tempo. If you’re looking for shoes to improve your running performance specifically, a different running shoe might be more appropriate.

Support Type

The Nike Pegasus 40 is a neutral running shoe, meaning it should be suitable for all runners. Moreover, its slightly firm platform provides a good frame to guide your foot and keep your ride stable, even at the end of a session when you’re tired.

Nike Pegasus 40 for Overpronators

Officially, the Nike Pegasus 40 is not a stability shoe for overpronation. It offers no special support to correct your gait and prevent the foot from rolling while running.

However, we argue it’s suitable for runners with slight pronation. If you’re used to advanced support, it’s best not to change and opt for your usual model or a similar one for overpronation.

Heel-to-Toe Drop

The heel-to-toe drop of these running shoes is 10 mm, which is medium to high. This type of offset between heel and toes makes it easier to roll off the foot but directs your attack toward the back of the foot.

There’s no absolute answer in this area. You have to trust your feeling and experience. However, a drop ranging between 8 to 10 mm is pretty standard and will suit most people.

Foot Lockdown

The comfortable upper is a thin, lightweight, single-layer engineered mesh that wraps perfectly around the foot. The more traditional lacing system has a horizontal design, which is efficient and well-suited for runners with wide feet.

Breathability and weather protection

The mesh is thin and breathable, ensuring good ventilation inside the shoe. This is particularly pleasant for daily training on hot summer days.

Surprisingly, the Nike Pegasus 40 is also suitable for lower temperatures, as it provides good protection from the cold.

Sizing and Fit

The Nike Pegasus 40 fits true to size. For example, if you’re used to wearing a running shoe size 9, you can opt for the same size.

What’s more, the shoe is wide enough to suit wider feet. If you need more room, the Pegasus 40 is also available in a wide version.

Shoe Weight

The men’s version weighs 9.4 oz / 267 g, while the women’s model weighs 9 oz / 255 g. This is standard for a trainer, but we’re surprised that this edition is heavier than the previous version in the Nike Pegasus line (0.4 oz / 12 g more).

Running Scenarios

As you can see, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 is a trainer designed for easy miles, daily running, and longer runs at slow to moderate speeds.

Also, it’s relatively versatile and lends itself equally well to fast running tempo or fartlek sessions. It may also be suitable for interval training, but more experienced athletes will undoubtedly prefer another dedicated model.

Long Distances and Marathon

With its comfortable, cushioned design, the Pegasus 40 is ideal for covering many miles in preparation for a marathon or half marathon.

As for the race itself, it will depend on your objectives. Many athletes opt for this model on race day, as it’s a reliable pair of shoes. Also, wearing the same model you’ve been training in for weeks is reassuring.

However, if you’ve already run a few races and want a competition shoe to help you set the fastest time, a higher-performance model like the Nike Vaporfly is the way to go.

Grip on Different Surfaces

This solid shoe features a durable blown rubber outsole (Duralon) for great traction on urban surfaces such as asphalt sidewalks, even when the road is wet.

The Nike Pegasus 40 is not a trail running shoe but is potentially suitable for easy (dry, low-impact) off-road running, like on dirt paths and light trails.

Finally, the design with embossed pattern and flex grooves ensures good flexibility to promote easy transitions between different shoe zones.

Durability and Value for Money

If there’s one thing the Pegasus has going for, it’s its rugged, mileage-heavy construction. Rightfully often labeled as a reliable workhorse, this model will easily exceed 500 miles, more than enough for a complete training cycle followed by a race.

Also, the price remains affordable and tends to drop quickly during sales. This makes it a good deal and a safe bet.

Conclusion

Without being absolutely exceptional or breathtaking, the Nike Pegasus 40 is an exciting shoe that continues to do what it does best: be comfortable, slightly responsive, accessible, and durable for all your training and races, from 5Ks to marathons.

Facts

Technical Specs

Terrain	Road
Pronation type	Neutral
Drop	10 mm
Heel height	33 mm
Forefoot height	23 mm
Weight (men)	267 g/9.4 oz
Weight (women)	255 g/9 oz
Features	Wide feet
Athletes
Release year	2023
Price	Check prices

Cushioning

Softness	Balanced
Responsiveness	Medium

Technologies

Outsole	Duralon Blown Rubber, Flexible Grooves
Midsole	React, Zoom Air
Upper	Engineered mesh technique

Use

Speed	Slow, Moderate
Distance	Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon
Workout	Daily running

Comparisons – Nike Pegasus 40 vs.:

• Nike Pegasus 40 vs. 39: these two models have very few differences. The sole is virtually identical, with the same technologies and the same stack height. Only the mesh changes with a new, simpler, and thinner design.
• Nike Pegasus 40 vs. Infinity Run Flyknit 3: the Pegasus 40 has a firmer underfoot and offers less pronation support. See detailed comparison.
• Nike Pegasus 40 vs. Adidas Boston 11: the Boston has a more cushioned ride and features carbon plates for a more responsive ride.