Nike Pegasus 42 Review: Outdated or Still at the Top in 2026?

Julien Guyod

Published on 06/09/2026

Updated on 06/10/2026

Since 1983, the Pegasus has been released year after year, keeping pace with the evolving running market. In 2025, for the first time, a two-year wait preceded the Pegasus 42. Suffice it to say, the pressure was high for the most popular model in the Nike lineup.

It’s hard to find a running shoe today more famous than the legendary Pegasus, which over time has clearly transcended the running enthusiast crowd.

But many competing shoes set the bar very high. Do the changes justify the wait? Does the Nike Pegasus 42 measure up to other competing “Swiss Army knives”? Is this version a good fit for your profile and goals?

That’s what we’ll explore in this comprehensive review.

Our verdict

Cushioning

In the midsole, the main change comes from the Air Zoom unit. Rather than having two sections like on the V41 (one in the forefoot and one in the heel), the Pegasus 42 features a single curved Air Zoom unit running the entire length of the shoe.

Otherwise, it features the same ReactX foam, which replaced the aging React foam from the version 40. The brand claims, however, that it is lighter than on the V41 (difficult to verify).

The combination of these two elements is certainly effective, but it must be acknowledged that it isn’t the most modern; in fact, this is one of the main criticisms we’ve heard. I agree with these opinions, as it’s true that there are many more high-performance foams available, whether supercritical or even better Peba-based ones.

The heel stack height remains at 37 mm and 27 mm under the forefoot. However, the brand claims there is more cushioning under the forefoot (+3 mm). This is made possible by a more pronounced spring that allows for the incorporation of foam.

The 10 mm heel-to-toe drop is standard and requires no special adjustment.

Good protection with a fairly firm feel

I admit I didn’t really feel any extra protection with my midfoot strike, but protection was already very good on the V41.

Shock absorption is high, allowing you to cover longer distances with confidence regardless of your running style, skill level, or build.

The feel upon impact is once again very well balanced. As is often the case, it’s hard to please everyone, and some runners (especially heel strikers) found the feel a bit too firm.

I’m lucky enough to be able to test a wide variety of shoes, and I think this one leans more toward the firm side—but not excessively so, and less so than many other shoes.

The feel should therefore suit a wide range of runners.

Energy return

The weight is consistent with the previous version at 284 g in size 42 (a slight increase of about 10 g). While not a heavy shoe, the Pegasus can’t exactly be called light either, especially when compared to competing models that generally weigh under 250 g.

Add to that a foam that isn’t among the most high-performance, and it’s easy to understand why some runners are calling for a more pronounced propulsion feel. I’d temper that point a bit: the Air Zoom unit (which is certainly not new) gets the job done.

The responsiveness is satisfactory and will be sufficient for a large portion of the running community to cover a wide range of paces and accelerate.

Finally, note that the fairly curved profile ensures smooth transitions.

Support and Stability

The shoe is designed for a neutral stride and does not feature technology to prevent overpronation.

However, the shoe’s construction itself offers good stability, with dense foam and a fairly wide base.

Foot support

The new woven mesh upper is lighter, softer, and more breathable than those of previous versions. It’s hard to verify the lightness, especially since the shoe weighs more even though the dimensions are unchanged from the 2024/25 version.

Breathability is once again very good. The shoe is sufficiently lined to perform well in any weather. I also confirm the softness of the fit, with an upper that is indeed more pleasant to the touch.

I find the initial comfort comparable to the V41, and that’s not a criticism since it was already very comfortable. The shoe can be worn for many hours without issue thanks to its ample padding.

The rigid heel counter is padded and provides good support for the Achilles tendon. The tongue is slightly padded for comfort. It’s attached to an inner lining (so it’s gusseted) to follow the foot’s movement well.

It’s also worth noting that there is less structure in the toe box. However, there is an internal strap across the midfoot. Overall, the upper is stretchy while still providing a secure fit.

The lacing system is fairly standard, with two eyelets at the front, two faux-leather loops, and a panel with two eyelets to secure the laces if needed. The foot lockdown is therefore effective and rounds out a well-designed upper. There are also reflective elements.

Size and Fit

It’s hard to make sense of all the conflicting reviews I’ve come across. I often say this in my reviews, but I struggle to understand how a single pair can have so many different opinions on sizing.

I’ve read just about everything, from “too short” to “too long,” “too wide,” and “too narrow.” There are also many reviews that describe the fit as standard.

So I’m going to weigh in and share my own experience, which is naturally tied to the shape of my foot (which is on the wider side).

As the brand says, there is indeed a bit more room in the forefoot for the toes. But it’s not a huge difference.

I found the sizing to be fairly standard, and I think you can go with your usual size, though those with narrower feet might want to be a bit cautious. The shoe has a standard fit in length, so going down half a size might not be the best idea. If that’s the case for you, it’s better to try them on before buying.

Traction

The outsole features the brand’s famous waffle-patterned rubber, but in a different layout and with less rubber.

Traction is very good, even on wet surfaces.

The numerous grooves ensure excellent flexibility.

You can use these shoes on most urban surfaces and even on non-technical trails.

A versatile model…

Ask a runner what the Pegasus brings to mind, or even someone who doesn’t run but has heard of it: they’ll likely mention a shoe designed to handle everything from training to everyday life.

The Nike Pegasus 42 succeeds in this regard: it delivers the versatility characteristic of the series. Whether for a relaxed jog at a moderate pace or interval training with repetitions where you need to pick up the pace, the shoe will rise to the occasion. It also performs well over long distances, even though that hasn’t always been the case historically: the Pegasus has kept pace with market trends that favor ever-greater cushioning.

Just a few years ago, this shoe would have been called a “maximalist.” But today, it’s the norm. Shock absorption is excellent and will allow any type of runner to extend their runs. It’s just as suitable for a beginner looking for an effective and affordable shoe to get started as it is for a more experienced runner who can easily incorporate it into their shoe rotation.

…that has its limits

Like any “Swiss Army knife,” the Pegasus does it all, but it can’t do everything well. Many models offer more cushioning (like the Vomero 18), are lighter (Pegasus Plus), or simply perform better (Vaporfly 4).

The foam and Air Zoom unit aren’t the latest, and the shoe doesn’t hold up well against competitors like the Asics Novablast 5 or the New Balance Rebel V5.

The shoe would benefit from incorporating newer foams and shedding some weight. The Pegasus 42 remains effective and affordable, and its responsiveness will be sufficient for many runners. It reaffirms its status as an all-around training shoe, ideal for runners who want a single pair.

Quality and Durability

I pushed the version 41 to its limits (well over 1,000 km, as I used it extensively) and I have no concerns about the durability of the Pegasus 42, which also looks very promising—a fact confirmed by feedback from runners.

With a base price of 140 euros, the P42 once again offers excellent value for money.

It’s worth noting the Move To Zero initiative, Nike’s effort to achieve zero emissions. The shoe is made from at least 75% recycled materials, and the ReactX foam reduces the carbon footprint of the midsole by at least 43% compared to React foam. The shoe is not vegan.

Should you buy it?

The Nike Pegasus 42 stays true to the series’ tradition; it’s an all-around shoe, clearly designed for runners who want a single pair for every situation.

There are models with better performance or more cushioning, and it’s a shame the brand doesn’t use newer technologies. But the Pegasus 42 remains a highly effective “Swiss Army knife” for daily training.

Facts

Reference: official website