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The Nike Pegasus has been a staple for a wide variety of runners for over 40 years!! We’re now up to the Nike Pegasus 41 and for once they’re making only slight changes with each model, so the shoe retains it’s general feel.
With each new version, Nike has continued to improve and innovate, creating a shoe that appeals to a wide range of runners. My first impression is that it has a bit more softness and a better energy return than previous models, but it’s not like “wohoa this is a different shoe.”
If you haven’t previously tried, this is the model I’d start with.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review of the Nike Pegasus 41, examining its key features, design and fit, performance on the road, comfort and support, durability and maintenance, and overall pros and cons.
Hopefully, this review will give you a detailed look at the Nike Pegasus 41 and help you determine if it’s the right shoe for you. As always, we all have different likes and dislikes in shoes, so I’ll give you my honest feedback and you can go from there!
Let’s dive in now to some details around this technology and whether it will benefit you.
Nike Pegasus 41 Review
I am ashamed to admit that the Nike Pegasus 40 was my first experience in this shoe. Yes, that seems shameful for someone running over 22 years and testing as much gear as I do every single year.
The Nike Pegasus is one of the most popular running shoes of all time. It has been a favorite of runners for literally decades, so let’s find out why.
In my first run, I didn’t notice the normal tightness of other Nike shoes. Maybe I’ve just spent too much time testing the Alphafly and Vaporfly, but it felt like a much more comfortable fit.
What I noticed in the 41 was the full ReactX foam midsole because I LOVE the feel of this foam. I’ve been saying that for years now and it delivers again. Not in an overly soft maximal shoe, but in an every day trainer that feels good underfoot.
The stack height has increased 4MM, which explains the extra softness.
This foam shift, is supposed to provide 13% more energy return than the 40. I’m here for all the energy a shoe can provide.
In fact, both my husband and I ran the Bolder Boulder 10K in them this year. Not racing, but a steady run and even with his flat feet, he noted that “this shoe felt really good the whole way, plenty of support so my knees felt good and the cushion was really nice.”
The Nike Pegasus has all the bells and whistles that a runner could ask for: just the right amount of cushion in midsole for maximum comfort, durable rubber outsole to withstand, and a breathable mesh upper to keep your feet feeling fresh and dry.
But let’s get real for a second. The Nike Pegasus isn’t just a pretty shoe. It’s got substance too, with a firm heel counter that keeps your foot locked in place and a molded foam insole that provides extra support for those long runs.
This is a good option for your easy weekday runs or for the support of a marathon training run.
Often we get so excited for super plush shoes, but you end up losing some speed and structure. Which is probably why I was immediately drawn to the feel of this shoe. It’s similar to the aforementioned React that I dearly loved.
With a fully padded tongue and heel collar, you might be picking up some weight. But all in the name of comfort.
As a first timer to this shoe, I enjoyed it and could easily see why it fits in to the training rotation for so many. I’d put it on par with say Adidas Supernova Rise or Brooks Ghost, not quite as cushy as the Triumph. Good shoes. Workhorses.
Flashy in style because that’s how Nike rolls, but I’ll be very surprised if we don’t see a change in the technology to this shoe next year.
Specifications
Let’s dive in with some of the top line info that we all need to know about a shoe!
- Neutral running shoe
- Moderate cushion
- Weight: 10.4 oz men’s, 8.6 oz women’s
- Heel drop: 10mm
- 5 colors
- Available in Extra Wide
- Available as a trail shoe as well
- Previous Model: Nike Pegasus 40
- Find it here on Nike.com for $140, so you can enjoy their 30 day trial policy!
I’ve now logged a number of runs in these shoes and won’t be taking advantage of Nike’s return policy!
Features
This shoe is the true OG of running shoes, with a long-standing reputation for being one of the most versatile and reliable running shoes out there.
Key features of the Nike Pegasus 41 that set it apart:
- ReactX foam combined with 2 Zoom air units in the forefoot and rearfoot
- Waffle pattern on the outsole for better road grip (would easily handle gravel paths, dirt roads, not trails)
- Working to reduce carbon footprint, this one cuts it down by 43%
- Durable is a word that comes up A LOT with this shoe and who doesn’t want your running shoes to last a bit longer
Pegasus 40 Vs 41
As always, when I have both models I’ll put on one of each and run around for a bit.
They don’t feel wildly different.
- 41 is slightly lighter thanks to changes to the upper
- 41 is slightly softer thanks to the ReactX
- 41 is 37mm where 40 was 33mm stack height
- Outsole is the same
- Heel drop is the same
- 41 has a bit more padding to the heel collar and it comes up higher, to provide more stability with a higher stack
Nike Pegasus 41 Fit
Compared to the Alphafly and Vaporfly this is a roomy shoe! For me it doesn’t fall in to the expected narrow fit of most Nike running shoes and that’s a good thing.
The padded tongue and heel collar both felt really great through out the run, I didn’t even need to do a heel lock lace to keep everything in place. Which is good because I’m not sure these laces are long enough to make that happen.
Folks with a high arch who need more room in the midsole might find it a tight fit, but otherwise I think these run pretty true to size. Both David and I wore the same size as we would in any other running shoe.
Nike ReactX Cushioning
One of the reasons I loved this shoe was it hit that middle ground of feeling extremely soft when landing, while still having structure to support the foot. Turns out this is due to some super cool technology.
Nike’s ReactX foam represents a significant advancement in running shoe technology, aimed at enhancing performance while simultaneously reducing the company’s carbon footprint.
ReactX is engineered to reduce the carbon footprint of a pair of midsoles by at least 43 percent, thanks to a manufacturing process that consumes less energy. Additionally, it improves energy return by 13 percent, offering better performance for runners.
This breakthrough is the result of five years of rigorous research and testing by Nike’s team. They explored various manufacturing methods that prioritize athlete performance while also considering environmental impact. The key focus was on finding a way to lower the carbon footprint associated with the production process.
The solution came in the form of injection molding, a technique that simplifies the manufacturing process compared to traditional methods. Historically, foam produced via injection molding has delivered lower energy return, which is a critical factor for athletic performance. Conversely, compression molding, known for creating highly responsive foams with better energy return, tends to have a higher environmental impact.
Cons of the Pegasus 40
Good news if you liked the 39, then you’ll probably love the 40. There aren’t a lot of changes! Bad news if you were hoping it might change back to the feel of an older version.
Beyond that, all Nike’s run a bit narrow and this is no exception. You aren’t going to find a wide version to help accommodate a wider toebox or a wider running shoe fit all around.
- If you’ve been running in other speedy shoes, you may expect a different feel than this shoe provides
- Definitely not for rocky trails
- Could be warm in the summer with all the padding
Looking for some other Daily Trainer Options:
Pegasus Vs Vomero – which is the better daily trainer?
Pegasus Vs Brooks Ghost – how do they stack up?
Best Long Distance Running Shoes >>
Why I Order Direct from Nike?
One. I look for the older model and it’s almost always on sale, where the price has gone up for it on other sites!! PLUS, I’ve heard of too many folks ordering from other sites where it’s cheaper to find out it’s not the right shoe. The knock off issue seems more prevalent with Nike.
Two. I’m a size 11 and honestly, a lot of running stores just don’t stock a ton in my size. Their 60-day return period because it means I can take them on a run to make sure they fit and feel the way I think they should.
Three. Knocks offs. Man they are getting worse and worse.
The exception would be Dick’s Sporting Goods, which has a partnership with Nike making it easier to get deals and often extended sizes.
All right, I really hope this Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 review helped you in making a decision! I may not love every single shoe that I test, but I’ve found that just sharing the details helps you find a shoe that YOU LOVE.
And that’s all that actually matters.
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