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The Nike Pegasus has a long and storied history, having been a go-to option for runners for over four decades. It’s always been a reliable, durable and good value daily trainer, and that remains the case with the Nike Pegasus 42, which has a new midsole setup but will still feel familiar to anyone who’s run in a recent Pegasus model.
It’s not the most exciting shoe, however, and the best running shoes in its category offer either a livelier ride, a lighter design, more versatility, or all three. There are shoes we’d look at ahead of the Pegasus 42 for sure, but if you’re a long-term fan of the line, the Pegasus 42 won’t disappoint.
Design & Key Stats
- Price: £130/$145
- Weight: 305g/10.8oz (men’s UK 9 / US 10)
- Drop: 10mm
- Stack: 37mm heel, 27mm forefoot
- Upper: Engineered mesh
- Midsole: ReactX foam with full-length Air Zoom unit
- Outsole: Waffle tread rubber
Nike Pegasus 42 review
How’s The Fit
Nick tested the Nike Pegasus 42 for our review and found that it fit will in his normal running shoe size. The sizing is consistent with past Pegasus models and other Nike shoes, and it has a roomy toe-box. A wide version of the shoe is also available.
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The Run Test: Likes
The full-length Air Zoom unit in the Pegasus 42 has improved the ride of the shoe compared with its predecessors. The ride is smoother and feels more connected in rolling you from heel to toe, and the shoe is a little more responsive too.
All the usual hallmarks of a Pegasus are in place too. The relatively low-stack of the shoe creates a more grounded feel than with most cushioned options these days, and it’s naturally stable as well thanks to the firmish midsole foam.
The Pegasus 42 is comfortable at the heel too, and ticks over nicely at easy paces. The outsole grips well and will be durable, something we also expect to be the case with the midsole set up, increasing the value of the shoe as a long-lasting option.
Finally, the Pegasus 42 is good crossover lifestyle/running shoe, and it’s also one you can use in the gym since it’s not as soft and squishy as many running shoes.
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The Run Test: Dislikes
The Pegasus 42 is a small improvement on the previous model, but still feels very familiar, and it’s a little out of step with the design of most modern running shoes. It’s pretty heavy for a low-stack shoe, and the foams in the midsole are not as comfortable and energetic as on rivals.
It weighs a good 50g more than most shoes that have a similar stack height, like the Hoka Mach 7 or New Balance Rebel v5, and doesn’t perform well at faster paces, so it’s not more versatile than the best cushioned running shoes that offer more comfort thanks to their higher stack heights.
We noticed on runs with extended spells at faster paces that the low stack in the forefoot of the Pegasus 42 meant it wasn’t particularly comfortable in that area, and even with the bigger Air Zoom unit in place it doesn’t provide a lot of energy return in your toe-off.
Verdict And Alternatives
The Nike Pegasus 42 is another solid addition to the long-running line and delivers a slightly improved ride compared with the Pegasus 41. It’s good value and a reliable pick for new runners, but there are several shoes we’d look at ahead of it.
If you like the 10mm drop of the shoe the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 has a similar stack but a much livelier and lighter foam in its midsole, while the Nike Vomero Plus is a little more expensive but far bouncier and more comfortable than the Pegasus 42.
The Asics Novablast 5 and Hoka Clifton 10 are both daily trainers around the same price that offer more comfort and a smoother ride in lighter designs, while the New Balance Rebel v5, Hoka Mach 7 and Adidas Adizero Evo SL are all much lighter and more versatile shoes at a similar price and stack height to the Pegasus 42.
If you’re a huge fan of the Pegasus line and know it works for you, the Pegasus 42 will suit you well, but if you’re looking around the market for a new shoe, we’d check out those options first.