Nike Pegasus 41 - Women's Review

The Nike Pegasus 41 puts up a solid fight as a daily shoe for those looking to start a fitness journey or want something suitable for an active lifestyle.

Cushioning

This iteration of the Nike Pegasus features Nike's ReactX foam in the midsole, which is an evolution from the previous React foam, offering enhanced energy return and a softer underfoot feel. It has a cushioned stack height in the heel of 34 mm with a drop in height at the forefoot of nearly 13 mm! This higher drop is above the average and could be enough to alter your gait and put more pressure on your knees and hips, especially if you aren't used to drops this high.

Side View Cut in Half

Nike's Dual Air Zoom units complement the foam in the forefoot and heel, which aids in creating a smoother gait and underfoot comfort. The forefoot stands at only 21 mm above the road, making the fit feel lower than max cushioned shoes.

Upper Comfort

The engineered mesh upper in the Pegasus 41 is more breathable and lighter than its predecessor, enhancing its comfort during runs. A gusseted tongue and padded heel collar contribute to a secure lockdown, preventing your foot from shifting and adding a more structured feel. The tapered midfoot gives way to a relatively narrow toe box compared to the average shoe. The fit is true to size, with a reasonably normal width that adapts well to different foot shapes. However, it might be too narrow for those with average to wide feet, or thicker, higher volume feet. Nike makes the Pegasus 41 in a regular, wide, and extra-wide version, ensuring that more runners can find the right fit.

Stability

Even though the Pegasus runs on the rigid side, it isn't a shoe focused on stability. The heel counter (a rigid component that hugs the heel) is firm and supportive, but provides no gait correction. Similarly, the lateral edges are somewhat stiff but ultimately give way to a very neutral shoe. Runners who need or want gait stability should look elsewhere, but the Pegasus is a good choice for neutral runners looking for an everyday shoe.

Responsiveness

The combination of Nike's ReactX foam and Air Zoom units results in an experience that balances softness and responsiveness, heavy on the balance. The Pegasus 41 offers smooth transitions, suitable for easy runs and longer distances. It isn't designed for speedwork, but it provides sufficient comfort for distances. The textiles that Nike used to construct the midsole are more comfortable than in the past, but they lack the performance elements some runners with race-day goals might want in a daily trainer.

Weight

The Pegasus is heavier than most dedicated runners might want at 8.07 oz, but it's only about an ounce more than the average in our lineup. The upper weave, well-tractioned outsole, and midsole materials all contribute to this heavier weight, but they also contribute to creating a relatively stable and comfortable shoe with a grippier potential. For a walking shoe or casual jogger, it's not bad, but the weight might be too high for serious runners looking to increase speed or shave time off distances.

Traction

Nike retains its signature waffle-inspired rubber outsole, delivering reliable traction across various surfaces, including pavement and gravel. The outsole's design ensures durability, making the Pegasus 41 a dependable choice for daily training with a better grip on the road. This reliable traction contributes to the Pegasus's heft, but we think the trade-off is worth it to stay grounded and upright when things get wet.

Should You Buy the Nike Pegasus 41?

People love the Nike Pegasus, as evidenced by its ever-popular reputation. It isn't a bad shoe by any means, but its somewhat uninspired midsole makes it less than impressive if your goal is speed work or competitive racing. However, if your goals lean more toward getting in more activity by toe-dipping into the world of running or even walking, this budget-friendly shoe will treat you well. However, depending on your goals, there are more compelling options for runners seeking more specialized gains or intense training.

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