Nike Pegasus 41 - Women's Review

The 8.07 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe, the 13 mm drop Nike Pegasus 41 is a shoe that falls short in our intensive tests, but puts up a solid fight as a daily shoe.

Side View Cut in Half

Cushioning

This iteration of the Nike Pegasus features ReactX foam in the midsole, which is an evolution from the previous React foam, offering enhanced energy return and a softer underfoot feel. Dual Air Zoom units complement this foam in the forefoot and heel, which aid in creating smooth gait cycles and underfoot comfort. The forefoot stands at only 21 mm above the road, making the ride feel low and slightly less protective than I prefer. The cushioning of the Pegasus is kind enough for daily wear, but it isn't exciting and dynamic in the ways I expect most running shoes to be.

Upper Comfort

The engineered mesh upper in the Pegasus 41 is more breathable and lighter than its predecessor, which definitely enhances its comfort during runs. A gusseted tongue and padded heel collar contribute to a secure lockdown, adding a more structured feel like the previous Pegasus. The tapered midfoot gives way to a rather narrow toe box. The fit remains true to size, with a reasonably normal width that adapts well to different foot shapes. Nike makes an extra-wide version of the Pegasus 41, ensuring that more runners can find the right fit.

Stability

Even though the Pegasus runs on the rigid side of things, it isn't a stability-centric shoe. The heel counter is firm and supportive, but provides no gait correction. Similarly, the lateral edges have a bit of stiffness but ultimately give way to a very neutral shoe. Runners who want gait stability should look elsewhere, but the Pegasus does fine for neutral runners who want an everyday shoe.

Responsiveness

The combination of ReactX foam and Air Zoom units results in a ride that balances softness and responsiveness, heavy on the balance. The Pegasus 41 offers smooth transitions, suitable for easy runs and longer distances. While not designed for speedwork, it provides sufficient comfort for distances. The forefoot feels a bit low to the ground, making the entire geometry of the shoe feel like a long-distance clunker instead of an uptempo runner. The textiles that Nike used to construct the midsole are more comfortable than they have been in the past, but they lack the performance elements that I seek in my daily trainers.

Weight

The 8.07 ounce Pegasus (per shoe, women's size 6.5) is heavier than it needs to be. The upper weave, well-tractioned outsole, and midsole materials all contribute to this heavier weight. For a walking shoe, it's not bad. For a running shoe, I think it should shed a few ounces.

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. This reliable traction contributes to the Pegasus' overall high weight, but it could be worth it if you want a shoe to feel safely grounded in.

Should You Buy the Nike Pegasus 41?

People seem to love the Nike Pegasus, based on its ever-popular reputation. Again with this iteration, I am left disappointed. The Pegasus isn't a bad shoe by any means, but its moderately dull midsole makes it less than impressive. If you want a budget-friendly shoe for daily walking, jogging, and exercising needs, the Pegasus will probably treat you well. Runners seeking a more specialized approach could find more exciting options.

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