Nike Pegasus 41 Shoe Review
Published: June 25, 2024
Feel the ReactX Difference of the Nike Pegasus 41
Likes
- Soft underfoot feel with improved energy return
- Clean, stylish aesthetic
- Reliable and durable
Dislikes
- 10-mm drop is not for everyone
- Could be more protective in forefoot
What's New
Welcome the return of one of the most well-known daily trainers in the running world, the Nike Pegasus, your go-to daily trainer for responsive cushioning and enhanced daily performance. Designed to elevate your stride and ride, this latest iteration features advanced technologies that prioritize comfort and sustainability.
At the core of the Pegasus 41 is the new ReactX foam midsole, engineered to deliver 13% more energy return compared to previous models. This lightweight foam surrounds dual Air Zoom units in the forefoot and heel, providing a truly unique bounce with every step. Whether you are a runner tackling long distances or pushing the tempo, the combination of ReactX and Air Zoom ensures a lively and energized ride that keeps you going.
The upper boasts an upgraded engineered mesh design, reducing the shoe's overall weight while boosting breathability to keep your feet cool and comfortable throughout your run. Enhanced with Flywire technology, the midfoot is secured for a supportive fit that adapts to your movements, ensuring stability and reducing slippage.
For traction and flexibility, the signature waffle-inspired rubber outsole provides a reliable grip on a variety of paved surfaces, and version 41 can even handle light trails. The upper is well padded with a plush collar, tongue, and sock liner, which help enhance overall comfort while ensuring a highly secure fit.
All together, these features, new and old, work together to create a daily trainer that is reliable and fun for nearly any daily run. The Pegasus 41 helps improve your run with responsive cushioning and lightweight energy return, all while providing a comfortable, supportive ride.
The Bottom Line
The Nike Pegasus 41 embodies the classic reliability and sleek design that runners have come to expect from the Pegasus line. It strikes a balance between tradition and innovation, offering a soft yet responsive ride that is perfect for daily training and versatile enough for a host of different workouts. The updated ReactX foam in the midsole provides a noticeable improvement in energy return, making each stride feel more lively and that much more enjoyable. Combined with dual Air Zoom units in the forefoot and heel, the Pegasus 41 delivers a responsive feel that enhances performance without compromising the shoe's daily training comfort.
The engineered mesh upper stands out for its breathability and adaptive fit, catering to runners with different foot shapes. It wraps securely around the foot, providing support and comfort whether you are out for a quick jog or logging longer miles. The plush collar and tongue add to the overall comfort, ensuring a snug yet cushioned feel with every step.
To our team's surprise, durability is another area where the updated Pegasus really shined. This is all thanks to its robust outsole, which features a signature waffle pattern that offers excellent traction on various surfaces. The shoe feels sturdy and reliable, holding up well even after extended use. However, a 10-mm drop is not for everyone, and some runners may find the forefoot cushioning a bit lacking, especially compared to more premium heavily cushioned options on the market.
Overall, the Nike Pegasus 41 is ideal for runners looking for a versatile and stylish shoe that excels in daily training and moderate distances. Its blend of comfort, responsiveness, and durability makes it a solid choice for casual runners and gym-goers alike, offering great value at its price point. For those seeking a reliable workhorse shoe with a touch of classic Nike style, the Pegasus 41 proves to be a worthy contender in today's competitive running shoe market.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.0 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.7 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 37 mm (Heel), 27mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to size |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Connor: "When it comes to the upper and fit of the Nike Pegasus 41, I find it to be exceptional. The engineered mesh upper offers excellent breathability, keeping my feet cool and comfortable even on longer runs. That said, what I really appreciate is its stretchy, adaptable nature, which molds comfortably around my feet while providing enough room for my toes to splay. This makes the shoe very versatile; I can wear it casually or for faster workouts, and it still feels secure and supportive. The sleek design and adaptable fit make it a top choice for various types of runs and everyday wear."
Risa: "The engineered mesh upper was soft and stretchy, and I had no issues with breathability. I have narrow feet, but I easily achieved a secure lockdown in the Nike Pegasus 41. This shoe fit me like a glove."
Midsole
Connor: "I must say, Nike's introduction of ReactX foam in the Pegasus 41 is a game-changer for the model. Compared to previous versions, the responsiveness is significantly improved. The midsole feels more lively, offering a noticeable bounce that enhances my stride and overall running experience. This upgrade has addressed my previous concerns about the shoe's midsole, making it ideal for daily training and longer mileage without feeling weighed down. It is clear that Nike's innovation has paid off here, delivering a midsole that seamlessly balances comfort with performance."
Risa: "The new ReactX midsole did feel more responsive than the previous version to me. The two Air Zoom units in the forefoot and heel contribute to the shoe's improved responsiveness, while the midsole drop and geometry give it a signature Pegasus ride. I would describe the Pegasus 41's midsole as soft with a fun, bouncy return."
Outsole
Connor: "When considering durability and the outsole, I am impressed by the Pegasus 41's robust construction. The familiar waffle design on the outsole provides reliable traction on various surfaces, particularly roads where I do most of my running. Furthermore, the addition of Air Zoom units in the forefoot and heel adds extra bounce and protection, which has held up remarkably well over time. Unlike some earlier models where durability was an issue, I have not noticed significant wear even after putting in a considerable amount of testing miles. This speaks volumes about the quality of materials used. Upgraded rubber and a resilient midsole combine to make the Pegasus 41 a durable, dependable companion for my daily training needs."
Risa: "The Pegasus 41 has a lot of rubber coverage, and I had no issues with grip. Also, the Pegasus 41 has shown no signs of abnormal wear and tear, and I expect this shoe to hold up for many miles."
Comparable Shoes
Nike Pegasus 41 vs. Nike Pegasus 40
Connor: "The Pegasus 41 introduces significant improvements, particularly with the new ReactX foam in the midsole. This update provides a more responsive and lively ride, addressing the slightly dull cushioning of the Pegasus 40. Additionally, the Pegasus 41 offers enhanced durability, with the outsole showing less wear over time compared to its predecessor. While both models maintain the line's reputation for comfort and versatility, the Pegasus 41 steps it up with a more refined and resilient design, making it a clear upgrade for daily training."
Risa: "The Pegasus 41 looks very similar to the Pegasus 40, but I did notice a difference in the midsole performance. The shoe felt bouncier and springier than the last version, which felt a little lifeless to me. While I did not find myself reaching for it over some of the other running shoe options in my rotation, I did like the look of the Pegasus 40 and ended up using it a lot as a daily walking shoe."
Nike Pegasus 41 vs. HOKA Clifton 9
Connor: "When comparing the Nike Pegasus 41 to the HOKA Clifton 9, both shoes offer distinct advantages. The Pegasus 41 stands out with its new ReactX midsole, providing a responsive and lively ride that makes it a great choice for daily training. However, the Clifton 9 offers added levels of protection and lighter weight, making it ideal for longer runs where extra cushioning is beneficial. While I appreciate the versatility and fit of the Pegasus 41, the Clifton 9 offers superior comfort for extended mileage. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to whether you prioritize a more responsive feel or enhanced protection."
Risa: "I'm a little surprised to be saying this as a Nike fan, but I think the Clifton 9 is a better buy than the Pegasus 41 for a lot of runners. With the Clifton, you get a more protective package that is also an ounce lighter."
Individual Thoughts
ConnorOverall Score: 8/10
My journey with the Nike Pegasus 41 has been nothing short of impressive. Right from the start, the engineered mesh upper stood out with its breathable construction and perfect fit for my narrow feet. Whether I was running daily miles or simply walking around, the shoe provided exceptional comfort without sacrificing style. Its adaptability meant I could trust it for any workout, making it a versatile addition to my running gear.
The real game-changer for me was the ReactX foam in the midsole. It offered a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and bounce compared to previous models. This upgrade not only enhanced my stride but also made every run feel more energized and enjoyable. The Pegasus 41 quickly became my go-to for longer distances and daily training sessions thanks to its supportive yet cushioned feel that never let me down.
Durability-wise, the Pegasus 41 exceeded my expectations. The outsole's waffle design provided reliable traction on various surfaces, and the addition of Air Zoom pods ensured consistent comfort and bounce over time. Despite putting it through its paces, the shoe showed minimal signs of wear, demonstrating its robust construction and ability to withstand mileage. Overall, my experience with the Nike Pegasus 41 has been overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming its status as a top contender in the realm of daily trainers that deliver on comfort, performance, and longevity.
RisaOverall Score: 8/10
The Nike Pegasus 41 is a soft, reliable, good-looking running shoe for daily training. Nothing about it truly stands out besides the aesthetic, but I appreciated that the midsole was more responsive than the last version. I was a little thrown off by it being lower profile than shoes I've been wearing lately like the mega-stack Skyward X. The Pegasus 41 is more on the traditional side overall. I would choose something with a higher stack for my long runs, but I think most people will find this shoe protective enough for their daily runs.
Nike Men's Pegasus
The Pegasus is Nike's best-selling neutral everyday running shoe. This reliable daily trainer can handle anything from everyday miles, long runs, and even faster workouts. It offers plush cushioning, excellent fit, style, and great value for any runner.
Nike Women's Pegasus
The Pegasus is Nike's best-selling neutral everyday running shoe. This reliable daily trainer can handle anything from everyday miles, long runs, and even faster workouts. It offers plush cushioning, excellent fit, style, and great value for any runner.
