Nike Pegasus 41 Road Running Shoe Review
June 12th, 2025
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Our verdict
The Nike Pegasus 41 is an excellent option for runners seeking a reliable daily trainer that strikes a balance between cushioning and responsiveness. With its 10mm heel-to-toe drop and ReactX foam midsole with Air Zoom units, the Pegasus 41 gives that traditional-running-shoe feel that many runners prefer. It features Nike's updated engineered mesh upper and maintains the versatile design that has made the Pegasus line a staple for decades.
The Pegasus 41 features a 37–27 mm stack height, making it comfortable for both daily training runs and longer distances. The responsive yet cushioned platform works well for a variety of paces, from easy recovery runs to tempo workouts. They're versatile enough for road running, treadmill sessions, and light trail use on packed dirt and gravel as well.
The Nike ReactX midsole provides a balanced ride that's neither too soft nor too firm. Rather than the ultra-plush feel of max-cushion shoes or the minimal approach of racing flats, the Pegasus 41 strikes a middle ground that appeals to a wide range of runners. This balance makes them ideal for runners who want one shoe that can handle a variety of workout types.
Nike has refined the outsole pattern to provide grip on road surfaces while maintaining the lightweight feel for which the Pegasus is known. The rubber outsole is reasonably durable and provides adequate traction for most surfaces, including packed dirt and gravel as well as road. The waffle-inspired tread pattern is flexible, and its texture provides added grip. We were surprised at how good these felt on packed dirt.
The engineered mesh upper provides breathability and comfort, with targeted support zones where needed. Nike has updated the fit and feel while maintaining the familiar Pegasus silhouette that runners have come to trust.
Whether you're new to running or a seasoned runner looking for a dependable daily trainer, the Pegasus 41 delivers the performance and comfort that has made this line a go-to choice for millions of runners for decades.
For more of our favorite road running shoes, check out our Best Men’s Road Running Shoes and Best Women’s Road Running Shoes guides.
Nike Pegasus 41
Men's
Women's
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Nike Pegasus 41 Specifications
Weight (per shoe): 1 lb, 4.8 oz men's / 1 lb, 1.7 oz women's
Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm
Stack height: 37 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot
Support: Neutral
Upper: Engineered mesh
Midsole: Nike ReactX foam
Outsole: Rubber with waffle-inspired pattern
Suitable for vegans: Yes
Comparison table
| RUNNING SHOE | WEIGHT MEN'S | WEIGHT WOMEN'S | CUSHION | HEEL DROP | STACK HEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Pegasus 41 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 4.8 oz | 1 lb, 1.7 oz | Responsive | 10 mm | 37 - 27 mm |
| Nike Pegasus 40 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 2.8 oz | 15.4 oz | Maximum | 10 mm | 33 - 23 mm |
| HOKA Clifton 10 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 3.6 oz | 1 lb | Plush | 8 mm | 42 - 34 mm |
| Adidas Supernova Rise 2 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 3.4 oz | 1 lb, 0.2 oz | Maximum | 10 mm | 36 - 26 mm |
| Brooks Ghost 17 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 4.2 oz | 1 lb, 2 oz | Moderate | 10 mm | 37 - 27 mm |
Who is it for?
The Pegasus 41 is for runners seeking a versatile daily trainer that can handle everything from easy runs to tempo workouts. They’re designed for folks who prefer a traditional heel-to-toe drop, and want shoes that strike a balance between cushioning and responsiveness for daily training needs. They’re not the fastest or lightest, but they are a reliable shoe.
The Nike Pegasus 41 is a versatile daily trainer that is both cushioned and responsive, making it great for a variety of run types from recovery runs to tempo workouts.
How we tested
We tested the Nike Pegasus 41 on roads and paths in Arizona, Utah, and Colorado during spring and summer. We used them for runs ranging from short 3-mile recovery runs to long runs of 15 miles or more. We tested them on city streets, paved recreation paths, and light trail surfaces, in temperatures ranging from 30 to 100 degrees.
We primarily used the Pegasus 41 for daily training runs. We also tested them during tempo runs and interval workouts, where their responsive midsole performed well across different speeds. We ran on asphalt, concrete sidewalks, and packed dirt trails to evaluate their versatility. Additionally, we wore them for casual walking and during active recovery days to assess their comfort over time.
We tested the Nike Pegasus 41 primarily on roads and paths in Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.
What we liked
Versatile daily trainer suitable for various workout types
Balanced cushioning that's neither too soft nor too firm
Reliable traction on road surfaces
Comfortable engineered mesh upper
Classic Pegasus look, fit, and feel
What could be better
Not as cushioned in the forefoot compared to modern max cushion trainers
Features
Classic daily trainer design
The Pegasus 41 is a classic running shoe in its 41st iteration. The fact that it’s seen 40 previous versions is telling: this shoe feels like an old-school sneaker—in a good way. It has modern touches, so it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a pair of shoes from the ‘80s, while maintaining the simple daily trainer platform that made it successful to start.
When you put on the Pegasus 41, it doesn’t stand out in any way. On the run, they feel comfortable on your feet in a no-frills way. They provide enough cushion to be comfortable while providing ample ground feel. These will feel familiar to most people, even if you’ve never worn a pair of Pegasus shoes.
ReactX foam cushioning
The Pegasus 41 features Nike's ReactX foam in the midsole, providing 37–27mm of stack height. This foam offers a responsive yet cushioned ride that works well for daily training. The ReactX foam is designed to be more durable and provide better energy return than previous iterations.
Compared to ultra-soft max-cushion shoes, the Pegasus feels more responsive and ground-connected. It provides enough cushioning for longer runs while maintaining the responsiveness needed for tempo work and speed sessions.
The ReactX foam in the midsole offers a balanced cushion that feels more responsive than other maximum-cushioned road running shoes.
Air Zoom units
The Pegasus 41 has Nike’s classic Air Zoom pockets in the heel and forefoot. These are literally bubbles of air, which provide cushioning and bounce. Compared to classic Nikes, where the Air Zoom bubbles are visible, the Air Zoom units in the Pegasus 41 are embedded inside the midsole.
Traditional drop platform
The 41s have 10 mm of heel-to-toe drop. This is considered a high drop and is pretty standard for most road running shoes. This elevated heel position can help with heel strike landing and provides the familiar feel that most runners expect from their training shoes.
The traditional drop design supports efficient heel-to-toe transition. It may feel more comfortable for runners transitioning from walking to running, or those who prefer the conventional running shoe feel. However, if you’re used to a low or zero-drop running shoe like the Altra Torin 8, the 10 mm of drop on the Pegasus will feel extreme and we’d recommend a slow transition if you’re looking to make that switch.
Breathability
The engineered mesh upper allows for good airflow, helping to keep your feet cool during runs. The mesh material on the Pegasus 41 is more breathable than previous models, so if you weren’t impressed with the breathability of the Pegasus 39 or 40, the 41 will likely feel more breathable to you.
We tested the Nike Pegasus 41 on hot days in Arizona, Utah, and Colorado and found the mesh uppers to be breathable.
Durability
The Pegasus 41 is about as durable as most running shoes. I’ve put over 100 miles on these shoes in the past few months, and they still have plenty of life left in them. I expect them to last for at least 400 miles of pavement running.
The outsole features strategically placed waffle-textured rubber to increase durability while maintaining flexibility. The rubber compound is grippy enough for pounding out miles on the pavement without being so soft that it wears down quickly.
There is a relatively large area of exposed midsole foam on the tread, although not the largest among road running shoes, it is significant enough to note. There is more exposed midsole foam on the Hoka Clifton 10, Saucony Ride 18, and Salomon Aero Glide 3 (as well as many other popular road running shoe models).
The waffle-textured rubber outsole of the Nike Pegasus 41 is durable and flexible.
When running on wet pavement, the rubber outsole, which covers the entire forefoot area and outside edge of the tread, grips well enough for tight cornering. The exposed midsole foam is in the middle of the heel and under the arch. These are the most common areas on road running shoes that lack rubber tread—nothing out of the ordinary here.
Step-in comfort
The Pegasus 41 feels comfortable right out of the box. It is true to size and accommodates most foot shapes. If you typically find that shoes fit your feet well, the Pegasus 41 will be no exception.
They have a medium width that’s neither too wide nor too narrow. When I measure my feet, the device recommends that I get wide sizing. But my feet aren’t so wide that I can’t wear standard-width shoes, as long as they aren’t on the narrower side. The Pegasus isn’t too narrow for my feet. The toe box provides adequate room without being overly spacious, striking a balance between comfort and performance-oriented fit.
The heel collar and tongue provide adequate padding for comfort. The heel collar wraps comfortably around your ankle, and the padded tongue feels good on the top of your foot as you tighten the laces.
Performance in the field
Daily runs
The Pegasus 41 excels as a daily trainer. These shoes are comfortable and cushioned enough for longer runs, but feel quick and light enough for shorter, faster runs. They’re fast and responsive, but don’t prioritize speed in a way that compromises durability. And since they strike a balance between durability, comfort, and speed, they’re ideal for lacing up every day.
Whether you have an easy recovery run, steady training run, or an uptempo workout, these shoes will work well. They’re also great for cross-training in the gym, whether that’s lifting weights, stair-climbing, or cardio.
We found the Nike Pegasus 41 best suited for daily training runs, as they strike a balance between durability, comfort, and speed.
Speed work
While not a dedicated racing shoe, the Pegasus 41 can handle tempo runs and interval training thanks to its responsive ReactX foam and stable platform. They’re relatively lightweight, but not so light that you should consider them a dedicated speed shoe. However, they feel lighter than some other 10-ounce shoes I’ve worn.
I did several speed workouts in the Pegasus 41. During a threshold run, the midsole felt bouncy and responsive, even after running as fast as possible for five minutes. The springy midsole, combined with the shape, creates a faster turnover and feels efficient on hill workouts, too.
Longer runs
The cushioning and comfort of the Pegasus 41 make it suitable for longer training runs, providing adequate protection and comfort for extended distances. They don’t have as much cushioning in the forefoot as modern high-cushion running shoes, but they have enough cushion for longer runs of 10–20 miles, even up to marathon distance.
Sustainability
Nike claims that the Pegasus 41 is made with at least 50% recycled content by weight, though they don’t state which materials used are recycled.
Nike has a Move to Zero plan, which aims for zero emissions and zero waste. Their 2025 goals are the following:
0.5M tons less of greenhouse gas emissions, through increasing our use of environmentally preferred materials to 50% of all key materials: polyester, cotton, leather, and rubber.
100% waste diverted from landfills in our extended supply chain, with at least 80% of waste recycled back into Nike products and other goods.
25% reduction of fresh water usage per kilogram in textile dyeing and finishing.
Nike Pegasus 41 vs. similar road shoes
Compared to other daily trainers, the Pegasus 41 offers a traditional approach with its 10mm drop and balanced cushioning. It sits in the middle ground between minimal shoes and max-cushion options, making it appealing to a broad range of runners who want a versatile daily trainer. The Pegasus 41 doesn’t have as much cushioning as modern high-stack running shoes, such as the Hoka Clifton 10 and On Cloudeclipse, and the midsole feels firmer than that of max-cushion shoes.
The Nike Pegasus 41 is a reliable daily trainer with traditional drop and cushioning, with proven performance over the years.
Should I buy the Nike Pegasus 41?
Buy if: You want a reliable daily trainer with traditional drop and cushioning and proven performance.
If you're looking for a versatile shoe that can handle various types of training runs and be worn as a gym shoe, the Pegasus 41 is an excellent choice. Its balanced approach to cushioning and responsiveness makes it suitable for runners who want one shoe for most of their training needs.
Skip if: You prefer minimal drop shoes or maximum cushioning.
If you're looking for zero-drop (or lower-drop) footwear or ultra-plush max-cushion shoes, the Pegasus 41's traditional design isn’t the best option. The Pegasus has an average amount of cushioning, which is honestly low by today’s running shoe standards. They also have some of the most heel-to-toe drop of any running shoe. Many runners are used to running in 10mm drop shoes, but that’s not what everyone prefers.
Where to buy the Nike Pegasus 41
The Nike Pegasus 41 road running shoes are popular footwear, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Similar products
Nike Pegasus 40
MSRP: $130
Weight (pair): 1 lb, 2.8 oz (men’s), 15.4 oz (women’s)
Cushion: Maximum
Drop: 10 mm
Stack height: 33 - 23 mm
The previous version of the Pegasus offers similar performance with slight differences in upper construction and midsole materials. The Pegasus 40’s upper is not as breathable as the engineered mesh added to the 41. Pegasus 41 utilizes the newer ReactX midsole foam, while the 40 has the older React foam, with ReactX offering a greater energy return.
Nike Pegasus 40
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Hoka Clifton 10
MSRP: $150
Weight (pair): 1 lb, 3.6 oz men’s, 1 lb women’s
Cushion: Plush
Drop: 8 mm
Stack height: 42 - 34 mm
The Hoka Clifton 10 features significantly more stack height, and therefore more underfoot cushion, than the Pegasus 41. The Clifton also has 8 mm of heel-to-toe drop, compared to 10 mm on the Pegasus. The Clifton has a stack height of 41–33 mm, and will feel pillowy soft compared to the firmer midsole and less stack height of the Pegasus.
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Adidas Supernova Rise
MSRP: $140
Weight (pair): 1 lb, 3.4 oz men’s, 1 lb, 0.2 oz women’s
Cushion: Maximum
Drop: 10 mm
Stack height: 36 - 26 mm
The Supernova Rise, also called the Supernova 3, is another daily trainer option. The Supernova uses a different midsole foam technology, which will feel more bouncy than the traditional Pegasus. The Pegasus and Supernova both have a 10mm heel-to-toe drop and similar stack heights, so they feel quite comparable overall.
Adidas Supernova Rise
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Brooks Ghost 17
MSRP: $150
Weight (pair): 1 lb, 4.2 oz men’s, 1 lb, 2 oz women’s
Cushion: Moderate
Drop: 10 mm
Stack height: 37 - 27 mm
The Brooks Ghost 17 features softer cushioning in the midsole than the Pegasus 41’s firm cushioning. If you're looking for a softer ride, consider the Brooks Ghost 17. If you want more responsiveness in the midsole, the Pegasus is a better option. Otherwise, these two shoes are quite similar; each has a 10mm drop and a 37–27 mm stack height.
Brooks Ghost 17
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Women's
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27
MSRP: $165
Weight (pair): 1 lb, 5.9 oz men’s, 1 lb, 3 oz women’s
Cushion: Maximum
Drop: 8 mm
Stack height: 43.5 - 35.5 mm
The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 features a 43.5mm stack height in the rearfoot, accompanied by an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, providing significantly more cushioning than the Pegasus 41. This makes the Nimbus 27 better suited for recovery runs and walks than the Pegasus. If you’re looking for a max-cushion shoe, the Nimbus is a better choice, but it won’t be as fast as the Pegasus 41.
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27
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New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14
MSRP: $165
Weight (pair): 1 lb, 5 oz men’s, 1 lb, 0.6 oz women’s
Cushion: Maximum
Drop: 6 mm
Stack height: 32 - 26 mm
The Fresh Foam X 1080v14 has 6 mm of heel-to-toe drop compared to the 10mm drop of the Pegasus. The Fresh Foam X features a softer midsole material than the Pegasus as well. The Pegasus is less expensive than the Fresh Foam X, too.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14
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Altra Torin 8
MSRP: $150
Weight (pair): 1 lb, 4.7 oz men’s, 1 lb, 1.3 oz women’s
Cushion: Moderate
Drop: 0 mm
Stack height: 30 mm
The Altra Torin 8 features a zero-drop platform, which is very different than the 10mm heel-to-toe drop of the Pegasus. The Torin also has less cushion than the Pegasus, with only 30 mm of stack in the heel. However, since the Torin has zero heel-to-toe drop, that 30 mm of cushioning in the forefoot is more than the 27 mm of forefoot stack in the Pegasus. These shoes are almost as different as you can get between road running shoes.
Altra Torin 8
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About the author / Why you should trust us
Sam Schild is a thru-hiker, runner, cyclist, and mountain athlete based in Colorado. He’s been a runner since he was a child, when he ran five days a week as crosstraining for soccer. As he grew older, he stopped playing team sports and focused on running and cycling.
Sam regularly runs five days a week or more. He has completed countless ultra-distance, self-supported trail runs on trails throughout the American Southwest. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail, Arizona Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and the Colorado Trail twice, always in running shoes.
You can read more about Sam on his author page or his website.
