Since 1982 the Pegasus has been a favourite of runners the world over. Affordable, comfortable and offering a versatility of performance it has been a deserved favourite. Does the Pegasus 41 continue the legacy?
Nike Pegasus 41 Introduction:
Life Begins At 41?
Nike’s Pegasus line is one of the longest standing brand lines in the running world. Now in its 41st iteration, the Workhorse With Wings has had many looks and seen the advent of many of Nike’s technologies within its foams. Some iterations have been real hits, others have left runners feeling rather flat.
I am sure that most people reading this will have at least one pair of Pegasus in their running history. They are reasonably priced, available everywhere and usually on sale. Nike’s do-it-all shoe has been a both sporting and fashion icon in its time. What have Nike done to change the shoe now it has reached the naughty forties?
The Pegasus 41 brings ReactX foam to the mix. Nike claim that it has 13% more energy return than previous React foams. Two Air Zoom units, one forefoot and one in the heel, are also included to increase bounce and comfort. During this review we will see how much of a difference the additions make to the mix.
Specs:
Stack height: 37mm in the heel to 27mm in the forefoot
Drop: 10mm
Weight: 297g | 10.5oz
Price: €140 | £129.99
Nike Pegasus 41 Upper:
Easy Daily Comfort
Before I start this section fully, I would like to point out that Nike seem to have designed their running shoe last on my foot. I have never had an issue with fit in a Nike shoe and the Pegasus 41 is no different. The engineered mesh upper wraps the foot well and gives no spots of rubbing or discomfort. The heel cup is stout and keeps the foot firmly in place.
Padding in the upper is fairly plentiful and placed in the right areas. The heel collar and surrounds have a good coverage of foam and protect the foot on the run. Moving down the shoe, the tongue is quite thickly padded and helps with the lockdown of the Pegasus 41. The lace section is a fairly standard affair with no Flywire or other additions to the lace loops. That said, lockdown is easy to achieve and the laces stay tied with no fuss on the run.
Despite the rather warm summer temperatures I have tested the Pegasus during, I have had no issues with breathability. Overall, the upper of the Pegasus 41 does what one would hope for from a daily trainer. It offers comfort, security and, in my opinion, some good looks. The range of colours that Nike will offer tend to make it easy to match the Pegasus with any outfit too!
Midsole:
Changes Abound
The midsole sees the biggest changes in the Pegasus 41. From regular React foam, it receives an upgrade to ReactX. This is Nike’s new answer for their daily shoes. Injection moulded instead of compression, it is less dense and offers more energy return. Within the ReactX foam, we find an Air Zoom pod in both the forefoot and heel.
On the run, the Pegasus 41 does feel more lively than my last version, the 39. I have had the opportunity to use the Pegasus 41 for daily runs and a couple of interval sessions. The ride is pleasant for me for the first 16 kilometres or so. After that, I find the apparent 27mm forefoot (Nike’s claim) feels a lot thinner than that. That said, for shorter runs and those times when I’ve wanted to pick up the pace a little, it has been no issue at all.
I would imagine that heel strikers would benefit more from the midsole design of the Pegasus 41. The 37mm heel does feel like it comes in a lot closer to the given thickness and the Air Zoom pod in the heel really adds to the cushioned feel there. Furthermore, the 10mm drop does make the ride of the Pegasus 41 feel smooth.
As far as 13% more energy return than previous models? It certainly doesn’t feel like ZoomX or even the FuelCell of the Rebel v4. The ride is stable, dampened and capable. If you are looking for a real burst of excitement, you should probably look elsewhere. But if you are a new runner or someone who is looking for reliable comfort and doesn’t mind a thin feel in the forefoot, the Pegasus 41 could be a winner for you.
Nike Pegasus 41 Outsole:
Waffley Goodness
My set of the Pegasus 41 came equipped with Nike’s waffle lugs on outsole duties. The rubber appears durable with no visible wear after 50 or more running kilometres and more walking and daily wear. Coverage is fairly comprehensive. There is a channel cut in the rubber from tip of forefoot to heel to add some flexibility. There is also a wider cutout in the middle of the heel which extends to the medial side of the foam.
During my testing, I have had no issues with grip on pavement whether wet or dry. It has also taken me on some light trails with no fuss. No complaints about the road rubber from Nike here.
Nike Pegasus 41 Conclusion:
A Dependable Daily Which Offers Good Value
Firstly, the Pegasus 41 might not be the most exciting daily shoe available. However, its price and performance do make it a worthwhile consideration for most runners. The ride is smooth, stable and it can show a good level of response when needed. The upper is very comfortable and offers all day wearability. Furthermore, the outsole and midsole are sure to offer good durability which only increases the value of the shoe.
The downside of the Pegasus 41 for me is the thin feeling of the forefoot. After a while, especially as a forefoot striker, the ride stops being a joy. From the outside, the foam in the forefoot does look quite a bit thinner than the claimed 27mm. However, as a daily shoe for those not running ultra distances, the Pegasus 41 is an attractive package which will suit the majority of runners styles and needs.
