Our verdict

Nike's updates can be unpredictable, but we can confidently say that the Pegasus 41 is a standout. We were particularly impressed by its features for heel strikers, enhanced by the new plush foam and rockered sole. The shoe maintains its renowned durability too. And despite the $10 price increase, we believe it's justified and well worth it. At the end of the day, although it's been quite some time since 1982—I wasn't even born today!—the Pegasus series is still kicking, and for good reason.

nike sb doormat for women sale shoes Pros

  • Enhanced for heel strikers
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  • Improved breathability
  • Plush upper
  • Good durability
  • Several stability enhancements
  • Newly designed rocker and bevel
  • Solid performance
  • Superior lockdown
  • Sustainable features

nike sb doormat for women sale shoes Cons

  • Not ideal for forefoot strikers
  • Price increased by $10
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Audience verdict

88
Great!

Who should buy

We've thoroughly tested the Pegasus 41 to its limits and are convinced it's a fantastic choice for:

  • Beginners to running seeking a reliable and versatile daily trainer for short, medium and even long runs.
  • Loyal Pegasus aficionados who upgrade annually, as they will find this version to be an exceptional update.
  • Runners who found the previous React midsole lacking in energy return, as they will appreciate the enhanced performance of the new ReactX foam.
  • Heel strikers in search of an affordable, durable, and reliable daily training shoe.

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Who should NOT buy

We've put the Pegasus 41 through rigorous tests and, based on our findings, we think it's not the best option for certain runners.

Specifically, the shoe's cushioning and high heel-to-toe drop make it less suitable for forefoot strikers who may find the design uncomfortable for their running style. For those runners, we recommend considering alternatives like the Saucony Ride 17 or the nike backboard ii womens boots sale, cheap nike jordans paypal 2017.

Additionally, we believe the Pegasus 41 may disappoint those who prefer a lightweight running experience. The shoe's weight might feel cumbersome, particularly for runners accustomed to featherweight models.

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We found in the lab that competitors like the Pink and Gray Jordans Sneakers or the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 present a lighter design with similar pricing. These models are engineered for a lightweight experience—albeit with less durability—which we believe makes them better choices for runners seeking comfort without the bulk.

Cushioning

Heel stack

Running shoes have been growing, and in the last two or three years, we have yet to see an update that significantly reduces stack height. Instead, the trend is towards increasing the height of shoes and adopting a maximalist approach in several daily trainers.

The Pegasus 41 follows this trend, adding more than 3 mm to reach a heel height of 33.6 mm. This is still a very average figure that works well for heel strikers, offering substantial protection even for marathoners looking for a long run shoe. However, it's still outside the maximalist category.

nike pegasus 41 heel stack 21629750 main
Test results
Pegasus 41 33.6 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 395 running shoes
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22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot measures just 22.2 mm, which may not be enough for forefoot strikers—except for lighter runners who prefer a more grounded, natural ride without much cushioning underfoot.

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While we think that forefoot strikers can enjoy the Pegasus 41 for easy runs up to 15K, those planning longer distances might want to consider the nike vortex womens green white dress code. We even refer to it as the "Pegasus Premium" because it includes better materials and a layer of ZoomX foam, plus more stack height in this area. And a higher price tag, too.

kohls nike flex run 2017 women boots size 10 wide Forefoot stack
Test results
Pegasus 41 22.2 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 395 running shoes
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13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

We always measure the drop according to the consistent standards set by World Athletics, and we discovered that the actual offset of the Pegasus 41 remains in the high end of the spectrum at 11.4 mm, only slightly higher than the 10 mm Nike claims. We're happy with such a minor discrepancy.

Test results
Pegasus 41 11.4 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 395 running shoes
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0.0 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Speaking of a luxurious feel, the standout feature of the Pegasus 41 is the introduction of ReactX foam, which we previously encountered in the InfinityRN 4 but is now making its debut in Nike's best-selling series.

What's special about this foam? Essentially, it's a refined version of React that's softer, bouncier, and, according to Nike, more sustainable. We give a big thumbs up to all these improvements here in the lab, especially because React was starting to feel a bit outdated against most competitors.

nike air max plus 52630022 size calculator, we sliced the shoe in half and discovered that at 15.8 HA in our durometer, it matched our initial impressions—it's plusher than the React foam in the Pegasus 40, which measured 17.6 HA, though not by a huge margin.

kohls nike flex run 2017 women boots size 10 wide ReactX Foam

Nonetheless, it's a positive modification for us as the shoe also returns more energy with each stride, albeit not quite reaching ZoomX levels.

Test results
Pegasus 41 15.8 HA
Average 21.0 HA
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Compared to 322 running shoes
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8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

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While ReactX offers several improvements over React, we found that its performance in cold temperatures isn't one of them. In our lab tests, the Pegasus 40 became 19.1% firmer after 20 minutes in the freezer, whereas the v41 hardened by 37.1%.

nike pegasus 41 difference in midsole softness in cold 21629752 main
Test results
Pegasus 41 37%
Average 25%
Compared to 322 running shoes
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0%
women nike orange ombre
63%

Insole thickness

We discovered that the insole has a thickness of 5.1 mm, which enhances the overall softness of the shoe, giving it a more luxurious feel than previous Pegasus.

nike pegasus 41 insole thickness 21629755 main
Test results
Pegasus 41 5.1 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 391 running shoes
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1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Rocker

We mentioned before that this is an outstanding Peg for heel strikers, and the rocker that we discovered only confirms this. This is definitely the most curved sole Nike has ever designed for a Pegasus, featuring a notable heel bevel and a more pronounced toe spring.

Don’t get us wrong—it’s still a shoe that delivers a classic, natural ride, nothing like the gray nike roshes for women black hair care at all. However, in our view, those who appreciate rockered running shoes that help launch them forward when landing on the heel will find this to be the best Pegasus yet, without a doubt.

Air Zoom

Another classic feature of the Pegasus series is the Air Zoom technology, which has been a staple for over a decade and repeats in version 41 with two units—one in the heel and one in the forefoot.

nike pegasus 41 air zoom 21636070 main

While they don't make a significant difference over the foam itself, they certainly don't detract from the shoe's performance either. Air Zoom performs reliably and endures forever, but of course they are not as responsive as the units in the Alphafly 3.

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Size and fit

Size

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1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 371 running shoes
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½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

The Pegasus series has often been regarded as the “default” daily trainer in the industry—a shoe designed to follow Pareto’s principle by catering to the majority of runners with its versatile-yet-reliable fit.

To verify this, we created a gel cast of the toebox for comparison against other shoes. After testing and measuring the widest part of the upper, we found it to be 94.6 mm. This measurement aligns with most average workhorse trainers but leans slightly toward a snug-fit profile—a consistent feature in Nike shoes.

kohls nike flex run 2017 women boots size 10 wide Toebox width - widest part
Test results
Pegasus 41 94.6 mm
Average 95.5 mm
Compared to 150 running shoes
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90.9 mm
Toebox width - widest part
102.4 mm

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We had hoped for a roomier fit in the toe area with this update, but Nike retained the same tapered shape seen in other Pegasus models. After testing and measuring the gel mold again, we discovered a 72.9 mm width.

nike pegasus 41 toebox 21636054 main

In our experience, this keeps the fit aligned with average daily trainers, although runners seeking more space for toe splay may feel limited and prefer the anatomic design of the Altra Torin 7.

kohls nike flex run 2017 women boots size 10 wide nike hoops elite backpack pink and gold sneakers
Test results
Pegasus 41 72.9 mm
Average 73.7 mm
Compared to 150 running shoes
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67.9 mm
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83.6 mm

Toebox height

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Through our testing, we discovered a toebox height of 26.4 mm, which feels sufficient—thanks to its soft-breathable mesh that doesn’t press against the toes—though it’s far from being a high-volume upper.

nike pegasus 41 toebox height 22377722 main
Test results
Pegasus 41 26.4 mm
Average 27.2 mm
Compared to 149 running shoes
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22.4 mm
Toebox height
33.8 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Besides the ReactX foam upgrade, another significant improvement in the Pegasus 41 over most of its predecessors is stability, especially for heel strikers.

Right from the start, we found this model to be much more supportive than earlier versions, achieving this through subtle changes that we will discuss in a moment, and some interesting enhancements such as midsole sidewalls and midfoot guidance in the outsole.

Torsional rigidity

Thanks to the full-length longitudinal groove running through the outsole, the torsional rigidity of the Pegasus 41 stays low, even with the addition of a few extra millimeters of foam in the midsole. We gave it a rating of 2 out of 5.

Test results
Pegasus 41 2
Average 3.4
Compared to 374 running shoes
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1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

Conversely, the heel counter undergoes a significant change. We rated the Pegasus 40 at 2 out of 5, but for the Pegasus 41, we've increased the score to 4 out of 5. This adjustment clearly aims to trade a bit of comfort for increased stability, similar to what Adidas achieved with the Supernova Rise, pink nike sneakers with rhinestone boots.

If rigid heel counters tend to irritate your Achilles, you might want to consider a shoe with an ultra-pliable heel like the nike air zoom strong for running black shoes free.

Test results
Pegasus 41 4
Average 2.9
Compared to 358 running shoes
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1
Heel counter stiffness
5

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The Pegasus 41 is noticeably larger compared to its predecessors, a change that positively enhances the stability of the shoe. It now provides a wider landing base suitable for every runner, regardless of their footstrike.

In the forefoot, we measured 115.6 mm, which puts it in the same class as the Vomero series, known for its wider design.

kohls nike flex run 2017 women boots size 10 wide Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Pegasus 41 115.6 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 396 running shoes
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103.3 mm
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126.9 mm

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If there was any significant drawback for heel strikers in the Pegasus, it was the narrow heel width, which has now been effectively addressed.

Measuring at 89.2 mm, the heel width is now truly comparable to most running shoes, offering a very standard design in this area, yet the shoe maintains its agility.

kohls nike flex run 2017 women boots size 10 wide Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Pegasus 41 89.2 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 396 running shoes
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73.0 mm
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106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

Despite its slightly more rockered design, we discovered during our test runs that the Pegasus 41 is still a classic running experience, largely due to its flexibility. The outsole design required only a minimal force of 19.2N to bend it to 90 degrees in our lab.

We're pleased with this outcome. In an era where some daily trainers have become super stiff, it's refreshing to see that some dependable, traditional daily trainers continue to provide comfort underfoot, promoting foot strength and remaining suitable for everyday activities beyond running.

Test results
Pegasus 41 19.2N
Average 28.1N
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Compared to 378 running shoes
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2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Stiffness in cold (%)

Based on our initial findings with the foam, we had low expectations for this test, and unfortunately, we were correct.

Upon re-evaluating the stiffness after another 20 minutes in the freezer, we observed a 40.4% increase, which is excessive and likely to make the shoe noticeably stiffer for runners in very cold temperatures.

Test results
Pegasus 41 40%
Average 33%
Compared to 378 running shoes
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0%
Stiffness in cold
111%

Weight

During our initial test runs, we didn't find the Pegasus 41 particularly heavy, and it seemed to us to be on par with the previous model and other workhorses. We later confirmed this on the scale, which showed a weight just under 10 oz—specifically, 9.9 oz (281g), a minor 0.2-oz bump from its predecessor.

While we consider this a decent weight, it's not fantastic by any means, especially since the market now includes many daily trainers that offer similar features but at a much lighter weight. We believe there's room for improvement in this regard for the next year's Pegasus.

nike pegasus 41 weight 21629767 main
Test results
Pegasus 41 9.91 oz (281g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 396 running shoes
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5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

One of the aspects we were less fond of with the Pegasus 40 was its tendency to run a bit warm due to its dense upper. However, when we first unboxed this update, it was clear that Nike had addressed this issue. The ventilation holes are now prominently featured throughout the toebox, a promising initial sign, yet we still needed to confirm their effectiveness here in the lab.

We began our testing with the smoke-pumping machine. There, we discovered a clear improvement; with a score of 4/5, this is a 1-point upgrade from the v40 (3/5).

Using a light, we also examined how Nike has refined the shoe’s ventilation structure. We found that they went all-in for breathability in the toebox while reinforcing the structure in other areas of the shoe—like the midfoot, heel, and even the toecap. This should improve stability and durability.

nike pegasus 41 toebox microscope 21636057 main

Our focus today shifted to the toebox, the main contributor to the excellent ventilation. To get a closer look at those tiny holes, we turned on the microscope.

kohls nike flex run 2017 women boots size 10 wide microscope mesh

Under magnification, we could see the engineered mesh featuring numerous holes that facilitate the escape of hot air and moisture. While there's a black layer beneath these holes, it's thin enough to ensure it doesn’t significantly hinder airflow too much.

Certainly, without that underlying layer, the shoe might have scored a perfect 5/5 for ventilation in our evaluations. However, removing it would compromise comfort and durability—trade-offs we’re not willing to make in a daily trainer.

Test results
Pegasus 41 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 325 running shoes
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1
Breathability
5

Durability

nike sb doormat for women sale shoes | Toebox durability

After confirming its optimal breathability, it's now time to evaluate whether the engineered mesh upper also provides at least average durability. We were initially uncertain if the mesh would hold up due to its numerous ventilation holes.

Indeed, we found that it does. While the white mesh disappeared—as we anticipated—the secondary black layer remained intact, earning a 3/5 in our evaluation. This is reassuring, as most runners expect their Pegasus to endure not just for running, but also for multiple activities after their running days are over.

kohls nike flex run 2017 women boots size 10 wide Toebox durability
Test results
Pegasus 41 3
Average 2.5
Compared to 259 running shoes
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1
Toebox durability
5

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Another common area of concern for many runners in terms of durability is the Achilles padding, which can sometimes degrade after just a few runs.

However, we think this won't be a problem with the Pegasus 41. Scoring a 4/5 in our second Dremel test, it's highly unlikely to see early damage in this area.

kohls nike flex run 2017 women boots size 10 wide nike air max backpack silver gold price ratio
Test results
Pegasus 41 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 255 running shoes
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1
nike air max backpack silver gold price ratio
5

Outsole hardness

Turning our attention to the iconic waffle outsole—a design still thriving since Bill Bowerman's 1974 patent—we began by assessing the hardness of the blown rubber compound.

nike pegasus 41 outsole 21636062 main
The outsole includes multiple holes in the forefoot and a large longitudinal groove, both of which are excellent for enhancing flexibility and water drainage.

With a hardness of 89.0 HC, Nike clearly took no risks here. Although not excellent, the traction is sufficient, suggesting that the harder rubber should also provide good durability, which is what we anticipate. Now, let's put it to the test!

kohls nike flex run 2017 women boots size 10 wide Outsole hardness
Test results
Pegasus 41 89.0 HC
Average 79.8 HC
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Compared to 376 running shoes
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57.0 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

In our third and final Dremel test, we increased the tool's revolutions up to 10,000 to truly challenge the rubber.

What we found left us moderately satisfied. To be honest, given the rubber's hardness, we had hoped for slightly better durability. However, the presence of a 0.9-mm dent confirms that it should still offer a decent lifespan, even when used on a mix of asphalt, easy trails, or gravel roads.

nike pegasus 41 outsole durability 21639006 main
Test results
Pegasus 41 0.9 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 237 running shoes
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0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

We also checked the thickness of the rubber, and at 3.0 mm, it should pose no problems at all. It’s an average design choice, which fits very well what we consider to be the "standard" running shoe after 41 editions.

nike pegasus 41 outsole thickness 21629748 main
Test results
Pegasus 41 3.0 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 393 running shoes
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1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

Achieving an A grade in every aspect also means including reflective elements for us, and the Peg 41 delivers with three reflective pieces—one inside and two outside.

It would be easy for them to overlook these tiny details and save a bit of money on each pair—similar to the famous American Airlines olive story—but we believe that such a choice would have been far less beneficial for Nike.

Test results
Pegasus 41 Yes

Tongue padding

At the end of the day, the Peg aims to satisfy everyone, and the best way to do that in a running shoe is by adding just the right amount of padding in the tongue.

kohls nike flex run 2017 women boots size 10 wide tongue laces
The "Peg XLI" detail is a nice touch. As for the flat laces, they're again perfectly adequate—really, there’s nothing to worry about here!

That's exactly what Nike accomplished. With 6.6 mm of padding in a single slab of foam, we found it provides ample cushioning—even for those who tighten their laces with Hulk-like strength. We also appreciate that it features slightly less padding than its predecessor's 8.6 mm, which felt a bit excessive to us.

nike pegasus 41 tongue padding 21629765 main
Test results
Pegasus 41 6.6 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 393 running shoes
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0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

While we often encounter shoes priced over $150 with a tongue that shifts around and drives us crazy in our test runs, we are thrilled to confirm that the Pegasus 41 keeps its fully-gusseted tongue.

This design ensures it's securely attached to the sides, significantly improving the shoe's fit, so it didn't bother us even at fast paces. Another box checked!

kohls nike flex run 2017 women boots size 10 wide Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Pegasus 41 Both sides (full)

Heel tab

We discovered that the Pegasus 41 maintains the same Achilles design as previous models, such as the Pegasus 40, marking yet another year without a finger-loop heel tab.

kohls nike flex run 2017 women boots size 10 wide Heel tab
Test results
Pegasus 41 None

Removable insole

We were able to remove the insole and, thanks to the shoe's standard last, we easily replaced it with some aftermarket footbeds.

nike pegasus 41 removable insole 21629766 main
Test results
Pegasus 41 Yes