SF Wear Test: The Nike Pegasus 41

With over 40 years of heritage, it’s fair to say the Nike Pegasus line is steeped in running legacy. But like any good franchise, the key to its survival lies in its evolution. The Pegasus 40 marked the ruby anniversary last year, and the Swoosh improved even more on the model when they dropped the Pegasus 41 in June. Decked out with a new, more sustainable build and given a boost with Zoom ReactX Foam, the Peg 41 promised a solid step up for Nike’s trusty workhorse, but the only way to know for sure was to test out its new wings. Read on to see how the Pegasus 41 stacked up in our wear test.

About the Nike Pegasus 41

Having first hit the shelves in 1983, Nike’s Pegasus running shoe line is one of the trustiest franchises in the Swoosh’s stable. The Peg first touched down when Air was in its infancy, but it changed the game as one of the earliest shoes to feature the tech in the heel as opposed to the full-length of the sole, allowing the model to shed a hefty amount of weight. Coupled with a waffle outsole and foam midsole, the OG Pegasus was a breakthrough for Nike’s running legacy. Though it's far from Nike’s quickest shoe, it is one of the brand’s most reliable runners and one of their bestselling running products.

Now in its 34th iteration (the 41 name is confusing, we know) the Peg has been updated with ReactX Foam for the first time. Nike claims that this gives it 13 per cent more energy return than its predecessor, the Nike Pegasus 40. It also features Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot, and a lightweight mesh upper for better breathability.

Nike Pegasus 41 First Impressions

It’s an embarrassment for me to admit it, but my running journey started in lockdown when I blew my budget on carbon-plated running shoes and got used to uber-springy foam, rocker plates, and faster-than-average 5ks. Realising my mistake (read: suffering from major shin splints), I transitioned away from my Nike Alphaflys and went in search of more cushioned options. After spending some time transitioning between various daily runners, I moved on to the Nike Pegasus 41 in early August.

Straight out of the box, the Pegasus 41 looks great – my pair is the ‘Blueprint’ colourway, which launched ahead of the Olympics. Without having to put them on, I knew they were going to suit me as a heel striker, because the Air Zoom units in that heel make it thicc af. However, that chunky heel comes with a price – the drop between the heel and forefoot is about 10mm, with the heel coming in at around 33mm. This means there’s less cushioning in the forefoot of the shoe, which makes it a little less suitable for forefoot strikers.

Does the Nike Pegasus 41 Fit True to Size?

On putting them on, I found the Pegasus 41 to fit pretty true to size, but it’s available in multiple widths if you struggle with standard-sized running shoes. My feet are a pretty average width, but I have annoyingly skinny ankles, so I often have trouble with runners rubbing and giving me blisters. The Pegasus 41’s ankle support is uber-padded, so there’s no doubt it helped me there, and they’ve always been comfortable in that area.

Nike Pegasus 41 Test Run

Time to take it for its first test run. To me, the Peg 41 instantly felt a little more responsive compared to some of the other daily runners I’ve tried, which is largely down to the Zoom ReactX Foam – a nice upgrade from the Nike Pegasus 40. I put the shoe through its paces over a 5k social run in Paris, finishing off with a relay at the end, and was happy with how well it performed on the surface (and there was the added bonus of needing little-to-no breaking-in period). Since then, I’ve tackled gravel paths and cobbles with it and can report that the Pegasus takes it all in its stride.

What Kind of Runner Is the Nike Pegasus 41 Best For?

Over the course of a couple of months, I made sure to give the Pegasus a fair wear test, putting them through their paces with a mix of tempo, speed, short- and medium-range runs. Of course, they perform some types of runs better than others. Putting it bluntly, speed is not the Pegasus’s forté. You will struggle to get the toe-off you need for anything quick, or to quickly pick up the pace on an interval run.

Needless to say, the Pegasus 41 is not breaking records anytime soon, but that’s not what the Pegasus lineage is about. True to its heritage, the Nike Pegasus 41 is a comfortable runner for those who are just starting out or who want to run a daily 5k or a social-paced 10k, where your pace stays even for a lot of the time, especially if you’re a heel striker. It’s a good upgrade from previous Pegasus iterations like the Pegasus 39 and 40 and is even available in a GORE-TEX version, so Peg loyalists will find it the perfect year-round runner.

However, one issue I did personally find with the Pegasus 41 is that I began to get blisters under my arches at around the 7.5k-8k (or 5-mile) mark. Now that might be an issue with my feet or choice of socks (I actually found the same with my Alphaflys), but it could be something to consider if you find yourself needing more arch support.

Is the Nike Pegasus 41 Durable?

In terms of the Pegasus 41’s durability, mine seem to be holding up quite well. I’ve run about 100km (around 62 miles) in my pair, and the waffle sole shows very few signs of looking worn down. Though the uppers are looking worn, the mesh hasn’t snagged at all and the heel padding is still intact. I would say that’s impressive for the distance, but maybe that’s my sign to get more miles in.

What If the Pegasus 41 Isn’t For Me?

If the humble Peg 41 doesn’t sound quite right for you right now, don’t panic – there’s plenty more in the pipeline as well as other versions that are already available now.

If sizing or security is one of your biggest issues, the Pegasus Easy On comes with toggled laces for an adjustable fit. If you like the Pegasus shape but prefer a more responsive ride, we recommend the Pegasus Plus. This slightly pricier, lighter model features upgraded Flyknit uppers and ZoomX foam, which offers higher energy return than ReactX at the cost of durability over time. The Peg is also due to get a significant upgrade in 2025, with the launch of the Pegasus Premium – stay tuned for a wear test on that pair when they land!

Nike Pegasus FAQs

Is the Nike Pegasus good for running?

Yes, the Nike Pegasus line has been designed with the casual runner in mind. Don’t expect peak performance, but they’ll see you through chilled-out, short- to mid-distance runs very easily.

Are the Nike Pegasus 41 men's and women’s different?

Nike’s men’s and women’s shoes feature the same core technology, but the silhouette will often have adjustments based on fit and biomechanics. Women’s shoes will generally fit a little narrower and shorter than men’s, and may have higher arches to fit their foot anatomy. Some women’s models may also feature small differences like a more flexible sole, as this tends to reflect their pronation patterns.

When did the Nike Pegasus 41 come out?

The Nike Pegasus 41 released in June 2024. They are currently available to buy over at Nike. Hit the link below to get yours.