Nike Pegasus 41 Review: The Flying Horse Is Back!

I’ve had a lot of fun running in the Nike Pegasus 41 over the last couple of weeks and I’m ready to share my thoughts with you in this review. The Pegasus 41 is shoe that’s built to handle your daily training needs but there are so many daily trainers out there to choose from right now, so how does it stack up to the competition and is it worth the $140 price tag – you’re about to find out.

The Nike Pegasus 41 are classic daily trainers ideal for those easy miles, including runs up to 10 km, and if you’re feeling extra spicy, you can use them for some tempo runs too, although I have other preferences for that purpose – if you’re interested to know which are my favorite, just drop me a comment down below.

Do you also run on light trails? Read my Nike Pegasus Trail 5 review next – it may be a better fit for you!

Key specifications of the Nike Pegasus 41

Here are the key stats that you should know regarding the Nike Pegasus 41:

• Price: $140 / £130 at Nike.com
• Fit: True to size, medium width (also available in wide)
• Drop: 10mm (heel to toe)
• Weight: 10oz (283g) for a size US men’s size 9 (my pair)
• Midsole: Nike ReactX foam with two Air Zoom units (one in the forefoot and another in the heel)
• Outsole: Durable, and flexible waffle pattern
• Support type: Neutral daily running shoe

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Fit and Feel

The Pegasus 41 fits true to size and has a medium width which just feels amazing on my feet. There is a wide version available for those with wider feet.

The upper is stretchy and hugs the foot comfortably right out of the box so there’s no breaking in period – which I’d expect from a good daily trainer but still some brands manage to make shoes too stiff from the get go. If you’ve worn previous versions of the Pegasus, you’ll find the same pillow-like comfort here, which is undoubtedly one of the reasons people keep coming back to this line.

Performance Review

At Trail & Kale Running Co., we fully run test the shoes we review (believe it or not, some sites that like to cut shoes in half and call it a review, do not), with that said, you can also watch my performance video review by tapping the image below – Don’t forget to give the video a like if you enjoy it (that really helps our channel), and subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more reviews of the latest running shoes :).

The Nike Pegasus 41 is a top performer within the daily trainer category; here’s my detailed breakdown of its performance features and how they translate to real-world running experiences.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Pegasus 41 is its comfort. Straight out of the box, they feel very cushioned and supportive. The upper, made from a breathable and stretchy material, adapts well to the shape of your foot, providing a snug yet comfortable fit.

This material not only feels soft to the touch but also maintains excellent breathability, keeping your feet cool during longer runs – I know this because one of my runs in these was during 35°C (95°F) heat here in California and although I was struggling in the extreme weather, my feet didn’t overheat.

The padding around the tongue and collar adds an extra layer of comfort, making it a pleasure to wear for extended periods which includes all day as a lifestyle shoe as well as a daily trainer.

The Pegasus 41 strikes that balance of cushioning and responsiveness, which is a key reason for its popularity in the daily trainer category. The React X foam in the midsole is a significant upgrade from the previous versions with it’s improved energy return and that fact it’s more sustainable to manufacture.

Historically, the previous ‘React’ foam (non X version) felt somewhat flat, lacking the energy return that I look for in a pair of running shoes. However, ReactX addresses this issue effectively, providing a much more responsive ride, and a noticeable bounce with each stride. This balance ensures that the shoe is cushioned enough to protect your joints during long runs but responsive enough to make faster paces enjoyable.

The upper’s design and the lacing system contribute significantly to the shoe’s overall performance too. The traditional lacing system, while simple, works exceptionally well in ensuring a secure fit.

The stretchiness of the upper material also adds to this, accommodating various foot shapes and providing a locked-in feel without being restrictive. This combination ensures that your foot stays in place, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort during longer runs.

The outsole of the Pegasus 41 is designed with a durable waffle pattern that enhances traction and flexibility which plays a very important role in the shoe’s overall performance.

The waffle pattern ensures that you get a good grip on various surfaces, and also allows the midsole to flex very easily which I demonstrate in my video review above. The flexibility of the outsole allows your foot to move naturally, promoting a smooth and efficient running gait. This flexibility is especially beneficial during easy runs and long jogs where you don’t want the shoe to fight against your natural foot movement.

Durability is a critical factor for any running shoe, and the Pegasus 41 has been holding up well so far. After several runs, the outsole shows minimal signs of wear, which is impressive compared to a lot of other shoes I test. This durability means you are more likely to be able to rely on the Pegasus 41 for many miles without worrying about the shoe breaking down prematurely – hence making it better value for money.

A notable feature that of the Pegasus 41 that I personally love, and doesn’t get a huge amount of attention in Nike’s marketing, is the subtle articulation in the heel counter.

This design helps to reduce pressure on the Achilles tendon, which is a common area of discomfort for many runners. By providing a slight curve, the heel counter allows for a more natural landing and take-off, reducing strain on the Achilles. This feature is particularly beneficial for runners who have had Achilles tendonitis in the past (like myself), as it provides breathing room for your achilles to move without putting pressure on it as you run or walk.

If you’re currently suffering from heel pain, read my article all about how to recovery from Achilles Tendinitis it quickly. It’s a method I have developed and put into practice twice before, so I know it works! I haven’t had Achilles tendinitis since listening to my own advice about 3 few years ago.

The Pegasus 41 includes reflective detailing around the heel and the front of the shoe. This feature is a thoughtful addition for runners who often find themselves running in low-light conditions, enhancing visibility and safety.

Areas for Improvement

While the Pegasus 41 excels in many areas, there are a few aspects that could be improved. As a neutral shoe, it doesn’t offer the additional support needed for runners with pronation issues, and that’s fine, most daily trainers don’t. If you require a stability shoe, alternatives like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 might be more suitable.

Additionally, at 10 oz, the Pegasus 41 is not the lightest shoe on the market. For those who prefer to prioritize a lightweight trainer for tempo runs for example, I’d recommend looking at the Hoka Mach 6 instead.

Are the Nike Pegasus 41 worth buying?

Is the Nike Pegasus 41 worth the $140 price tag? Absolutely – It’s a reliable, cushioned, and comfortable daily trainer that performs well across various types of runs and even as a daily lifestyle shoe for walking or standing around all day. Whether you’re using it for easy miles, faster paced runs, or even just everyday wear, it offers great versatility and value for money.

Oh bonus, it’s looks really cool too, and there are tons of colorways to choose from – so you’re bound to find a pair that best matches your style.

Shopping around? Here are the best alternative daily trainers right now

If you’re considering alternatives, here are a few other daily trainers that might fit your needs – all of these have been reviewed here at Trail & Kale Running Co., and come recommended by us:

• Brooks Ghost 16: Reliable and comfortable, with a similar balance of cushioning and responsiveness.
• HOKA Clifton 9: An exceptional shoe known for its plush cushioning.
• New Balance 1080 v13: Super cushioned and comfortable, great for those who prefer a plush feel. Very popular among older runners and walkers as it’s so forgiving on your knees.
• ASICS GEL Nimbus 26: Another solid option with excellent cushioning and comfort.

If you have any questions about the Pegasus 41, feel free to drop a comment below. I’m always happy to help you find the perfect running shoe for your needs. Thanks for reading, and if you enjoyed this review, please like, share, and subscribe for more running shoe reviews.