REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Affordable
Reliable
REASONS TO AVOID
Basic
Can feel mushy
Less responsive
Lacks stability
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 - Women's Review
This reliable daily trainer provides a comfortable ride but lacks some of the elements that could make it a truly amazing road running shoe
The Pegasus makes a great daily trainer because of its comfort and fit.
Credit: Prudence Amsden
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Our Verdict
The Nike Pegasus 40 has long been a popular running shoe, and this time around, it almost holds up to the hype. This neutral road shoe has a measured offset of 11mm and enough cushion to make it a comfortable daily trainer. The Pegasus has plentiful underfoot cushion, which inhibits some of its responsiveness. With a bit of lateral support, the mushiness of underfoot foam is comfortable, though not entirely functional. If you want a daily trainer that will provide comfort, the Pegasus is a good choice. If you have serious race goals, this might not be the best shoe to support them.
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 This Product
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 - Women's | |||||
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| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $129.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $139.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $139.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $144.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $120 List $86.40 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | For reliability and comfort, this is an affordable shoe that will stick with you, though it lacks the responsiveness and stability of other kicks | This running shoe offers the performance technology and comfort needed to be your go-to shoe, no matter your running goals | The structure and comfort of this shoe make it a highly recommended option for long distance runners who want a reliable road running steed | The big underfoot stack of this shoe provides great comfort and more responsiveness than expected, though the overall fit will not appeal to all | While not a race-focused shoe, this affordable and bouncy option will keep your legs turning over quickly and easily |
| Rating Categories | Nike Air Zoom Pegas... | Asics Novablast 4 -... | Brooks Adrenaline G... | Hoka Clifton 9 - Wo... | Saucony Kinvara 14... |
| Cushioning and Landing Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Responsiveness (25%) | |||||
| Stability (20%) | |||||
| Upper Comfort (15%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Nike Air Zoom Pegas... | Asics Novablast 4 -... | Brooks Adrenaline G... | Hoka Clifton 9 - Wo... | Saucony Kinvara 14... |
| Weight (per shoe, size 6.5) | 8.01 oz | 7.36 oz | 8.21 oz | 7.16 oz | 5.55 oz |
| Style | Neutral | Neutral | Supportive | Neutral/maximum | Neutral |
| Sizes Available | 5 - 12 US | 5 - 12 US | 5 - 13 US | 5 - 12 US | 5 - 12 US |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 11 mm | 9 mm | 12 mm | 6 mm | 5 mm |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 33 mm | 40 mm | 34 mm | 34 mm | 30 mm |
| Measured Forefoot Stack Height | 22 mm | 31 mm | 22 mm | 28 mm | 25 mm |
| Claimed Heel-to-Toe Drop | 10 mm | 8 mm | 12 mm | 5 mm | 4 mm |
| Claimed Heel Stack Height | Not stated | 40.5 mm | Not stated | Not stated | 31 mm |
| Claimed Forefoot Stack Height | Not stated | 32.5 mm | Not stated | Not stated | 27 mm |
| Measured Outsole Length | 10.50 in | 10.65 in | 10.50 in | 10.44 in | 10.13 in |
| Measured Outsole Width | 3.90 in | 4.32 in | 4.25 in | 4.15 in | 3.96 in |
| Upper | Mesh | Engineered knit mesh | Engineered air mesh | Engineered mesh | Mesh |
| Midsole | Nike React EVA foam | FF Blast Plus Eco | DNA Loft v2 | EVA foam | PWRRUN, PWRRUN+ |
| Outsole | Rubber | AHAR outsole | Rubber | Durabrasion rubber | XT-900 rubber |
| Measured Outsole Hardness | 75 HA | 59 HA | 47 HA | 36 HA at arch, 73 HA rest of shoe | 63 HA at inner toe/outer heel, 35 HA rest of shoe |
| Heel Tab Type | None | Finger loop | None | Extended heel pull | Finger loop |
| Width Options | Regular, wide | Regular | Narrow, medium, wide, extra wide | Regular, wide | Regular, wide |
| Heel Compression Stiffness | 49 lbf | 44 lbf | 52 lbf | 41 lbf | 40 lbf |
| Toe Compression Stiffness | 43 lbf | 38 lbf | 56 lbf | 42 lbf | 42 lbf |
| Toe Box Volume | 7.4 in^3 | 6.2 in^3 | 6.5 in^3 | 6.5 in^3 | 6.7 in^3 |
| Rocker Angle | 13.0 deg | 22.0 deg | 26.5 deg | 18.5 deg | 26.0 deg |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The body of the updated Nike Pegasus is nearly universal in its comfort. With ample cushion, this is a great shoe for daily runs when you want to focus on getting out the door and not fiddling with your gear.
Performance Comparison
This 11mm drop road shoe is great for long training runs, though it is not our top recommendation for race day.
Credit: Prudence Amsden
Cushioning and Landing Comfort
The Pegasus 40 has solid underfoot cushioning, which provides a nice crash pad for your feet as you run. The interior packs out after a few runs, which increases comfort as the shoe conforms to your unique foot shape. But, while comfortable, the underfoot cushion can feel a bit mushy if you are accustomed to running in shoes with a stiffer platform. This is especially true in the forefoot, as the rear has a bit more structure.
The stack and overall shape of the Pegasus 40 make it a truly comfortable shoe.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Since we recommend the Pegasus as a daily trainer, the underfoot comfort is welcomed and appreciated. After all, if you are pounding pavement day in and day out, you'll want some protection to dampen the impact on your joints. The slight give of the forefoot cushion as you run might prevent the Pegasus from becoming your peppy race day shoe, but all things considered, this will still allow you to lay down serious miles in comfort.
The interior is relatively soft. This sensation is not perfect for all runners' needs, but it does provide great underfoot comfort.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Responsiveness
The Pegasus rides like it is built for comfort and not for speed, which takes away from its responsiveness a bit. Nike included two Air Zoom units within the sole of the Pegasus. Air Zoom units are basically like little pockets of stretched fibers that create energy return. This technology aside, when laid out against its competition, the Pegasus lacks the responsive energy return of many of its competitors. But if you want combined comfort and responsiveness in a shoe that is appropriate for daily wear, the Pegasus might just suit your fancy.
The Pegasus isn't as responsive as some, making it a great distance shoe, but not necessarily a strong contender when it comes to racing and shorter distances.
Credit: Prudence Amsden
Stability
This is the metric where we have seen the Pegasus make huge strides in recent years. While still not a shoe intended for those looking for strong support, the rigidity of the heel cup has come a long way. The slight stiffness of the collar, combined with its Achilles-cradling taper, makes for a shoe that remains somewhat strong during long runs. The double overlayed mesh of the upper is strong enough to prevent feet from splaying over the edges of the platform, but not strong enough to feel like true lateral support. The updated lacing system, which has a reinforced cutout pattern instead of an eyelet lacing system, helps secure the shoe's upper for added stability. Overpronators, beware: the Pegasus is not a shoe for true stability. But neutral runners looking for some security will feel right at home in this familiar-fitting kick.
The thickness of the heel collar provides strong stability for a neutral shoe.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Upper Comfort
The upper of the Pegasus 40 is comfortable enough to wear daily and stays comfortable on long runs. The upper mesh is lightweight and breathable, making this an appropriate choice for running on hot days. The tongue is comfortably plush, with enough space inside for a lightweight feel. The laterally-adhered tongue helps keep the lace bed exactly how you want it during your runs, so you won't have to stop and re-flatten the tongue on the go. The taper of the heel collar is comfortable and functional, helping create 360-degree comfort for your feet. A wide version of the Pegasus is available for purchase, but the toe box of the regular width is quite spacious, making this shoe a good choice for runners who like to allow their toes to splay.
With a slightly oversized toe box and exceptional breathability, the upper of the Pegasus is super comfortable.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Weight
At 8.01 ounces for a women's size 6.5 shoe, the Pegasus is not particularly light. This is part of the reason why this shoe is best applied as a daily trainer. It isn't light enough to be a speed shoe and isn't heavy or tech-filled enough to be a real workhorse. Its weight is average, which is kind of the whole vibe of the Pegasus.
There is nothing wrong with a women's size 6.5 shoe weighing around 8 ounces, but the average weight is not particularly impressive.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Should You Buy the Nike Pegasus 40?
If a comfortable, daily trainer is what you're after, the Pegasus 40 is a solid choice that is available for slightly less money than some of our higher-scoring running shoes. It isn't our first choice recommendation for those who want a specialized shoe, but the Pegasus is likely going to be comfortable for the masses. It has a softness about it that makes you want to slip your feet into it while offering enough structure to be a serious contender in your lineup of long-distance kicks.
For daily training, the Pegasus is a great shoe. It isn't the best for runners with more specialized needs and goals, so consider yours before you buy.
Credit: Prudence Amsden
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
When it comes to hitting all of the basic marks, the Pegasus 40 is solid. If a more specialized shoe is what you're after, it will likely leave you wanting more. If a workhorse with a bit more stability sounds better, check out the Lululemon Blissfeel 2. If lateral support sounds like a better choice, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 might serve your needs better. Finally, for softness and comfort in a more responsive package, check out the Saucony Kinvara 14.
—
Ally Arcuri
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