The Nike Air Pegasus 41 is the latest iteration in a long line of daily trainers that have defined reliability and versatility for over four decades. Since its debut in 1983, the Pegasus series has been known as Nike’s workhorse—favoured by beginners and seasoned runners alike. In 2024, the Pegasus 41 delivers refined cushioning, improved responsiveness, and subtle updates to the upper—all designed to make daily running more comfortable without losing the DNA that made it iconic.
We put the Pegasus 41 through more than 150 km of testing across pavement, park paths, and light gravel. Here’s how it stacks up on fit, cushioning, durability, and performance—and whether it earns a spot in your rotation.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | ~283g (Men’s UK 9), ~230g (Women’s UK 6.5) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Midsole | ReactX foam + forefoot Air Zoom unit |
| Stack Height | 38 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot |
| Upper Material | Engineered mesh with zonal reinforcement |
| Outsole | Durable rubber with waffle traction |
| Fit | True to size; medium width |
| Price | £124.95 RRP (often £95–£110 discounted) |
Design and Upper Construction
The Pegasus 41 retains a familiar silhouette but refines the details:
- Engineered mesh upper features zonal reinforcement in high-stress areas like the toe and midfoot, while keeping the heel soft and flexible.
- Tongue and collar are generously padded, offering plush comfort for longer runs and all-day wear.
- Internal heel counter adds structure without feeling rigid.
- Lacing system now uses semi-floating loops that distribute pressure evenly.
Breathability is improved over the Pegasus 40 thanks to finer mesh weave and airflow zones. It’s not the lightest upper in its category, but it offers solid protection and a locked-in fit without hotspots or over-compression.
Midsole and Cushioning
Nike swapped the React foam from previous versions for ReactX in the Pegasus 41—a slightly softer, more energetic compound claimed to reduce the carbon footprint by up to 40% compared to standard React.
- Heel comfort is noticeably softer, especially for heel strikers or those logging recovery miles.
- Air Zoom unit in the forefoot adds pop during toe-off, which balances out the plushness with a bit of snap.
- Ride feel remains neutral but is more cushioned overall than the Pegasus 40.
We found the shoe suitable for everything from easy 5ks to moderate tempo efforts. It’s not built for speed days, but the ReactX and Air Zoom combo make it forgiving over long distances—particularly for newer runners and those prioritising comfort.
Outsole and Grip
Nike continues to use the classic waffle-pattern rubber outsole, refined for better traction and durability:
- Forefoot coverage has been extended for improved grip during cornering and wet runs.
- Lateral crash rails help guide smoother transitions and landings.
- Rubber compound feels stickier than the Pegasus 40 and performs better on wet tarmac and park paths.
While not designed for off-road terrain, the Pegasus 41 handles light gravel and groomed dirt trails without issue. Durability after 150km shows minimal wear—making it well-suited for daily training across varied conditions.
Fit and Sizing
The Pegasus 41 fits true to size for most runners, with a medium-width last that accommodates a variety of foot shapes. Notable observations:
- Toe box is slightly more roomy than previous versions, allowing natural toe splay.
- Midfoot feels secure with no excess pressure or looseness.
- Heel lockdown is solid—no slippage even on steep descents.
Wide versions are available in both men’s and women’s models, and the padding across the tongue and collar helps dial in comfort without over-constricting the ankle.
On the Run: Testing Scenarios
We tested the Pegasus 41 over several typical running scenarios:
Easy Runs (5–10K)
Smooth, soft landing with a balanced ride. Great for recovery days.
Long Runs (10–18K)
Cushion remains stable; ReactX foam doesn’t bottom out. Forefoot spring helps with turnover.
Light Tempos
Feels responsive but not snappy—better for moderate pace changes than high-intensity efforts.
Pavement + Gravel Mix
Handles varied terrain well. Outsole rubber performs impressively on damp gravel and cobbled paths.
The Pegasus 41 feels more dialled in for comfort-focused runners than speed-seeking elites. It’s made for consistency, not intensity—which aligns well with its daily trainer role.
Durability
After 150 km of mixed-condition running:
- Outsole rubber shows minimal wear; forefoot lugs remain intact.
- Midsole ReactX foam retains bounce and shape.
- Upper mesh holds firm with no delamination or tearing.
- Laces and eyelets remain sturdy with no pressure points or loss of tension.
Based on past Pegasus models, users can expect 500–600 km of usable life before foam compression or outsole degradation sets in—especially if rotated with other shoes.
Comparison: Pegasus 41 vs Popular Daily Trainers
| Shoe | Weight | Drop | Ride Feel | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Pegasus 41 | 283g | 10mm | Soft + balanced | All-round daily training | £124.95 |
| Brooks Ghost 15 | 278g | 12mm | Smooth + plush | Neutral miles, comfort | £130 |
| ASICS Novablast 4 | 260g | 8mm | Bouncy + fast | Tempo and long runs | £140 |
| Saucony Ride 17 | 278g | 8mm | Soft + responsive | Moderate pace workouts | £135 |
The Pegasus remains the best option for runners seeking a versatile shoe they can wear most days—especially at its frequent discounted price point.
Pros
- Soft, balanced ride with new ReactX midsole
- Breathable and secure upper construction
- Excellent durability for daily mileage
- Suitable for a wide range of runner types
- Works well for beginners, commuters, and comfort-first runners
- Good value, especially when discounted
Cons
- Slightly heavier than past versions
- Not ideal for dedicated speedwork or racing
- No rock plate or aggressive lug for trail crossover
- Midsole lacks maximal energy return compared to ZoomX models
- Styling updates are minor—some may feel it’s too familiar
Final Verdict
The Nike Air Pegasus 41 (2024) is another strong instalment in a legendary lineage. It refines the formula just enough to keep things fresh—adding more comfort and responsiveness without straying from its all-rounder DNA.
For most runners, this is a shoe you can pull from the rack any day of the week. Whether you’re building a base, hitting recovery miles, or doing versatile mileage with minimal fuss, the Pegasus 41 delivers a dependable and forgiving ride.
It’s not flashy. It’s not explosive. But it’s solid, consistent, and trustworthy—which makes it a staple shoe for runners who prioritise durability and comfort.
Rating: 9.1/10
Best For: Daily training, beginner to intermediate runners, light gravel
Avoid If: You want ultra-light speed or aggressive trail grip
