Nike Pegasus 41 running shoe

The Nike Pegasus 41 running shoe has changed a lot from the previous version, but it remains a versatile, comfortable, everyday running shoe that it was in the previous 40th version.

Many people expected the Pegasus 40 to be a big change when it was released in 2023, since it’s a nice number, and since the Pegasus 39 didn’t change much, but it didn’t, with minimal changes to the Pegasus 40. However, the Nike Pegasus 41 has changed in almost every element – it has a new upper, a different, better and higher midsole foam, and the outsole has been redesigned.

Many expected the Pegasus to be a big change, because despite its popularity, the materials and technologies used in previous versions were outdated, and the same versatile everyday running shoes from competing brands are now more modern.

Version 41 has a lot of great innovations, but it only caught up with the competition, not overtook them. But Nike could surpass the competition in everyday running shoes. They have the technical knowledge and materials to do so.

They don’t, and there’s a reason the Pegasus is more than just a running shoe. Over 40 years, it has become an icon not only for runners, but also for people who play other sports or wear them not just for sports, but as everyday wear. In order to keep this target group, Pegasus will not only consider the needs of runners when designing the new version.

And if that’s not enough for a runner, there are plenty of other Nike shoes that are either faster and/or lighter and/or more comfortable.

Regardless, I bought the Pegasus 41 the day it was released. But to be honest, if this running shoe wasn’t called the Pegasus because of these technical features, I’m not sure I would have been as enthusiastic. The Pegasus 41 is a good running shoe, but nothing fancy, nothing exciting.

Nike Pegasus 41 upper

The upper of the Nike Pegasus 41 running shoe is made from a engineered mesh material what has good breathability. The gusseted tongue of the shoe is thickly padded and fixed on both sides. The lacing system has been redesigned, providing great support for the foot. The toebox of the shoe has a flatter design than the rest of the foot, but the mesh material is flexible and fits the shape of the foot well. The heel collar is high, the cup is not stiff, while the lower part of the heel collar is moderately stiff. The heel collar is also very cushioned, keeping the foot comfortable and secure. In the mid upper, Nike uses Dynamic Midfoot Fit technology, which connects the laces and lacing holes directly to an insole, keeping the foot better and more secure. On the heel, the edge of the midsole foam is higher, hugging the foot, giving the shoe good stability. The upper is true to size, as is standard with Nike Pegasus running shoes. You can also buy an extra wide version of the Pegasus 41 running shoe, so it fits all foot widths.

Nike Pegasus 41 midfoot

The midsole of the Nike Pegasus 41 running shoe has also changed a lot from the previous version. The previous React foam has been replaced with ReactX foam, which is softer, has 13% more energy return and is manufactured using a different process, so it has a smaller carbon footprint. The midsole has been increased by 4mm to 37mm at the heel and 27mm at the forefoot. It also has Air Zoom units in the forefoot and in the heel. The new midsole is more flexible, softer, more comfortable and slightly more dynamic. However, it feels less dynamic in the forefoot, it would have been better if the midsole was higher there. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41 has a 10mm drop, which is above average. There is an advantage to this higher drop, as it favors those who hit the heel (the majority of runners), it is more forgiving on the ankle and foot muscles, and you can feel it moving forward. But if the drop was only 7mm and the midsole foam was 38mm at the heel, the midsole would be 4mm higher at the forefoot, which would improve the dynamics of the shoe significantly.

Nike Pegasus 41 Outsole

The outsole of the Nike Pegasus 41 running shoe hasn’t changed much at first glance, but a closer look reveals a lot of changes. The outsole material is still made of a harder rubber compound that has good abrasion resistance and is thick, which makes it durable. The grip of the harder rubber is generally worse, but the Pegasus 41’s outsole is a large one, covering almost the entire metatarsus. Because it has so much contact with the ground, it grips well despite the hardness of the compound. What has changed is the structure of the outsole. The previous transverse articulation in the forefoot has been eliminated and there is a larger cutout in the middle. The result of this change is that the shoe flexes more easily in the middle, but is stiffer in the forefoot, allowing the shoe to better maintain its rocker geometry, i.e. it flexes up at the toe, which helps it transition better and smoother. The longitudinal articulation of the outsole has been retained and there are two longitudinal sections in the outsole (there is also a longitudinal articulation in the midsole), which improves the stability of the shoe.

Summary

All in all, the Nike Pegasus 41 running shoe is still a versatile, reliable, neutral, everyday running shoe with good stability and comfort, and also a good choice for the beginner runner. It has changed a lot from the previous version, and all the changes are positive. The upper has improved foothold and stability, the midsole is more dynamic, softer and more comfortable, the outsole has good grip and durability. The forefoot could have used more foam, more dynamics, a slightly higher midsole with less drop, but it will still suit most runners.