Nike Pegasus 42 running shoes in black

About this model

The Pegasus is Nike's longest-running and best-selling running shoe. The first one came out in 1982, and the 42 arrived in April 2026 as Nike's everyday road trainer. Underfoot, earlier models had separate Air Zoom units in the heel and forefoot, while the 42 has one curved unit that runs the whole length of the shoe. Nike says this gives 15% more energy return than the Pegasus 41.

The unit sits in ReactX foam carried over from the 41. Nike rates ReactX 13% more responsive than its older React. Nike also reworked the last. The toes and forefoot get a little more room than on the 41, and a spring structure under the toes adds 3 mm of cushioning there without raising the rest of the stack. The toe curves up more, for extra toe spring. Nike says the lightweight mesh upper is softer and more breathable than before, and it sits over a fully molded sockliner. The waffle outsole uses high-abrasion rubber with flex grooves. Nike lists about 300 grams for a men's UK 9 (US 10) and a 10 mm drop.

One reviewer with a narrow foot expected the wider toe box to feel loose and found it still held his foot well. He sees it as a daily-mileage shoe at its best on runs of six to eight miles. It is fine for the gym as long as the lifting stays light, but he would not make it the only shoe for a whole training week.

Sources: nike.com · Nike News · Believe in the Run