Comparison:
Nike Pegasus 41 vs Nike Pegasus 40
The Pegasus is Nike's classic mid-range, neutral daily trainer. Here we will be comparing version 41 to version 40.
Comparison:
The Pegasus is perhaps one of the best selling running shoe series of all time. It offers a comfortable, balanced ride for most runners from beginners to elites.
Version 40 was just an upper update but version 41 gets a new upper, outsole and midsole. Which of these Pegasus versions is right for you?
Similarity and differences: Pegasus 41 vs Air Zoom Pegasus 40
Expert score
7/10
7/10
Weight
10 oz
9.4 oz
Heel Drop
10 mm
10 mm
Verdict
The Nike Pegasus 41 is a comfortable fitting, bland daily trainer best suited to relaxed runs which are short or middle-distance. It has a firmer ride than most daily trainers due to its airbag setup and while it has a new ReactX midsole, it doesn’t feel significantly different to prior versions. It also doesn’t feel more energetic than its predecessors. Version 41 has an increase in stack height which makes it one of the heaviest versions in recent years.
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 is a daily trainer with a stable ride and durable build. It doesn't have a particularly fun or lively ride but it has a comfortable fit with no major weaknesses. It's best suited to short or middle-distance easy runs. Version 40 is only an upper update which makes the shoe more comfortable but heavier. It isn't a substantial update so it's not a major improvement over the Pegasus 39.
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
Balanced
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Flexibility
flexible
flexible
Stability
some stability
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$139.95
US$130
Sole unit: Pegasus 41 vs Air Zoom Pegasus 40
The soles of these 2 versions are made of different foams: the Pegasus 41 uses the newer ReactX while the 40 uses the older React. ReactX is slightly softer than React so the 41 has a slightly softer ride, specifically in the rearfoot.
The 41 has 4 mm extra foam in the heel and the forefoot which makes its ride more cushioned. It’s better for long runs because it has more long-distance comfort. The 40 is lower to the ground so it has better stability and more ground feel.
In both versions, there’s an airbag in the heel and one in the forefoot to add extra responsiveness. This makes a difference when you pick up the pace.
Ride transitions are not as smooth as in other trainers due to the feeling of the airbags in the midsole. You can feel the distinct lump under your forefoot.
The ride of both versions are firmer compared to most daily trainers and there’s enough cushioning for distances up to a half marathon. Stability is good because the midsoles are not soft so there’s minimal lean bias.
The outsole consists of hard, thick rubber which lasts a very long time. You should be able to get high mileage out of both versions without any problems.
Upper unit: Pegasus 41 vs Air Zoom Pegasus 40
The 2 versions have different uppers with the Pegasus 41 being more accommodating and more comfortable than the Pegasus 40.
The mesh used in the upper of version 41 is softer and more breathable than the mesh of the 40 so it’s better for warmer climates than the 40.
Both versions fit true to size but there are also narrow, wide and extra wide width options of both available.
Which one to buy: Pegasus 41 vs Air Zoom Pegasus 40
The Pegasus 41 has a softer ride with more stack height. This makes it better for easy runs as well as long runs due to the extra cushioning. It is quite a bit heavier than the 40 as well. The 41 is also $10 more expensive than the 40.
The Pegasus 40 has a firmer ride with more ground feel. This makes it better for faster runs which are shorter in length. The lower weight makes it easier to go fast in compared to the 41. It’s also more stable than the 41 due to its firmer ride and lower stack height.
This expert review is written by
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Brandon is a South African who lives and trains in Malaysia. He is a marathon runner who eats, sleeps and dreams running shoes. While most people wear shoes to run, he runs to wear shoes.
