Discover the Power of Nike Pegasus 40: Detailed Review (UPDATE)

The Nike Pegasus has been a staple in the running community for over three decades, providing runners with a reliable and comfortable shoe for their training and racing needs. We’re now up to the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40, which is an incredible lifespan for a shoe model. Nike Pegasus 40

With each new version, Nike has continued to improve and innovate, creating a shoe that appeals to a wide range of runners, from beginners to elite athletes.

Since one of my favorite shoes ever was the Nike Epic React (no longer made), it’s no surprise I like the feel of the Pegasus. It’s not the bounce of ZoomX foam, but it’s still a great cushioned ride.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review of the Nike Pegasus 40, examining its key features, design and fit, performance on the road, comfort and support, durability and maintenance, and overall pros and cons.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking for a new shoe or a beginner just starting out, this review will give you a detailed look at the Nike Pegasus 40 and help you determine if it’s the right shoe for you.

Let’s dive in now to some details around this technology and whether it will benefit you.

New: Checkout our full review of the Pegasus 41 >>

2025 Update

Time for a check in after using this shoe and the new model for many more miles.

While you can save buying the 40, I really have enjoyed the 41 a lot more.
They aren’t vastly different and yet the comfort of the 41 had me reaching for it very consistently despite testing so many other shoes.
Still a great lower stack moderate cushion daily trainer that serves a lot of us really well.
While I prefer a lower heel drop, I don’t have any issues in this shoe and have found both models to hold up well for 200+ miles.
If you can snag a super deal then it’s definitely worth it vs the 41 because again, not massive changes.

Nike Pegasus 40 Review

40?! A shoe that’s made it to model 40 has me wondering how I’ve never run in it and learning quickly why it’s last for so long. The Nike Pegasus is one of the most popular running shoes of all time. It has been a favorite of runners for literally decades, so let’s find out why.

In my first run, I didn’t notice the normal tightness of other Nike shoes. Maybe I’ve just spent too much time testing the Alphafly and Vaporfly, but it felt like a much more comfortable fit.

The Nike Pegasus has all the bells and whistles that a runner could ask for: just the right amount of cushion in midsole for maximum comfort, durable rubber outsole to withstand, and a breathable mesh upper to keep your feet feeling fresh and dry.

But let’s get real for a second. The Nike Pegasus isn’t just a pretty shoe. It’s got substance too, with a firm heel counter that keeps your foot locked in place and a molded foam insole that provides extra support for those long runs.

This is a good option for your easy weekday runs or for the support of a marathon training run.

Often we get so excited for super plush shoes, but you end up losing some speed and structure. Which is probably why I was immediately drawn to the feel of this shoe. It’s similar to the aforementioned React that I dearly loved.

With a fully padded tongue and heel collar, you might be picking up some weight. But all in the name of comfort.

Nike Pegasus 40 tread

As a first timer to this shoe, I enjoyed it and could easily see why it fits in to the training rotation for so many. I’d put it on par with say Saucony Ride or Guide, not quite as cushy as the Triumph. Good shoes. Workhorses.

Flashy in style because that’s how Nike rolls, but I’ll be very surprised if we don’t see a change in the technology to this shoe next year.

Specifications

Let’s dive in with some of the top line info that we all need to know about a shoe!

Neutral running shoe
Moderate cushion
Weight: 10.9 oz men’s, 8.5 oz women’s
Heel drop: 10mm
7 colors
Not available in wide
Available as a trail shoe as well
Previous Model: Nike Pegasus 39
Find it here on Nike.com for $130, so you can enjoy their 30 day trial policy!

I’ve now logged a number of runs in these shoes and won’t be taking advantage of Nike’s return policy! While Nike.com has a generous return policy that allows you test out shoes and return them if they aren’t the right fit, I’ll likely be throwing down with anyone who tries to take these away.

Also available at Dick’s Sport Goods >>

Features

This shoe is the true OG of running shoes, with a long-standing reputation for being one of the most versatile and reliable running shoes out there.

Key features of the Nike Pegasus 40 that set it apart:

React foam combined with 2 Zoom air units in the forefoot and rearfoot
Waffle pattern on the outsole for better road grip
“circular pattern” to provide more comfort to your foot (I’m still digging to figure out what that claim means!)
Durable is a word that comes up A LOT with this shoe and who doesn’t want your running shoes to last a bit longer

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 review

Nike React Cushioning

One of the reasons I loved this shoe was it hit that middle ground of feeling extremely soft when landing, while still having structure to support the foot. Turns out this is due to some super cool technology.

Nike React foam is a proprietary foam technology that was first introduced by Nike in 2017. It is designed to be lightweight, durable, and responsive, providing runners with a comfortable and smooth ride.

One of the key benefits of Nike React foam is its energy return. The foam is designed to compress and then quickly bounce back, returning energy to the runner with each stride. This means that the shoe can help propel the runner forward, making it easier to maintain a fast pace.

Another benefit of Nike React foam is its durability. The foam is made with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that is resistant to wear and tear. This means that the foam will last longer and maintain its shape better than other types of foam.

Nike React foam is also designed to be lightweight. This helps reduce the overall weight of the shoe, making it easier for runners to move quickly and efficiently.

13% more energy return with every foot fall than the Nike Lunarlon foam
11% softer than the Nike LunarEpic
5% lighter than the Nike LunarEpic

Crazy amounts of math and engineering went in to creating this shoe. And while I appreciate all of that, what I mostly appreciate is a shoe that I slip on and say “ahh”. It just feels good whether I’m on mile 1 or 8. And as I keep rebuilding post knee surgery, I’m pretty confident it’s going to feel light and comfy at mile 17, too.

Nike women's pegasus

Nike React Running Shoes

Because runners loved the React so quickly, Nike has a whole line of shoes that use this technology.

Nike Pegasus Trail (road to trail)
Nike React Infinity (support)
Nike Zegma (trail shoe)
Nike Wildhorse ( trail shoe)
Nike Kieger

Cons of the Pegasus 40

Good news if you liked the 39, then you’ll probably love the 40. There aren’t a lot of changes! Bad news if you were hoping it might change back to the feel of an older version.

Beyond that, all Nike’s run a bit narrow and this is no exception. You aren’t going to find a wide version to help accommodate a wider toebox or a wider running shoe fit all around.

If you’ve been running in other speedy shoes, you may expect a different feel than this shoe provides
Definitely not for rocky trails
Could be warm in the summer with all the padding

Why I Order Direct from Nike?

One. I look for the older model and it’s almost always on sale, where the price has gone up for it on other sites!! PLUS, I’ve heard of too many folks ordering from other sites where it’s cheaper to find out it’s not the right shoe. The knock off issue seems more prevalent with Nike.

Two. I’m a size 11 and honestly, a lot of running stores just don’t stock a ton in my size. Their 60-day return period because it means I can take them on a run to make sure they fit and feel the way I think they should.

Three. Knocks offs. Man they are getting worse and worse.

The exception would be Dick’s Sporting Goods, which has a partnership with Nike making it easier to get deals and often extended sizes.

All right, I really hope this Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 review helped you in making a decision! I may not love every single shoe that I test, but I’ve found that just sharing the details helps you find a shoe that YOU LOVE.

And that’s all that actually matters.