Nike Pegasus 42 running shoes "Black & White"

As one of the oldest and most trusted running shoes in Nike’s extensive lineup, the Pegasus has long been known for offering a reliable balance of comfort, durability and accessibility. Since becoming a core franchise in the brand’s revamped running collection in late 2024, its focus has also encompassed responsive cushioning. As a result, the modern Pegasus series provides runners with a versatile combination of soft cushioning, hard-wearing longevity, solid stability and springy energy return for all types of daily training.

ReactX foam: Highly responsive foam enhances energy return while also being firm enough to ensure durability and stability. Manufactured using energy efficient methods, its carbon footprint is 43% lower than that of other midsole foams.

Zoom Air: Full-length airbag filled with pressurised nitrogen gas and tensile fibres provides ultra-responsive support and highly effective shock absorption. This unit features increased curvature through the forefoot to provide extra springiness at toe-off.

Lightweight, double-layered mesh upper is incredibly breathable, particularly through the tongue and forefoot, for top-quality comfort and support.

Internal mesh layer is very plush while also being malleable so that it conforms to and flows with the foot as it moves.

Designed around an updated MR-10 2.0 last, it is more accommodating through the forefoot, allowing the toes to splay comfortably without reducing containment. 

Scooped heel makes it easy for the foot to slide into the shoe. It can also be used as a pull tab for even smoother on and off.

Generous heel padding improves comfort and firm counter secures the rearfoot while offering extra assistance to heel strikers.

Hybrid lacing system incorporates reinforced punched eyelets at the top and bottom with integrated cuffed eyelets in between for solid lockdown and comfortable pressure adjustment. 

Reinforced loop in the centre of the tongue keeps it in place during dynamic movement.

Double eyelet at the top allows the wearer to tie a secure runner’s knot.

Well-padded tongue prevents lace bite, thus enhancing comfort over the instep.

Partially gusseted tongue contributes further to outstanding containment.

Reflective strips cover the heel seams, increasing durability and illuminating the runner in low-light conditions.

Full-length Zoom Air unit provides highly responsive cushioning and shock absorption along the entire footbed.

Zoom Air unit features a carefully sculpted curve through the forefoot, maximising energy return, giving extra propulsion at toe-off and smoothing out transitions.

ReactX midsole is stacked at 37mm in the heel, with a 10mm drop. This moderate stack maintains a natural, agile feel that works well for heel strikers as the impact protection is focused towards the rearfoot while still offering versatile support for a range of users.

New forefoot design has 3mm of additional foam cushioning over its predecessor, giving extra support and 15% greater energy return without increasing the stack height.

Updated midfoot construction delivers consistent support along the length of the foot.

ReactX foam combines with the Zoom Air unit to enhance overall responsiveness.

ReactX foam provides a good balance of firmness and softness, making it versatile for a range of uses, from daily road running to gym workouts and casual walking.

Top-loaded Zoom Air unit is contained within the ReactX foam, thus increasing durability and longevity. The Zoom Air being directly beneath the foot also protects the foam beneath from wearing away.

Lower forefoot stack creates close-to-the-ground feel which provides better feedback and a quicker response at toe-off without compromising impact protection.

Wide heel creates a stable platform for the runner, especially when heel-striking.

ReactX foam has a much lower carbon footprint than standard foams, making it a more sustainable choice.

High-abrasion rubber makes the outsole incredibly durable for long miles of running.

The rubber pad covering the forefoot has updated Waffle-style lugs combined with medial serrations to deliver reliable traction.

Flex grooves in the forefoot increase flexibility and encourage natural bending of the foot.

Bands of rubber support the edges of the sole, while a large cutout section through the centre of the midfoot and heel keeps weight down.

Modernised outsole design works with the midsole to ensure smooth transitions.

Big toe is supported by a grippy pad with ridged tread lines for a secure toe-off.

Fully moulded sockliner is cushy and supportive for extra comfort underfoot.

Insole can be removed and replaced with custom orthotics if necessary.