This week we take a closer look and review the features of one of the most popular running shoes on the market, the Nike Pegasus 40. This 2023 edition of the shoe marks 40 years since the series started with the Nike Air Pegasus 83 that we reviewed recently. It is the longest running shoe series on the market today, having gone through decades of transformation. Over the years it remained a versatile, solid neutral runner with a classic look. Nike did not make a big fuss about this milestone which is also reflected in the very small changes they made from the previous version from last year.
How They Fit
The pair we got on our hands was the white/ coconut milk colorway that we managed to get on sale in the summer. Out of the box the shoes look very similar to the Pegasus 39, with a different upper mesh material. It has an old school look, especially when you think about the other options available on the market today like the HOKA Clifton or the On Cloud 5. They fit true to size and with the upper material being stretchier than before they can even accommodate those with wider feet. If unsure about your size you can check out our Nike size chart. They feel very comfortable from the get go with no need to break them in.
Upper
The upper of the Nike Pegasus 40 was changed to a more plushier, more stretchy upper mesh. This change adds to the comfort you get when you put them on but they also add a bit of weight compared to the previous version, something that you’ll barely notice, however. What we noticed while trying these on for our Nike Pegasus 40 review was that they are not as breathable as the 39 version. Another change Nike made is replacing the Flywire cables with a midfootband for a more secure yet more forgiving lockdown fit. This change is barely noticeable, especially if you did not own the 39. The design also features some discrete 3M reflective overlays which are always a welcome addition. All in all the upper has a modern design that provides a good balance of comfort, lockdown and air flow.
Sole Unit
The sole unit of the Nike Pegasus 40 features two Zoom Air units, in the heel and forefront area surrendered by React foam. The Zoom technology has been used for almost a decade for this shoe but just recently was distributed this way. It is meant to add some spring to your steps and they do a decent job in doing so. The React midsole material is not the softest so it will align with the firmness you get from the Zoom Air units. So overall the shoe provides a medium cushion experience which adds some stability for the shoe which adds some versatility to the shoe. You can take these with you at the gym for light training, wear them casually and of course for running. The outsole is made of a durable rubber material that also remained unchanged as it provides excellent traction for running.
Bottom Line
To conclude our Nike Pegasus 40 review this is an excellent neutral running shoe that you can also wear casually or in the gym. It is an old school runner that provides some advanced technology from Nike yet it may not be the most exciting for hard core runners out there. Brands like HOKA One One , ON running and ASICS have come up lately with new technologies that have revolutionized this market. However, if you are a casual runner these will work great for you. They are very comfortable, provide a stable ride and some decent responsiveness to help you go for longer distances. If you like the looks but not the price you can also check out the Interact Run, a much cheaper alternative.
