Nike Pegasus 40 Review

The Nike Pegasus line turns the big four-oh so you’d expect Nike to really go all out for the Nike Pegasus 40 right? Nope! The tooling and outsole from the Nike Pegasus 39 stay exactly the same but with a (slightly) updated upper. I guess 40 isn’t all that special after all. Cue all our readers in their 40s nodding vigorously.

Maybe they’re saving the big splash for 50. At least the price stayed the same. We’ll take the wins where we can get them. Especially with Nike, where, thanks to the SNKRS app, Ls are plentiful.

Cushion

The Nike Pegasus 40 cushion is a React foam midsole, a typical oval Zoom Air bag in the forefoot, and a standard rectangular Zoom Air bag in the heel. It’s a minimal cushion setup by today’s running shoe standards.

Upper

The Pegasus 39 upper improved a ton over the horrible Nike Pegasus 37 upper and solid Nike Pegasus 38 upper. The Nike Pegasus 40 upper takes it to a new level with improved lacing, fit, and lockdown. It’s the best Pegasus upper in over four years.

Outsole

The Nike Pegasus 40 outsole being the same as the Pegasus 39 is a good thing. It’s a pattern that grips well in all weather conditions and the rubber is thick and durable. The outsole is so durable it will last longer than the Pegasus 40 cushioning.

Is the Nike Pegasus 40 wide foot friendly?

The Nike Pegasus 40 is on the narrow side, like most Nikes, but is available in a wide version on Nike’s website. The wide version is not typically available at other retailers.

Is the Nike Pegasus 40 worth $130?

While the Pegasus 40 is a solid value at $130 there are several options I’d recommend for more value when considering buying this shoe.

You can buy the similar, but better overall, Puma Velocity Nitro 2 for $120. It’s bouncier with a better upper and outsole. Or you could spend $10 more and grab the high-performing Asics Novablast 3 or Hoka Clifton 9. Both of those shoes deliver way more cushioning and bounce than the Pegasus 40 alongside more accommodating uppers and similar or better durability.

I’d also recommend considering the Nike Vomero 16. It’s on our Best Running Shoes list for a reason. Its combo of large volume forefoot Zoom Air bag, ZoomX foam, more accommodating fit, and plusher, more comfortable upper make it the Best Nike daily running shoe available right now.

Cons

Nothing much to put here except that the total Pegasus 40 package is underwhelming. Nike’s daily trainers, led by the iconic Pegasus line, have fallen behind the competition in terms of technology, fit, and fun factor. It’s hard for us to recommend the Pegasus 40 over any of the neutral running shoes on our Best Neutral Running Shoes list or our overall Best Running Shoes list.

Nike Pegasus 40 Summary

The Nike Pegasus 40 is a solid shoe. But also kinda meh and hard to get excited about. It’s now an old standby and long-time Pegasus lovers will enjoy some good improvements over previous Pegasuses (Pegasi?). But if you’re looking for fun, innovative, high stack foam, or superior bounce…you’ll need to look elsewhere.

The Pegasus is no longer a shoe that’s pushing boundaries in the running industry. Hopefully, Nike has plans to get the Pegasus back where it belongs as a hip, fun, and innovative daily trainer. But for now, it’s just a ho-hum shoe that won’t generate any excitement.