The Pegasus 42: A Powerful Update for the Beloved Nike Road Running Shoe

• The Nike Pegasus 42 is an everyday road running shoe that delivers responsive cushioning and greater energy return than its predecessors, thanks to its curved, full-length Air Zoom unit.
• Extra cushioning in the forefoot and a lightweight, breathable upper that conforms closely to the foot help make the latest Pegasus the most comfortable and supportive model yet.
• The Pegasus 42 features a sleek look that comes to life in multiple colorways.
• The silhouette is planned to release on April 9, 2026, on nike.com and at select retailers.

Loyal Nike Pegasus fans and runners everywhere can soon slip into the Pegasus 42, the latest version of the beloved road running shoe known for its comfortable, responsive and lightweight feel.

First introduced in 1982, the Pegasus is Nike’s longest running and best-selling running shoe, emphasizing responsive cushioning for all-day wear. The Pegasus 42 is the same fan-favorite shoe, albeit with a few exciting tweaks to its technologies, making this latest model the most powerful and responsive yet.

The most notable enhancement to the popular running shoe is its curved, full-length Air Zoom unit, which provides a powerful, ultra-responsive feel similar to a Nike road racing shoe. In fact, this new construction gives the Pegasus 42 at least 15 percent greater energy return than the Pegasus 41.

“I grew up in a running specialty store and have seen the deep passion and love for the Pegasus franchise every year,” says Nike athlete Ethan Strand, an NCAA indoor 3,000m champion. “The Pegasus 42 is an exciting evolution – one that feels familiar, but with an improved ride. When I take it for runs, I can feel the Air underfoot, which gives me more power in every stride.”

Key updates:

• +15 percent greater energy return compared to the Pegasus 41
• Curved full-length Air Zoom unit for a more powerful toe-off
• ReactX foam midsole for responsive cushioning
• Extra forefoot cushioning with no increase in stack height
• Updated midfoot support system
• Fully molded sock liner
• Lightweight, breathable upper
• Modernized outsole with enhanced traction

The latest Pegasus takes cushioning and support to the next level, making it ideal for running at a variety of paces. Featuring the same plush ReactX foam midsole as its predecessor, the Pegasus 42 includes extra cushioning, most notably in the toe area. An innovative spring structure accommodates extra cushioning without adding to the shoe’s overall stack height.

Other features include a new midfoot support system, fully molded sock liner and lightweight, breathable upper that closely conforms to the foot. Rounding out these exciting technological enhancements is a modernized outsole that not only enables smooth transitions but also provides enhanced traction for tackling a variety of surfaces.

Aesthetically, the Pegasus 42 features an exciting design, with a sleek midsole and updated Pegasus branding. The latest iteration of the beloved running shoe comes in a variety of striking colorways, from bold and bright looks to subtle neutrals.

“We’ve taken what runners have always loved about the Pegasus franchise and turned it into the best version yet with the Pegasus 42,” says Nike Running senior footwear expert Elliott Heath. “This shoe provides a balance of consistent elements that look and feel connected to its legacy, coupled with new innovation to make it even more iconic, in a Nike-only way.”

The Pegasus is one of three athlete-centered models that comprise Nike’s line of road running shoes, each offering comfort through cushioning. Each shoe in the line emphasizes a specific type of cushioning, from the responsive cushioning seen in the Pegasus to the supportive cushioning of the Structure to the maximum cushioning of the Vomero.

The Nike Pegasus 42 is set for an April 9, 2026, release on nike.com and at select retail locations.