The Pegasus 42 gets a major upgrade with a new Air Zoom unit to power your daily runs, while the ACG version takes you off the pavement with that same familiar feel.
- The Nike Pegasus 42 introduces a full-length, curved Air Zoom unit for a smoother, more responsive toe-off.
- Designers tweaked the internal shape to pack an extra 3 mm of foam under the toes without raising the overall stack height.
- The midsole still rocks ReactX foam, delivering reliable and comfortable cushioning to log heavy mileage.
- The ACG Pegasus Trail joins the road model with an off-road specific outsole (All Terrain Compound 2.0) and a rugged upper to shield your feet from trail debris.
Pegasus 42: Your Go-To Daily Trainer for Everyday Miles
What do we really want from a daily trainer? We want protection on heavy-leg days and enough pop to handle spontaneous mid-run pace surges.
To deliver exactly that, the biggest technical update in the Nike Pegasus 42 hides inside the midsole: a full-length, curved Air Zoom unit. The previous model used two separate pods in specific zones; now, the structure flows as one single piece. Combined with the proven ReactX foam (already a fan favorite in the Pegasus 41), this upgrade translates to a buttery-smooth heel-to-toe transition. Nike claims this setup delivers 15% more energy return.
In practical terms, this shoe absorbs harsh impacts without leaking energy when you decide to push the pace.
The Structural Details You Need to Know
Another fascinating engineering detail involves the shoe’s geometry. Designers reshaped the internal volume to squeeze an extra 3 mm of cushioning right under your toes. Impressively, they did this without increasing the shoe’s overall stack height.
Packing more foam in the forefoot without raising your center of gravity preserves pure stability. It gives you an extra hit of comfort during the final phase of your stride as your foot pushes off the ground. Rounding out the design is the classic waffle-patterned outsole for reliable traction and a breathable mesh upper built to wrap your foot securely.
ACG Pegasus Trail: Built for When the Pavement Ends
Not everyone loves dodging traffic. For runners who prefer city parks, dirt river paths, or wooded singletracks, Nike simultaneously launched the ACG Pegasus Trail. ACG stands for All Conditions Gear—the brand’s legendary outdoor division—which immediately tells you what this shoe is built to conquer.
The Pegasus Trail is the definition of a “door-to-trail” shoe. You can comfortably cruise a few paved miles from your house to the trailhead without feeling like you are running on cleats. It is the perfect tool for light to moderate outdoor environments.
Under the hood, ReactX foam remains the engine, but the outsole is a completely different beast. It uses the Nike All Terrain Compound 2.0, engineered to grip wet and uneven surfaces. Furthermore, Nike widened the internal toe box. This is a crucial detail: it allows your toes to splay, increasing proprioception and trail stability. Finally, to shield your toes from roots and rocks, it features an essential rubber toe bumper and a quick-drying mesh upper.
Release Dates and Availability
Whether you are a loyal road warrior or a dirt-loving explorer, the updated Pegasus family proves it is still the ultimate “shoe for everyone.” The road-focused Pegasus 42 drops on April 9th, while the ACG Pegasus Trail hits shelves a few days later on April 16th. Pricing details for both models are currently unavailable.