Nike Pegasus 42 vs Nike Zoom Fly 6
We haven't tested Nike Pegasus 42 yet, so its role suitability is estimated from published specs.
These do different jobs: Nike Pegasus 42 is a daily trainer, Nike Zoom Fly 6 a super trainer. The question is which fits your rotation, not which is better.
Nike
Pegasus 42
Check priceReview Pulse · Mixed · 56/100
Reviewers praise the upper and grip, criticise the ride and cushioning and split on the value.
Nike
Zoom Fly 6
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 88/100
Reviewers praise the cushioning and value and split on the ride and upper.
The differences that matter
- Nike Zoom Fly 6 is 46 g lighter.
- Nike Zoom Fly 6 has 5 mm more foam under the heel.
- Nike Pegasus 42 has the higher drop (10 mm vs 8 mm).
- Only Nike Zoom Fly 6 has a carbon plate.
- Nike Pegasus 42 costs $25 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
Nike Pegasus 42
Criticised
Smoother than the Pegasus 41 and steady at easy paces, but most reviewers find the ride flat and lifeless, with little help once the pace picks up.
Nike Zoom Fly 6
Divisive
A soft, versatile ZoomX ride that handles easy and long runs, but it lacks the responsiveness for true race efforts.
Cushioning
Nike Pegasus 42
Criticised
Adequate and well protected in the heel, but the forefoot is thin and firm, and several testers say it runs out of cushioning on longer or faster runs.
Nike Zoom Fly 6
Praised
A tall ZoomX and carrier-foam stack provides protective cushioning for daily and long-run mileage.
Upper
Nike Pegasus 42
Praised
A comfortable, well-locked upper with a roomier last than before; the toe box still tapers and runs narrow for wider or high-volume feet.
Nike Zoom Fly 6
Divisive
A comfortable, secure upper for some, but the low-volume fit and tongue pressure bother others.
Durability
Nike Pegasus 42
Praised
The outsole rubber wears slowly and the build is expected to last several hundred miles, though one lab test rates the mesh itself poorly for abrasion.
Nike Zoom Fly 6
Praised
The outsole coverage and foam hold up better than pure super shoes, with only mild heel wear after 30 miles.
Grip
Nike Pegasus 42
Praised
A clear improvement on past Pegasus models, with dependable dry and wet-road traction, though it still struggles on wet metal and gravel.
Nike Zoom Fly 6
Divisive
Traction is fine on dry roads but slips on slick surfaces, and one tester wants more grip.
Stability
Nike Pegasus 42
Praised
The low, firm platform and flared heel make it one of the more planted daily trainers around, without needing stability features.
Nike Zoom Fly 6
Praised
A wide sole and stiff forefoot give the neutral platform subtle guidance without sidewalls.
Value
Nike Pegasus 42
Divisive
Many consider $145 fair given the durability, but others point out that lighter, bouncier rivals cost the same or less, and the price has crept up.
Nike Zoom Fly 6
Praised
At $170 it is a fair price for a durable carbon-plated trainer that can handle long runs and marathon-pace work.
Which one to choose
Choose Nike Pegasus 42 if…
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
- you like a higher drop
- price matters
- its upper is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Easy daily runs and recovery miles
- Beginners who want one dependable shoe
- Heel strikers who like a firm, grounded ride
Choose Nike Zoom Fly 6 if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- you want more foam under you
- you like a lower drop
- you want a carbon plate
Reviewers recommend it for
- Long runs
- Marathon-pace workouts
- Tempo runs
Specifications
- Category
- Daily trainer
- Super trainer
- Price
- $145$25 less
- $170
- Weight
- 290 g
- 244 g46 g lighter
- Drop
- 10 mm
- 8 mm2 mm lower drop
- Stack
- 37 / 27 mm
- 42 / 34 mm5 mm more stack
- Plate
- Not reported
- Carbon plate
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- ReactX / Air Zoom
- ZoomX
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE