Nike wasn’t known by that name in the beginning. The original name that Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman chose was Blue Ribbon Sports. They had running shoes in mind. This was largely because Knight ran Track at the University of Oregon and Bowerman coached Track there. The first shoe they created was a running shoe called the Waffle, because of that popular story where they made a sole out of a waffle maker. That apocryphal story is immortalized in the Steve Prefontaine biopic, Without Limits. Fast forward decades later and Nike is the biggest running sports brand the world has ever seen. They’re still making a ton of running shoes so here’s our list of the Best Nike Running Shoes currently available.
Of course, this does not encompass all WearTesters’ Nike running shoe reviews. You can browse them all on our Nike reviews page or our Running Shoes Reviews page.
Each shoe is put into a specific category where its strength best shines. This way, you can easily go through the list without figuring out which shoe is meant for which type of running. You can click the category you’re most interested in, and you’ll see the best Nike has to offer.
We would also like to hear your thoughts on this list, and you can even share your own list in the comments below.
These are our picks:
Best Nike Running Shoes Show
Updated 06.03.2024
Best Neutral Cushioned Nike Running Shoe
Nike Vomero 17
The Nike Vomero 17 lost a forefoot Zoom Air unit and instead opted for a ZoomX and Cushlon 3.0 midsole. Nike took a risk but it worked out as the Vomero 17 is comfortable and well-cushioned while picking up speed nicely. It’s Nike’s top daily trainer in terms of versatility and midsole tech implementation. One of our testers had heel lockdown issues so keep an eye on that when trying them on. The Vomero 17 fits true to size lengthwise and is available in a wide version. To top it off, the price point is right in line with other high-performing daily trainers. Read the full review. Price: $160
Best Nike Trail Running Shoe
We’re currently testing new Nike trail shoes. Though testing isn’t done yet, early results are in and we expect the new Nike Pegasus Trail 5 to end up in this slot.
Best Nike Stability Running Shoe
Nike InfinityRN 4
The Nike InfinityRN 4 is technically a stability shoe. However, the stability features are unobtrusive and won’t affect you if you don’t need the help. The very noticeable arch on previous Infinity Runs is also found on this version though it’s somewhat toned down. If you don’t like a lot of arch support, you should still stay away. If an ever-present arch doesn’t bug you, the InfinityRN 4 is a highly comfortable daily training shoe that’s ready for lots of miles while also packing a ton of casual appeal. Read the full review.
Fit: Go up a half size, Drop: 9mm, Price: $160
Best Nike Marathon Running Shoes
Nike Alphafly 3
The Nike Alphafly 3 is the best Alphafly to date and its super bouncy nature makes it easy to maintain marathon pace. It’s more accommodating and comfortable than previous models and includes a less pronounced arch (but it’s still ever-present). It’s still not a very stable shoe around corners and a lot of the heel material is cut away so hard heel strikers will have better options. The price is high, but if you miss the original Alphafly magic, you’ll get most of it back by wearing the Alphafly 3. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $285
Nike Vaporfly 3
The Nike Vaporfly 3 is the most cushioned, comfortable, and stable Vaporfly to date thus making it also the best Vaporfly to date. It’s a great update. Stability, breathability, and comfort all improved while the Vaporfly line stayed bouncy, plush, and lightweight. Durability still needs work and the tongue is weirdly tall and wide but neither is a dealbreaker. The Vaporfly 3 is going to be many people’s racing shoe of choice. It puts Nike back in the upper echelon of marathon racing shoes for those (like us) who weren’t all that enthused with the Vaporfly 2 and Alphafly 2. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $250
Best Nike 5k Running Shoe
Nike ZoomX Streakfly
The Nike ZoomX Streakfly is a high-performing lightweight speedy shoe with a few flaws that are easy to overlook if you’re a shoe nerd. The durability needs work, the upper is sloppy, and there’s little support. But the ZoomX midsole, sleek design, versatility, and minuscule weight make the Streakfly a fun shoe for speedy workouts. See the full review. Price $160
Best Nike Running Shoes – Honorable Mention
Nike Pegasus 41
The Nike Pegasus 41 changes the previous Pegasus’ midsole geometry to a more modern rocker, adds 4mm of stack height, locks down well, and is highly durable. That makes it a good running shoe. But it’s priced about $10 too high, provides a level of ground feel in the toes that’s going to be a bit much for some runners, and isn’t wide foot friendly (though an extra wide version is available). That mixed bag of pros and cons keeps the Pegasus 41 as an honorable mention. How you feel about the specific pros and cons will determine whether or not you’ll like running in the Pegasus 41. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $140
Nike Invincible 3
If you want the plushest ride you can get from a Nike running shoe, you’ve found the right shoe. The Nike Invincible 3 features a thick midsole comprised entirely of Nike’s super bouncy ZoomX foam and it functions like a suspension system for your feet. While stability is improved versus previous versions, it still might be too unstable side-to-side for some. The outsole features ample rubber for serious durability and the traction is on point even in driving rainstorms. The plush upper is solid but more streamlined and not as comfy as previous versions. Other reviewers experienced bad heel slip but our reviewers didn’t have that issue…but keep it in mind as a potential drawback of the fit. So while the upper took a step back, the midsole took a step forward and we end up with another Invincible that’s not perfect but whose squishiness will garner plenty of fans. Watch the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 9mm, Price $180
Best Nike Track Spikes
Nike ZoomX Dragonfly
This shoe is so popular among Track professionals that even competitive brands are letting their athletes wear blacked-out versions of the Dragonfly in important track meets. The ZoomX midsole is really, really comfortable across distances from the 800m to 5000m. It’s an incredibly lightweight versatile track spike that the best runners love to wear. Price: $150
Nike Air Zoom Victory
The Nike Air Zoom Victory is the Alphafly of track spikes. Incredible bounce and cushion but it’s not for everyone. In this case, the Victory’s carbon plate is too stiff for some runners as they struggle to achieve their natural running motion. But all that cushion, especially the huge articulated Zoom Air bag at the forefoot, is a real treat. Price: $180
Best Nike Running Shoes Now on Sale
No current shoes fit this criteria
Nike Running Shoes to Avoid
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Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best Nike running shoes list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
