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10+ Best Nike Running Shoes

Best Nike Running Shoes

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:

Updated 03.11.2024

Best Neutral Cushioned Nike Running Shoe

Nike Vomero 17

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

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Nike Vomero 17 Buy Women's Nike Vomero 17

Best Nike Trail Running Shoe

Nike ZoomX Zegama Trail

Nike ZoomX Zegama Trail

The Nike ZoomX Zegama Trail is a max-cushioned trail shoe with a soft, comfortable upper that’s still protective. And despite the 37mm heel stack height, the heel lockdown is great with the foot sitting below the rim of the midsole foam. Both stability features keep your foot on top of the shoe on even the sharpest and quickest turns.

The one negative is the rubber used on the bottom has problems in wet conditions. As with previous Nike trail models, it’s best utilized in more desert-like environments. But rocks won’t poke you as the ZoomX inside the midsole cushions every step and mutes sharp rocks and roots. As long as you’re not often trail running in wet ecosystems, the ZoomX Zegama Trail is one of the most comfortable trail running or hiking shoes on the market and should be on your shortlist to check out. Price: $160

8/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Nike ZoomX Zegama Trail Buy Women's Nike ZoomX Zegama Trail

Nike Ultrafly

Nike Ultrafly

The Nike Ultrafly shines on softer terrain and the ZoomX midsole in combination with the subtle Flyplate makes the comfort off-road enjoyable. The general fit and finish of the shoe are great but it’s not built for super technical terrain so the price is high for what you’re getting. If you want something new and exciting from Nike and have some extra cash, this fun shoe will be right up your alley. Read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 8.5mm, Price: $160

7/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Nike Ultrafly Buy Women's Nike Ultrafly

Best Nike Stability Running Shoe

Nike InfinityRN 4

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

8/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Nike InfinityRN 4 Buy Women's Nike InfinityRN 4

Best Nike Marathon Running Shoes

Nike Alphafly 3

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

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Nike Alphafly 3 Buy Women's Nike Alphafly 3

Nike Vaporfly 3

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

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Nike Vaporfly 3 Buy Women's Nike Vaporfly 3

Best Nike 5k Running Shoe

Nike ZoomX Streakfly Featured Image

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

9/10
Total Score
Buy Nike ZoomX Streakfly

Best Nike Running Shoes – Honorable Mention

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

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3 Buy Women's Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3

Nike Pegasus 40

Nike Pegasus 40

The Nike Pegasus 40 is a solid shoe but nothing special. It’s a lightweight and comfortable shoe that’s a solid everyday running shoe with an affordable $130 price tag. The forefoot Zoom Air isn’t very bouncy, but the setup underfoot feels good, especially if you’re a smaller, lighter runner. Durability is great thanks to the thick rubber outsole and resilient React foam. If you’re a wide footer, go for the wide version on Nike’s site. If you’re a long-time Pegasus fan, you’ll enjoy an unspectacular yet dependable running shoe that feels like what you’re used to. Read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $130

7/10
Total Score
Buy Pegasus 40 at Nike Buy Pegasus 40 at Running Warehouse

Best Nike Track Spikes

Nike ZoomX Dragonfly

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

9.5/10
Total Score
Buy Nike ZoomX Dragonfly

Nike Air Zoom Victory

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

8/10
Total Score
Buy Nike Air Zoom Victory

Best Nike Running Shoes Now on Sale

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 Featured

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

The Nike Pegasus 39 is a lightweight, comfortable running shoe that downgrades the cushion from the Pegasus 38 (sigh) but is still a solid everyday running shoe with an affordable $130 price tag. The forefoot Zoom Air isn’t bouncy anymore, but the whole setup underfoot feels good, especially if you’re a smaller, lighter runner. Durability is great thanks to the thick rubber outsole and resilient React foam. If you’re a wide footer, you’ll need to try them on as they run slightly narrow, but there is a wide version for sale at Nike. Most people can go true to size and enjoy an unspectacular yet dependable running shoe. Read the full review. Price: $130

6.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 Buy Women's Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

Nike Running Shoes to Avoid

No current shoes fit this criteria


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