7 Best Nike Walking Shoes in 2024
Diehard Swoosh fans who are in need of comfy and supportive kicks for walking need not look far. But, because we tested many Nike walking shoes, you can expect to find the best of them here in our review.
Whether you’re a big guy in need of uber-stable kicks or a gal who prefers to walk long distances, we have got you covered. We even have a great selection of wallet-friendly walking shoes if ever budget is a concern.
And you know what’s more? We’ve tested the kicks on the list in our lab, where we tested their durability, breathability, flexibility, softness... and we tested the shoes on our test walks. So, you can count on our top picks to deliver.
How we test running shoes
Most Nike shoes are great and all, but there are those that actually exceed our expectations. And we’re here to tell you which those are.
To know which of the Nike walking shoes are deserving of the “BEST” title, we get into the nitty-gritty shoe details by doing the following:
- We buy the shoes using our own funds. Here at RunRepeat, we strive hard to remain loyal to no one but our readers.
- We try on the shoes ourselves. Basically, all the things we usually accomplish in a day, we do in these Nike walking shoes. This is to discover our own realizations while wearing the shoes for walking, traveling, going to work, or even low-impact exercising.
- We slice the shoes open. We believe that this is the most ideal way to literally and figuratively get to the bottom of the shoes, as we also perform various tests on them in our lab.
Check out our testing methodology to know more about the various methods we use to test shoes.
Best Nike walking shoes overall
What makes it the best?
After multiple wear tests and intensive lab analysis, InfinityRN4 stands out as the top Nike walking-running shoe. The ride feels soothing and easy on the legs with its plush cushion and uncomplicated midsole. It’s versatile enough for light runs, walks, and other daily activities and has an outsole that promises a long lifespan.
InfinityRN brought the clouds to the street, featuring a velvet ReactX foam that offers substantial bounce. Our durometer measures a softness of 12.5 HA, 46.6% softer than average, providing a gentle and cozy sensation ideal for all-day wear.
The midsole flows effortlessly with our movements, making it our go-to pick for various activities. Our flex test confirms it’s 46.1% more adaptive than our lab average, ensuring much comfort since we don’t have to fight much resistance with every stride.
While all these elements highlight softness, the outsole is the exact opposite. We measured a 90.4 HC reading with our durometer, one of the hardest rubbers in our lab, confirming our observation that the outsole is extremely protective and long-lasting. The shoe looked practically new even after our run-and-wear tests.
The thick and stretchy knit upper provides a snug fit but lacks breathability on warm days, making it unsuitable for summer wear.
Pros
- All-new ReactX plush midsole
- Soft and stretchy Flyknit upper
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Generously cushioned
- Excellent for easy runs
- Feels like running on clouds
- Durable, long-lasting outsole
- Reduced carbon footprint
Cons
- Average-at-best breathability
- On the heavier side
- Sizes run notably small
Best Nike walking shoes with plush cushioning
What makes it the best?
Comfort is a must in the walking-running domain, and that’s precisely where the ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 shows its class. With the marshmallow-like foam warmly hugging our feet and the breezy upper refreshing them, this shoe was a delight to our endless testing miles.
As plushy as it gets, our experience with the Invincible was heart-melting. Each footfall is met with a sinking sensation into the ZoomX midsole, elevating the overall comfort to elite levels. And the numbers check out, with our durometer ranking this foam among the top 10% softest we ever put our hands and feet on.
Unfazed by the seasons, the Invincible’s comfort sees no temperatures. After a chilly 20-minute stay in our freezer, the midsole firmed up by a mere 10.3%, outperforming the average 28.1% increase. Also, smoke pumped into the shoe ushed through the upper with such ease that we couldn’t help but award the Invincible a near-perfect 4 out of 5 for breathability.
However, the Invincible 3 loses its composure on rainy days. We can blame the 6.9% softer-than-average outsole for it, whose grip fades way on wet surfaces.
Pros
- Way more stable than previous versions
- Tall stack of impact-absorbing cushioning
- Good energy return
- Comfort for the entire foot
- Thicker, more durable outsole
- A solid ride that works for more runners
- Breathable
- Great for recovery days and long easy runs
Cons
- Poor grip on wet roads
- Heel slippage
- Heel clip can be irritating when cornering
Best Nike road-to-trail walking shoes
What makes it the best?
From our doorsteps to the deep woods, the Pegasus Trail 4 is a shining star. Tons of protection do their job without adding weight to the shoe, making way for the ferocious outsole to grip roads and bumpy paths. Numbers double-checked, this is the best road-to-trail Nike walking shoe.
Asphalt or dirty trails, the outsole lugs rocks it all. Despite its rather sharp and aggressive pattern, it seamlessly transitions between a variety of terrains. Pretty balanced numbers lab-wise, as the 3.4 mm lugs proved only 0.47% firmer than average, underlining its hybrid appeal.
And oh my, the cushioning is remarkable. Tailor-made for heel striking, the Trail 4 boasts 35.5 mm of its React foam at the heel, surpassing the average trail shoe’s 31.8 mm. Still, it remains astonishingly light! Its 272 grams (9.59 oz) look and feel mesmerizing, outclassing the average of 296 grams (10.44 oz).
We do not recommend going all the way to swampy areas. When faced with mud, the Pegasus Trail 4 completely loses its grip and reliable performance.
Pros
- Efficient road-to-trail
- Well-cushioned
- Stable ride
- Excellent, secure fit
- Very breathable
- Great traction
- Unexpectedly light
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not for muddy areas
- Not for wide feet
- Could be more stylish
Best Nike walking shoes for trail
What makes it the best?
As it might suggest, the Wildhorse 8 is far from a tamed beast. The outsole stood ready for anything we threw at it, truly coming alive in its habitat. Besides, it’s remarkably comfy on the feet, earning the top spot among Nike’s trail arsenal.
The Wildhorse goes all-in in the traction department, and we gotta say, it’s a won bet. It's absolutely class on any terrain, let it be gravel, sticky mud, or even snowy mountain trails, conquering our hearts and trust. Our durometer found the outsole to be slightly softer than average—2.1% to be more precise—easily sticking to the bumpiest of grounds.
A heavenly match saw us delighting in the Wildhorse’s superior comfort and craving for some extra miles. The Wildhorse falls deep on the plusher side in midsole matters, emerging as 41.6% softer than the average trail shoe. In unison, the shoe reacted with a gentle 21.7N force to being bent at a right angle, meaning it’s 29.5% more flexible than average.
However, this is not a natural when it comes to racking up some pace. It’s fairly clunky even, carrying almost an extra ounce compared to the average trail shoe.
Pros
- Superior upper comfort
- Durable
- No need to break it in
- Superb lockdown
- Ample toe box space
- Great traction on muddy, boggy, snowy trails
- Also comfortable on hard surfaces
- Sheds mud easily
- Stable and protective midsole
- Smooth, enjoyable ride
- Best for daily training and trail LSDs
Cons
- Not as protective for the toes
- Does not like to go fast
- Can be unstable at fast paces
Most comfortable Nike walking shoes
What makes it the best?
Vomero 17 emerged as a highly versatile shoe with a premium in-shoe experience thanks to its soft cushioning and breezy upper. It’s our most comfortable pick among Nike walking-running shoes in our lab, even offering a supportive ride for a fuss-free experience.
Vomero 17 provides ample cushioning for impact protection and comfort, with a 33.9 mm heel surrounded by midsole sidewalls for added support. Its dual-density configuration includes a plush 11.9 HA ZoomX foam top layer, offering a sweet and delicate sensation underfoot. Meanwhile, the firmer 22.0 HA bottom layer enhances stability. We find the shoe ideal for neutral runners who need subtle guidance as fatigue sets in.
The outsole sports the iconic waffle pattern with strategic cutouts to enhance flexibility. And this is exactly what our bend test showed: 36.2% more adaptive than average, making it an ideal daily trainer that can handle walks and gym workouts.
Even the dual-layer mesh in the upper feels incredibly soft to the touch. Our microscope reveals multiple ventilation holes, which explains its impressive 4/5 breathability score in our lab, making it a steadfast companion all year round.
Unfortunately, it lacks the snappy energy we crave for speed training. Those who prefer a faster shoe should explore elsewhere.
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- More ZoomX cushioning than ever before
- All-day comfort
- Ideal for long-distance training
- Top-notch material use
- Can double as walking shoe
- Truly a beefed-up Pegasus
- Finally dips under 10 oz
Cons
- Limited wet traction
- Could benefit from more ZoomX
- Possible heel slippage
Most popular Nike walking shoes
What makes it the most popular?
Forty years later, the Pegasus keeps on a legendary streak. Everybody wants a piece of this absolute workhorse, with the 40s delivering a tidy and dynamic ride that conquered the world and the popularity conquest of Nike walking shoes.
Soft to the touch, the upper has comfort written all over it. The ultra-padded tongue kept our feet nice and steady, as its 8.6 mm blocked any conceivable lacing bites. From behind, the heel lockdown is precise and cushy—on a scale where 5 is the least bendable, our manual assessments earned the Pegasus a 2 out of 5 for heel counter stiffness, affirming the shoe’s commitment to a comfy lockdown.
The Pegasus 40 overflows liberating sensations, and it followed our feet' motion everywhere. Its untamed ride claimed the Pegasus a place among the top 6% most flexible shoes we ever tested, solidifying its reputation as an excellent all-rounder to glide through those brisk walking sessions.
Unfortunately, we didn’t feel the wings of this horse. It’s rather dull even, lacking the spark and excitement its name and status might suggest.
Pros
- Plush and comfortable upper
- Breathable
- Secure lockdown
- Has enough toe-box space
- Not overly soft or firm underfoot
- Good energy return
- Great grip on most surfaces
- Incredible durability
- Perfect for everyday miles and LSDs
Cons
- A generally narrow fit
- Heavier than the v39
- Not a very memorable ride
Best budget Nike walking shoes
What makes it the best?
Among Nike shoes, we found Winflo 10 to be the perfect walking-running shoe because of its comfortable Air cushioning, free-flowing midsole, and robust outsole. What’s even better is this multi-purpose shoe only costs $100 vs. the $128 average of Nike trainers, making it our best budget pick.
Winflo 10 features full-length Air cushioning that oozes gentle and plush sensations even if we stay on our feet all day. Our durometer confirms its premium feel, emerging 31.5% softer than average. This supportive shoe erases any harshness of landing impact.
We found that it effortlessly transitions into a running, walking, cross-training, or even gym shoe because of its adaptive build. We’re able to move naturally without much resistance from the midsole. Our bend test confirms it’s more flexible than average by 25.2%.
This Nike offers value for money because it delivers an outsole with a long lifespan. Our lab results reveal the rubber is harder and thicker than average at 87.4 HC and 4.3 mm. Both numbers suggest the shoe can take the beating of daily mileage.
Unfortunately, this daily trainer lacks the explosiveness we need for speed sessions. Its focus on flexibility and comfort may underwhelm hardcore runners.
Pros
- Combines durability with breathability
- Exceptionally long-lasting outsole
- Versatile design for casual wear or cross-training
- Enhanced plush midsole
- Air cushioning improves the running experience
- Easy on the wallet
- Fantastic for beginners
Cons
- May not suit forefoot strikers
- Could benefit from increased energy return
How to choose the best Nike walking shoes
Let’s explore how to choose the best Nike walking shoes that will keep you on your feet in comfort and style.
Assessing your walking needs
Nike’s shoe catalog is massive, and its walking shoe options are no exception. Assessing what exactly you need to get out of your walking shoes will help you narrow in on the best choice amidst a sea of shoes. Some questions to consider include:
- Are you looking for walking shoes for casual wear or something more performance-oriented for intense, specific activities, including running?
- Do you need walking shoes for work that offer all-day comfort and support?
- Do you have any foot conditions that would require features like arch support or extra cushioning?
Best Nike walking shoes at a glance
With those questions in mind, here is a summary of the best Nike walking shoes, and what they are best suited for.
Best for |
Nike Walking Shoes |
|
City |
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit |
Well-rounded and comfortable trainer for walking, running, and gym sessions |
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit |
Plush, max comfort trainer for running or long days on your feet. |
|
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus |
Responsive, fashionable, and durable shoe for brisk walks and running |
|
Trail |
Nike React Pegasus Trail |
Added cushion for comfortable, supportive performance on any surface, from pavement to dirt trails. Versatile, stable shoe for off-road walks, runs, and hikes |
Technologies used in Nike walking shoes
Nike shoes are packed with lots of unique materials and technologies. Understanding a few key branding terms will help you know what to expect from any given walking shoe.
Nike midsole foams
ZoomX: premium, extra soft, high-performance
Zoom: Soft, responsive, lightweight, with efficient energy return
React: Springy, and supportive; made for all-day comfort
Nike uppers
Flyknit: Super breathable, sock-like mesh upper: form-fitting without sacrificing airflow
Shield: Water-repellent coating for extra protection in wet conditions
Nike walking vs. running shoes
Technically, Nike doesn't have a separate category dedicated to walking shoes only. However, this seems to change in 2023 with the introduction of the Nike Motiva.
But we found that the best Nike walking shoes are usually classified as running shoes. The features that make them suitable for running are more than ideal for walking. These shoes offer:
- Cushioning: Daily trainers and distance running shoes—with midsoles that balance comfort, responsiveness, and shock absorption—also make for excellent walking shoes. This would be most Nike models featuring Zoom or React foams.
- Support: Running shoes provide good lateral support: they keep your foot stable in optimal positioning. Nike trail running shoes and models with Flywire technology will have the most structure and stability.
- Style: Nike made running shoes cool before anyone else. With a mind-boggling array of colorways, you are guaranteed to find a style you like. But if you want something more stylish than sporty, Nike sneakers might be a better option. Sneakers are not quite as comfortable and supportive as running shoes, but they are more versatile for casual wear.
Evaluating comfort and fit
Nike shoes have a reputation for running small. In reality, they are typically true to size, but with a slightly narrower fit than some brands.
Nike walking shoes with a Flyknit mesh upper, like the React Infinity Run Flyknit, are designed to be form-fitting. Some love the secure, stable fit of Flyknit shoes, but others may find it too constrictive.
If you have wide feet, there are Nike shoes available in wide and extra-wide options as well (Nike Pegasus, Nike Downshifter, etc.)
Whatever your preference, properly fitted walking shoes should not feel tight anywhere, but you should not experience any slippage. A snug fit is most important in the heel and midfoot. In the toebox, you should have a finger’s-width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. If you work on your feet all day or regularly walk long distances, you should consider sizing up a half-size to comfortably accommodate swelling feet.
Don’t miss our guide on shoe sizing for a deeper dive into the fitting and more tips on finding the best Nike walking shoes for you.