7 Best Nike Cushioned Running Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
Whether for morning jogs, marathons, or recovery runs, Nike offers some of the best well-cushioned running shoes on the market. Wearing a pair with great cushioning provides many benefits, aside from giving you a super-soft ride and smoother transitions on the road or off the beaten paths.
We’ve rounded up 100+ Nike cushioned running shoes, reviewed and selected our best picks in five different categories, from best overall and most popular choices to highest-rated in road and trail running. We also have our best picks in the budget-friendly category.
Whatever preferences and running requirements you have in mind, we can help narrow down the top choices that will give you the best bang for your buck.
How we test running shoes
At RunRepeat, we use a data-driven process to come up with comprehensive and no-BS reviews of the best-cushioned running shoes from the Nike brand. Each model is put to the wringer to get a closer look at how they fare in our rigorous wear tests and lab testing.
Our entire process involves:
- Buying all the running shoes with our own personal funds. We do this to make sure we’re free from any bias and brand loyalty.
- Cut each model into pieces. Yes, we cut the shoes into little parts and measure 30+ parameters, from cushioning, in-shoe construction, breathability, and many others.
- Testing the shoes in actual training and racing conditions. We record our impression of wearing the shoes for at least 30-50 miles.
- Collecting information from shoe experts and regular users and putting them in a summary.
To conclude the review, we added up all comparable data we’ve aggregated and calculated their final ratings using our CoreScore system. Each pair of shoes is assigned a number from 0-100 that reflects its ranking as compared to others.
Best Nike cushioned running shoes overall
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
The thirty-ninth version of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus is a certified workhorse that's perfect for slow, long, and faster efforts. Not only this, but it's also a great choice for newbies who are aiming to hit their first 5K or a marathon. And for long-time runners, it's a trusty pick if you want a good ol' fashion ride that will keep you stable.
Pros
- Lighter than the Peg 38
- More responsive
- Stable when cornering
- Snug and comfy fit
- Doesn't cause lace bites
- For easy & faster days
- Grippy on wet concrete and light trails
- Tank-like build
- Perfect for beginners
Cons
- Narrow toe box for wide feet
- Warm upper
- Not for recovery days
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$74
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$98
Fleet Feet
$98
Nike
$99
Backcountry
Free shipping
$104
REI
Free shipping
$130
Best Nike cushioned running shoes for trail
Nike Pegasus Trail 3
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Pegasus road series just holds a special place in many runners' hearts (feet?), and now it is ready for some trail action too. The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 has won many people over with its uber-plush landings as well as the cloud-like comfort and stability. As long as you stay away from slick surfaces, it is an excellent option.
Pros
- Soft, bouncy ride
- Very comfortable
- True to size
- Wide for a Nike
- Wide loop on heel
- Built to last
- Reflective swoosh
- Killer grip on dry trails
Cons
- Not grippy in wet
- Runs warm
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$50
Stadium Goods
$85
Fleet Feet
$98
Nike
$110
Best Nike cushioned running shoes with wide toebox
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
The React Infinity Run Flyknit 3 from Nike is the brand's easy-day running shoe. With a generous cushion, it's comfortable to eat up lots of miles on the pavement. And if you're looking for a lockdown fit that will keep you stable from the first stride to last, this shoe won't disappoint. Overall, get the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3 if you want a solid daily trainer that's perfect for newcomers and seasoned runners alike.
Pros
- Snappy toe-off
- Comfortable all-day
- Stable when legs are tired
- Smooth transitions
- Comfortable fit
- Roomy toe box
- Grippy on wet roads and light trails
- Also for walking and gym training
- Perfect for beginners
Cons
- Lacks responsiveness
- A tad heavy
- Too expensive
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$67
Nike
$96
REI
Free shipping
$96
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$100
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$160
Best Nike cushioned running shoes for long distance
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
The React Pegasus Trail 4 is one of the top road-to-trail options from Nike. Cushiony and responsive on the roads yet grippy and stable on the trails, the shoe makes a perfect hybrid. It also remains surprisingly light given all the features packed into it. Experienced runners are happy that it feels a lot like the original Pegasus Trail 36 but with an enhanced grip.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$72
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$80
Nike
$84
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$90
Backcountry
Free shipping
$104
REI
Free shipping
$140
Best Nike cushioned running shoes with plush cushioning
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3
83
Good!
What makes it the best?
The Invincible Run is a shoe that barely needs an introduction. It’s among the most (if not the most) comfortable max-cushioned trainers, alongside the More and the Bondi. In this third version, the shoe moved away from the unadulterated wildness of the v2 in favor of practicality and versatility. The outcome is a ride that’s less soft and bouncy, more stable and controlled. It’s the Invincible for runners who couldn’t handle the Invincible.
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
- Not as welcoming to wide feet
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$180
Nike
$180
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$180
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$180
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$180
Best Nike marathon cushioned running shoes
Nike Zoom Fly 4
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
Zoom Fly 4 feels like a Vaporfly but it's more durable and incredible for everyday speed training. Finally a shoe that can go fast often! And with a price point way below its carbon-plated competitors, what's not to love!
Pros
- Rockered toe design
- Propulsive
- Breathable
- Affordable for carbon-plated shoe
- Sock-like fit
- Large heel-loop
- True to size
- Feels like more stable Vaporfly
- Snug and secure fit
- Perfect for carbon newbies
Cons
- Stiff
- Unstable at slower speeds
- Grippy on dry road only
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Free shipping
$70
Stadium Goods
$89
Nike
$110
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$112
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$160
Best daily trainer
Nike Run Swift 2
86
Great!
What makes it the best?
Budget, comfort, and style are all wrapped into one simple design. The Nike Run Swift 2 is an entry-level shoe with some decent elements and features giving it a much more expensive look and fee.
Pros
- Breathable
- True to size
- Wide toe box
- Cushioned tongue
- Durable outsole
- Price
- Gusseted tongue
Cons
- Stiff ride
- Narrow midfoot
- Heavy
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$84
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Comparison of the 7 best Nike cushioned running shoes
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