10 Best Nike Cushioned Running Shoes in 2022
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.
Overview of this guide
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
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 29% in road running shoes
- Top 29% in Nike running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Wider than Pegasus 37
- Very stable ride
- Peppy toe-off
- Hugs your feet
- Padded upper
- Very durable (400-500miles)
- Grippy even on dirt roads
- Legit workhorse
- Doubles as a gym shoe
- A joy to run in
Cons
- Runs warm
- Above-average weight
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 4% most popular running shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Wider than other Nikes
- Breathable
- Durable
- Very affordable
- Grippy thanks to mini lugs
- Sleek modern looks
- Great, secure fit
- Outstanding weight
Cons
- Not a springy ride
- Short runs only
Verdict
Best Nike road cushioned running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Insane lightness
- Glove-like fit
- Heel loop
- Easy lacing system
- Super breathable
- True to size
- Comfotable as an everyday slipper
- Extremely flexible
Cons
- Short runs only
- Lack of proper outsole
- Insole not removable
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 1% in Nike Downshifter running shoes
- Top 3% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Wider fit
- Lightweight
- Super durable outsole
- Breathable
- True to size
- Insanely good value
- Beginner-friendly
- Great for every day and gym
Cons
- Entry-level feel
- Firm underfoot
Verdict
Best Nike trail cushioned running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 4% most popular running shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Superb grip in dry conditions
- Rock plate for extra protection
- Semi gaiters keep the debris out
- Built for off trails
- Pushes you to run
- Great for hiking as well
- Awesome looks
Cons
- Needs breaking in
- Runs hot
- Heel might slip
- Not for a wide forefoot
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 8% in trail running shoes
- Top 9% in Nike running shoes
- Top 3% most popular running shoes
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
Verdict
Best value Nike cushioned running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 3% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Peppy midsole
- Budget-friendly
- Good amount of flexibility
- Consistent performance in any condition
- Great as leisurewear
Cons
- Runs narrow
- Poor lacing
- Lacks grip
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 5% in trail running shoes
- Top 5% in Nike running shoes
- Top 5% most popular running shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Well-cushioned
- Snug fit
- Durable
- Very comfortable
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Heavy
- Stiff
- Looks clunky and too bright
- Not for technical terrain
- Not breathable
Verdict
Most popular Nike cushioned running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 30% in neutral running shoes
- Top 30% in running shoes for high arches
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
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
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 28% in running shoes for walking
- Top 3% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Laceless design
- Grips well on dry surfaces
- Breathable
- Easy to put on/off
- Stylish and good-looking
- Great everyday sneaker
Cons
- Not comfortable for long or fast-paced runs
- Poor durability
- Unstable at sharp turns
Verdict
What are the most popular Nike cushioned running shoes in 2022?
- Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
- Nike Free Run 5.0
- Nike Zoom Fly 4
- Nike Revolution 6
- Nike Pegasus Trail 3
- Nike Quest 4
- Nike Downshifter 11
- Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
- Nike Wildhorse 7
- Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next%
- Nike Air Max Torch 4
- Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16
- Nike React Miler 2
- Nike ZoomX Invincible Run
- Nike Juniper Trail
What are the cheapest Nike cushioned running shoes in 2022?
- Nike Flex Run 2021 - from $50
- Nike Quest 4 - from $52
- Nike Juniper Trail - from $60
- Nike Downshifter 11 - from $60
- Nike Revolution 6 - from $65
- Nike Run Swift 2 - from $68
- Nike Renew Ride 2 - from $68
- Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 FlyEase - from $68
- Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 - from $73
- Nike Free Run 5.0 - from $77
- Nike React Miler 2 - from $87
- Nike Air Zoom Winflo 8 - from $90
- Nike Pegasus Trail 3 - from $98
- Nike Wildhorse 7 - from $104
- Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7 - from $105