3 Best Nike Flyknit Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
3 Best Nike Flyknit Running Shoes in 2023
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us. Why trust us

Introduced in 2012, the Nike Flyknit running shoes revolutionized the world of running. Its state-of-the-art integral knitting technique was something that was never seen before. It was truly innovative creating a one-piece breathable upper, engineered for precision fit and a second-skin feel for runners.

From blistering 5Ks to marathons, or simply for daily jogs or lifestyle use, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Nike Flyknit running shoes. We present you with more than a dozen amazing Flyknit models to choose from. To help you save time in choosing the right one, we’ve tested, reviewed, and evaluated all of them.

We selected different remarkable pairs that will surely match your needs. Go ahead and check them out!

Best Nike Flyknit running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

Our findings from our lab and run tests point to the Infinity Run Flyknit 3 as the best overall Flyknit shoe. That's due to its excellent fit, smooth ride, and outstanding versatility of a top daily trainer.

There is plenty of Flyknit material in the Infinity Run Flyknit 3's upper, which is stretchy, thick, and downright comfortable. The ankle collar and tongue are tremendously padded, with the tongue 2.1 mm thicker than average. That all results in a lockdown fit as the upper conforms to our feet and keeps them securely in place.

The Infinity Run Flyknit 3 also doesn't disappoint in terms of being a do-it-all daily trainer. We feel running in them is so effortless thanks to how smooth the transitions are. Its midsole is 38.8% softer than average, which delivers exceptional comfort on easy days and superb shock absorption for long runs. But it still has the right balance of softness and firmness that make it a great shoe to wear in the gym, the office, or just casually.

However, the Infinity Run Flyknit 3's big downfall is that it's not the best for warmer temperatures. The thicker Flyknit material compromises the shoe's ventilation, which became apparent in our breathability test as the smoke we pumped into the shoe did not pass through the upper so easily.

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
Full review of Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Pure platinum/black (DV0697043)
Sequoia/University Gold (FD0784300)
Black (DH5392003)
Black/Siren Red-ream Red-volt (DH5392007)
Black/White (DD3024001)
Black/Dark Smoke Grey/Grey Fog (DH5392006)
College Navy Metallic Silver (DZ3014401)
Dark Beetroot/White-University Gold (DH5392600)
More colors

Best Nike Flyknit running shoes for speed training

Nike Zoom Fly 4
88
Great!

What makes it the best?

The Zoom Fly 4 is built to go fast, with its fantastic propulsiveness feeling very similar to Nike's vaunted super shoe, the Vaporfly. And with its Flyknit-infused upper providing a foot-hugging fit and outstanding breathability, there's no doubt the Zoom Fly 4 is the premier Flyknit speed shoe.

The Zoom Fly 4 is a great training companion to the Vaporfly given how close the two shoes feel. With its rockered toebox and stiff carbon-plate design, the Zoom Fly 4 feels very energetic underfoot and gives great toe-off propulsion. It took a whopping 56.3N of force to bend the shoe 90 degrees, which makes it 84.6% stiffer than the average running shoe.

Moving to the upper, the Zoom Fly 4's fit is just what a speed shoe should be. The mesh does not have much stretch and locks the foot into place. But the FlyKnit ankle collar is soft and sock-like, while the rectangular foam in the heel does a fine job preventing heel slip. And despite the Zoom Fly 4's two-layer upper design, the shoe is still surprisingly breathable. We felt a good breeze on our test runs as our feet were kept nice and cool.

However, the Zoom Fly 4's outsole grip is a letdown. While the grip was perfectly good on the tarmac, it got slick in the dirt or on wet surfaces. So those who want more grip in their speed shoes should look elsewhere.

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
Full review of Nike Zoom Fly 4

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (CT2392001)
Black (DQ4993010)
Black (CT2392003)
Black (CT2392004)
Barely Volt/Black-Hyper Orange (CT2392700)
Wolf Grey/Photo Blue/Black (CT2392005)
University Gold/Black/Amarillo (DO2421739)
Platinum Tint/Siren Red (CT2392006)
More colors

Nike Flyknit running shoes with best cushion

What makes it the best?

No other Flyknit shoe compares to the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2, which has an insane amount of comfortable cushioning underfoot. Add its smooth ride and surprising springiness, and it is without question the top Flyknit cushion shoe.

It's hard to find a shoe with cushioning quite as good as the Invincible Run Flyknit 2's. It has a thick midsole with 2.3 mm more stack height in the heel than average. And that super-soft ZoomX foam is 55% softer than the average road running shoe, so it is not only supremely comfortable, but it is also superb at absorbing shocks and impact on our runs.

The Invincible Run Flyknit 2 is absolutely brilliant for cruising along at easy paces thanks to its rocker geometry, which makes transitions smooth and seamless. Not only that, but we also felt a good amount of springiness to the shoe, which adds more fun to the ultra-cushioned ride.

However, the Invincible Run Flyknit 2 does get hot due to the knit upper and the padded tongue, which is a whopping 3.2 mm thicker than average. The poorly ventilated shoe scored a 2 out of 5 on our breathability test, with 5 being the most breathable, as the smoke we pumped into it had a hard time escaping the upper.

Pros

  • Plushness overload
  • Protective for long runs
  • Smooth and seamless ride
  • Adds pep to your step
  • Supports tired legs
  • Terrific heel lockdown
  • Spacious toe box
  • Grippy on light trails

Cons

  • Not for wet surfaces
  • Expensive for a trainer
  • Lacks durability
  • Poor airflow
Full review of Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (DH5425001)
Siren red/black-team red-green (DH5425600)
White (DH5425100)
Game Royal/Blackened Blue/Phantom (DX3372400)
Sail/SailBlack-Light Bone-Mint Foam (DH5425102)
Black/Chlorine Blue/Blue Orbit (DH5425003)
White (DV1745181)
Iron Grey/Kumquat/Wolf Grey (DH5425002)
More colors

Comparison of the 3 best Nike Flyknit running shoes

+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways

How we test running shoes

To select our top picks for different categories, we analyzed all data from mechanical tests inside our independent shoe lab, reviewed the extensive feedback from our team of wear-testers, as well as used our own knowledge and experience in running and running shoes.

For this particular list, we’ve highlighted the best of the best based on the following process:

  • We buy all the Nike Flyknit running shoes with our own funds to avoid any brand loyalty and bias.
  • We perform a battery of tests in the lab, which involves cutting the shoes into pieces. We weigh and measure over 30 parameters of each model, checking and re-checking the breathability and durability of the Flyknit upper, the softness of the midsole, and many more.
  • We clock in at least 30-40 miles on average for each pair in various training and racing environments.

Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.