10 Best Nike Long Distance Running Shoes in 2022

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.4
10 Best Nike Long Distance Running Shoes in 2022

Every model of Nike long distance running shoes on this list is engineered to accommodate various running styles, training or racing conditions, and budget.

The perfect pair of shoes for an experienced marathoner will be different from a runner who is training for her first 21K race. Whether you are former or the other, it is best to consider several key factors and decide which specific features are more important for you.

We’ve handpicked 100+ Nike shoes designed for high-mileage sessions to help you narrow down your options. If you have a specific preference in mind when it comes to overall fit and performance, check out our top picks in a variety of categories.

Best overall
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
$120 $73 From Nike
Best road
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
$160 $100 From Running Warehouse
Best trail
Nike Wildhorse 7 Nike Wildhorse 7
$130 $104 From Road Runner Sports
Best value
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 Nike Pegasus Trail 3
$130 $90 From Champs Sports
Most popular
Nike Zoom Fly 4 Nike Zoom Fly 4
$160 $110 From Champs Sports
See all 105 nike long distance running shoes

Overview of this guide

How we test running shoes

You don’t have to personally review over a hundred Nike running shoes available out there. You may, of course, do that if you have the time to read thousands of reviews on the web. At RunRepeat, we simplify everything for you to give you a quick browsing experience of the best Nike shoe for your next 21K or 50K race.

Our entire process to come up with our best selections involves:

  • Purchasing all the shoes with our own money to avoid bias and brand loyalty
  • Running 30 to 50 miles on average in each model both on the road and on trails
  • Cutting the shoes into their essential parts to get a much closer look
  • Measuring over 30 parameters that contribute to the shoe’s overall performance
  • Gathering feedback from experts, long-distance runners, and regular users
  • Summarizing all comparable data we’ve gathered for your reading convenience

To complete the whole process, we use our proprietary CoreScore system that reflects all the information above. Each model of Nike shoes is assigned a final score that ranges from 0 to 100.

Best Nike long distance running shoes overall

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
$73
See deal  
$75
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$105
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$120
See deal  
Top pick

Corescore

86
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 2,368 users
88 / 100 from 21 experts

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

If there's one thing we can't take away from the Pegasus 38, it's that it's the GOAT of all workhorse shoes in our arsenal! It oozes with plushness, stability, and pop. It can do slow days, tempo sessions, and even gym workouts. If you want a fun ride, take the Pegasus 38!
See our full review and facts
Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2
Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2
$94
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$111
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  
Also great

Corescore

86
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 1,152 users
84 / 100 from 3 experts

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

Given its slip-on, laceless design, Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2 is more often used as an every-day sneaker than a running shoe. It's best used for short and easy runs, especially in summer when it's highly breathable upper gets the spotlight.
See our full review and facts

Best Nike road long distance running shoes

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
$100
See deal  
$109
See deal  
$128
See deal  
$128
See deal  
Top pick

Corescore

87
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 1,602 users
89 / 100 from 19 experts

Pros

  • Exceptional flywire lacing
  • Soft & cushioned ride
  • Great for heavier runners
  • Incredible grip (road)
  • Very breathable
  • Padded heel collar
  • No heel slipping
  • True to size
  • Durable 

Cons

  • Tongue rips apart
  • Lacks pop for tempo runs
  • Slippery on snow and ice

Verdict

In the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2, our feet just felt locked in place! And even after rough wear testing, this daily trainer proved itself a durable shoe. It's loaded with lots of cushion that's not too soft nor too rigid, making it supportive and ideal for heavy runners. As a daily running shoe, it sticks to what it's designed to do - it's not going to make you run fast, but it does offer a smooth, easy ride.
See our full review and facts
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
$175
See deal  
$192
See deal  
$250
See deal  
$250
See deal  
Also great

Corescore

91
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 308 users
89 / 100 from 16 experts

Pros

  • Insanely lightweight
  • Very breathable 
  • Bouncy
  • Responsive 
  • FAST
  • No break-in period needed
  • Good grip on dry surfaces

Cons

  • Not ideal for wide feet
  • Unstable
  • Forefoot strikers only

Verdict

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2 is probably one of the fastest shoes on the market, but it has some problems that I think the majority of runners will agree with. It’s unstable, a bit too narrow still, looks ridiculous, and hits the pocket book hard. If your job is to run fast, or you’re a sponsored athlete I think these shoes may be the tool to help you win, but for the average joe who wants to drop 2 minutes off their 5K time, it may be too much tech in a shoe designed for the 1% club.
See our full review and facts

Best Nike trail long distance running shoes

Nike Wildhorse 7
Nike Wildhorse 7
$104
See deal  
$105
See deal  
$108
See deal  
$130
See deal  
Top pick

Corescore

85
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 507 users
73 / 100 from 9 experts

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

Pacing it through rocky and off-trail terrain, hands down, the Nike Wildhorse 7 just rocks! It made each of our steps confident and its protection just took everything to a whole new level. For a trail shoe, this is what we consider comfortable. It's not pillowy soft but has enough give to keep the foot cushioned and strain-free. All of this, however, comes at the price of heft.
See our full review and facts
Nike Juniper Trail
Nike Juniper Trail
$60
See deal  
$70
See deal  
$70
See deal  
No stock  
Also great

Corescore

81
Good!
4.2 / 5 from 602 users
82 / 100 from 1 experts

Pros

  • Great lockdown
  • Fits true to size
  • Lightweight
  • Comfy
  • Affordable
  • Sturdy
  • Good lacing system

Cons

  • Forefoot can slip over the edge of the midsole
  • Lack of rock plate
  • Grip is pretty bad on anything technical

Verdict

The Nike Juniper Trail is an affordable off-road shoe that seems ideal for beginners and people who want a little more grip for easy trails. With durable materials, trail-specific design features, and an excellent ground feel, this is an excellent choice for compact dirt and gravel trails.
See our full review and facts

Best value Nike long distance running shoes

Nike Pegasus Trail 3
Nike Pegasus Trail 3
$90
See deal  
$105
See deal  
$121
See deal  
$130
See deal  
Top pick

Corescore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 160 users
87 / 100 from 13 experts

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

The Pegasus road series just holds a special place in our feet, we just had to see it in trail action. And voila! 50 miles later, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 won us over with its uber plush landings! It's stable and comfy and will make your run cloud-like. When faced with slick surfaces, however, it shows its limitations.
See our full review and facts
Nike React Escape Run
Nike React Escape Run
$71
See deal  
$99
See deal  
$100
See deal  
No stock  
Also great

Corescore

88
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 187 users
90 / 100 from 1 experts

Pros

  • True to size
  • Versatile
  • Trampoline-like ride
  • Feels lightweight
  • Durable outsole
  • Breathable
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Lateral instability
  • Pep fades away
  • Tongue runs warm
  • Heel slipping

Verdict

After we took the Nike React Escape Run for a spin, we've gathered that it's a shoe that can handle anything! It's comfortable and light for the high-mileage stretches, and it's got a trampoline-like bounce for tempo sessions. Even better, it's a shoe that won't hurt your pockets and it's built to last!
See our full review and facts

Most popular Nike long distance running shoes

Nike Zoom Fly 4
Nike Zoom Fly 4
$110
See deal  
$137
See deal  
$160
See deal  
$160
See deal  
Top pick

Corescore

87
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 111 users
84 / 100 from 9 experts

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

Zoom Fly 4 feels like a Vaporfly but it's more durable and designed 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!
See our full review and facts
Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next%
Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next%
$120
See deal  
$154
See deal  
$189
See deal  
$200
See deal  
Also great

Corescore

86
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 596 users
88 / 100 from 26 experts

Pros

  • True to size
  • Fast
  • No break-in period
  • Super breathable paper-thin upper
  • Remarkable durability
  • Very comfortable
  • Sleek design
  • Pushes you forward
  • Best for fast long runs (~10 miles)

Cons

  • Unstable at sharp turns
  • Not for slow runs at all
  • Poor traction on wet surfaces

Verdict

It's fast, and it can rake up miles! The Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% is everything we can ask for in a dedicated tempo trainer. It's comfortable and it's loaded with bounce, springing you forward in each stride! After putting it to the test, it's safe to say that it suits middle to long-distance runs best. And 100 miles after, we still don't see any significant wear from the shoe.
See our full review and facts

What are the most popular Nike long distance running shoes in 2022?

  1. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
  2. Nike Zoom Fly 4
  3. Nike Pegasus Trail 3
  4. Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
  5. Nike Wildhorse 7
  6. Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next%
  7. Nike React Miler 2
  8. Nike ZoomX Invincible Run
  9. Nike Juniper Trail
  10. Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next%
  11. Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8
  12. Nike Renew Ride 2
  13. Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3
  14. Nike Air Zoom Structure 24
  15. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 FlyEase

See all Nike long distance running shoes sorted by popularity

What are the cheapest Nike long distance running shoes in 2022?

  1. Nike Juniper Trail - from $60
  2. Nike Renew Ride 2 - from $68
  3. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 FlyEase - from $68
  4. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 - from $73
  5. Nike React Miler 2 - from $87
  6. Nike Air Zoom Winflo 8 - from $90
  7. Nike Pegasus Trail 3 - from $98
  8. Nike Wildhorse 7 - from $104
  9. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield - from $105
  10. Nike Zoom Fly 4 - from $110
  11. Nike Air Zoom Structure 24 - from $130
  12. Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% FlyEase - from $135
  13. Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8 - from $140
  14. Nike ZoomX Invincible Run - from $144
  15. Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% - from $154

See all Nike long distance running shoes sorted by lowest price

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.

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