7 Best Nike Long Distance Running Shoes

Third time’s a charm for Vaporfly as it sustains lightning speed on long distances. We discovered through our lab and run tests that its soft and stacked cushion oozes comfort, balanced by an exceptionally responsive midsole. All these features are wrapped in an airy package. No doubt, it claims the top spot for Nike’s long-distance shoes.

Its Pebax foam gives a luxurious feel, effortlessly blending comfort and energy return. We couldn’t resist pressing it with our durometer. It emerged a pillowy 16.8 HA, 29.1% softer than average. Its above-average stack is bouncy — spoiling our legs with smooth and fast toe-offs while ensuring we’re protected from the harshness of long miles.

This racer can blaze through any distance, fueling us with boundless energy and unmatched speed. Putting it against our flex test, it emerged 88.3% stiffer than average! This didn’t go unnoticed in our runs as we immediately felt the carbon plate’s power in every stride.

VF3 is a featherweight champion, tipping the scales to a mere 6.7 oz (190g) — much lighter than other supershoes (7.5 oz/214g). Adding to the light feeling is the well-ventilated upper that received the highest possible score on our breathability test.

We don’t recommend this pair to runners with stability issues or wide feet since the 107.6/76.6 mm forefoot and heel are way below the 113.2/90.1 mm average.

Nike’s Alphafly 3 is our best bet for breaking long-distance PRs. It shines in consistency, insane responsiveness, and leg-saving comfort—all in a lightweight package. It offers everything an endurance runner needs for peak performance, with a revolutionary stable ride as the cherry on top.

We’re in awe of the consistent energy this racer provides. It keeps our forward momentum strong with the rigid FlyPlate and the Air Pods in the forefoot. The shoe comes to life as we run longer and faster. Proven by our 90° bend test, it fearlessly exceeds the average stiffness of running shoes by 144.7%.

For its size, it's surprisingly light on foot. Our scales confirm an airy 7.1 oz (201g). The well-ventilated Atomknit upper adds to its lightness, as it received a perfect breathability score in the lab.

Its stacked and plush ZoomX midsole dampens the impact of repetitive landing—saving our legs from fatigue. The ride feels incredibly propulsive yet stable—thanks to the dual-density foam that's a soft 18.1 HA below for comfort, and a firm 29.3 HA on top for surefootedness. Enhancing stable landings are the midsole sidewalls and the broad landing base.

Like most supershoes, the outsole prioritizes grip over durability. Our lab confirms the Fast Shot rubber is merely 1.9 mm thin. We recommend saving this pair for races.

After four decades, the Pegasus line remains synonymous with everyday running, and the 41st version is no different. Post-testing in and out of the lab, the Nike Pegasus 41 continues to bring superior comfort, unmatched versatility, and next-level durability. As such, it’s our best daily trainer from Nike’s long-distance running lineup.

Comfort is a priority in the Pegasus 41, from top to bottom. Its thick and gusseted tongue and soft mesh upper are well-padded, serving as our haven for long hours. When we ran in these shoes, our feet felt fresh thanks to the well-ventilated upper, which our smoke test confirms with an impressive 4/5 breathability score—a rarity for dual-layer uppers.

Underfoot, the ReactX foam with two Air Zoom units kept the ride cushioned and bouncy. Our durometer confirms it’s 26.2% softer than average. Further boosting comfort for high mileage is the shoe’s fluid ride, since it feels less harsh on foot. Our bend test confirms Peg 41 is 34.0% more flexible than average.

The outsole sports the iconic waffle pattern from the 70s that’s both durable and grippy. Even after miles of hitting the pavement, it had no visible wear. At the lab, we verified it to be a tough 89.0 HC, confirming its longevity.

While the Pegasus 41 is reliable, it lacks the cushioning that other maximalists prefer, especially its below-average 22.2 mm forefoot.

Providing more than enough comfort and cushioning for miles and miles, plus durability that's ready to take on high mileage—the Nike InfinityRN 4 takes the crown for best in comfort among the Nike long-distance running shoe roster.

It definitely takes the cake as it provides heavenly comfort on all levels from the upper to the midsole. We measured the heel stack on the InfinityRN4 to be 34.3 mm, 1.0 mm more than the average heel stack of 33.2 mm. The new ReactX midsole foam is also incredibly soft—48.98% softer than average. Our feet felt like running on a mixture of clouds, marshmallows, and pillows.

The Flyknit upper in the Nike InfinityRN 4 is thick, very stretchy, and hugs the feet providing extra comfort for long runs. Its tongue, which we measured at 5.6 mm thick, is just a touch below the 5.8 mm average but still thick enough to provide comfort.

Durability is not a concern with the Nike InfinityRN 4. The upper stands strong with a 4/5 rating in our Dremel test. The outsole continues this durability trend with a 13.28% denser rubber resulting in only 0.3 mm damage in our Dremel test (0.9 mm is the average). This shoe is definitely a workhorse ready to take on high-mileage training blocks. 

However, for all the comfort it offers, it is actually a whale on the scales at 316g (11.15 oz)—a whopping 48g (1.69 oz) above the average of 265g (9.35oz). Lighter shoes may be available for runners if weight is a concern.

During our city-to-trail trips, the Pegasus Trail 5 impressed us with its reliability and versatility on mixed terrains. It has the grit and grip for rugged paths and the energy and comfort needed to sustain long miles. From top to bottom, its overall durability ensures it can survive several training blocks. Among lab-tested Nike long-distance running shoes, it’s our ultimate hybrid shoe.

Suitable for its purpose, the outsole features a hard 87.9 HC All Terrain Compound that barely had abrasions after significant mileage. Our Dremel further confirms its resistance to wear with only a minimal 0.8 mm dent during testing. We also found its 3.2 mm lug depth perfect for biting loose ground without feeling bulky on the streets.

The ride feels well-cushioned and dynamic thanks to the ReactX foam. Our durometer confirms it’s significantly softer than average by 51.1%, dampening landing impact and launching us like a spring during takeoff.

Even the upper feels soft to the touch and further analysis in the lab reveals a multi-layered mesh for additional protection against abrasion. True enough, our Dremel did not affect the upper, earning a well-deserved perfect score in durability. Unfortunately, ventilation was sacrificed. With a disappointing 2/5 mark, we can’t recommend this pair for summer trips.

After extensive running and lab assessments, the Zegama 2 is our ultimate trailblazer among Nike’s long-distance running shoes. With the unparalleled traction of the Vibram Megagrip outsole, the dynamic yet plush ZoomX midsole, and the well-structured upper, this trail shoe can handle the toughest and longest trails easily, regardless of terrain or weather conditions.

The Vibram Megagrip outsole, with 4.0 mm Traction Lugs, provides unmatched traction on wet mud and loose soil, ensuring stability through sudden changes in terrain. Its durable rubber withstands tough conditions, showing minimal wear in our rigorous Dremel test with just a 0.8 mm dent.

A standout feature is the lively ZoomX midsole. Together with the rocker structure, each toe-off feels silky-smooth. Every landing is welcomed by a buttery foam, with a durometer reading 36.1% softer than average. This heavenly combination makes it easier to sustain our momentum for long mileage.

The upper feels premium and robust, as our lab confirms with a 4/5 durability score. Amazingly, ventilation isn’t sacrificed as the smoke escaped easily through the upper in our breathability test, earning a high 4/5 rating. We’re confident that hotspots won’t be a problem here.

However, weighing 10.7 oz (302g), the Zegama 2 may not suit runners seeking a lighter shoe for faster runs. Those prioritizing speed may prefer alternatives.

We explored trails and tested Nike long-distance running shoes in the lab to search for the top ultra running model — all roads led to the Ultrafly. We found a reliable endurance trail partner with immense comfort, high speed, and stability. Ultrafly makes long miles roll by effortlessly, allowing us to soak in our adventures without worries.

We can’t help but emphasize how luscious and buttery smooth the ZoomX foam is. With a higher and softer stack than average, the ride feels enjoyable at any pace and distance. Our durometer confirms our observation, emerging 63.7% softer than average.

Ultrafly is proof that comfort doesn’t have to sacrifice speed. With a rigid carbon plate in its midsole, it gives a strong and consistent energy return. Our bend test confirms it’s 31.5% stiffer than average. We can speed through moderate trails without worries as the Vibram outsole and 3.0 mm lugs ensure our grip.

We dived in a vast midsole that enhances safe and sound landings. It's accommodating to wide feet and can support those with mild pronation. The heel and forefoot areas are both wider than average, catering to all footstrikers.

To our dismay, Ultrafly is not a good place to be in during long summer days. The Vaporweave upper lacks breathability, which can lead to hotspots and extra sweaty feet in tropical weather.