7 Best Nike Road Running Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
Majority of Nike running shoes available in the market today are designed for road runners. Thus, buying the perfect pair that suits one’s training and racing needs can be pretty overwhelming to some, especially for those who have just started running.
In order to provide you with our best picks for your browsing convenience, we have tested almost 200 Nike road running shoes in the lab and on a variety of road tests and selected the top-rated models for different categories.
If you only want the best value for your money, head on to see our fantastic selections of highly-rated road running shoes from a versatile trainer and a budget-friendly pair to a performance-boosting speed and racing option.
How we test road running shoes
Each model of shoe has to earn its spot on this list after a rigorous process. To keep this guide comprehensive and bias-free, we make sure to:
- Purchase all the shoes from Nike from our own pocket
- Run in them for at least 30 to 50 miles and keep a record of our impressions
- Cut each pair open in our shoe testing lab to closely check its essential parts
- Measure 30+ parameters using our calipers, durometers, weighing scales, et cetera
- Collect useful information from shoe experts and actual users and reduce everything to a summary format
To see how one pair of shoes stacks up against other models, we input all comparable data into our CoreScore system. This enables us to get the overall rating of a particular shoe, ranging from 0 to 100. This helps us select the top picks in each different category.
Best Nike road 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 road 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
Nike road running shoes with best cushioning
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 Nike road running shoes for long distance
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 road running shoes with plush cushioning
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 FlyEase
85
Good!
What makes it the best?
The Nike Pegasus 38 was already one of our favorite daily workhorses. Nike's added an easy on/off FlyEase zipper and lacing which makes the Peg38s accessible to more people.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning
- Easy on/off
- A perfect all-rounder
- Lots and lots and lots of grip!
- Excellent lockdown
- Can go fast
Cons
- Narrow fit
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$91
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best Nike road marathon running shoes
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2
83
Good!
What makes it the best?
The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2 confirms all the qualities that made the first edition one of the best shoes—for some, the best ever—for racing marathons. It’s still incredibly fast, cushioned and comfortable, plus it earned some stability and versatility. Overall, a fantastic performance-oriented choice. That is, if money is not an issue.
Pros
- Great for personal bests
- Propulsive ride
- Very comfortable
- Versatile for short and long runs
- Amazing lockdown
- Airy upper
- More stable than v1
- Long-lasting
- Less annoying noise
Cons
- Expensive for sure
- Still slightly unstable on corners
- Hard to slip on
- Heavier and less magical than v1
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$275
Nike
$275
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$285
Stadium Goods
$420
Nike road running shoes with best comfort
Nike Downshifter 11
84
Good!
What makes it the best?
With plenty of flex, a vented, breathable mesh upper, and an affordable price tag, the Nike Downshifter is a serious bargain for a daily trainer. The shoe is really light on the foot and on the pocket which makes it perfect for those starting out their running journey.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$64
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Comparison of the 7 best Nike road running shoes
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