9 Best Nike Road Running Shoes in 2022
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.
Overview of this guide
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
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 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.
- Top 27% in road running shoes
- Top 26% in Nike running shoes
- 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
Best Nike neutral road 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 1% most popular running shoes
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
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 value Nike road 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
Most popular Nike road 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 2% 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.
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
- Excellent ground feel
- Great lockdown
- Super lightweight
- Chart-topping flexibility
- Super comfortable
- Best for slow-paced runs
- Daily-wear friendly
- Attractive design
- No break-in period
Cons
- Less than average durability (~200miles)
- Poor grip on wet surfaces
- Narrow fit
- Low toe box
Verdict
Most popular
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 27% in road running shoes
- Top 26% in Nike running shoes
- 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
What are the most popular Nike road running shoes in 2022?
- Nike Free Run 5.0
- Nike Zoom Fly 4
- Nike Revolution 6
- Nike Flex Experience Run 10
- Nike Quest 4
- Nike Downshifter 11
- Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
- Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next%
- Nike ZoomX Invincible Run
- Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16
- Nike React Miler 2
- Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next%
- Nike Renew Ride 2
- Nike Run Swift 2
- Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3
What are the cheapest Nike road running shoes in 2022?
- Nike Flex Experience Run 10 - from $45
- Nike Quest 4 - from $52
- Nike Downshifter 11 - from $60
- Nike Revolution 6 - from $65
- Nike Run Swift 2 - from $68
- Nike Renew Ride 2 - from $68
- Nike Free Run 5.0 - from $77
- Nike Flex Run 2021 - from $80
- Nike Air Zoom Winflo 8 - from $90
- Nike React Miler 2 - from $98
- Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 FlyEase - from $100
- Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Shield - from $105
- Nike Zoom Fly 4 - from $110
- Nike ZoomX Invincible Run - from $115
- Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% - from $120
