6 Best Nike Walking Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
6 Best Nike Walking Shoes in 2023
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Diehard Swoosh fans who are in need of comfy and supportive kicks for walking need not look far. With over 50 walking shoes that got to our hands and feet, you can expect to find the best here in our review. 

Whether you’re a big guy in need of uber-stable kicks or a gal who prefers to walk long distances, we have got you covered. We even have a great selection of wallet-friendly walking shoes if ever budget is a concern. 

And you know what’s more? We’ve tested the kicks on the list. So, you can count on our top picks to perform.

Best Nike walking shoes overall

What makes it the best?

Support, stability, and a stunning fit: the Infinity Run 3 ticks all the boxes of the best Nike trainer. It seamlessly transitions from walking to running to lab testing, consistently earning top marks in all of those.

A lovely realm sits underfoot, where zillions of foamy atoms damped each of our footfalls. While securely composed, the React midsole keeps it fairly plush. In fact, our durometer ranks it as a marvelous 38.3% softer than average. But fear not, as stability is not sacrificed! The midsole subtly widens just before making contact with the ground, exceeding the average width by 1.1 mm at the forefoot and 1.9 mm at the heel.

Above, the Flyknit upper ensures a comfy lockdown in the name of the ultimate comfort. Seriously, our toes wiggled with joy when we first tried the Infinity. There’s even room for an extra toe inside the shoe, an unusual feat within Nike’s lineup. To put it in numbers, the toebox boasts a width of 98.6 mm at its widest, beating the 98.0 mm average.

Above-average features come with an above-average price. While the average Nike comes at $130, the Infinity 3 bears a rather heftier $160 price tag.

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

Best Nike road-to-trail walking shoes

What makes it the best?

From our doorsteps to the deep woods, the Pegasus Trail 4 is a shining star. Tons of protection do their job without adding weight to the shoe, making way for the ferocious outsole to grip roads and bumpy paths. Numbers double-checked, this is the best road-to-trail Nike walking shoe.

Asphalt or dirty trails, the outsole lugs rocks it all. Despite its rather sharp and aggressive pattern, it seamlessly transitions between a variety of terrains. Pretty balanced numbers lab-wise, as the 3.4 mm lugs proved only 0.47% firmer than average, underlining its hybrid appeal.

And oh my, the cushioning is remarkable. Tailor-made for heel striking, the Trail 4 boasts 35.5 mm of its React foam at the heel, surpassing the average trail shoe’s 31.8 mm. Still, it remains astonishingly light! Its 272 grams (9.59 oz) look and feel mesmerizing, outclassing the average of 296 grams (10.44 oz).

We do not recommend going all the way to swampy areas. When faced with mud, the Pegasus Trail 4 completely loses its grip and reliable performance.

Pros

  • Efficient road-to-trail
  • Well-cushioned
  • Stable ride
  • Excellent, secure fit
  • Very breathable
  • Great traction
  • Unexpectedly light
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • Not for muddy areas
  • Not for wide feet
  • Could be more stylish
Full review of Nike Pegasus Trail 4

Best Nike walking shoes for trail

What makes it the best?

As it might suggest, the Wildhorse 8 is far from a tamed beast. The outsole stood ready for anything we threw at it, truly coming alive in its habitat. Besides, it’s remarkably comfy on the feet, earning the top spot among Nike’s trail arsenal.

The Wildhorse goes all-in in the traction department, and we gotta say, it’s a won bet. It's absolutely class on any terrain, let it be gravel, sticky mud, or even snowy mountain trails, conquering our hearts and trust. Our durometer found the outsole to be slightly softer than average—2.1% to be more precise—easily sticking to the bumpiest of grounds.

A heavenly match saw us delighting in the Wildhorse’s superior comfort and craving for some extra miles. The Wildhorse falls deep on the plusher side in midsole matters, emerging as 41.6% softer than the average trail shoe. In unison, the shoe reacted with a gentle 21.7N force to being bent at a right angle, meaning it’s 29.5% more flexible than average.

However, this is not a natural when it comes to racking up some pace. It’s fairly clunky even, carrying almost an extra ounce compared to the average trail shoe.

Pros

  • Superior upper comfort
  • Durable
  • No need to break it in
  • Superb lockdown
  • Ample toe box space
  • Great traction on muddy, boggy, snowy trails
  • Also comfortable on hard surfaces
  • Sheds mud easily
  • Stable and protective midsole
  • Smooth, enjoyable ride
  • Best for daily training and trail LSDs

Cons

  • Not as protective for the toes
  • Does not like to go fast
  • Can be unstable at fast paces
Full review of Nike Wildhorse 8

Best Nike walking shoes with plush cushioning

What makes it the best?

Comfort is a must in the walking-running domain, and that’s precisely where the ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 shows its class. With the marshmallow-like foam warmly hugging our feet and the breezy upper refreshing them, this shoe was a delight to our endless testing miles.

As plushy as it gets, our experience with the Invincible was heart-melting. Each footfall is met with a sinking sensation into the ZoomX midsole, elevating the overall comfort to elite levels. And the numbers check out, with our durometer ranking this foam among the top 10% softest we ever put our hands and feet on.

Unfazed by the seasons, the Invincible’s comfort sees no temperatures. After a chilly 20-minute stay in our freezer, the midsole firmed up by a mere 10.3%, outperforming the average 28.1% increase. Also, smoke pumped into the shoe ushed through the upper with such ease that we couldn’t help but award the Invincible a near-perfect 4 out of 5 for breathability.

However, the Invincible 3 loses its composure on rainy days. We can blame the 6.9% softer-than-average outsole for it, whose grip fades way on wet surfaces.

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
Full review of Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3

Best budget Nike walking shoes

What makes it the best?

An honest worker with a heart of gold, the Downshifter 12 emerged as an enjoyable kick for sporty walking sessions. The midsole feels premium, and everything inside the shoe screams comfort. Moreover, this shoe comes at an ultra-modest $70, claiming the “best budget” title among Nike trainers which average $126.

Beneath the feet, the midsole just ticks. With the Downshifter sliced in two, our durometer computed its foam to be merely 7.4% firmer than average, a fairly balanced reading. On our feet, this translated to a composed and pleasantly cushioned ride, with each step evoking premium sensations that don’t break the bank.

There’s a homey feeling to the Downshifter, with its inside boasting unusual amounts of padding for this price range. Our caliper measured a tongue thickness of 10.1 mm, which is a notable 4.3 mm over the average! An overall cozy fit that delighted our strolls, with the heel counter embodying this attention to comfort and earning a 2 out of 5 for stiffness.

However, this is not an exhilarating shoe. Those seeking a fun kick to pick up the pace when necessary might need to look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Unbeatable price
  • Premium softness underfoot
  • Comfy interior padding
  • Above average durability
  • Versatile sneaker/running shoe
  • Simple, yet pleasant design
  • Plenty of colors available
  • Recycled materials

Cons

  • Not responsive
  • On the heavier side
  • Tapered toebox
  • Lacing is not always secure
Full review of Nike Downshifter 12

Comparison of the 6 best Nike walking shoes

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
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Best price
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# of colorways

How to choose the best Nike walking shoes

Let’s explore how to choose the best Nike walking shoes that will keep you on your feet in comfort and style.

Nike-React-Infinity-Run-3-in-shoe-feel

Assessing your walking needs

Nike’s shoe catalog is massive, and its walking shoe options are no exception. Assessing what exactly you need to get out of your walking shoes will help you narrow in on the best choice amidst a sea of shoes. Some questions to consider include:

  • Are you looking for walking shoes for casual wear or something more performance-oriented for intense, specific activities, including running?
  • Do you need walking shoes for work that offer all-day comfort and support?
  • Do you have any foot conditions that would require features like arch support or extra cushioning?

Best Nike walking shoes at a glance

With those questions in mind, here is a summary of the best Nike walking shoes, and what they are best suited for.

Best for

Nike Walking Shoes

City

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit

Well-rounded and comfortable trainer for walking, running, and gym sessions 

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit

Plush, max comfort trainer for running or long days on your feet.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus

Responsive, fashionable, and durable shoe for brisk walks and running

Trail

Nike React Pegasus Trail

Added cushion for comfortable, supportive performance on any surface, from pavement to dirt trails. Versatile, stable shoe for off-road walks, runs, and hikes

nike-pegasus-40-side.JPG

Technologies used in Nike walking shoes

Nike shoes are packed with lots of unique materials and technologies. Understanding a few key branding terms will help you know what to expect from any given walking shoe.

Nike midsole foams

ZoomX: premium, extra soft, high-performance

Zoom: Soft, responsive, lightweight, with efficient energy return

React: Springy, and supportive; made for all-day comfort

Nike uppers

Flyknit: Super breathable, sock-like mesh upper: form-fitting without sacrificing airflow

nike-zoomx-invincible-run-fk-3-heel-counter.JPG

Shield: Water-repellent coating for extra protection in wet conditions

Nike Winflo 8 Shield - Black Bronze (DC3727200) - slide 6

Nike walking vs. running shoes

Technically, Nike doesn't have a separate category dedicated to walking shoes only. However, this seems to change in 2023 with the introduction of the Nike Motiva.

But we found that the best Nike walking shoes are usually classified as running shoes. The features that make them suitable for running are more than ideal for walking. These shoes offer:

  • Cushioning: Daily trainers and distance running shoes—with midsoles that balance comfort, responsiveness, and shock absorption—also make for excellent walking shoes. This would be most Nike models featuring Zoom or React foams.
  • Support: Running shoes provide good lateral support: they keep your foot stable in optimal positioning. Nike trail running shoes and models with Flywire technology will have the most structure and stability.
  • Style: Nike made running shoes cool before anyone else. With a mind-boggling array of colorways, you are guaranteed to find a style you like. But if you want something more stylish than sporty, Nike sneakers might be a better option. Sneakers are not quite as comfortable and supportive as running shoes, but they are more versatile for casual wear.

Evaluating comfort and fit

Nike shoes have a reputation for running small. In reality, they are typically true to size, but with a slightly narrower fit than some brands.

nike-downshifter-12-toebox.JPG

Nike walking shoes with a Flyknit mesh upper, like the React Infinity Run Flyknit, are designed to be form-fitting. Some love the secure, stable fit of Flyknit shoes, but others may find it too constrictive.

Nike-React-Infinity-Run-3-fit

If you have wide feet, there are Nike shoes available in wide and extra-wide options as well (Nike Pegasus, Nike Downshifter, etc.)

Whatever your preference, properly fitted walking shoes should not feel tight anywhere, but you should not experience any slippage. A snug fit is most important in the heel and midfoot. In the toebox, you should have a finger’s-width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. If you work on your feet all day or regularly walk long distances, you should consider sizing up a half-size to comfortably accommodate swelling feet.

Don’t miss our guide on shoe sizing for a deeper dive into the fitting and more tips on finding the best Nike walking shoes for you.

How we test running shoes

Most Nike shoes are great and all, but there are those that actually exceed our expectations. And we’re here to tell you which those are. 

To know which of the Nike walking shoes are deserving of the “BEST” title, we get into the nitty-gritty shoe details by doing the following:

  • We buy the shoes using our own funds. Here at RunRepeat, we strive hard to remain loyal to no one but our readers.
  • We try on the shoes ourselves. Basically, all the things we usually accomplish in a day, we do in these Nike walking shoes. This is to discover our own realizations while wearing the shoes for walking, traveling, going to work, or even low-impact exercising. 
  • We slice the shoes open. We believe that this is the most ideal way to literally and figuratively get to the bottom of the shoes, as we also perform various tests on them in our lab.

Check out our testing methodology to know more about the various methods we use to test shoes.

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.