6 Best Nike ZoomX Running Shoes in 2023

Gaining outstanding ratings in our lab and run tests, ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2 is our #1 Nike ZoomX model. It’s a racer that goes fast and far while giving the best of both worlds in terms of comfort and responsiveness. Its energy is unmatched!

Like all ZoomX models, this shoe boasts an extremely comfortable foam, measuring 21.8% softer than average. What’s special about Vaporfly NEXT% 2 is that it’s the stiffest shoe of all the ZoomX shoes we’ve lab-tested. Resisting with a force of 83.7N in our flex test, it emerged 175.3% stiffer than the average running shoe. This shoe suits forefoot-strikers as we were launched so effortlessly in our toe-offs. The faster we ran, the better the shoe performed.

With a light weight of 6.9 oz (196g), this shoe is meant for racing. It falls 26.9% below the weight of an average running shoe. Contributing to the airy feeling we had is its insanely breathable upper, scoring 5/5 on our breathability test in the lab. Our feet enjoyed the breeze even in our hot and humid runs.

This is not a pair to train in since it won’t last long like most race shoes. With an outsole that’s 47.1% thinner than average, we noticed the rubber can easily wear away. Best to save this pair for races.

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.

With the release of a ZoomX-designed trail shoe, "the hype train is immediately at full steam," says one expert. And with the Zegama Trail from Nike, it's definitely worth the hype. It's an ultra-distance running shoe that provides all the protection you need when cruising through friendly and moderately technical trails. And if you want surefooted strides, the Nike Zegama Trail musters up all the confidence you need.

The ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2 from Nike is a daily trainer where comfort is paramount. But what makes it better than most everyday running shoes is it offers a ton of bounce and support to gobble up the miles ahead. On top of this, it offers a smooth, easy ride. Overall, the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2 is a definite must-have for days when your legs are tired and if you want a fun, lively long run.

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.

The Nike ZoomX Streakfly is the Oregonian's answer to the critically acclaimed Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8, a phenomenal and fast modern-day racing flat. Commended for being fast, this shoe surprised everyone with its comfortable ride and pleasant upper. While not the ultimate short-distance racing shoe, this non-plated hyper-light Nike racer is an excellent tool for a wide variety of workouts.