Black Friday - best deals from 50 stores 7 Best Nike Running Shoes in 2024
Nike needs no introduction. The brand offers some of the widest selections of highly-rated running shoes for both beginners and seasoned runners. We are here to help you navigate this massive selection of Nike running footwear.
We have tested Nike running shoes on the test runs and in our lab to help you narrow down the choices. Here are our top picks in different categories.
And if you’d like to learn more about how to choose the ideal Nike shoe for you, scroll down to our in-depth guide!
How we test running shoes
Nike is a serious brand. But we are even more serious here at RunRepeat. Equipped with our proprietary shoe testing methodology, we go beyond the vague marketing statements to find out which Nike shoe is truly the best. Here is what we take each shoe through:
- We purchase Nike shoes with our own funds to stay unbiased while testing every new release.
- We run test each shoe to get a good feel for its comfort, fit, and performance.
- We cut, slice, and measure all Nike shoes in our lab to test them on more than 30 different parameters like durability, breathability, flexibility, and others.
Best Nike running shoes overall
What makes it the best?
The Pegasus 41 has distinguished itself with solid performance both in actual testing and in the lab, solidifying its position as our top choice among Nike running shoes. Offering the ReactX foam and high versatility, it delivers exceptional comfort alongside a natural yet secure ride.
The Peg continues to be an absolute workhorse, effortlessly handling various paces and distances. It features the new ReactX foam and maintains the Air Zoom technology, which collectively hits the sweet spot between plushness and energy return. Our durometer confirms our assessment with a rating 26.2% softer than average.
The 41st version of the series also includes the most notable rocker design ever, paving the way for smoother transitions and springier toe-offs. Yet this trainer still retains its flexibility to promote foot strength and versatility. Our bend test confirms it’s 34.0% more adaptive than average.
The Pegasus 41 allows for an untamed ride at any speed by providing midsole sidewalls and midfoot guidance in the outsole for extra stability, without the stiffness. It also provides a vast landing base for any foot striker. Our caliper measures the forefoot and heel at 115.6/89.2 mm—a generous width to land safely.
However, the steep 11.4 mm heel drop makes this shoe less suitable for forefoot strikers. Those who prefer lower drops should explore elsewhere.
Pros
- Enhanced for heel strikers
- New ReactX foam!
- Improved breathability
- Plush upper
- Good durability
- Several stability enhancements
- Newly designed rocker and bevel
- Solid performance
- Superior lockdown
- Sustainable features
Cons
- Not ideal for forefoot strikers
- Price increased by $10
- Worse than the v40 in cold temperatures
Best Nike running shoes for 5K/10K
What makes it the best?
We lab-tested and ran with Nike’s top running shoes and discovered Vaporfly 3 as the ultimate 5K/10K race shoe. This lightweight marvel holds boundless energy, unmatched speed, and plush comfort. The miles rolled by as Vaporfly 3 took us fast and far effortlessly.
Conquering a race is a tough feat yet Vaporfly 3 makes it more enjoyable with its cushioned platform. Its above-average stack is enough for any footstriker to tackle endurance runs comfortably. The ZoomX midsole feels springy and soft, ensuring an energetic ride. Upon checking with our durometer, it's 29.1% softer than average.
Our toeoffs feel smooth and we’re able to maintain a good level of cadence thanks to the carbon-fiber plate integrated in the midsole. This results in the stiffness needed to smash PBs. In our bend test, it emerged 88.3% stiffer than average! We can’t help but notice how V3 sustains our power for a long time.
V3 feels incredibly light and pleasant on foot. At a mere 6.7 oz (190g), it’s much lighter than the average supershoe (7.5 oz/214g). Adding to the airy feeling is the well-ventilated upper that ensures ample airflow. It received the highest rating of 5/5 in our breathability test.
Such a high-performance shoe comes with a hefty price tag of $250. It’s worth the investment but runners on a budget should look elsewhere.
Pros
- Exceptionally breathable upper
- Outstanding ZoomX cushioning
- Superb choice from the mile to the marathon
- Impressively low weight
- Enhanced stability
- Plush, cloud-like foam
- Upgraded outsole for better grip
Cons
- Uncomfortably large tongue
- The heel is still too narrow
Best Nike running shoes for marathon
What makes it the best?
Alphafly 3 emerged as the best marathon/ultra shoe in our runs and lab tests. With unmatched energy, immense comfort, and revolutionary stability, this racer brought us to paces beyond our imagination. It shines in consistency, showing peak performance in longer miles.
We feel like we're flying as we launch forward with every stride. The stiff FlyPlate in the midsole maintains our strong pace from start to finish, while the Air Pods deliver the best energy return once engaged correctly. Proven by our bend test, Alphafly 3 boldly exceeds the average by 144.7%—perfect for smashing PBs.
Its world-class, leg-saving ZoomX foam has a cloud-like yet propulsive sensation, featuring dual-density foams for a balanced ride. The upper layer is a firm 29.3 HA for stability, while the second foam is a soft 18.1 HA for comfort. Further enhancing steady landings are the midsole sidewalls and broad landing base.
Alphafly 3 feels astonishingly light despite being max-cushioned. Our scales confirm its 7.1 oz (201g) weight is 6.1% lighter than the average race shoe. Adding to its airy feeling is the breezy Atomknit upper that scored the highest 5/5 on our breathability test. It guarantees exceptional airflow for hours of running.
Like most race shoes, the Fast Shot outsole prioritizes grip over durability. Heel-strikers should note this wears out faster in the rear area.
Pros
- Remarkably lightweight despite its broad size
- Best-in-class breathability
- Excels in the marathon distance
- Repositioned Air Pods offer a better ride than the v2
- ZoomX foam delivers massive energy return
- Aids in forward momentum, especially when legs begin to fatigue
- Better than ever for 5K/10K racing
- Finally smooth transitions!
Cons
- Heel strikers might wear down the outsole quickly
- The arch could still be a challenge for some
- The sock-like tongue might not suit everyone
Best Nike shoes for easy days/walking
What makes it the best?
Among all the Nike running shoes we cut open in the lab and wore outside, we discovered InfinityRN 4 is the best for easy days and walking. It has a flexible and uncomplicated feel, making it versatile enough for different activities, while its soft platform adds luxurious comfort for all-day wear. Underfoot is an outsole that feels protective and durable.
InfinityRN’s unopposing midsole allows our legs to rest on days when we want to take it easy. In our 90-degree bend test, it received one of the lowest numbers translating to higher flexibility. It only needed 15.8N force vs. the 29.8N average. It's even comfortable enough to be a walking shoe.
InfinityRN focuses on comfort yet handles our bursts of speed-running well because of the responsive ReactX foam. We can’t help but notice how cloud-like the platform feels. Our durometer registers a 12.5 HA measurement, 47.3% plusher than average.
While the whole build is a softie, the outsole is indestructible. Our durometer shows a 90.4 HC reading, one of the hardest in our lab. This ensures protection and a shoe that will last very long. We barely scratched the rubber after testing it.
All the comfort comes at a massive weight of 11.2 oz (316g). This is 19.1% heavier than the average road-running shoe.
Pros
- All-new ReactX plush midsole
- Soft and stretchy Flyknit upper
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Generously cushioned
- Excellent for easy runs
- Feels like running on clouds
- Durable, long-lasting outsole
- Reduced carbon footprint
Cons
- Average-at-best breathability
- On the heavier side
- Sizes run notably small
Nike running shoes with the best comfort
What makes it the best?
ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 truly feels invincible as it emerges at the top of the comfort arena among Nike running shoes. Its invincible combination of plush and maximum cushioning topped with an airy upper feels amazing on foot. Adding to its invincible appeal is the stable and energetic ride. That’s a lot of “Invincibles” but it’s still an understatement to what our lab showed and our feet enjoyed.
A defining feature is the ZoomX midsole, known for its bouncy and protective nature, which boasts a 35.2/25.6 mm stack. Heightening cloud-like support and dampening landing impact is the soft 14.5 HA foam, 38.0% below average.
Despite its plushness, we never sank into the midsole. We dissected the shoe and saw why: a strobel lining lies between the midsole and insole to stabilize the ride. This layer adds some rigidity to the midsole, which our bend test confirms is 9.2% more resistant than average.
Hugging us from the top is a thick 7.4 mm tongue padding and the breezy Flyknit upper. Our breathability tests confirm its permeability with a high 4/5 score, ensuring we remain sweat and blister-free.
Unfortunately, the outsole lacks the grip needed for wet surfaces, posing a safety concern. We suggest avoiding rainy days or using this pair indoors for safer training.
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
Best Nike trail running shoes
What makes it the best?
We found the ultimate Nike trailblazer after countless runs and hours in the lab: the Zegama 2. Plush yet energetic, grippy yet durable—this trainer tackles any terrain condition with grace and ease.
No matter how challenging the trails get, Zegama 2’s ZoomX midsole delivers a comfortable and effortless ride. Its 30.3/26.3 mm stack feels protective and has a premium touch, which our durometer reveals is 36.1% softer than the average trail shoe. Despite its plush nature, each toe-off feels pleasantly springy and is further enhanced by the shoe’s rocker geometry.
Another highlight of Zegama 2 is the confidence-inspiring grip of its Vibram Megagrip outsole. Equipped with the latest 4-mm deep Traction Lugs, we conquered loose ground and muddy paths fearlessly. On top of that, the rubber is tough enough to serve as our shield as it only sustained a minimal 0.8 mm damage in our Dremel test. Even the breathable upper and heel proved resilient against our abrasion test. Earning solid scores of 4/5 and 5/5, Zegama 2 ensures it will last for many trail adventures.
However, Zegama 2’s priority for comfort and durability brought its weight up to 10.7 oz (302g), which may be a dealbreaker for runners who prefer a natural and weightless experience.
Pros
- More ZoomX bouncy foam!
- Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Spacious upper
- Exceptional durability
- Superb wet condition traction
- Ideal for midfoot and forefoot strikers
- Ready for long-distance running
- Suitable for hiking too
Cons
- Could be lighter
- Not ideal for heel strikers
- Limited toebox vertical space
Best budget Nike running shoes
What makes it the best?
For only $75, the Downshifter 13 offers great value for money with its refreshing aura, smooth and natural ride, and impressive durability in our test runs. Our lab confirms it as the top budget choice among Nike running shoes, which typically average $127.
Our scales reveal an impressive 9.4 oz (265g) shoe, at par with the average. We felt very agile in our runs and soothed with the breathable mesh upper. Smoke easily escaped the ventilation holes, earning a remarkable 4/5 rating.
The flexible midsole adds a feeling of lightness since it moves freely with our feet. Our bend test confirms it’s 39.7% more adaptive than average, making it suitable for other daily activities. Downshifter 13 also featured a pronounced heel bevel that creates smooth forward transitions with every stride.
Pushing our durometer against the outsole, the 90.5 HC reading shows undisputable toughness compared to the 80.1 HC average. We put it against our brutal Dremel to assess further and it emerged victorious with only a minor 0.8 mm scuff.
However, the ride lacks energy return and responsiveness. Those who seek a more dynamic experience will be satisfied with other models.
Pros
- Improved breathability
- Good durability
- Easy on the wallet
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Doubles as a walking shoe
- Weight reduction from v1
- Sustainable design
- Improved materials
Cons
- Limited energy return
- Forefoot stack is a bit low
- Grip could be better
Road or trail? Choose the right Nike running shoe
About 80% of Nike running shoes are meant for the road. So if you mostly run on pavement, asphalt, concrete, tarmac, treadmill, and the like, this is the type of shoe you need.
Trail shoes make up only 20% of the brand's running shoe stock. You will need these sturdier models for moderate and technical trails with rocks, roots, mud, and various debris. Nike trail shoes have deeper lugs and enhanced foot protection compared to road shoes.
It’s fine to wear your trail shoes on the road but only for a mile or two as the lugs will make prolonged wear uncomfortable or even painful.
TIP: For road-to-trail use, choose Nike trail shoes with shallower lugs (3.5 mm or less). And if you frequent muddy and boggy areas, go for at least 4 mm of lug depth.
Nike shoes for daily running, speed training, and breaking world records
What is the most essential factor in choosing an ideal running shoe? Setting your running goals clear.
A Nike shoe that's meant for racing a 5K distance is going to feel very different from a cozy trainer for slow miles and walking.
Nike shoes for daily running and walking
This category of Nike shoes is perfect for most runners, especially beginners.
Here are the characteristics that make these shoes so favorable for many:
- well-cushioned (at least 30 mm of heel stack, 32 mm on average)
- average heel-to-toe drop (8-12 mm, ideal for a beginner’s heel-striking pattern)
- balanced softness (neither too firm nor mushy)
- no carbon plates or aggressive rockers
- average MSRP of $110
The only downside of these trainers is that they are the heaviest of the bunch. The average weight of a Nike shoe for daily training is 9.5 oz (269g) in a men's US size 9.
TIP: Shoes that weigh over 10 oz (283g) are better for slow paces, walking, and heavier runners.
Nike shoes for speed training and competition
If you’re looking for a middle-ground daily trainer which can also go fast, Nike also has a selection of speed training shoes. Lighter, more nimble, and more responsive, these trainers are ready for tempo runs, intervals, and even shorter races (5K and 10K).
They tend to be lighter than daily running shoes (8.8 oz/249g vs. 9.5 oz/269g), have a higher heel stack (34.8 mm on average), and MUCH softer foams (76% softer based on our lab measurements!). Some of these trainers feature the brand's phenomenal ZoomX foam as well as a carbon plate.
TIP: Choose a Nike shoe lighter than 8.8 (255g) if you plan to pick up the pace. Studies show that every extra 100g in a shoe slow you down by 1%.
Elite Nike shoes for competition and speed records
Ever since Eliud Kipchoge shattered the 2-hour marathon record wearing a Nike Vaporfly prototype in 2016, Nike changed the name of the game forever.
Featuring an extra high stack of foam with a propulsive carbon plate embedded into it, the Vapofly showed a nearly 4% improvement in running economy! What's more, the emerging popularity of shoes with similar technologies has led to breaking every men’s and women’s world record in long-distance road running events since 2017!
More than a few researchers stated that shoes akin to the Nike Vapofly and Alphafly provide an unfair advantage compared to regular running shoes.
In response, the World Athletics set certain regulations related to heel stack (no more than 40 mm) and carbon plates (no more than one) in competition shoes. The violation of these rules results in disqualification. However, neither Vapofly nor Aplafhy has ever been penalized by the organization.
Today, these are Nike's most expensive yet most sought-after race running shoes with the following characteristics:
- an average weight of 7.3 oz (207g)
- a heel stack of around 37.5 mm
- extra soft ZoomX foams (40% softer than average)
- a full-length carbon plate
TIP: Read our comprehensive guide on carbon plates to learn more about their effect on running performance.
Choose the right cushioning in Nike running shoes
Want your future pair of Nike running shoes to feel like it was tailor-made for you? Make sure you get the following parameters right:
- stack height
- heel-to-toe drop
- midsole softness
Stack height: max-cushioned or minimalist?
The average stack height of Nike running shoes these days hovers around 33 mm.
It means that a typical Nike shoe comes with a generous amount of midsole foam to protect your foot from hard landings.
But more cushioning doesn't necessarily imply better. Studies show that highly cushioned shoes are more likely to cause leg stiffness and injury, especially in beginner runners. So, if you are new to running, we recommend choosing a moderately cushioned Nike shoe with a heel stack of 30-34 mm.
Even though the era of minimalist running shoes peaked in 2012 and is now officially over, Nike still offers a few options for the fans of the ground feel. These include shoes from the Nike Free and Nike Flex series.
These shoes are incredibly lightweight (7.5 oz/212g on average), flexible, and feel almost like being barefoot. But as a beginner, you must be aware of the adjustment period that comes with this type of footwear.
Because of the different biomechanics involved in these shoes, we highly advise taking it slow with minimalist shoes if you've never worn them before.
Heel-to-toe drop: mind your strike pattern
Drop refers to the difference in thickness between the shoe's heel and the forefoot. It lets you know how steep is the slope inside the shoe.
The average heel-to-toe drop in Nike running shoes comes in at 9-10 mm, which is ideal for most runners and beginners as well. When in doubt, just go for a drop between 8 and 12 mm.
But why are there Nike running shoes with a lower drop?
A heel drop below 8 mm is more suitable for runners with a forefoot/midfoot striking pattern. That's why you will find it in the brand's speed trainers and minimalist shoes.
You can find out more about the effect of drop on running performance in our extensive research.
Midsole softness: is softer always better?
Having tested hundreds of shoes in our lab, we can confidently state that Nike running shoes are about 15% softer than average.
Getting a Nike shoe nearly always equates to a plush underfoot experience from the first step down to the last mile of your run.
While soft shoes do a great job of reducing the load on a runner's body, overly plush cushioning can do more harm than good to:
- beginner athletes who have not developed proper foot and ankle strength yet
- runners with flat feet and overpronation who need more support
- heavier runners whose shoes tend to bottom out quickly
We believe that most runners will benefit from a balanced type of cushioning within the range of 15-25 HA durometer measurement.
A lower HA number indicates softer foam and vice versa.
Seasoned athletes in search of plush foam for recovery runs, marathons, or even ultras will benefit greatly from Nike's famous ZoomX cushioning. Used in the brand's elite speed trainers and competition shoes, it is not only soft but also has some of the best energy return properties on the market. Its advantages over standard EVA foam have been confirmed in multiple studies.
A lower HA number indicates softer foam and vice versa.
Do Nike running shoes have arch support?
Unlike New Balance, ASICS, and Brooks who announce their stability shoes loud and clear, Nike hasn't put such a big emphasis on supportive footwear.
99% of Nike's running shoe selection is targeted at people with neutral pronation. So, if you happen to have flat feet or excessive inward rolling of the ankles (aka overpronation), Nike is not your best bet. If you are not sure about your case, have a look at our comprehensive guide on pronation.
Our lateral stability tests show too much wiggle in Nike running shoes
For those who need just a touch of support, we have put together a selection of Nike shoes which a bit stiffer and wider platform to help mild overpronation.
Shoes with a higher score for torsional rigidity and heel counter stiffness (5 is the stiffest) and wider platforms provide better stability and support.
There is some good news too. In 2023, the brand revived its Structure series by releasing a 25th edition after a few years of pause. It is specifically designed as a stability shoe.
Make sure you get the right size and fit
In most cases, we found that Nike running shoes run true to size compared to other popular athletic brands. But we always strongly recommend consulting the brand's size chart before ordering a Nike shoe online.
Ideally, we also advise taking precise measurements of your foot length before getting a new pair of shoes. You might be surprised to find that your feet have grown!
We measure each Nike shoe's toebox in both the widest part and near the big toe to see if the tapering is aggressive or not.
Of course, we also try each pair on to give you more insights into the fit of each model.
For many years, Nike has been notorious for a narrow fit, especially in the toebox. But recently, this trend has been changing for the better. Here are some examples of Nike running shoes with wide toeboxes.
Summer or winter? There is a Nike shoe for both
In our lab, we perform a thorough breathability check on each Nike running shoe.
We start by filling the shoe's upper with smoke and observe how well it passes through the fabric.
This test is followed by a transparency check against the light and a more detailed look at the material through our microscope.
All tests considered, we give each Nike shoe a final breathability score from 1 to 5, where 5 stands for most breathable. For hot summer runs, go for shoes with a score of at least 4.
And if you set out to conquer winter runs, you will need a warmer, less breathable shoe (score: 1-2). Waterproofing is only necessary if you regularly run in rainy weather, deep puddles, or snow/slush.
How to know if a Nike running shoe is waterproof? Road shoes will have the word "Shield" in their name. It is the brand's proprietary water-resistant treatment. Trail shoes will have the "GTX" abbreviation or "GORE-TEX" added to their names. This is the world's most famous waterproofing membrane.
Additional features in Nike running shoes
As a nice bonus, some Nike running shoes offer extra features for added convenience.
Nike FlyEase
Without the fuss of laces, Nike's proprietary FlyEase design allows you to simply slide your foot in and out of the shoe in an instant. No need to kneel or use both hands.
How it works on the Nike Revolution 5 FlyEase
Reflective elements
Some Nike running shoes also feature reflective elements to give additional visibility in low-light running conditions.
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