174 best Nike neutral running shoes

Nike neutral running shoe rankings page

Nike is one of the most prolific companies in the world, participating in many ventures that are taking strides in the sports industry. But it had humble beginnings. Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman made the company in 1964, naming it Blue Ribbon Sports. They started out as a merchant for the highly revered Onitsuka Tiger, one of the future giants from Japan.

Blue Ribbon Sports’ deal and partnership with Onitsuka didn’t last long as Knight and Bowerman aimed higher than just distribution. The partners wanted to make their own line of performance footwear, and they wanted to take full control of their intellectual properties. The tail-end of the ‘60s was the time that the company of the Swoosh was officially given wings to soar.

In the year 1974, the Waffle Trainer was born. It’s a running shoe that featured Bowerman’s invention, a waffle-like midsole that offered impact attenuation, flexibility, and responsive toe-offs. The shoe took off with a bang, sending ripples in the world of running because it was unique and it didn’t have anything similar to it.

After consumers were introduced to the Air Max cushioning system in 1987, Nike had finally made its first steps as a force to be reckoned with. Decades of research and development led to an age of diverse products and innovative features. Nike was already far from being a fledgling; it garnered its position as a great provider of products for sports and lifestyle, offering various products for all types of activities and capacities. While some of the company’s running shoes are optimized to correct deviations in foot pronation, most are entries in the neutral running shoe category and desired my many casual shoe enthusiasts and advanced athletes.

Elements of Nike neutral running shoes for women and men

Zoom Air – When Nike presented this technology to the masses in the late ‘80s, the world of running was changed. No one believed that a plastic container filled with compressed air would be able to provide adequate cushioning. But the Zoom Air units took off and provided the right amount of support and energy for each footfall and takeoff. There are versions of it that are clearly seen in the heel part of the midsole while some actually make up the entire midsole itself. But most shoes that feature the ‘Zoom Air’ distinction have cassettes of the air-filled plastic inserted into the foam platform, heightening the cushioning and the energy-return while being incognito. The Nike Air Zoom Span 2 and the Air Zoom Elite 10 have Zoom Air units in their midsoles.

Flywire cables – A set of wires that jut out of the upper’s midfoot portion make up a kind of security system that Nike had devised. The Flywire cables, as they are named, serve as loops through which the shoelaces go. They stretch and relax in conjunction with the tightening and loosening of the lacing system, thereby enabling a secure yet highly customizable fit. The LunarEpic Flyknit and the Zoom Fly are examples of neutral shoes that feature the Flywire cables.

Breathable upper – Many Nike neutral cushioned running shoes have upper units that are made up of open-weave textiles. The breathable nature of these materials is meant to maintain a cool and dry interior for the foot. Some products even have seamless and sock-like builds to evoke a feeling of merely wearing a sock. The mix of ventilation and smooth coverage is excellent for extended runs and casual use. The Nike Air Zoom Winflo 4 and the Nike Revolution 4 have well-ventilated uppers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Nike neutral running shoes for casual purposes?

Yes, you can. Many of Nike’s running shoes currently have designs that cater to both athletes and casual shoe enthusiasts. Also, any shoe can be used for any occasion, but the central aspect to consider is the level of comfort. If you are comfortable using your Nike neutral shoes for your daily activities, then you can do so. These types of footwear usually have versatile upper and midsole configurations, and they have reliable durability.

Can an overpronator opt for a neutral running shoe from Nike?

While anyone can technically wear any shoe, it would be highly beneficial for consumers to determine which type of shoe would be best for their feet. If you are a neutral pronator (regular arch height and foot balance when idle and when taking each step), then you can get any pair of neutral shoes. Comfort and visual preference are your primary concerns. Underpronators (those who have high arches) are usually prescribed with neutral shoes, as well as they really only need copious amounts of cushioning. But overpronators (runners who have flat arches) need specialized running shoes that are meant to correct pronation. These products have stability mechanisms that buttress the arch and prevents it from buckling during movement. Examples of Nike stability running shoes are the Air Zoom Structure 21 and the Air Zoom Odyssey 2.

Author

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.

jens@runrepeat.com