6 Best Nike Flyknit Running Shoes

With more comfort and cushioning than anyone could want, the Nike InfinityRN 4 also provides the durability needed for an awesome daily trainer. After running countless miles and undergoing numerous lab tests, we crown the Nike InfinityRN 4 as the best Nike Flyknit running shoes.

The Flyknit upper on the InfinityRN 4 is thick and stretchy—very stretchy that it creates a snug fit for our feet providing great comfort. Its tongue, which is 5.6 mm thick, is right in the range of the 5.8 mm average. We loved this comfy upper which gave us pleasant runs day in and day out. 

Comfort also extends to the midsole unit with the new ReactX midsole which is both soft and massive. We measured the heel stack on the InfinityRN4 to be 34.3 mm, which is 1.0 mm more than the average. The midsole is out-of-this-world soft—48.98% softer than the average. Running on marshmallows is an understatement. 

The upper also scored well on our lab's durability tests. We tested the toebox against the Dremel and it came out with an excellent score of  4 / 5. The outsole is 13.28% firmer resulting in only a 0.3 mm damage in our Dremel test (0.9 mm is the average). This shoe can definitely outlast other shoes. 

At 316g (11.15 oz) it is notably heavier than the average of 265g (9.35oz). If weight is a concern, lighter shoes are available.

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 provides an explosive but plush ride, and has a comfortable and breathable upper, while also bringing traction on dry and wet surfaces. These are more than enough attributes to hail the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 the best Nike Flyknit running shoes for races.

All the magic of the Vaporfly 3 comes from the union of the uber-soft ZoomX midsole and the incredibly stiff carbon fibre Flyplate. It has a thicker stack than its previous version while the carbon plate is moved closer to the ground to provide a more aggressive and propulsive underfoot sensation. True enough, we felt like we could break quite a few PBs with these shoes—from the 5k to the marathon.

The engineered knit material creates a very breathable upper while also holding the foot well. Its weave pattern also has a closer knit along the perimeter of the forefoot for structure and a looser knit around the toe box and midfoot for added breathability. We're not kidding when we say that we had some pretty breeze runs in these shoes.

The Vaporfly 3’s waffle pattern outsole is thinner than previous versions which brings only less weight and increased midsole stack but also a very grippy outsole. It grips well on wet pavement and is quieter and less ‘slappy’ than the outgoing Vaporfly.

Unfortunately, we experienced some heel slippage. While this can be countered by using the extra eyelets and thicker socks, runners who prefer non-slippage can look elsewehere. 

We’re mindblown how Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2 blends speed and comfort into perfect harmony. What’s even more amazing is it excels further at long distances with its boundless energy and protective foam — claiming the top spot for marathons/ultras among Nike’s Flyknit line.

This racer brings the game to the next level, taking us fast and far like it’s a piece of cake. It releases strong, consistent energy with a rocker structure for lively toe-offs. The carbon plate acts like a springboard, launching us forward. Our flex test validates its resilience: 128.5% stiffer than the average running shoe.

The ZoomX foam is truly a leg-saver with above-average 38.6 / 33.9 mm heel and forefoot stack heights. It provides much-needed support for endurance runs. While our durometer shows the foam is 20.4% softer than average, we don’t sink into it. It maintains a good balance between comfort and protection.

The upper is equally praiseworthy too, with its light Atomknit 2.0 that seamlessly conforms to the shape of our feet. It doesn’t feel restrictive, especially in the forefoot, avoiding black toenails. It’s incredibly well-ventilated, scoring the highest rating on our breathability test, preventing blisters and hotspots.

Unfortunately, all these qualities come at an expensive price of £270. 

True to its name, the Nike Pegasus Turbo is the best speed trainer out of all Nike Flyknit running shoes. With an excellent lockdown, a smooth ride, and respectable grip and durability—this shoe felt fast on our feet and our lab results only confirmed this. 

It really is a daily trainer that's really such a joy to ride in. Its flyknit with flywire construction provides the Pegasus Turbo with a great midfoot lockdown. Plus, its padded collar and heel counter provide great lockdown on the rear. The 1.8 mm thin fully gusseted tongue (which is 4 mm below the average) also helps in creating a snug fit that makes our feet feel secure on our runs.

In the lab, we measured the heel stack to be 32 mm. While it neighbours the average heel stack height of 33.2 mm, it is ample enough to provide good cushioning. The 10 mm drop really promotes good leg turnover, which was evident when we picked up the pace.

At only 2.76% less dense than the average road running shoe outsoles, the Pegasus Turbo Next Nature’s outsole manages to balance traction and durability. Even after a series of daily runs, there was no premature wear on the outsole.

Scoring a 3/5 on our breathability test, these shoes are not recommended for running in hot weather conditions.

Among Nike’s Flyknit series, ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 gave us the best cushioning in our runs with its tall stack and soft cushion combination. It provides comfort and breathability for long miles and offers a consistent ride through its subtle supportive elements.

With a calliper on hand, its stack stands 35.2/25.6 mm, sitting right above the 33.4/24.5 mm average. Our feet are spoiled with supreme comfort as our durometer confirms the foam is 39.8% softer than average. Its midsole is an excellent shock absorber and provides a good amount of energy return.

We cut the shoe open and found a strobel lining between the midsole and the insole. This layer provides a stabilising effect that reduces wobbles and ensures safe and sound landings.

A plush tongue hugs the top of our foot for comfort. Upon checking with our calliper, it’s an extra 1.6 mm of cushion vs. the average. Despite this, we could still feel the breeze flow in and out of the upper. Our breathability test confirms it’s more ventilated than the average.

Unfortunately, we’re disappointed with the outsole’s traction, or lack thereof. It didn't grip well on wet roads upon testing. We recommend avoiding rainy days with this pair.

“Barely there” is an understatement for the Free RN NN. It’s so lightweight and adaptive that we kept wondering if we had shoes on! It’s our ultimate minimalist shoe among the Nike Flyknit range we lab-tested and nails its name as running in this pair was such a freeing experience.

Free RN NN has an incredibly natural feeling due to its extremely light build. Our scales show a mere 6.9 oz (197g), 25.9% less than average. Adding to its airiness is its mindblowing flexibility, which left us feeling fresh as we barely fought any resistance. With a mere 6.1N of force, it’s 79.0% less rigid than average and is one of the most flexible shoes we’ve ever seen lab-tested. This translates to an extremely comfortable and forgiving ride that barely feels like having shoes on. 

The sock-like upper wraps around our feet snugly, feels comfortable to slip into, and is easy to secure. This added to the barefoot feel as it pretty much melted away from our minds as we started running.

We measured a lower-than-average stack that gives plenty of ground feel. Despite being firm and thin, we still had a good amount of rebound and cushioning. 

Unfortunately, what we found lacking is airflow. It scored a below-average 2/5 on our breathability test, making it less appealing for the summer.