7 Best Long Distance Nike Running Shoes in 2025

The Vomero 18 received a much-needed, full-scale overhaul to match today’s trend of max-cushioned trainers. We found it now delivers more foam underfoot and step-in comfort than ever, paired with a rare price drop we all appreciate. However, it’s not all good news—it also packed on extra weight, became noticeably less flexible, and its grip still trails behind the competition.

Providing more than enough comfort and cushioning for miles and miles, plus responsiveness and breathability that's ready to take on high mileage—the Pegasus Premium beats all Nike long-distance running shoes we tested in and out of the lab in terms of shock absorption.

Pegasus Premium truly delivers luxurious comfort on all levels, from the upper to the midsole. We measured the stack at an above-average 42.8/31.0 mm, never running out of cushioning and avoiding that bruised feeling on the legs. We measured its ability to absorb shock, and both the heel and forefoot beat the average with 155 SA and 136 SA ratings.

Like the Pegasus on steroids, this Premium version also offers unmatched energy return. We measured the heel at 67.3% and the forefoot at an even greater 68.3%, confirming the energy rebound we truly enjoyed on the road. Its Air Zoom unit adds to its bouncy nature, too!

The knitted upper feels ultra-padded and offers extra comfort for long runs. Thankfully, it’s highly breathable, validated by its 5/5 ventilation score in the lab.

However, for all the comfort it offers, it is actually a whale on the scale at 10.9 oz (308g)—a whopping 16.2% above the average. Lighter shoes are available if weight is a concern.

We tested the Nike Vomero Plus and found it truly lives up to its name as the “Plus” version of the regular Vomero. We loved the cozy upper and the durable construction, which makes the price tag more palatable. It also arrives with a full-length ZoomX midsole and a maximalist build, exactly what we had been expecting by now. While the weight is higher than we’d like and there’s not much room in the toebox, we believe it’s still an excellent option for recovery days or relaxed runs when legs are tired and feet need protective bounce.

After four decades, the Pegasus line remains synonymous with everyday running, and the 41st version is no different. Post-testing in and out of the lab, the Nike Pegasus 41 continues to bring superior comfort, unmatched versatility, and next-level durability. As such, it’s our best daily trainer from Nike’s long-distance running lineup.

Comfort is a priority in the Pegasus 41, from top to bottom. Its thick and gusseted tongue and soft mesh upper are well-padded, serving as our haven for long hours. When we ran in these shoes, our feet felt fresh thanks to the well-ventilated upper, which our smoke test confirms with an impressive 4/5 breathability score—a rarity for dual-layer uppers.

Underfoot, the ReactX foam with two Air Zoom units kept the ride cushioned and bouncy. Our durometer confirms it’s 26.2% softer than average. Further boosting comfort for high mileage is the shoe’s fluid ride, since it feels less harsh on foot. Our bend test confirms Peg 41 is 34.0% more flexible than average.

The outsole sports the iconic waffle pattern from the 70s that’s both durable and grippy. Even after miles of hitting the pavement, it had no visible wear. At the lab, we verified it to be a tough 89.0 HC, confirming its longevity.

While the Pegasus 41 is reliable, it lacks the cushioning that other maximalists prefer, especially its below-average 22.2 mm forefoot.

Nike has given the Structure 26 a full refresh. The upgrade brings a full-length ReactX midsole that feels smoother underfoot, paired with a pleasant upper that kept our feet comfortable while running and walking. It’s designed with heel strikers in mind and proved impressively durable, something many runners will appreciate. That said, don’t expect a fun or energetic ride—this is a shoe that simply works, delivering reliability without any flashy vibes.

The Pegasus Turbo 4, rebranded at the last minute as the Pegasus Plus, still carries its legacy as a lightweight, responsive, and versatile runner—but it's no longer the magical, one-of-a-kind shoe it was back in 2018. In our experience, it offers a lightweight, responsive feel, but we found it slightly overpriced compared to the competition and notably snug in fit. That’s nothing new for this line, though, and we believe it’s the best Turbo yet—if Nike lets us call it that. We were also impressed by its sleek, race-inspired design. All in all, it’s gorgeous and fast, but not for everyone.

During our city-to-trail trips, the Pegasus Trail 5 impressed us with its reliability and versatility on mixed terrains. It has the grit and grip for rugged paths and the energy and comfort needed to sustain long miles. From top to bottom, its overall durability ensures it can survive several training blocks. Among lab-tested Nike long-distance running shoes, it’s our ultimate hybrid shoe.

Suitable for its purpose, the outsole features a hard 87.9 HC All Terrain Compound that barely had abrasions after significant mileage. Our Dremel further confirms its resistance to wear with only a minimal 0.8 mm dent during testing. We also found its 3.2 mm lug depth perfect for biting loose ground without feeling bulky on the streets.

The ride feels well-cushioned and dynamic thanks to the ReactX foam. Our durometer confirms it’s significantly softer than average by 51.1%, dampening landing impact and launching us like a spring during takeoff.

Even the upper feels soft to the touch and further analysis in the lab reveals a multi-layered mesh for additional protection against abrasion. True enough, our Dremel did not affect the upper, earning a well-deserved perfect score in durability. Unfortunately, ventilation was sacrificed. With a disappointing 2/5 mark, we can’t recommend this pair for summer trips.