7 Best Nike Long Distance Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Nike Long Distance Running Shoes in 2023
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Every model of Nike long distance running shoes on this list is engineered to accommodate various running styles, training or racing conditions, and budget.

The perfect pair of shoes for an experienced marathoner will be different from a runner who is training for her first 21K race. Whether you are former or the other, it is best to consider several key factors and decide which specific features are more important for you.

We’ve handpicked 100+ Nike shoes designed for high-mileage sessions to help you narrow down your options. If you have a specific preference in mind when it comes to overall fit and performance, check out our top picks in a variety of categories.

How we test running shoes

You don’t have to personally review over a hundred Nike running shoes available out there. You may, of course, do that if you have the time to read thousands of reviews on the web. At RunRepeat, we simplify everything for you to give you a quick browsing experience of the best Nike shoe for your next 21K or 50K race.

Our entire process to come up with our best selections involves:

  • Purchasing all the shoes with our own money to avoid bias and brand loyalty
  • Running 30 to 50 miles on average in each model both on the road and on trails
  • Cutting the shoes into their essential parts to get a much closer look
  • Measuring over 30 parameters that contribute to the shoe’s overall performance
  • Gathering feedback from experts, long-distance runners, and regular users
  • Summarizing all comparable data we’ve gathered for your reading convenience

To complete the whole process, we use our proprietary CoreScore system that reflects all the information above. Each model of Nike shoes is assigned a final score that ranges from 0 to 100.

Best Nike long distance running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

The thirty-ninth version of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus is a certified workhorse that's perfect for slow, long, and faster efforts. Not only this, but it's also a great choice for newbies who are aiming to hit their first 5K or a marathon. And for long-time runners, it's a trusty pick if you want a good ol' fashion ride that will keep you stable.

Pros

  • Lighter than the Peg 38
  • More responsive
  • Stable when cornering
  • Snug and comfy fit
  • Doesn't cause lace bites
  • For easy & faster days
  • Grippy on wet concrete and light trails
  • Tank-like build
  • Perfect for beginners

Cons

  • Narrow toe box for wide feet
  • Warm upper
  • Not for recovery days
Full review of Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (DH4072001)
Light Orewood Brown/Red Plum S (DH4071101)
Bright Spruce Lt Crimson Valerian Blue (DH4071302)
Red (DH4071600)
Anthracite/Black/Lilac/Metallic Pewter (DH4071008)
Black (DH4071006)
Racer Blue White Black Anthracite (DH4071400)
Grey (DH4071003)
More colors

Best Nike long distance running shoes for trail

What makes it the best?

The Pegasus road series just holds a special place in many runners' hearts (feet?), and now it is ready for some trail action too. The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 has won many people over with its uber-plush landings as well as the cloud-like comfort and stability. As long as you stay away from slick surfaces, it is an excellent option.

Pros

  • Soft, bouncy ride
  • Very comfortable
  • True to size
  • Wide for a Nike
  • Wide loop on heel
  • Built to last
  • Reflective swoosh
  • Killer grip on dry trails

Cons

  • Not grippy in wet
  • Runs warm
Full review of Nike Pegasus Trail 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Total Orange/Signal Blue (DA8697800)
004 black/ashen slate/celery/green (DA8697004)
Dark Beetroot/Black/Bright (DA8697600)
Blue (DA8697400)
Green (DA8697300)
Black (DA8697001)
Dusty Sage/Black-smoke Grey (DV3035001)
Black/Khaki-game Royal-iron Gr (DM6161010)

Best Nike long distance running shoes with wide toebox

What makes it the best?

The React Infinity Run Flyknit 3 from Nike is the brand's easy-day running shoe. With a generous cushion, it's comfortable to eat up lots of miles on the pavement. And if you're looking for a lockdown fit that will keep you stable from the first stride to last, this shoe won't disappoint. Overall, get the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3 if you want a solid daily trainer that's perfect for newcomers and seasoned runners alike.

Pros

  • Snappy toe-off
  • Comfortable all-day
  • Stable when legs are tired
  • Smooth transitions
  • Comfortable fit
  • Roomy toe box
  • Grippy on wet roads and light trails
  • Also for walking and gym training
  • Perfect for beginners

Cons

  • Lacks responsiveness
  • A tad heavy
  • Too expensive
Full review of Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Pure Platinum/Black (DV0697043)
Black/Siren Red-green Strike (DH5392003)
White/Black-blue Orbit (DH5392102)
Black/grey fog/white/dark smok (DH5392006)
Blue (DH5392400)
Black/hyper royal/thunder blue/citron (DZ4845001)
Black (DH5392007)
Black/Black/Black (DD3024005)
More colors

Nike long distance running shoes with best cushioning

What makes it the best?

The React Pegasus Trail 4 is one of the top road-to-trail options from Nike. Cushiony and responsive on the roads yet grippy and stable on the trails, the shoe makes a perfect hybrid. It also remains surprisingly light given all the features packed into it. Experienced runners are happy that it feels a lot like the original Pegasus Trail 36 but with an enhanced grip.

Pros

  • Efficient road-to-trail
  • Well-cushioned
  • Stable ride
  • Excellent, secure fit
  • Very breathable
  • Great traction
  • Unexpectedly light
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • Not for muddy areas
  • Not for wide feet
  • Could be more stylish
Full review of Nike React Pegasus Trail 4

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (DJ6158004)
Blue (DJ6158400)
002 light iron ore/cobblestone/foo (DJ6158002)
Black (DJ6158003)
Black (DJ6158001)
Light Silver Mineral Teal Racer Blue (DJ6158005)
Black/Olive Flak/Spring Green (DJ6158006)
gold (DJ6158700)
More colors

Best Nike long distance running shoes with plush cushioning

What makes it the best?

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.

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
  • Not as welcoming to wide feet
Full review of Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Noise Aqua/Green Abyss (Dr2615-401) (DR2615001)
Blue (DR2615400)
White (DR2615101)
Red / White (FJ3889100)

Best Nike long distance carbon fiber plate running shoes

Nike Zoom Fly 5
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Good!

What makes it the best?

The fifth version of the Nike Zoom Fly series shifts its focus from fast to far. It's stable and it can now handle easier runs far better than before. Although it's a miss on weight, the grip and protection are supreme in the Zoom Fly 5 from Nike.

Pros

  • Planted strides when cornering
  • Protects foot from impact
  • Smooth, seamless ride
  • Upper oozes with comfort
  • Fit is A-OK!
  • Lockdown is awesome
  • Tongue stays in place
  • Clingy even on wet areas
  • Quite the bruiser

Cons

  • Chunky and clunky
  • Slower than other Zoom Flies
  • Stiff ride
Full review of Nike Zoom Fly 5

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Mint Foam/Cave Purple-Ghost Green-Coconut Milk-Barely Green (DM8968300)
Green (DZ4783304)
Turkis (DM8968400)
011 black/white-sail-ghost green (FB1847011)
Black (DM8968001)
Orange (DM8968800)
Pink (DM8974601)
Blau (DM8968401)
More colors

Nike long distance running shoes with best comfort

What makes it the best?

The Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8 remains the brand's staple lightweight and nimble trail running shoe fit for mid to high-mileage runs. It offers a protective and responsive ride that's perfect for moderate to fast paces on almost all trail surfaces. Overall, if you want to up your speed may it be on training or race days, the Terra Kiger 8 will deliver without fail.

Pros

  • Energetic and responsive ride
  • Grippy on light mud, dry rocks & loose trails
  • Protective cushion
  • Amazing heel hold
  • Upper doesn't need break-in
  • Airy even during hot days
  • Cheaper price
  • Stunning looks

Cons

  • Poor grip on wet surfaces
  • Might hurt feet on hard surfaces
Full review of Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Red (DH0649600)
Black/Laser Blue-Vivid Purple (DH0649003)
002 football grey/kumquat-volt-bar (DH0649002)
Orange (DH0649801)
Black (DH0649001)
Green (DH0649300)
Deep Royal Blue/White/Yellow Strike (DH0649400)

Comparison of the 7 best Nike long distance running shoes

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Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
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.