7 Best Nike Long Distance Running Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
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
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
88
Great!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$70
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$98
Fleet Feet
$98
Nike
$99
Backcountry
Free shipping
$130
REI
Free shipping
$130
Best Nike long distance running shoes for trail
Nike Pegasus Trail 3
88
Great!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$49
Stadium Goods
$85
Fleet Feet
$98
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$100
Nike
$110
Best Nike long distance running shoes with wide toebox
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3
88
Great!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$69
Nike
$96
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$100
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
REI
Free shipping
$160
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$160
Nike long distance running shoes with best cushioning
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4
88
Great!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$65
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$84
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$90
Nike
$98
Backcountry
Free shipping
$130
REI
Free shipping
$140
Best Nike long distance running shoes with plush cushioning
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3
83
Good!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$180
Nike
$180
Backcountry
Free shipping
$180
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$180
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$180
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$180
Best Nike long distance carbon fiber plate running shoes
Nike Zoom Fly 5
84
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Nike
$112
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$132
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
REI
Free shipping
$160
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$160
Nike long distance running shoes with best comfort
Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8
86
Great!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$70
Nike
$98
Marathon Sports
Free shipping
$120
Stadium Goods
$125
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$140
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$140
Comparison of the 7 best Nike long distance running shoes
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