7 Best Nike Road Running Shoes, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Nike Road Running Shoes, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Majority of Nike running shoes available in the market today are designed for road runners. Thus, buying the perfect pair that suits one’s training and racing needs can be pretty overwhelming to some, especially for those who have just started running.

In order to provide you with our best picks for your browsing convenience, we have tested almost 200 Nike road running shoes in the lab and on a variety of road tests and selected the top-rated models for different categories.

If you only want the best value for your money, HEAD on to see our fantastic selections of highly-rated road running shoes from a versatile trainer and a budget-friendly pair to a performance-boosting speed and racing option.

How we test road running shoes

Each model of shoe has to earn its spot on this list after a rigorous process. To keep this guide comprehensive and bias-free, we make sure to:

  • Purchase all the shoes from Nike from our own pocket
  • Run in them for at least 30 to 50 miles and keep a record of our impressions
  • Cut each pair open in our shoe testing lab to closely check its essential parts  
  • Measure 30+ parameters using our calipers, durometers, weighing scales, et cetera
  • Collect useful information from shoe experts and actual users and reduce everything to a summary format

To see how one pair of shoes stacks up against other models, we input all comparable data into our CoreScore system. This enables us to get the overall rating of a particular shoe, ranging from 0 to 100. This helps us select the top picks in each different category.

Best Nike road running shoes overall

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 1,161 users
84 / 100 from 15 experts

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

Verdict

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.
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3 full review

Best Nike neutral road running shoes

Nike Zoom Fly 4
Nike Zoom Fly 4

CoreScore

87
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 590 users
84 / 100 from 12 experts

Pros

  • Rockered toe design
  • Propulsive
  • Breathable
  • Affordable for carbon-plated shoe
  • Sock-like fit
  • Large heel-loop
  • True to size
  • Feels like more stable Vaporfly
  • Snug and secure fit
  • Perfect for carbon newbies

Cons

  • Stiff
  • Unstable at slower speeds
  • Grippy on dry road only

Verdict

Zoom Fly 4 feels like a Vaporfly but it's more durable and designed for everyday speed training. Finally a shoe that can go fast often! And with a price point way below its carbon-plated competitors, what's not to love!
Nike Zoom Fly 4 full review

Best Nike road wide toebox running shoes

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2

CoreScore

86
Great!
4.2 / 5 from 397 users
90 / 100 from 14 experts

Pros

  • Plushness overload
  • Protective for long runs
  • Smooth and seamless ride
  • Adds pep to your step
  • Supports tired legs
  • Terrific heel lockdown
  • Spacious toe box
  • Grippy on light trails

Cons

  • Not for wet surfaces
  • Expensive for a trainer
  • Lacks durability
  • Poor airflow

Verdict

The ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2 from Nike is a daily trainer where comfort is paramount. But what makes it better than most everyday running shoes is it offers a ton of bounce and support to gobble up the miles ahead. On top of this, it offers a smooth, easy ride. Overall, the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2 is a definite must-have for days when your legs are tired and if you want a fun, lively long run.
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2 full review

Best Nike road medium toebox running shoes

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 FlyEase
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 FlyEase

CoreScore

84
Good!
4.4 / 5 from 575 users
83 / 100 from 1 expert

Pros

  • Excellent cushioning
  • Easy on/off
  • A perfect all-rounder
  • Lots and lots and lots of grip!
  • Excellent lockdown
  • Can go fast

Cons

  • Narrow fit

Verdict

The Nike Pegasus 38 was already one of our favorite daily workhorses. Nike's added an easy on/off FlyEase zipper and lacing which makes the Peg38s accessible to more people.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 FlyEase full review

Best Nike road cushioned running shoes

Nike Free Run 5.0
Nike Free Run 5.0

CoreScore

83
Good!
4.3 / 5 from 12,837 users
86 / 100 from 1 expert

Pros

  • Insane lightness
  • Glove-like fit
  • Heel loop
  • Easy lacing system
  • Super breathable
  • True to size
  • Comfotable as an everyday slipper
  • Extremely flexible

Cons

  • Short runs only
  • Lack of proper outsole
  • Insole not removable

Verdict

Ah, the Nike Free Run… Calling this a running shoe is a stretch, but there’s still a vestige of folks out there in the minimalist fan group that likes the slipper-like feel of Nike’s long-running “Free” lineup. The 2021 update steers back toward a less bizarre-looking shoe than we saw in 2020 but continues with the ultralight and ultra-flexible design.
Nike Free Run 5.0 full review

Best value Nike road running shoes

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 3,326 users
86 / 100 from 20 experts

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

Verdict

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.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 full review
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.