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.
Table of contents How we test road running shoesBest overallBest neutralBest wideBest mediumBest cushionedBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
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
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$65
Nike
$80
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$96
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$105
CoreScore
- Top 12% in road running shoes
- Top 10% in Nike running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
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.
Best Nike neutral road running shoes
Nike Zoom Fly 4
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$75
Nike
$96
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$110
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$120
CoreScore
- Top 30% in road running shoes
- Top 26% in Nike running shoes
- Top 5% most popular running shoes
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!
Best Nike road wide toebox running shoes
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2
Amazon
Free shipping
$134
Stadium Goods
$139
Zappos
Running Warehouse
CoreScore
- Top 28% in running shoes for walking
- Top 30% in running shoes for heavy men
- Top 4% most popular running shoes
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.
Best Nike road medium toebox running shoes
CoreScore
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.
Best Nike road cushioned running shoes
Nike Free Run 5.0
Nike
$60
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$65
Stadium Goods
$79
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$80
CoreScore
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.
Best value Nike road running shoes
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$66
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$78
Nike
$78
Backcountry
Free shipping
$130
CoreScore
- Top 16% in road running shoes
- Top 15% in Nike running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
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.
Most popular Nike road running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Peppy midsole
- Budget-friendly
- Good amount of flexibility
- Consistent performance in any condition
- Great as leisurewear
Cons
- Runs narrow
- Poor lacing
- Lacks grip
Verdict
The Nike Revolution 6 is a really popular running shoe that feels more and more like a sneaker the longer you wear it. With an exciting feeling midsole, the Revolution 6 is ready for some short, fun adventures, but may not be your best bet for serious running.
