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
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
Best Nike neutral road running shoes
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
Best Nike road wide toebox running shoes
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
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
Best Nike road cushioned running shoes
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
Best value Nike road running shoes
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
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