7 Best Nike Running Shoes, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
Nike needs no introduction. The brand offers some of the widest selections of highly-rated running shoes for both beginners and seasoned runners. RunRepeat is here to help you navigate this massive selection of Nike runners.
We have reviewed nearly 200 Nike running shoes to help you narrow down the choices. If you are easily satisfied with the best, here are our top picks in different categories.
And if you’d like to learn more about various Nike collections, skip to our guide below the shoe reviews.
How we test running shoes
Nike is a serious brand. But we are even more serious here at RunRepeat. Equipped with our proprietary shoe testing methodology, we go beyond the vague marketing statements to find out which Nike shoe is truly the best. Here is what we take each shoe through:
- We purchase Nike shoes with our own funds to stay unbiased while testing every new release.
- We cut, slice, and measure all Nike shoes in our lab to test them on more than 30 different parameters like durability, breathability, flexibility, and others.
- Our testers run 30-50 miles a week to provide extensive feedback on each Nike model.
- We also reflect thousands of expert and user reviews in our scores for a more comprehensive overview.
As a result, each Nike shoe receives a CoreScore, a number from 0 to 100, which helps us define the best Nike running shoes on the market.
Best Nike running shoes overall
CoreScore
- Top 18% in trail running shoes
- Top 15% in Nike running shoes
- Top 5% most popular running shoes
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
Verdict
Best Nike road running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 16% in road running shoes
- Top 14% 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 running shoes for race
CoreScore
- Top 9% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Great for personal bests
- Propulsive ride
- Very comfortable
- Versatile for short and long runs
- Amazing lockdown
- Airy upper
- More stable than version 1
- Durable
- Quieter than before
Cons
- Expensive for sure
- Still slightly unstable on corners
- Hard to slip on
Verdict
Best Nike trail running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 17% in trail running shoes
- Top 12% in Nike running shoes
- Top 6% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fantastic waterproofing
- Grips on everything dry and wet
- Great for road-to-trail transitions
- Also for hiking
- Responsive
- Stable on rocky terrain
- Supports moderately flat feet
- Straight-out-the-box comfort
- Lighter than other GTX shoes
- Locked-in heel
- Worth every penny
Cons
- Lacks durability
- Not for summer runs
Verdict
Best Nike running shoes for speedwork
CoreScore
- Top 16% in road running shoes
- Top 14% 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
Best value
CoreScore
- Top 16% in trail running shoes
- Top 11% in Nike running shoes
- Top 4% most popular running shoes
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
Verdict
Most popular Nike 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
Choose the right Nike running shoe: Road or Trail?
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus (road shoe) vs. Nike Pegasus Trail (trail shoe)
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Nike road shoes |
Nike trail shoes |
| Best for: pavement and surfaces with minor irregularities | Best for: light and rugged trail |
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| See all Nike road running shoes | Get your Nike trail running shoes here |
| Good to know: It’s fine to wear your trail shoes on the roads, but only at a minimum distance to avoid knee or foot pain. | |
Nike trail shoes have a more durable, lugged outsole.
The toe bumper is reinforced on the trail shoe.
Nike shoes for daily running vs. competition
Nike offers running shoes for competition and everyday runs. To help you get the right pair, here's the quick comparison between the two:
Daily trainer: Nike ZoomX Invincible Run (left), Race shoe: Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 (right)
| Nike shoes for competition (racing) |
Disclaimer: These are based on how each type of shoe performs in general. This does not apply to a specific model that exists.
If you’re looking for a middle-ground daily trainer that can also go fast, Nike also has a selection of speed training shoes. Lighter, more nimble, and responsive, these trainers are ready for tempo runs, intervals, and even shorter races.
Arch support in Nike running shoes
Depending on the level of support you require, Nike classifies their running shoes into neutral and stability categories.
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Neutral
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Stability
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| See neutral Nike running shoes | See stability Nike running shoes (good for flat feet and overpronation) |
Learn more in our in-depth guide on arch support and whether or not you need it.
Additional features in Nike running shoes
Another factor to consider in choosing the best Nike running shoes is the extra features the shoe offers.
Slip-on: Without the fuss of laces, slip-on running shoes allow you to simply slide your foot in and out of the shoe in an instant. Some of these models employ Nike's proprietary FlyEase design.
How it works on the Nike Revolution 5 FlyEase
Reflective: Some Nike running shoes also use Nike's reflective element to give additional visibility on low-light running conditions.
Reflective element on the Nike Pegasus Trail 3
Water-repellent/Waterproof - Some Nike running shoes are equipped with Nike Shield technology, which offers protection from moist and cold weather without compromising breathability. They also have a few shoes equipped with a GTX membrane that gives the feet waterproof protection. See: Nike water-repellent running shoes.
GTX membrane on the Nike Pegasus Trail 2 GTX
Nike Vaporfly Models: Marathon Dominance and Controversy
Nike competition shoes, particularly the Vaporfly models, have shown dominance in major marathons including New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, and Boston Marathon.
In 2018, out of the 12 winners (both men and women categories), 7 were wearing Nike Vaporfly shoes and 10 in 2019.
The controversy around Vaporfly
A study conducted in 2019 found that the new Nike Vaporfly shoes improved an athlete's running economy by 4.2%. This sparked disputes as researchers and runners think that it confers an unfair advantage.
The overall design of the shoe (a combination of the foam layer and carbon-fiber plate) that helps runners run faster ignited a discussion on whether it should be banned or not in competition. But after the World Athletics reviewed all the guidelines, the controversial Nike shoe was given a go for the Tokyo Olympics.
