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

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
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

Nike React Pegasus Trail 4
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 444 users
87 / 100 from 14 experts

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

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.
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 full review

Best Nike road running shoes

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

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 1,173 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 running shoes for race

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2

CoreScore

84
Good!
4.1 / 5 from 181 users
87 / 100 from 17 experts

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

The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2 confirms all the qualities that made the first edition one of the best shoes (for some, the best ever) for racing half and full marathons. It’s still incredibly fast, cushioned and comfortable, plus it earned some stability and versatility. Overall, a fantastic performance-oriented choice. That is, if money is not an issue.
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2 full review

Best Nike trail running shoes

Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 773 users
84 / 100 from 7 experts

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

Whether raining or snowing, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX is a waterproof trail shoe that will keep your daily runs not only dry but also comfortable. On top of this, it's full of pop and support; it won't tire your feet out. And if you want a road-to-trail hybrid, the Pegasus Trail 3 GTX from Nike can do the job.
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX full review

Best Nike running shoes for speedwork

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 3,052 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

Best value

Nike Pegasus Trail 3
Nike Pegasus Trail 3

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 1,093 users
88 / 100 from 15 experts

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

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.
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 full review

Choose the right Nike running shoe: Road or Trail?

nike-road-vs-trail-shoe.jpg

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus (road shoe) vs. Nike Pegasus Trail (trail shoe)

Nike road shoes

Nike trail shoes

Best for: pavement and surfaces with minor irregularities Best for: light and rugged trail
  • lighter
  • more flexible
  • generally responsive
  • more durable
  • aggressive sole
  • enhanced foot protection
  • usually have a stiffer midsole
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-road-vs-trail-outsole.jpg

Nike trail shoes have a more durable, lugged outsole.

nike-road-vs-trail-toe.jpg

The toe bumper is reinforced on the trail shoe.

nike-road-vs-trail-heel.jpg

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:

nike-daily-trainer-vs-race-shoe.jpg

Daily trainer: Nike ZoomX Invincible Run (left), Race shoe: Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 (right)

Daily running shoes vs. competition.png

Nike shoes for daily running

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.

Neutral

shoe feel_neutral.png

Stability

shoe feel stability.png

  • enough cushioning for shock absorption and more comfortable experience
  • typically flexible and responsive
  • durable enough for everyday run
  • most Nike stability shoes are equipped with Dynamic Support technology
  • softer foam is added on the lateral side for cushioning
  • firmer foam on the medial side for support
 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.

Nike-Pegasus-Trail-3-Reflection.jpg

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.

Infographic 4.png

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.

nike-vaporfly-next.jpg

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.