7 Best Nike ZoomX Running Shoes in 2025

We buy shoes ourselves. We earn commissions when you buy through us, at no extra cost. Why trust us
Nike has nothing to prove. It’s already one of the strongest brands in the running scene. But as it enters the world of super foams, it’s made itself even stronger.
The Nike ZoomX foam is the brand’s cutting-edge tech. It’s Nike’s lightest, bounciest, softest cushioning to date, and runners swear by it.
We have tested all versions of the ZoomX shoes and we are here to help you trim down your choices by selecting the best of the best from various categories. We also made sure that you would get all the information you need in the reviews we produced through our extensive testing procedures.
How we test Nike ZoomX running shoes
We don’t just cherry-pick the shoes we put on this list. To really give you the best, we test them out ourselves and put them through the wringer. How?
- We purchase all the shoes we review with our own money to avoid bias.
- To make sure we’ve done sufficient testing, we do multiple test runs in each shoe.
- Through our own RunRepeat testing lab, we do a series of tests (e.g. energy return, shock absorption, flexibility, durability, breathability tests, etc.). We exhaust our time measuring the different parameters of the shoes so we can completely form our conclusions about each feature. We also slice the shoes into pieces to get deeper into deets!
Best Nike ZoomX running shoes overall
























































What makes it the best?
The Vaporfly 4 relentlessly established its dominance among all Nike ZoomX shoes we ran with. Its unmatched speed took us farther and faster than we ever imagined, smashing PBs more stably and comfortably. It bravely challenges the typical supershoe with its more natural ride.
The midsole cleverly combines the ZoomX and Flyplate, which are both designed for maximum speed and energy return. The foam has a velvet touch, giving a buttery smooth ride without feeling overly plush to enhance stability, confirmed by our durometer with a 19.9 HA reading. Our legs felt fresh despite pushing the limit.
Meanwhile, the Flyplate promotes fast and smooth transitions. Our bend test shows it’s 14.6% stiffer than average, enough to make the ride snappier without feeling too rigid. It feels more grounded with its moderate stack height and is a solid option for those who prefer a less assisted ride.
The shoe melts into motion as soon as we start running. It didn’t burden us at all with its feather-light 5.9 oz (166g) construction. It sets a new standard for the next era of supershoes because the current ones in our roster average 7.3 oz (208g).
Unfortunately, we can’t recommend the V4 to heavier runners because the reduced stack height will feel harsher, especially on longer distances. Those who need more cushioning for support should try alternatives.
Pros
- 13% lighter than the Vaporfly 3
- Awesome for 5K, 10K and 21K races
- Full ZoomX midsole
- Spring-loaded carbon-fibre Flyplate
- Fantastic lockdown with premium laces
- Moderate rocker for a more natural ride
- Improved perforated, removable insole
- Better rubber coverage in the forefoot
- Gets improvements from the Alphafly 3
- Great upper featuring breathability and durability
Cons
- Less ideal for marathon racing
- Still lacks the snappy feel of the Vaporfly 1&2
- Narrow midfoot and heel limit stability
Best Nike ZoomX tempo shoe






















































What makes it the best?
We found the Zoom Fly 6 to be the perfect tempo trainer among the Nike ZoomX shoes we ran with. Our lab results back up the boundless energy, agility, and durability we observed during testing. It can handle explosive intervals and demanding runs with ease, even having the speed for race day.
Beneath our feet, we unveiled divine cushioning. It features a maximalist 39.7/30.1 mm stack that offers effective impact protection. The ZoomX main foam feels exceptionally responsive with a touch of softness, evidenced by its 16.1 HA durometer reading. We also discovered another base foam with the same softness but is composed differently to improve the midsole’s longevity.
Running in the ZF6 is a breeze because of its airy 8.8 oz (248g) build, 6.8% below average. Even with the presence of a Flyplate, it doesn’t feel too rigid, only 25.9% stiffer than average. Carbon-plated shoes tend to score much higher.
Besides the midsole, the upper and outsole showed remarkable wear resistance against our Dremel. With better performance than the standard in the toebox (5/5), heel (5/5), and outsole (0.8 mm dent vs. 1.0 mm average), ZF6 assures us it can handle multiple training blocks.
However, the streamlined toebox may not suit runners who prefer a relaxed feel. We recommend those with wide or swollen feet to avoid this pair.
Pros
- The Zoom Fly is back!
- Fairly priced
- Versatile, performance-ready supertrainer
- Reasonable weight
- Can handle all paces
- Comfortable upper
- Outstanding durability
- Amazing for tempo and marathon workouts
Cons
- Toebox is narrow and restrictive
- SR-02 foam lacks bounce
- Could be more stable
Best Nike ZoomX running shoes for 5K/10K

























































What makes it the best?
Pros
- Feather-light build
- Ideal for 5K/10K races
- Wild, fun and fast
- Now features a carbon-fibre plate
- Much quicker than its predecessor
- Top-tier ZoomX foam
- Perfect for track workouts
- Not pricey all things considered
- Can stretch up to half marathon
- Grips well on dry and wet roads
Cons
- Not for heel strikers
- Only for short distances
- Narrow toebox
- Lacks stability
Nike ZoomX running shoes with the best energy return















































































What makes it the best?
Our runs reveal Alphafly 3 exhibits unwavering resilience, top-of-the-line speed, and much-needed cushioning for many miles. Among Nike’s ZoomX line, our lab tests prove it offers elite energy return, maintaining high performance with lasting comfort in a lightweight package.
The midsole eases the pain of high-effort miles with its seamless blend of rebound and comfort. Testing for energy return, the heel returned 74.9% of the force we exerted, and the forefoot 73.9%. Both exceed the average and confirm its exceptional responsiveness. With every landing, the shock-absorbing foam reduces leg strain, scoring above-average at 144 SA in the heel and 113 SA in the forefoot.
Besides the ZoomX midsole, the Air Pods and rigid FlyPlate work together to propel us forward. Our flex test validates our experience when it emerges 89.3% stiffer than average, transforming to insane responsiveness.
Our legs feel fresh with the shoe’s airy build of 7.1 oz (201g). Even with its mega stack, it’s 24.2% lighter than the average. Its well-ventilated Atomknit upper keeps us sweat and blister-free even during endurance runs. Our breathability test validates this with the highest rating of 5/5.
This high-quality shoe comes at a hefty price of £280. We recommend checking other options if budget is a priority.
Pros
- Remarkably lightweight despite its broad size
- Best-in-class breathability
- Excels in the marathon distance
- Repositioned Air Pods offer a better ride than the v2
- ZoomX foam delivers massive energy return
- Aids in forward momentum, especially when legs begin to fatigue
- Better than ever for 5K/10K racing
- Finally smooth transitions!
Cons
- Heel strikers might wear down the outsole quickly
- The arch could still be a challenge for some
- The sock-like tongue might not suit everyone
Nike ZoomX running shoes with the best shock absorption





















































What makes it the best?
The Nike Pegasus Premium feels amazing underfoot, from its highly energetic ride to its delightful joint protection to its strong airflow. With beyond-average ratings in our lab tests, this shoe is truly one of a kind.
The cushion offers relief for long distances, with a sky-high stack of 42.8/31.0 mm. Not only that, the foam itself offers leg-saving comfort. In our shock absorption test, we recorded 155 SA in the heel and 136 SA in the forefoot. With both figures above average, Pegasus Premium offers exceptional shock absorption.
With every landing, the foam offers responsiveness that keeps us going. With each stride we take, the platform can transfer a huge portion of the energy we put into our next move. Our energy return test shows solid ratings of 67.3% in the heel and 68.3% in the forefoot, creating a dynamic experience.
We never felt like overheating because of the knit and mesh upper’s undisturbed airflow. In our smoke test, air flowed out seamlessly, so we awarded it the maximum 5/5 breathability score. Unfortunately, the tapered toebox is what restricted our toes. Those with broad feet should find a more accommodating pair.
Pros
- Triple-layer, spring-like midsole
- Handles long runs and tempo efforts
- Sublime step-in comfort
- Incredibly fun to ride
- Amazing build quality
- Knit upper offers top breathability
- Visually stunning from every angle
- 360-degree reflectivity
- Finally a max-cushioned Pegasus!
Cons
- Narrow fit excludes many runners
- Needs to lose some weight
- High price
- It's noisy!
Nike ZoomX running shoes with the best comfort













































What makes it the best?
Pros
- Full ZoomX midsole provides energetic bounce
- Outstanding shock absorption in both heel and forefoot
- True high-stack design
- Premium comfort from walking to long runs
- Strong durability
- Great pick for easy days
- Midsole resists cold very well
- Comfortable heel counter
- Solid Bondi alternative inside Nike
Cons
- Heavier than it should
- Snug fit and narrow toebox
- Non-gusseted tongue
- Traction still needs improvement
Best Nike ZoomX running shoes for trail





















































What makes it the best?
Among Nike’s ZoomX models we tested in the lab and on our runs, Ultrafly is the best for trail. It’s a performance-driven shoe that offers unmatched speed, grip, cloud-like comfort, and impressive stability for long distances and races. It deviates from the traditional trail shoe with its world-class energy return and bouncy ZoomX foam.
Ultrafly feels ultra-stiff with its full-length carbon plate embedded in the midsole — driving the shoe’s power with every stride. Our bend test shows it's 31.5% stiffer than average. We can tackle easy to moderate trails with finesse as the Vibram outsole features 3.0 mm lugs that ensure traction.
Unlike other trail shoes' brick-feeling we’re accustomed to, Ultrafly offers a plush and bouncy ride. It holds a superior combination of an above-average stack and a soft Pebax foam, ultimately leading to comfort. Our durometer shows one of the softest readings at 9.8 HA — 63.7% plusher than average! The platform makes long miles roll by and protects our legs from impact.
Ultrafly feels exceptionally stable in our runs — driven by the carbon plate’s rigidity and the vast platform that enhances steady strides. Our calliper shows there’s an extra 10.6 mm space in the forefoot and 3.9 mm room in the heel, catering to all foot strikers.
Unfortunately, the Vaporweave upper felt stuffy during our warmer runs. The mesh has a comfort-focused fabric that limits airflow.
Pros
- Optimised for trail races
- Accommodates wide feet with ease
- Full-length, responsive Pebax midsole
- Equipped with a Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Offers outstanding comfort
- Remarkably stable
- Suitable for 100-mile races
Cons
- The Vaporweave upper could be more durable and breathable
- Heavier than expected even for a trail racing shoe
- The $260 price tag might be steep for some
- Limited toebox height