5 Best Nike ZoomX Running Shoes in 2023
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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.
Having tested all versions of the ZoomX shoes, we are here to help you trim down your choices by selecting the best of the best from various categories.
How we test 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 log 30-50 miles in each shoe.
- Through our own RunRepeat testing lab, we do a series of tests (e.g. flexibility, durability, breathability tests, etc.)
- To help you save time, we also gather thousands of user and expert feedback on each model.
And, give a verdict via CoreScore to rank each shoe from 0-100.
Best Nike ZoomX running shoes overall
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3
83
Good!
What makes it the best?
The Invincible Run is a shoe that barely needs an introduction. It’s among the most (if not the most) comfortable max-cushioned trainers, alongside the More and the Bondi. In this third version, the shoe moved away from the unadulterated wildness of the v2 in favor of practicality and versatility. The outcome is a ride that’s less soft and bouncy, more stable and controlled. It’s the Invincible for runners who couldn’t handle the Invincible.
Pros
- Way more stable than previous versions
- Tall stack of impact-absorbing cushioning
- Good energy return
- Comfort for the entire foot
- Thicker, more durable outsole
- A solid ride that works for more runners
- Breathable
- Great for recovery days and long easy runs
Cons
- Poor grip on wet roads
- Heel slippage
- Heel clip can be irritating when cornering
- Not as welcoming to wide feet
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$180
Nike
$180
Backcountry
Free shipping
$180
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$180
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$180
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$180
Best tempo Nike ZoomX running shoes
Nike Zoom Fly 5
84
Good!
What makes it the best?
The fifth version of the Nike Zoom Fly series shifts its focus from fast to far. It's stable and it can now handle easier runs far better than before. Although it's a miss on weight, the grip and protection are supreme in the Zoom Fly 5 from Nike.
Pros
- Planted strides when cornering
- Protects foot from impact
- Smooth, seamless ride
- Upper oozes with comfort
- Fit is A-OK!
- Lockdown is awesome
- Tongue stays in place
- Clingy even on wet areas
- Quite the bruiser
Cons
- Chunky and clunky
- Slower than other Zoom Flies
- Stiff ride
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Nike
$112
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$132
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
REI
Free shipping
$160
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$160
Nike ZoomX running shoes with best cushioning
Nike ZoomX Streakfly
81
Good!
What makes it the best?
The Nike ZoomX Streakfly is the Oregonian's answer to the critically acclaimed Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8, a phenomenal and fast modern-day racing flat. Made to go fast, this shoe surprised everyone by its comfortable ride and pleasant upper. While not the ultimate short-distance racing shoe, this non-plated hyper-light Nike racer is an excellent tool for a wide variety of workouts.
Pros
- Screams fast and speed-ready
- Nike’s lightest racing shoe yet
- Stable and good at cornering
- Incredible lockdown
- Splendid track workhorse
- Roomy toe box
- Grippy outsole
- Eye-catching design
- Not so expensive!
Cons
- Narrow-footed runners may experience poor lockdown
- Insanely thin laces
- Falls short for racing
- Heavy runners can “bottom out”
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Nike
$96
Amazon
Free shipping
$100
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$127
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$160
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$160
Best value
Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
While some serious runners may prefer a stiffer shoe for their race days, these are pretty much the best 5k, 10k, and half-marathon race shoes for me. But, given that the soles separated after 200km, I don’t know I can recommend them. These are by far the most comfortable and lightweight shoes, but they should definitely last longer. I want to believe that this replacement pair will be better. But, at least, I can enjoy a new pair.
Pros
- True to size
- Secure lockdown
- Very soft
- Lightweight
- Well-ventilated
Cons
- Not durable
- Expensive
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$61
Nike
$75
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$90
Backcountry
Free shipping
$150
REI
Free shipping
$150
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$150
Most popular Nike ZoomX running shoes
Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next%
83
Good!
What makes it the most popular?
It's fast, and it can rake up miles! The Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% is everything we can ask for in a dedicated tempo trainer. It's comfortable and it's loaded with bounce, springing you forward in each stride! After putting it to the test, it's safe to say that it suits middle to long-distance runs best. And 100 miles after, we still don't see any significant wear from the shoe.
Pros
- True to size
- Fast
- No break-in period
- Super breathable paper-thin upper
- Remarkable durability
- Very comfortable
- Sleek design
- Pushes you forward
- Best for fast long runs (~10 miles)
Cons
- Unstable at sharp turns
- Not for slow runs at all
- Poor traction on wet surfaces
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$199
Nike
$200
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$200
Zappos
Comparison of the 5 best Nike ZoomX running shoes
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