These are the best Nike running shoes for every type of runner
Want more tried and tested recommendations from the RW editors? Sign up to our new weekly newsletter Kit Bag. Click here to subscribe.
If you like a versatile, cushioned running shoe that doesn’t weigh you down and feels peppy enough for faster paces, you should be looking at Nike.
Nike running shoes continually push the envelope with new technology and innovative designs; from racing models for PB-seekers to durable trainers for beginners, the brand makes some of the best running shoes going.
Nike was the first brand to introduce ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) cushioning, setting the modern standard, industry-wide. It also invented many of the special features found in today’s running shoes, including air-filled cells that soak up impact forces and carbon fibre plates that increase energy return.
To help you navigate the brand’s current shoe line-up and cutting-edge shoe technologies, we’ve highlighted the best performance shoes Nike makes below, including models for every kind of running, from racing, to training, trail running and more.
Plus, right now, Nike is holding a huge Black Friday sale, with up to 25% off full price styles and select running shoes. Enter code SCORE24 at checkout to save.
What to consider when shopping for Nike running shoes
Nike offers a number of different types of running shoes — here's what to consider when deciding if the brand is right for you.
How we test
All of the shoes below have been tested, with feedback from RW editors and our wider team of wear testers. To make this guide as helpful as possible, we've focused on performance running shoes that feature the brand’s latest cushioning foams, midsole tech, and upper designs, while making sure to pick models for all kinds of runners, from shoes for trail runners, to beginners and overpronators.
Why trust us?
Runner’s World UK has been vetting and reviewing running gear and tech since 1983. Our essential recommendations, including all kinds of running shoes, are selected based on data and insights gathered by our editors, who put the latest and greatest running shoes and gear through their paces day in and day out. In 2024, the Runner’s World test team is led by e-commerce editor Ali Ball, an 11-time marathoner and ultramarathoner who has over seven years experience testing fitness gear, including a number of Nike running shoes.
Best Nike running shoes for the road
> Read our full Nike Alphafly 3 review here <
When the late Kelvin Kiptum set the men's marathon world record in October 2023, he wore a prototype of these shoes. And there surely can't be a better recommendation for a shoe that that. When you run, the shoe propels you forward – the faster you run, the more you feel it. Even if you can't run at world record pace – and who can? – the energy saving will maximise your PB chances over any distance, but particularly the longer races.
For the latest iteration, Nike has used a continuous outsole for increased stability and an all-new last (shoe mould), fleshed out around the midfoot. These changes make the shoe a lot more comfortable than the Alphafly 2, reducing rubbing through the midfoot and on the Achilles, and give you confidence rounding corners. One of our testers wore these to race a half-marathon and had no blisters or hotspots after, unlike the V2.
The ride is punchy and light, with more of a tippy sensation on each step than the previous iteration. However, this just adds to the overall liveliness and enjoyment of the ride.
> Read more about the Nike Pegasus 41 here <
There's a reason that the Pegasus is in its 41th iteration — the 'workhorse with wings' really does deliver. The focus for the latest version has been on upping the shoe’s responsiveness, so there’s a new ReactX midsole which, according to Nike, provides 13% more energy return than the Pegasus 40.
There’s been a 1mm increase in the stack height, with the Pegasus 41 coming in at 34mm at the heel and 24mm at the forefoot. While it’s certainly not one of the new generation of maximalist cushioned shoes, when you step in to the Pegasus, you do immediately feel that comfort hugging your foot securely in place. The 10mm heel-to-toe drop remains the same and there’s the usual Air Zoom units in the forefoot and the heel to complete the cushioning system.
The Pegasus 41 offers a solid, stable and comfortably cushioned ride, and it's a shoe that can take a lot of mileage and a lot of pounding on the tarmac. While it may not feel nimble enough to be a speed-day shoe of choice, its durability and comfort make it a supremely reliable everyday training option.
A go-to for many serious racers, the third iteration of the Vaporfly feels just as lively and fast as the previous two. Nike has overhauled the Vaporfly from the rubber up, looking to make it the lightest yet. One attempt to shave weight came in the midsole shaping, with foam now removed from places where it’s not needed. Gone, too, is the slab of rubber under the forefoot, replaced with a web of diamond-shaped lugs. According to our testers, the new construction eliminates the loud, slappy sensation found in almost all the new super shoes.
One gripe: the Flyknit upper is extremely thin and breathable, but it doesn’t stretch at all, so take care not to lace up too tightly.
> Read our full Nike Invincible 3 review here <
The Invincible is a shoe that offers cushioning and comfort in abundance and for anyone looking for a daily shoe that is all about cruising about rather than crushing PBs.
The upper is where most of the work has been done between version two and three, and the previously thicker, less breathable Flyknit has been replaced with a more breathable and less sketchy Flyknit upper that helps lock the foot into place and gives the shoe a more secure feeling.
The comfort comes from the large chunk of ZoomX foam couple with an oversized footprint. These shoes really are at best when used for easy running all the way up to some tempo work. They’d be ideal for marathons too (and beyond), if your aim is to finish rather than race for the line with your heart jumping out of your chest.
Shop - women's
> Read our full Nike InfinityRN 4 review here <
It might not be categorised as a traditional stability shoe, but the InfinityRN 4 nevertheless is almost one by stealth. There is no traditional (though increasingly obsolete) stability medial post in this shoe. Instead, there's a clip running around the outside of the heel to keep you stable, and under the forefoot, the midsole is wider. These features unite to offer stability and support, without being intrusive, heavy or clunky as can be the case with some stability shoes.
As with the Pegasus above, the midsole in the latest iteration is made of Nike’s React X foam, which gives you 13% more energy return compared with Nike React foam. There’s also a rocker geometry in the shoe for a smoother transition during footstrike. Extra padding around the heel and ankle keep you supported too, and there's a new water repellent liner to the front of the toe box.
Overall, the React InfinityRN creates that rare thing – an everyday running shoe that both offers an unobtrusive ride to neutral runners, but also enough support for mild overpronators when they need it.
> Read our full Nike Zoom Fly 6 review <
Until this year, Nike had been noticeably lagging toward the back of the pack when it came to the super trainer – the high stack, carbon-plated training and racing hybrid. Not for any longer, though, as the Nike Zoom Fly 6 offers versatility in spades.
The Zoom Fly 5's controversial recycled ZoomX foam has gone in favour of a full slab of ZoomX foam (not called out as recycled). Underneath is a layer of SR-02 EVA foam (a firmer foam) for stability and support, with a full-length carbon fibre FlyPlate sandwiched in between. The Zoom Fly 6 also packs in more foam than the Zoom Fly 5 and is the biggest of any Nike running shoe so far.
Our tester described this shoe as a grower: it might not be as bouncy as Nike's higher-end racing models, but the dual-midsole in conjunction with the ZoomFly Plate creates a consistent and responsive ride that shines on tempo runs and long training sessions. In fact, it's hard not to run fast in these shoes, with the pronounced rocker geometry helping to roll you forward. The downside of this is that it does make the shoe awkward to walk around in (much like its racing counterparts) and it's worth noting that the shoe does have more of a performance-orientated fit, running on the narrower side.
Overall, a great option for people who may not feel 'fast' enough for top-tier racing shoes and don't mind a little more weight, or marathon runners looking for a fun yet affordable training shoe.
The Vomero is one of Nike's cushioned daily trainers, chiefly designed for easy and long runs. It’s always offered a plush ride, but the latest iteration also benefits from Nike ZoomX in its midsole – the same Peba-based state- of-the-art foam in its supershoes.
This ZoomX is sandwiched with a layer of Cushion 3.0 – a traditional material that’s certainly less bouncy than the ZoomX, though still soft. Together they add up to a feeling of nicely balanced responsiveness, even at slower paces, while the cushioned tongue and smart lacing system provide supreme comfort. Yet despite all the plush details, the Vomero is no heavyweight, weighing in at 272g (M).
The waffle patterned outsole offers excellent grip on the road, while the shoe fits true to size with ample room in the forefoot. Though positioned as an easy-run shoe, the Vomero is light and versatile enough to handle some up-tempo running, too.
Designed for 5K and 10K efforts on the roads, the Streakfly is a lightweight racer built for speed. It's almost an old school racing flat, but with a 2022 update. The minimal heel collar and thin upper shaves weight, while offset lacing eases pressure on the foot. Our testers enjoyed the ‘barely there’ feel, but also felt there was enough support to mean no stability issues, even when cornering at pace.
The midsole is made from the same light and responsive ZoomX foam as the Vaporfly, although with a much lower stack height, and instead of a full-length carbon plate, the Streakfly has a Pebax plate (similar to that on modern track spikes) under the midfoot. The result is a super-light, low-profile, springy ride to appeal to the traditional racing flat lover, but with more protection from the cushioning on the midsole. For lighter runners, they could also work as a half marathon racer.
Now we are at a point where it's increasingly difficult to find a pair of good running shoes for under £100, the Winflo 11 are a great budget option for new runners or those looking for a reliable workhorse for regular runs at a pocket-friendly price.
Sure, you won’t get the lighter, more responsive foams or carbon plates of some of the brand’s racier, more pricy options, but the Cushlon 3.0 midsole is still pretty soft and smooth riding, and the full-length Zoom Air unit offers some responsiveness.
The latest iteration has a more spacious forefoot and wider heel to provide a better fit for all foot types. The mesh upper has been enhanced to provide even better breathability, too, and the Flywire cables under the lacing provide a secure and snug fit. There’s also a smoother, softer lining inside the shoe to enhance overall comfort, and softened tongue padding.
Best Nike trail running shoes
> Read our full Nike Pegasus Trail 5 review <
Don’t let the GTX fool you into thinking this is some kind of extreme model for only the severest conditions and most technical terrain. It’s actually a true road/trail hybrid, with a ReactX foam midsole (used in the Pegasus 41 road shoe) that feels great on the pavement. And, though the GTX distinction suggests ankle-high waterproofness, the material only reaches to the top of the laces. The gaiter collar is instead a stretchy fabric, preferable for shielding against trail debris and light drizzle.
The outsole uses Nike's all-terrain compound, which performs wonderfully well on all surfaces and, in further evidence of the Peg GTX’s road-to-trail multitool creds, especially so on the road.
Off the road, it’s at its best on harder packed less technical trails, grass and dirt paths, providing a lively, responsive but smooth and nicely cushioned ride. The traction isn’t quite aggressive enough when things get really steep or slippy, though. Protective elements are also dialled down compared to the most extreme trail models, although the latest version has a 3D printed toe. Unless you’re tackling something really extreme, though, there’s enough to keep you safe and comfortable.
> Read our full Nike Zegama 2 review <
Named after a mountain race in northern Spain, the Zegama is Nike’s most technical trail shoe. In recent years, Nike trail shoes haven’t been known to tackle the world’s hardest mountain tracks, but the Zegama impressed. The midsole is made from ZoomX – the same stuff used in the Vaporfly and Alphafly racing shoes. On its own it’s too fragile for very technical trails, so it’s enclosed in a more durable carrier foam for better longevity. The result is a cushioned and responsive ride.
The first iteration of the Zegama lost points for its outsole, which offered very little grip, particularly on the muddy trails most of us encounter in the UK. So, the Zegama 2’s new Vibram MegaGrip outsole is welcome news indeed. It offers significantly more traction across a wide range of off-road conditions, from muddy trails to gravel to sand.
The upper is built to handle rugged ground. However, we did find that the Zegama runs hot. The result of this, at least for one of our testers, was the development of hotspots under both feet.
> Read our full Nike Ultrafly review <
If you’re racing dry, long trails then these shoes are pretty fantastic and just eat up the miles, hitting a sweet spot between grip, cushioning and ground feel.
The midsole is made from the same ZoomX as the Vaporfly and Alphafly 3 models, but if you were hoping that it performs the same, prepare to be disappointed. The Ultrafly Trail certainly has materials and elements that are similar to its road counterpart, but it's a wholly different shoe and experience in its own right.
Nike brought some structure to the foam by wrapping it in a material to add some structural integrity (and also to protect it) which seems to have done the trick. This firmer ride is a welcome attribute on the trails where ground feel is paramount.
This sense of feel is enhanced by the wide toe box and even wider forefoot platform. On the bottom, a Vibram outsole strikes a good balance between speed and grip and worked well on all surfaces, but it truly excelled on the dry, loose stuff like gravel, forest trails, hard packed earth and even sand. It also handles some mud relatively well, but it’s not a shoe for trails that are consistently sloppy with mud.
You Might Also Like
