If you go to any major race in 2023 and look at everyone’s running shoes, you will spot the Nike swoosh marking the feet of elite runners all around the world. Though it’s now a dominant presence in the world of sports, Nike comes from humble beginnings rooted in running: It all started with University of Oregon runner Phil Knight selling imported shoes from the back of his car.
His former coach Bill Bowerman joined him, and eventually they began designing their own, including the iconic Cortez model released in 1972. The company adopted the Nike moniker in 1978 and, since then, the brand has grown into a global sporting goods powerhouse with a knack for creating high-performance running shoes.
From introducing runners to EVA cushioning to placing air-filled cells in its shoes, Nike has created some landmark innovations over the years, and it continues to push the boundaries of running shoe design today. To get you acquainted with Nike’s shoes, we’ll walk you through the most important tech found in the brand’s lineup and explain what those features do.
More From Runner's World
If “Just Do It” is your mantra, too, I can also point you to the best Nike running shoes for a variety of running needs and disciplines, including racing shoes and trail shoes.
Best Nike Running Shoes
The Expert: I became a runner in middle school and have covered running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist. I’ve written more about running shoes than any other kind of gear, and I have firsthand experience running in models from a range of brands, including Nike. I first wrote this guide in 2018, and update it regularly as Nike releases new shoes and running shoe tech.
Battle of The Brands: Best Brooks Running Shoes ● Best Adidas Running Shoes ● Best Mizuno Running Shoes
What to Consider When Shopping for Nike Running Shoes
Nike has a broad running shoe lineup that ranges from track spikes and racing shoes to everyday trainers and trail shoes. The core of that lineup, represented in the picks below, serve up a cushioned-yet-responsive ride that feels comfortable and lively underfoot. That feeling comes from Nike’s flagship cushioning foams, React and ZoomX (more on those below).
If you like a versatile, cushioned shoe that doesn’t weigh you down and feels peppy enough for faster paces, you should be looking at Nike.
Upper Materials
Nike has developed two standout upper designs for its shoes: Flyknit and AtomKnit. Flyknit, found on shoes like the Vaporfly and Invincible 3, as well as Nike soccer cleats and some basketball shoes, is a woven upper design where yarn is woven tightly in some areas and more loosely in others. The loose weave allows the shoe to flex with your foot for greater comfort, while the tight weave provides support in key areas where you need it.
AtomKnit, found in the Alphafly and Nike track spikes, is made by stretching and steaming Flyknit fabric to reduce its weight, resulting in a thin, breezy upper that’s ideal for racing. It’s only used in Nike’s most speed-focused running shoes.
In addition to its knit uppers, Nike makes a wide array of conventional running shoes with more traditional mesh uppers, such as the Pegasus and Zoom Fly, which offer good durability for day-to-day training.
Cushioning Foams
Nike makes two cushioning foams that provide support across most of its running lineup – React and ZoomX. React is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) foam designed to maximize cushioning, energy return, and durability.
It offers great impact absorption and a soft feel when landing, but also delivers a springy sensation at toe-off. Having tested it in multiple shoes, I love the foam’s balance between softness and energy return—it’s ideal for everyday training.
ZoomX is Nike’s speciality racing foam. Made with polyether block amide (PEBA), it’s lightweight and offers exceptional energy return, which allows designers to add a thick layer of cushion without weighing the shoe down. It’s formulated for going fast, so you’ll find it in top-tier racing models like the Alphafly and Vaporfly, as well as speedy training shoes like the Zoom Fly 5.
Zoom Air Units
Shoes with Zoom Air feature air-filled bags placed within the midsole of a shoe. They compress on landing, absorbing impact forces, then spring back to their original shape, providing a propulsive feel. The original concept debuted in the late ‘70s, and Nike has refined it in the decades since.
The Zoom Air units work in tandem with midsole foam to provide cushioning and energy return, and they’re used across the running shoe lineup, from the Alphafly racer to the Pegasus training shoe.
Carbon Fiber Plates
By combining carbon fiber plates with ZoomX foam, Nike essentially created the ultralight racing “super shoe”. Nike’s top running shoes, including the Vaporfly and Alphafly, feature carbon fiber plates embedded within their midsoles. The stiff plate stabilizes the shoe and guides your foot forward through toe-off, which helps you get maximum energy return from the thick foam midsole.
That yields a bouncy, snappy feel that encourages fast paces. For the ultimate racing shoe experience, the carbon fiber-equipped Nike models are the way to go.
How We Selected The Best Nike Running Shoes
The models below represent the best Nike running shoes you can buy today. To select them, I reviewed the Nike shoe lineup and talked with a brand representative to learn about its latest shoes. I drew on RW reviews, RW editor feedback, my own experience testing Nike shoes, and my knowledge of the running shoe market to narrow the list down to the pairs below.
To make this guide as helpful as possible, I 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 racing shoes to trail runners.
For even more information, check out our full-length shoe reviews (where available), which have thorough breakdowns on the performance of individual models.
Pros
- Redesigned upper for an improved fit
- Cushioned and responsive
Cons
- Not ZoomX foam
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.2 oz (M), 8.5 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
While premium racing models like the Vaporfly grace the feet of elite marathoners, the trusty Pegasus is the running shoe for the rest of us—and it might be Nike’s most beloved running model. The Pegasus line has been around for decades, and it’s a workhorse training shoe that offers some of the brand’s best tech.
The Pegasus 40 features a redesigned midfoot band that better accommodates varying arch heights, and Nike redesigned the way the layers of the mesh upper fit together and added padding to the ankle collar for a more comfortable fit. The sole features React foam and Zoom Air units at the heel and forefoot for a well-cushioned and responsive ride.
The Peg doesn’t come with Nike’s ultra-bouncy and lightweight ZoomX foam, so you might want a different shoe for speedwork days. But for longer efforts and general training runs, the Pegasus offers a smooth ride with enough springiness to keep you surging forward.
Pros
- Well-cushioned yet propulsive
- Lighter than other brands’ elite racing shoes
Cons
- Upper material doesn’t stretch
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.1 oz (M), 5.8 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
It’s hard to overstate the impact of the Nike Vaporfly. Before its introduction, racing shoes featured minimalist designs with thin midsoles for maximum weight savings. The Vaporfly totally upended the basic tenets of that design with its tall stack height and hefty layer of light-but-bouncy foam cushioning.
Although it’s arguably been eclipsed by the newer, more feature-rich Alphafly line, the Vaporfly remains the most popular choice for marathoners, including elite runners. As the label on the heel proudly states, it’s the original “super shoe,” and it’s still going strong.
The latest model, the Vaporfly 3, is a top-to-bottom overhaul with all kinds of revisions to make it lighter, boost its energy return, and increase its stability. Like previous versions, the shoe features Nike’s top-tier ZoomX foam and an embedded carbon fiber plate for stiffness and energy return.
The forefoot outsole rubber is 2mm thinner, allowing a 2mm increase in forefoot foam for increased cushioning. Nike also scooped out some foam on the sidewall and a channel at the bottom of the shoe to shave off weight. In addition, the medial side of the midsole is shaped to resist compression, which helps the shoe feel less wobbly when cornering.
The wide-open mesh design of the Flyknit upper promotes great breathability, but be warned: The Flyknit weave does not stretch, so be careful how tightly you tie your laces. Even so, the Vaporfly offers an ideal combo of low weight, cushioning, and energy return, and it’s a superb pick for racing.
Pros
- Thick, springy cushioning is easier on your legs
- Carbon-fiber plate and Air units
- New and improved upper fit
Cons
- Hard to put on
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.8 oz (M), 7.0 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
The Alphafly is the pinnacle of the Nike running shoe lineup, and occupies a vaunted place in the running world. In 2018, elite marathoner Eliud Kipchoge wore an earlier version of this shoe when he (unofficially) became the first person to run a marathon in less than two hours.
Kipchoge used his Alphaflys to set the current official marathon record—2:01:09—in 2022, and he also wore them while winning his second Olympic marathon gold medal.
Still not convinced? Consider the Alphafly’s design, which showcases all of Nike’s best running shoe technology. The upper utilizes AtomKnit 2.0, an ultralight version of the Flyknit weave, for maximum weight savings and breathability. Like the Vaporfly, the midsole features a thick layer of lightweight, propulsive ZoomX foam, and an embedded carbon fiber plate for snappy responsiveness. But the Alphafly gets something extra: Zoom Air units under the forefoot for even more energy return at toe-off.
The current model, the Alphafly 2, features thinner outsole rubber and more ZoomX foam at the forefoot. In our testing, we found the shoe created smoother transitions, felt more responsive, and also moved more quietly. If you want the best of the best for your next race, this is it.
Pros
- Made with soft, propulsive ZoomX foam
- Includes a carbon fiber plate in the midsole
- Durable upper
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 11.1 oz (M), 8.5 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
The Nike Zoom Fly line serves up the same basic tech found in the brand’s top-shelf racers, but in a more affordable, training-oriented package. The midsole contains the winning combo of propulsive ZoomX foam and an embedded carbon fiber plate: Together, they create a snappy feel underfoot that helps you push the pace.
In contrast to the ultra-thin uppers found on the Vaporfly and Alphafly, it features a durable double-layer mesh upper, which makes it more suitable for grinding through a training schedule.
The Zoom Fly 5 adds a slightly widened midsole at the forefoot and heel for improved stability. Although it’s significantly heavier than the Vaporfly and Alphafly, it offers a similar springy feel underfoot, and it's a great training counterpart to those shoes (you can save the pricier models for race day).
But it doesn’t have to be a trainer: With its premium cushioning and carbon fiber plate, it makes a solid value-oriented pick for longer races as well.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- More cushioned than a traditional racing flat
Cons
- Not enough heel cushioning for heel strikers
Key Specs
| Weight | 6.5 oz (M), 5.5 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6mm |
Think of the Nike Streakfly as a shrunk down, streamlined version of the Vaporfly. While it isn’t quite as minimalist as an old-school racing flat, it’s Nike’s lightest racing shoe, and it’s designed to propel you through shorter races up to a 10K.
The relatively thin midsole is made of a full-length layer of ZoomX foam for a plush-yet-springy ride, and instead of a carbon fiber plate, Nike embedded a short PEBA plate at midfoot. The plate helps stiffen the shoe a bit and stabilize your foot as you run.
The thin knit upper creates good breathability and saves weight. It’s also reinforced at the forefoot, and foam pods at the heel for a secure fit. Offset lacing keeps the shoe snug on your feet, even when you’re hauling.
The only drawback? In our testing, we found the thin layer of ZoomX foam couldn’t quite handle heel strikes—the material compressed and then bottomed out, creating a jarring sensation. If you’re a heel striker, you’ll likely want to choose a different shoe.
Pros
- Roomy fit and comfortable upper design
- Good for beginner runners
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.4 oz (M), 8.5 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
With expensive models like the Alphafly and Vaporfly attracting lots of attention, you’d be forgiven for thinking that all Nike running shoes come with eye-watering price tags. That isn’t the case, though: The Winflo is a notable bargain in the brand's running lineup, and a capable performer for everyday running.
The latest version, Winflo 10, sports a few notable tweaks, including a wider toe box, with added padding on the tongue and around the collar for a more accommodating and comfortable fit. The midsole features a three-quarter-length Zoom Air unit for responsiveness, and Cushlon foam for shock absorption—the same material was used in older versions of the Pegasus.
While it won’t have the same bouncy ride as Nike shoes with React or ZoomX cushioning foams, the Winflo is an approachable, highly versatile shoe. Long runs, short jogs, walking—with its roomy fit and comfy feel, it’s designed to perform well in a variety of situations.
Pros
- Durable, breathable upper
- Rocker sole promotes smooth transitions
Cons
- No carbon fiber plate
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.9 oz (M), 9.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9mm |
Nike designed the Invincible 3 as a max-cushion shoe that can keep your feet and legs happy on long-distance runs. The main highlight is the midsole, which features a generous helping of ZoomX foam for excellent shock absorption and springy energy return to help you keep your pace when fatigue sets in.
The sole is wider at the forefoot for added stability, and has an overall rocker shape, following a design trend that seems to be all the rage across brands like Hoka, Saucony, and Asics. The rocker sole encourages smooth transitions from touchdown to toe-off so you can roll through your stride efficiently.
As shoe brands develop lighter, softer foams and create shoes with tall stack heights, the rocker shape becomes more important: It promotes smooth, rolling transitions from landing to toe-off, even on shoes with thick midsoles.
On the upper, the Flyknit material is constructed with breathability zones in high-heat areas to keep your feet cool, and compared to Nike’s race-oriented models, it features a beefier design that’s more durable, so it can withstand high-mileage training routines. The Nike Invincible 3 is perfectly plush, making it great for long runs—or runs of any distance, if you want a soft, bouncy ride.
Pros
- Springy cushioning
- Great traction
- Durable
Cons
- Heavier than previous version
Key Specs
| Weight | 12.3 oz (M), 10.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9mm |
The Wildhorse is a capable all-terrain trail shoe that serves up reliable traction and a cushioned ride. While it’s certainly not the lightest trail shoe on the market, it’s a solid all-around performer for everyday trail running. The midsole, made with React foam, generates good shock absorption and peppy energy return. It pairs well with a forefoot rock plate that protects your feet from sharp rocks and debris on the ground.
In the new Wildhorse 8, Nike revamped the upper’s midfoot saddle system for a more stable, secure fit, which should come in handy when negotiating uneven terrain. The full rubber outsole is studded with large, widely spaced lugs that create good bite on all kinds of surfaces.
I own the Wildhorse 7, and it’s a personal favorite of mine. It’s held up through countless hikes and trail runs, and I especially appreciate the springy feel of the React foam and the outsole’s lockdown traction.
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3
Pros
- Quality cushioning for long runs
- Upper is comfortable and supportive
Cons
- Fits slightly narrow
Key Specs
| Weight | 11.2 oz (M), 9.0 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9mm |
In recent years, running shoe brands have moved toward a more “hands-off” approach to support shoes. Rather than putting firm medial posts or plates in the midsole to counter overpronation, modern support shoes opt for less-intrusive ways to build in support, like adding a wider sole or raised footbed edges on the medial side of the shoe.
The Infinity Run Flyknit 3 follows the trend, featuring a wider base at the forefoot and heel to create a stable platform for your feet, polyester cables embedded in the upper to create a close wrap at midfoot, and a rocker sole to promote smooth transitions from heel to toe. The React foam absorbs impact forces and also provides a springy sensation that feels good at any pace.
In our testing, we found its stable, smooth ride made it great for longer efforts, and one of our wear testers loved using it for everyday training. “I have a whole host of daily trainers to choose from,” he said, “and with the exception of speed days, I would choose this shoe over and over.”
Want a more traditional support shoe? Try Nike’s Structure 24.
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex
Pros
- Bouncy ride with good energy return
- Excellent road and trail versatility
- Improved outsole traction
Cons
- Ankle collar can feel a bit loose
- No rock plate
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.2 oz (M), 8 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9.5mm |
The Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex is a road shoe that isn’t afraid of a little dirt. The versatile design features a full-length React foam midsole for a smooth, well-cushioned ride with good energy return.
The outsole utilizes a sticky rubber compound in the forefoot for strong traction off the pavement, but the lugs are small and flexible enough for road running as well. The upper incorporates a Gore-Tex membrane to ward off light rain and splashes, and a soft, stretchy fabric at the ankle blocks dirt and debris.
Above all, Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex shines for its comfy ride and all-terrain versatility. In the words of one tester, it “performed wonderfully on all surfaces.” I’ve worn this shoe on multiple rainy runs, and I agree. In my testing, the Peg Trail 4 provided lockdown grip on the dirt, didn’t create lug feedback on pavement, and kept my feet dry and warm, too.
Q+A With Running Shoe Expert Michael Charboneau
Although the brand gets lots of attention for its premium racing shoes, Nike makes a variety of running models suitable for all kinds of runners and running disciplines. The Winflo, for example, is a great pick for runners who are just starting out.
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
