

While looking into Nike running shoes, you’ll bump into a series of materials and technologies with bold but unclear sounding names. Here are the most important ones for you to know.
Nike Air
Nike Air in a nutshell is pressurised air contained in a durable and flexible membrane to provide shock absorption during running.
Nike Air is not used in Nike performance running shoes anymore, but you can find its evolution: Nike Zoom Air.
Nike Zoom Air
Zoom Air is an evolution of Nike Air. These new “air pods” have a lower height and more responsiveness. It is used in many of Nike’s running shoes, including their top-of-the-range Alphafly line.
Nike React
Nike React is a foam material used to make the sole units of Nike running shoes. Nike states that React is 11% softer and offers 13% more energy return than their previous softest and bounciest cushioning.
Nike ReactX
Nike ReactX foam is a brand new midsole material developed by Nike after 5 years of test and research – with the aim to find a balance between performance and sustainability.
According to Nike, ReactX reduces carbon footprint by 43% thanks to reduced energy usage in the manufacturing process and increases energy return by 13%.
Nike Flyknit
Nike Flyknit is an upper technology that allows shoe uppers to be woven. The result is a sock-like feeling for a shoe that comforms to the foot of the wearer.
In this section you'll find the Nike running shoes we recommend for most of your mileage. Tried and tested, these shoes have enough versatility to change up your pace, great durability and the ability to fit almost any foot shape.
If you’re looking for a super soft trainer for mostly easy runs, the Pegasus Plus is a good option for you.
If you like the Nike Streakfly but you want something more durable and more stable, the Pegasus Plus is the perfect shoe for you.
If you’re looking for a versatile trainer for most of your runs, the Pegasus Plus is not the shoe for you.
If you have wide, high volume feet, the narrow fit will be uncomfortable for you.
Some Nike shoes can be expensive, but there are some that are incredibly good values for the price.
They are for someone who wants a high-quality shoe that can perform various needs without spending an arm and a leg.
They are not for the runner looking for a long-distance running shoe. It can be used for short to mid-distance runs but once you enter into those double digits you’ll start to notice the lack of responsiveness.
If you are a heavier runner, or if you enjoy the feeling of running on a soft surface - or you are looking for a shoe that can take you through your longest runs - this is the category you are looking for.
If you’re a runner looking for a more modern, more engaging Pegasus, the Vomero 17 is the shoe for you. The ZoomX in its midsole gives it a much more exciting ride than the boring Pegasus ride.
If you’re looking for a similar ride to the Pegasus Turbo 2, you should skip the Vomero 17 because it’s much heavier and not as fast. The Vomero 17 is more of a daily trainer than a shoe you can use for speedwork.
Trail running has exploded, have you noticed?
Nike has been quietly putting out more and more trail shoes each year - from the entry level Juniper, to the carbon-plated Ultrafly Trail.
Runners that have the funds and are seeking a race day shoe for buffed trails and forest roads without sacrificing comfort.
Runners seeking a versatile race day shoe capable of rugged mileage.
Nike has been dominating marathon podiums worldwide (and world records) for the past 5 years or so. Here are some of the shoes Nike athlete's use to do that.
If you don’t have sensitive arches and you enjoy firmer riding super shoes, the Alphafly 3 is a good choice. If you find the Vaporfly 3 too soft or flat, the Alphafly 3 is also a good option. If you want a light racer that disappears on your feet, get the Alphafly 3.
If you’re looking for a plush racer with a squishy ride, you should skip the Alphafly 3. If you want a super shoe with an extreme rocker that throws your forward, it’s also not your shoe.
Shoes with Air Max are soft and bouncy, but also heavy and unstable. That's why Nike doesn't use this technology in their running shoes.
Although some people dismiss Nike as a marketing brand, the company was founded by a runner for runners and still today produces some of the best running shoes in the market.