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Best Nike Running Shoes (August 2024)

Written on 28th August by Ruggero Loda Founder and Publisher, Running Shoes Guru
314 other reviews
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Did you know Nike was founded as a running shoe company by a track athlete and his coach ? Phil Knight was the business student and Bill Bowerman the legendary coach.

Nike is famous for innovation, and that means constant change. They introduced the first modern carbon-plated running shoe back in 2017 (the Vaporfly) while trying to break the 2 hour marathon barrier.

This also means that it's not always easy for runners to pick up the best Nike running shoe for them. Here is Nike's lineup, with our selection of the best shoes for different runners and usage.

Best Nike Running Shoes

Keep scrolling or click on a shoe to find out why we chose it and what other shoes you should consider.

Nike Pegasus Plus

Best for Daily Training
Weight: 8.6oz Drop: 10mm
Our Rating
7.0
Users Rating
8.0
The Nike Pegasus Plus is a fun but overpriced daily trainer with a super soft ride. Its easily compressed midsole limits its versatility but it has a faster, more engaging ride than the regular...
MSRP $180 $180 Best price today this will redirect you to Nike

Nike Winflo 11

Best for Beginners
Weight: 10oz Drop: 10mm
Our Rating
10
Users Rating
7.0
The Nike Winflo 11 is a shoe for anyone! It’s such a versatile shoe and wears many hats. You can use them for training, for short runs and they are stylish enough to wear for running errands....
MSRP $105 $105 Best price today this will redirect you to Nike

Nike Vomero 17

Best Max Cushioned
Weight: 10.6oz Drop: 10mm
Our Rating
8.0
Users Rating
8.0
The Nike Vomero 17 is a good, premium trainer that delivers a cushioned, stable ride. It has a balanced ride suitable for most types of runs. While it isn't as exciting as some of the other premium...
MSRP $160 $160 Best price today this will redirect you to Nike

Nike Ultrafly Trail

Best for Trail Running
Weight: 10.1oz Drop: 8.5mm Carbon plate
Our Rating
7.0
Users Rating
0.0
The UltraFly trail is certainly one of the fastest on the market but it’s limited use, focus, and high price tag will make it a hard sell for most runners. ...
MSRP $249.95 $260 Best price today this will redirect you to Nike

Nike Alphafly 3

Best Racing Shoes
Weight: 7.7oz Drop: 8mm Carbon plate
Our Rating
9.0
Users Rating
0.0
The Nike Alphafly 3 is a superb top-tier racer and the best Alphafly version to date but it’s not deserving of its megahype or its $285 price. While it lacks the ‘magical’ feeling, it still has...
MSRP $285 $285 Best price today this will redirect you to Nike

Table of content

  Our Top 5 picks for all categories
 
 
What to consider
 
 
Best for Daily Training
 
 
Best for Beginners
 
 
Best Max Cushioned
 
 
Best for Trail Running
 
 
Best Racing Shoes
 
 
Quick questions you might have
 
 
Comments
 

An overview of Nike technologies.

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.

Best for Daily Training

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.

Nike Pegasus Plus

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$180.00
$180.00
See deal   >
In short
The Nike Pegasus Plus is a fun but overpriced daily trainer with a super soft ride. Its easily compressed midsole limits its versatility but it has a faster, more engaging ride than the regular Pegasus 41. It doesn’t feel like previous versions of the Pegasus Turbo because it has less cushioning depth and more ground feel.
Pros
  • Lighter than the Pegasus Turbo Next Nature
  • More energetic ride than the Pegasus 41
  • Full-length ZoomX racing foam midsole
  • Same price as 6 years ago
Cons
  • Not as much cushioning depth as previous versions
  • High price for a non-plated daily trainer
  • Build quality issues
Who should buy it

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.

Who should not buy it

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.

Main Specs
Type
Lightweight
Weight
8.6 oz
Heel
35 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
10 mm
Toe
25 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
4.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
7.0
Transition
7.0
Toe-off
7.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
5.0
Team review
Read full review

Best for Beginners

Some Nike shoes can be expensive, but there are some that are incredibly good values for the price.

Nike Winflo 11

merchant logo
$105.00
$105.00
See deal   >
In short
The Nike Winflo 11 is a shoe for anyone! It’s such a versatile shoe and wears many hats. You can use them for training, for short runs and they are stylish enough to wear for running errands.
Pros
  • Budget-friendly
  • Can be worn for many activities
  • Durable
Cons
  • Not for longer distances
  • Laces come undone easily if not double-knotted
Who should buy it

They are for someone who wants a high-quality shoe that can perform various needs without spending an arm and a leg.

Who should not buy it

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.

Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
10 oz
Heel
mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
10 mm
Toe
mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
10
Team review
Read full review

Best Max Cushioned

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.

Nike Vomero 17

merchant logo
$160.00
$160.00
See deal   >
In short
The Nike Vomero 17 is a good, premium trainer that delivers a cushioned, stable ride. It has a balanced ride suitable for most types of runs. While it isn't as exciting as some of the other premium trainers, it excels in outsole durability. Version 17 is an improvement over version 16. It has a plusher, more energetic ride with smoother transitions due to the removal of the outdated Zoom airbag.
Pros
  • Smoother ride due to the removal of the airbag
  • Lighter than previous version
  • Extremely durable outsole
  • Softer ride
Cons
  • Warm upper due to the inner sleeve
  • Price has increased
Who should buy it

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.

Who should not buy it

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.

Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
10.6 oz
Heel
39 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
10 mm
Toe
29 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
6.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
10
Value / Price
7.0
Team review
Read full review

Best for Trail Running

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.

Nike Ultrafly Trail

merchant logo
$250.00
$260.00
See deal   >
In short
The UltraFly trail is certainly one of the fastest on the market but it’s limited use, focus, and high price tag will make it a hard sell for most runners.
Pros
  • No plate harshness
  • Vibram outsole
  • Fast door to trail, gravel roads, and smooth trail.
Cons
  • Lack of flexibility
  • High price tag
  • Softness impacts stability.
Who should buy it

Runners that have the funds and are seeking a race day shoe for buffed trails and forest roads without sacrificing comfort.

Who should not buy it

Runners seeking a versatile race day shoe capable of rugged mileage.

Main Specs
Type
Trail
Weight
10.1 oz
Heel
38 mm
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Heel drop
8.5 mm
Toe
29.5 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
7.0
Build quality
10
Upper
7.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
10
Transition
10
Toe-off
10
Traction
10
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
5.0
Team review
Read full review

Best Racing Shoes

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.

Nike Alphafly 3

merchant logo
$285.00
$285.00
See deal   >
In short
The Nike Alphafly 3 is a superb top-tier racer and the best Alphafly version to date but it’s not deserving of its megahype or its $285 price. While it lacks the ‘magical’ feeling, it still has a combination of critical features (light weight, firm, stable, efficient) which provide a high level of speed assistance to the runner. Version 3 is a much better version than 2. It has a continuous bottom which results in smoother transitions, a stiffer midsole and most importantly, a wider...
Pros
  • Smooth transitions due to new continuous bottom
  • Stiffer midsole results in snappier ride
  • Stable ride with wider carbon plate
  • Less prominent arch
  • Lighter weight
Cons
  • Narrow midfoot might still create arch blisters
  • $10 price increase over previous versions
  • Loud foot strikes
Who should buy it

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.

Who should not buy it

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.

Main Specs
Type
Racing
Weight
7.7 oz
Heel
40 mm
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
32 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
7.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
6.0
Team review
Read full review

Quick Questions you might have

Are Air Max good for running?

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.

Are Nike shoes good for running?

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.