Whether you’re pounding the pavement, exploring off-road trails, or gearing up for a competitive race, the right running shoes can make all the difference. Nike, offers a diverse range of running shoes designed to cater to various needs, terrains, and performance levels.
We delve into the best road, trail, and race running shoes from Nike, providing you with the essential details to help you find the perfect pair for your next run. From design and comfort to durability and performance, we’ve got you covered. Let’s lace up and get started.
- Road Running
- Nike Pegasus 40
- Nike Invincible 3
- Nike React Infinity 3
- Trail Running
- Nike Pegasus Trail 4
- Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX
Nike Road Running Shoes
When it comes to road running, comfort, durability, and support are key. Nike’s range of road running shoes is designed with these factors in mind, offering a variety of models to suit different foot types, running styles, and personal preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, our selection of Nike’s best road running shoes will help you hit the pavement with confidence and style.
Nike Pegasus 40
Key Features
- Type: Neutral, road
- Price: $220
- Weight: 266g (US9)
- Drop: 10 mm
- Stack Height: 33mm / 23 mm
Overview
The Nike Pegasus 40 is a reliable, durable, and comfortable shoe that’s perfect for everyday runs. It’s designed for every kind of run – long and short, easy and hard – and every kind of runner. The Pegasus 40 features a couple of minimal updates, including a redesigned mid-foot band for a more secure fit and a redesigned single-layer mesh upper to offer more breathability
Performance
The Pegasus 40 is springy, thanks to the Nike React technology. It includes two Zoom Air units – at the forefoot and heel – which helps to give that responsive, energised feel. The cushioning feels like it moulds to your feet, providing a secure and comfortable fit. It’s a great all-rounder for both beginners starting out on their running journey and marathoners looking for a reliable workhorse.
Fit
The Nike Pegasus 40 fits true to size. The width is a little wider in the forefoot and progressively snugger in the midfoot and heel. The engineered mesh allows for plenty of stretch and wiggle room in the front. The midfoot is slightly snug with a moderately thick gusseted tongue. The heel is slightly snug with a highly padded heel collar and a moderately stiff heel counter.
Pros
- Reliable and durable
- Comfortable for a variety of runs
- Improved breathability
- Secure fit
Cons
- White color gets dirty quickly
- May not be suitable for aggressive trails
Verdict
The Nike Pegasus 40 is a versatile shoe that can handle easy runs, long runs, and some uptempo work. It’s a solid choice for those with neutral mechanics who want a simple daily training shoe. Its consistent performance and comfortable fit make it a reliable choice for everyday runs.
Nike Invincible 3
Key Features
- Type: Neutral, road
- Price: $270
- Weight: 316 g (US10)
- Drop: 9 mm
- Stack Height: 40mm / 31 mm
Overview
The Nike Invincible 3 is a road running shoe designed to provide a soft and responsive ride. It features Nike’s ZoomX foam in the midsole, known for its springy feel. The shoe falls into Nike’s support category, but it may be best suited for neutral runners due to its high stack and very soft nature.
Performance
The Invincible 3 offers a smooth ride thanks to its deep rocker design in the midsole. The shoe is responsive and comfortable, making it suitable for a variety of runs. However, runners who need more stability may find the shoe allows for too much pronation.
Fit
The Invincible 3 has an updated Flyknit upper with a slightly different texture and finish, which feels almost water-repellent. The shoe has lost some of the excess weight and bulk from the upper, noticeably in the tongue and ankle collar areas, making it fit better and more comfortably.
Pros
- Soft and responsive ride
- Improved stability
- Comfortable fit
- Water-repellent upper
Cons
- May allow for too much pronation
- May not be suitable for runners who need more stability
Verdict
The Nike Invincible 3 is a good choice for runners looking for a soft, spring-like ride. However, it may not be the best choice for those who need more stability in their running shoes.
Nike React Infinity 3
Key Features
- Type: Neutral, road
- Price: $230
- Weight: 303 g (US10)
- Drop: 8 mm
- Stack Height: 34mm / 26 mm
Overview
The Nike React Infinity 3 is a road running shoe designed to keep you on your feet with its soft and supportive cushioning. It has a wider forefoot and higher foam stacks to provide comfort and keep you fresh. The shoe also offers a springy responsiveness, adding an element of speed to your run.
Performance
The Nike React Infinity 3 is a slight update from the Nike React Infinity Run 2 and continues the line’s tradition as a popular, comfortable model with minor issues. The shoe provides an excellent dose of React that doesn’t lose its plushness during runs or throughout the life of the shoe. The midsole provides an extremely balanced ride, suitable for any type of foot strike. The shoe is not preferable for faster days but can handle a lot of what’s thrown at it.
Fit
The Nike React Infinity Run 3 secures the foot with a slightly higher tongue and heel. With some slight padding, the lockdown is perfect with no need to fidget mid-run. The upper accommodates every foot type without issue. The Flyknit is softer and more comfortable than ever before, allowing it to better mold to your foot over time ensuring a great long term fit.
Pros
Cons
- Heavier than the Infinity Run 2
- Warmer than last year’s version
- The heel clip at the heel counter may not be for everyone
Verdict
The Nike React Infinity 3 is a good choice for runners looking for a shoe with soft and supportive cushioning and a springy responsiveness. However, more detailed information about the shoe’s performance and fit would be needed for a complete assessment.
Nike originally released the react foam and this silhouette in 2018.
Nike Trail Running Shoes
Trail running demands a different kind of support and protection. With unpredictable terrains and varying weather conditions, your shoes need to be as tough as the trails you’re conquering. Nike’s trail running shoes are engineered to provide superior grip, stability, and protection, ensuring you can navigate through off-road paths with ease. Explore our top picks from Nike’s trail running collection and find the perfect companion for your next outdoor adventure.
Nike Pegasus Trail 4
Key Features
- Type: Neutral, trail
- Price: $200
- Weight: 276 g (US9)
- Drop: 9.5 mm
- Stack Height: 32mm / 22.5 mm
Overview
The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 is a versatile, lightweight, and secure shoe that’s designed for both road and trail running. It sees significant changes from its predecessor, including a weight reduction and a lower stack height. The shoe features a soft React midsole, a retooled outsole with sharper lugs for better grip, and the return of Flywire for a secure mid-foot fit. It’s a potentially more nimble trail shoe and a more capable road shoe.
Performance
The Pegasus Trail 4 is responsive and energetic, thanks to the React foam midsole. It provides a smooth transition and flexible forefoot, making it suitable for a variety of paces and terrains. The outsole offers good grip, and the shoe performs well on a variety of surfaces, from soft, muddy trails to dry dirt and gravel. However, it may not be suitable for more technical trails due to the lack of a robust upper and rock plate.
Fit
The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 fits true to size. The upper is secure, thanks to the Flywire lacing, and the toe box is roomy enough for the average foot width. The heel cup is firm and sits high on the ankle, similar to a road shoe. The fit and comfort of this shoe are highly praised, making it a great choice for a wide range of feet.
Pros
- Lightweight and versatile
- Secure and comfortable fit
- Good grip on various surfaces
- Responsive and energetic ride
Cons
- Lacks adequate toe bumper structure for more technical trails
- Low forefoot stack may not be suitable for long runs on certain terrains
- High heel/firm heel cup may affect nimbleness on uneven terrain
- Potential issues with wet traction
Verdict
The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 is a solid choice for runners looking for a versatile shoe that can handle both road and trail running. It offers a comfortable and secure fit, a responsive ride, and good grip on various surfaces. However, it may not be the best choice for more technical trails or long runs on certain terrains. Overall, it’s a great pick for those who want a shoe that can handle a variety of running conditions.
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX
Key Features
- Type: Trail, waterproof
- Price: $230
- Weight: 294g (US10)
- Drop: 9.5 mm
- Stack Height: 32mm / 22.5 mm
Overview
The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX is a trail running shoe designed to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. It features a waterproof GORE-TEX layer and less rubber in the outsole for a smooth transition from road to trail. This shoe is perfect for those days when the weather turns, and you still want to hit the trails.
Performance
The Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX offers excellent traction on various surfaces, including grass, mud, and gravel, thanks to its rubber sole featuring a shockwave-like pattern. This shoe is designed to handle rocky trails, but it also performs well on softer terrains. The GORE-TEX technology ensures that your feet stay dry, even when running through large bodies of water.
Fit
The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX fits true to size. The shoe features a traditional collar and tongue, providing a secure and comfortable fit. The pull tab at the heel makes it easy to put the shoes on and take them off, especially after a muddy run.
Pros
- Waterproof GORE-TEX layer
- Excellent traction on various surfaces
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Easy to put on and take off
Cons
- There are better options for road running
- Not breathable due to GORE-TEX
Verdict
The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX is a solid choice for trail runners who don’t want to be limited by the weather. Its waterproof design, excellent traction, and comfortable fit make it a versatile shoe that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions.
Nike Racing Shoes
When every second counts, you need a shoe that’s built for speed. Nike’s racing shoes are designed to deliver optimal performance, combining lightweight materials with innovative technology to help you reach your personal best. Whether you’re sprinting on the track or competing in a city marathon, these shoes are crafted to provide the speed and efficiency you need. Discover our selection of Nike’s best racing shoes and get ready to break your records.
Nike Vaporfly 3
Key Features
- Type: Racing, road
- Price: $350
- Weight: 6.5 oz, 184 g (men’s size 9)
- Drop: 8 mm
- Stack Height: 40mm / 32 mm
Overview
The Nike Vaporfly 3 is a soft, bouncy super shoe best suited to marathons. It’s incredibly lightweight and extremely comfortable. Version 3 has been improved in a number of areas including stability, cushioning and weight. The forefoot is softer so it doesn’t feel as fast as the Vaporfly 2 but its ride is plusher and it has more long-distance comfort.
Performance
The Vaporfly 3 is a much better long-distance racer for marathons when compared to previous Vaporflys. The extra cushioning, the lighter weight, and the stability improvements all add up to create a super shoe package that is hard to beat. It doesn’t feel as fast as the Vaporfly 2 because of the added cushioning, so you sacrifice a bit of speed but in my opinion, it’s worth it. It’s the lightest super shoe to be released this year yet it still has a really soft, squishy ride with deep, bouncy cushioning provided by the one-of-a-kind, ZoomX foam.
Fit
The upper of the Vaporfly 3 is overall an improvement over the Vaporfly 2. The biggest change is how much more accommodating the midfoot and forefoot are, so now it fits more like a comfortable trainer, rather than a snug racer. The Flyknit has larger holes in it than the previous version and it’s more breathable than any other racer on the market.
Pros
- Increased cushioning
- Stability improvement
- More comfortable fit
- Better breathability
- Lighter weight
Cons
- Less aggressive toe spring than competitors
- Low durability
Verdict
The Vaporfly 3 is a very polished, thoughtfully designed racer and a great update to the most popular super shoe. It’s lighter, more stable and more cushioned than the Vaporfly 2. The biggest downside is that the Vaporfly 3 is less durable because of its outsole which has more ground contact. It’s geared more towards the full marathon rather than short races because of its improved stability and increased cushioning which make it feel slower but plusher than previous Vaporflys.
Nike Alphafly 2
Key Features
- Type: Road, racing
- Price: $370
- Weight: 232g (US10)
- Drop: 8 mm
- Stack Height: 40mm / 32 mm
Overview
The Nike Alphafly 2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Alphafly 1. This shoe is designed with a focus on refining the construction to improve stability and transition, making it ideal for marathon distance running. The shoe features a new Atomknit 2 upper that is more open and structured, providing a comfortable and secure fit.
Performance
The Alphafly 2 is praised for its smooth, stable ride and its versatility. The shoe is lightweight for the cushion, protection, and rebound it offers. It can easily be used as a trainer for longer faster runs. The shoe also has a spacious toebox with a locked-in midfoot and heel. The shoe provides an industry-leading effortlessly fast, propulsive ride. However, some reviewers have noted that the shoe feels a bit mechanical due to the giant stack and broad platform.
Fit
The Nike Alphafly 2 fits true to size. The width is a little wider in the forefoot and progressively snugger in the midfoot and heel. The engineered mesh allows for plenty of stretch and wiggle room in the front. The midfoot is slightly snug with a moderately thick gusseted tongue. The heel is slightly snug with a highly padded heel collar and a moderately stiff heel counter.
Pros
- Smooth, stable ride
- Lightweight for the cushion, protection, and rebound it offers
- Can easily be used as a trainer for longer faster runs
- Spacious toebox with a locked-in midfoot and heel
Cons
- Feels a bit mechanical due to the giant stack and broad platform
Verdict
The Nike Alphafly 2 is a well-rounded shoe that works for a range of runner forms, paces, and preferences. It offers a smooth, stable ride with remarkable lightweight for the cushion, protection, and rebound it provides. The shoe is versatile and can easily be used as a trainer for longer faster runs. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Alphafly 2 is a solid choice for runners looking for a shoe that offers stability, comfort, and performance.
Nike Streakfly
Key Features
- Type: Neutral, road
- Price: $230
- Weight: 179g (US10)
- Drop: 6 mm
- Stack Height: 32mm / 26 mm
Overview
The Nike Streakfly is a flexible, ultra-lightweight racer designed for short distances. It’s a competition shoe built for 5K and 10K races. The Streakfly features Nike’s famous light and bouncy ZoomX foam, providing a comfortable and responsive ride. The shoe also includes a Pebax shank in the midfoot for a snappy transition.
Performance
The Streakfly offers excellent comfort with a nice bounce for easy runs. The ZoomX foam provides comfortable cushioning, soft without being squishy, and bouncy. The platform is very flexible, especially under the forefoot, which may limit propulsion at high speeds. However, the shoe is more versatile than Nike’s carbon plate shoes like the Alphafly.
Fit
The Nike Streakfly runs a bit large, so you may need to go at least a half size down from what you’re used to. The shoe stands out from other racers by its wide and ample toe box and forefoot, providing plenty of room to maneuver. The ultra-thin engineered mesh upper has a breathy lining for breathability, and the heel counter is also flexible for comfort, resulting in a secure and lightweight heel lockdown.
Pros
- Great comfort
- Soft, responsive, and protective cushioning
- Very stylish design
- Good stability for such a soft and flexible shoe
- Ultra-lightweight
Cons
- Lockdown can be inaccurate
- The flexibility of the sole can limit performance
Verdict
The Nike Streakfly is a comfortable and accessible racer that offers a straightforward design, high-stack cushioning, and easy ride. It’s perfect for runners looking for a fast and fun shoe for short to medium race distances like the 5K and 10K. Its unique design and decent value make it a great addition to any runner’s collection.
Nike Tempo Next%
Key Features
- Type: Road
- Price: $270
- Weight: 279g (US9)
- Drop: 10 mm
- Stack Height: 46mm / 36 mm
Overview
The Nike Tempo Next% is a versatile shoe that’s designed for training, racing, and high-mileage reliability. It’s a more everyday version of the Alphafly Next%, offering a substantial amount of bounce through a combination of two types of midsole foam, a carbon composite plate, and air pods. The shoe also features a Flyknit upper with reinforced zones in key areas for added durability.
Performance
The Tempo Next% shines at faster paces, thanks to its unique combination of Zoom React in the rear and ZoomX in the front. The shoe also features air pods under the forefeet, which are self-contained for better energy return. Despite its high stack height, the shoe offers stability and control, making it suitable for a variety of runs.
Fit
The Nike Tempo Next% fits true to size, with a slightly wider toe box and a narrower midfoot. The reinforced knitted mesh locks the foot down well, providing a secure and comfortable fit. The shoe also features asymmetrical lacing to reduce pressure on the top of the foot.
Pros
- High energy return
- Durable and breathable Flyknit upper
- Good for a variety of runs
- Stable and controlled ride
Cons
- Slightly variable fit
- High price point
Verdict
The Nike Tempo Next% is a high-performance shoe that’s well-suited for both training and racing. Its unique combination of midsole foams, a carbon composite plate, and air pods provide a substantial amount of bounce, making it a joy to run in. Despite its high price point, the shoe offers value in terms of its versatility, durability, and performance.
