The best Nike running shoes in 2023
We tested and rated the best Nike running shoes you can buy
Included in this guide:
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If you’re a fan of the Swoosh and are thinking of investing in a pair of the best Nike running shoes, we don’t need to tell you that the choice is overwhelming. Since Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman started experimenting with shoe designs in 1964, Nike has had one goal: to help runners go faster and further than ever before. From the carbon fiber plates worn by Eliud Kipchoge to the Pegasus running shoes your running friend swears by, knowing where to start, especially when shopping online, can be the first hurdle to a more comfortable run. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
NOT WHAT YOU WERE LOOKING FOR?
Check out our best running shoes round-up here, as well as our best women’s running shoes, our best trail running shoes, and our best carbon fiber shoes for race day. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
Let’s start by saying, there’s no such thing as the best Nike running shoes. Like choosing one of the best running watches or finding the perfect sports bra, it’s a personal choice and depends on how you run, your foot shape, and the ground you’re covering. That said, there’s a reason why Nike is one of the biggest brands in the world — love them or loathe them, they know their stuff when it comes to creating exciting shoes. To top it off, you can check out our Nike promo codes to get a discount on your order and save a few dollars on their unique style. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
If you’re confused by the jargon, we’ve rounded up how to buy a pair of running shoes here, but read on to find our top picks from Nike. Each of the shoes on this list has been put through its paces on a number of different sessions — from long, easy miles, to faster tempo runs, and have each covered at least 50 miles. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
The best Nike running shoes for most people
Table of Contents
1. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
Weight: 260 g (M), 231 g (W)
Drop: 10mm
Type: Road
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
A great all-rounder +
Affordable +
Durable +
Lighter than Pegasus 38 +
Improved fit
REASONS TO AVOID
Not many color options at launch
For a shoe to be on its 39th iteration, it must be doing something right and with the Pegasus, you’re buying reliability. The Nike Pegasus 39 is a huge improvement on the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 — fit-wise, it’s more true to size, and Nike has also added an extra Zoom Air unit in the heel of the foot for a more responsive feel. Whether it’s the fact the shoe is lighter than the Pegasus 38, or the fact it has a second Zoom Air unit we’re not sure, but the result is a shoe that definitely feels snappier on the run. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
It’s important to note, this shoe is still, by no means ‘pillowy’ (if you’re after a super-cushioned ride, scroll down to the Nike Invincible Run 2); it’s still got that somewhat firmer snap the Pegasus has always had. It’ll get you around a marathon, or a 5K with ease and will perform well mile after mile. The 10mm drop is good for runners who don’t want to feel the pavement beneath their feet or feel like they are running in flat forms. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
All in all, this is a brilliant shoe for the runner who only wants one pair of shoes in his or her closet. It’s also our favorite version of the Pegasus yet. If you’re on a budget, now is a good time to snap up a pair of the Nike Pegasus 38, as they’re likely to be on sale. Read our Nike Pegasus 39 vs Pegasus 38 comparison here. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
The Nike Pegasus 39 also won our best running shoe award in the Tom’s Guide Health and Fitness awards because of its versatility and durability. We can expect the Nike Pegasus 40 to launch this year and will be keeping you updated as soon as we know more. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
2. Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2
Best Nike running shoe for a road race
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 211g (unisex)
Drop: 8mm
Incredible energy return +
Lightweight and comfortable for race day
REASONS TO AVOID
Unisex sizing
From the moment Nike launched its Vaporfly 4% running shoes in 2016, with the claim they would help runners run 4% faster, pretty much every shoe brand out there has experimented with carbon fiber plates. The Vaporfly Next% 2 is the third iteration of the shoe, and it’s become one of the most popular marathon running shoes on the market. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
Nike didn’t change much in the Vaporfly Next% 2. The shoe still contains the brand’s ZoomX foam — the lightest and most responsive midsole Nike makes, plus there’s a full-length carbon-fiber plate that helps for a faster toe-off. The shoe feels fast, it’s incredibly lightweight, and fits true to size. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
The main tweaks Nike made between versions one and two were in the upper – the Vaporweave material is gone and it’s been replaced with a breathable engineered mesh, which doesn’t bunch up. They’ve also added reinforcement in high-wear areas to provide extra durability. They also made the shoe cheaper, which is music to our ears. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
If you’re looking for a shoe that looks and feels fast, and that’ll give you that extra confidence to run a PB, this is it. They are by no means cheap, but if you can afford them, you won’t regret them. That said, Nike recently announced the launch of the Nike Vaporfly Next% 3, which is due to drop in March 2023, so we can expect the Next% 2 to drop in price soon! The best Nike running shoes in 2023
3. Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3
Best Nike running shoe for easy miles
SPECIFICATIONS
Drop: 9mm
Type: Road
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable, plush everyday running shoe+
ZoomX midsole foam is bouncy and responsive+
A bit more stable than previous versions
REASONS TO AVOID
Similar underfoot experience to past v
Of course, there’s no one shoe for easy miles, but these are some of the most comfortable running shoes Nike has ever made. Think easy training miles when you’re working towards a marathon, or just want to relax and enjoy the view without worrying about your pace. The Invincible Run 3 is an extremely plush shoe thanks to the ZoomX foam. Yes, that is the same foam used in Nike’s speedier shoes, but in Invincible the ZoomX is responsive and cushioned in a way that’s designed to take some of the load off, rather than propel you to your next PB. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
The midsole incorporates the rocker geometry we’ve seen in Nike’s faster shoes, but with no carbon fiber plate, this is far more gentle. The Flyknit upper is robust, built to help you feel supported over all that bouncy foam and the molded tongue is plush and cushioned, almost like those netball trainers you wore at school. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
The third iteration of the shoe sees some tweaks to the heel grip, which is designed to keep the foot in place as you move. The design has also changed — Nike has moved away from the rubber ring of ZoomX foam surrounding the foot, and instead, has positioned the foam more strategically around the forefoot and the heel. The upper is also slightly thicker. In a way, this shoe feels more grown up. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
That said, it’s still incredibly fun and incredibly bouncy. However, if you’re a completely neutral runner, now is the time to save your money and buy the Nike ZoomX Invincible 2. It’s also worth checking out our Nike ZoomX Invincible 2 vs Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 face-off here. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
4. Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature
Best for those looking for a more responsive Pegasus
SPECIFICATIONS
Drop: 8mm
Type: Road
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Lighter and more responsive than the Pegasus +
Made with 50% recycled materials+
Durable outsole
Firmer than the original Peg Turbo
Fans of the old Nike Pegasus Turbo will be excited to hear Nike has reinvented a classic, and this time with 50% recycled materials in the Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature. This shoe is designed to be a more responsive version of the Pegasus, for tempo sessions and long runs. Nike says it’s a speed shoe for training miles. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
During testing, we loved the look and feel of this shoe. The lightweight and supportive Flyknit upper does a good job of hugging the foot, giving you the subtle support you want on long runs. The midsole contains Nike’s ZoomX foam — the same as that used in the Nike Invincible 3 above, but there’s also another foam wrapped around this, to increase the shoe’s durability. Underfoot, you wouldn’t know this is ZoomX foam — it feels much firmer, and a lot firmer than the first and second iterations of the Pegasus Turbo. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
That said, firmness isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The shoe is responsive as you pick up the pace. However, if you’re a particularly stompy runner, you might want something a little more cushioned. This isn’t a beginner’s running shoe, it’s a shoe designed for quicker runners, and therefore, won’t be suitable for everyone on the market. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
5. Nike React Infinity Flyknit 3
Best Nike running shoe for beginners
SPECIFICATIONS
Drop: 9mm
Type: Road
REASONS TO BUY
Flywire lacing ensures comfortable fit +
Cushioned and responsive
REASONS TO AVOID
Faster runners might find shoe heavy
When Nike launched the Infinity React, it made very bold claims about the shoe’s ability to reduce injuries in runners and brought stats to prove it. While this is still all still rather dubious, it’s made a wonderfully comfortable, responsive shoe that could be worn for easy miles and long runs. In the Infinity React 3, Nike didn’t change much and this is still a reliable shoe for beginners and experienced runners alike, although probably not for speedier sessions. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
The shoe isn’t quite as reliable as the Pegasus — it feels a little heftier underfoot and it’s more divisive — some runners love it, but others just can’t get on with it. That said, if you’re looking for a shoe to wear on the treadmill for a quick 5K before your gym session or to wear on hikes and dog walks as well as the odd run, this is a great choice. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
Highlights include the Flywire lacing system, which really hugs the shoe to your foot, even on runners with high arches. The heel system is also fantastic – the padding really helps lock the foot into the shoe, so you shouldn’t experience slipping or rubbing. For most runners, this is a comfortable shoe for recovery runs and on easy days. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
6. Nike Wildhorse 7
Best Nike trail running shoe
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 312 g (M), 265 g (W)
Drop: 8mm
Type: Trail
REASONS TO BUY
Ankle gaiter is comfortable and protective +
Comfortable over long distances
REASONS TO AVOID
Outsole can be slippery on wet, rocky terrains
We’ll start with the obvious – this is one of the best-looking trail shoes we’ve ever seen. The bold upper and the contrasting outsole stand out on the trail, but that’s not the only reason it made it into this guide. This is a comfortable shoe and offers a good amount of protection on the run.
Similar to the Trailhorse 6, the midsole contains Nike’s React foam, which offers just the right amount of cushioning – you can definitely still feel the ground, but it’s a smoother, more comfortable experience than your traditional, firm trail shoe. In fact, the Wildhorse 7 is a brilliant shoe if you’re running from your home to the trail, as there’s enough cushioning for it to cope with the pavements. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
The gaiter collar is also a brilliant addition to this already reliable shoe – not only does it offer a little more ankle support, but it also stops small stones or sticks from getting into the shoe mid-run. The padded heel collar and tongue work for an all-together comfortable experience and the wide toe box gives the shoe a good, true-to-size fit. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
The downsides here are in the outsole lugs – while they perform well on soft, wet, muddy tracks, on hard, wet trails, things can still feel a little slippery. If your route involves clambering over wet rocks, for example, you might not have the grip you’d expect from a trail shoe with the Wildhorse. All in all, however, they hold up well, but for the technical adventurers amongst us, the Wildhorse 7 might fall short. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
7. Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% Flyknit
Best Nike running shoe for speedwork
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 279g (M) 225g (W)
Drop: 10mm
Type: Road
REASONS TO BUY
More affordable than the Vaporfly Next% or Alphafly Next% +
More stable than the Alphafly Next%
REASONS TO AVOID
If you’re a serious runner, technically the stack height is illegal
Nike released the Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% to replace the Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 and to be a training partner to the Alphafly Next% (as in, you’d do your training sessions in this and race in the Alphafly). It’s got three different elements to help you power through your miles – ZoomX foam in the forefoot for a cushioned, responsive ride, React foam in the heel for extra cushioning, a full-length carbon composite plate, and air pods in the forefoot for a snappy toe-off. It’s a brilliant shoe and it makes speed sessions fun. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
The downside with the Tempo Next% is the stack height – it’s a whopping 46mm, which doesn’t feel unstable on the run, thanks to the knitted upper, but it does technically make it too high to wear at competitions. Current World Athletics regulations state that a shoe must have a stack height of 40mm or less, but unless you’re a super-speedy runner, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
Unlike other shoes with high stack heights and rocker geometry carbon fiber plates, the Tempo Next% feels incredibly stable, even around corners. This is largely due to the Flyknit upper, which really cradles the foot, as well as the asymmetrical lacing, which helps keep the foot in place. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
To conclude, If you don’t want to fork out for the Vaporfly Next% or the Alphafly Next% and aren’t likely to be on the podium, these are the next best thing. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
8. Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% Flyknit 2
Best Nike running shoe for marathons
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 210g (unisex)
Drop: 8mm
Type: Racing
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
A wider heel makes the shoe more stable+
Super responsive+
Designed for fast-running
More padding under the laces
REASONS TO AVOID
Unisex sizing –
Still super expensive
When Eliud Kipchoge became the first man in the world to run a sub-2 hour marathon, the world’s attention soon turned to his feet – what were those huge shoes, did they really have two carbon fiber plates, and should they be banned? A few months later Nike launched the Alphafly Next% to the public, calling Kipchoge’s record the “ultimate test run”.
A couple of years after that, the Nike Alphafly Next% Flyknit 2 hit the market, with tweaks to make it more comfortable, and more supportive for the everyday runner, not just the elite. Check out our Nike Alphafly Next% vs Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 face-off here. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
While these definitely aren’t for everyone, we’d be remiss to not mention one of Nike’s most exciting innovations in a roundup of their best running shoes. This shoe makes you feel like you’re flying and it’s super-responsive on the sidewalks. The best Nike running shoes in 2023
Like its predecessor, the Alphafly Next% 2 isn’t designed for easy, or slower running. It’s almost clunky at a slower speed, as the carbon fiber plate naturally rocks you forward as you run, making it a challenge to run slow. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing — you don’t buy this shoe for jogging around the park. In fact, it’s definitely not recommended you do so — the carbon in the plate doesn’t last all that long, plus you shouldn’t be doing all of your running in carbon shoes, as this can cause injuries.
If you can afford it, this is a wonderfully exciting, race day shoe, that’ll almost definitely get you to the finish line with a PR. That said, a lot of runners prefer the lower stack height of the Vaporfly — check out my NikE ext% 2 face-off here if you’re undecided.
How to choose the best Nike running shoes for you
When it comes to choosing the best Nike running shoes, you’ll need to think about how you run, how far you’re going, and the type of surface you prefer to do your miles on. There’s no one-size-fits-all with running shoes, but certain shoes will be better designed for the type of run you have in mind.
For example, if you’re looking to go fast on race day, you’ll probably want to look at Nike’s shoes with carbon fiber plates and ZoomX foam, designed to give you more efficient energy return as your foot hits the ground. If you’re into trail running, a road shoe isn’t likely to have enough grip, so you’ll want a running shoe with deep lugs to ensure you don’t slip as you clamber over rocky or muddy terrains.
Finally, getting the shoe that best suits your running gait is important. Nowadays, running brands are moving away from ‘neutral’ and ‘support’ shoes, but some shoes will offer more structure if you do overpronate when you run. The easiest way to test this is to head to a running shop and have your gait analyzed, but if that’s not an option perhaps get a friend to video you, or look at the tread of your old shoes to see which part has worn away fastest.
