Best Nike running shoes

Versatile everyday trainer

Nike Vomero 18

The Vomero 18 blends ZoomX with React X for everyday versatility and comfort.

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1. Read our detailed review of the Nike Vomero 18 here.

Nike gets a lot of flak these days, but they finally got the Vomero formula right.

For over a decade, Solereview has been very vocal about the Vomero’s lack of purpose. As the shoe embraced mediocrity over the years, it fell behind its peers. The last few Vomero models were an afterthought in Nike’s running line-up.

All that is in the past now. At the time of publishing this buyer’s guide, the Vomero 18 is Nike’s most versatile running shoe. It’s cushioned, bouncy, tempo-friendly, and supportive – traits that make the shoe ideal for many use cases.

For example, if you want to run slow and long, the springy comfort has you covered. There’s enough stack for marathon training. The defined rocker delivers excellent performance during tempo runs. The stiff forefoot and rocker shape help the foot roll forward for faster turnovers.

At the heart of the Vomero 18’s cushioning is a tall midsole (44 mm and 34 mm stack height) made of ZoomX and ReactX foam.

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The React foam base does most of the heavy lifting – it’s the thickest part of the midsole. The deep scoop under the midsole accomplishes two things; it helps center the foot for stability while producing a ‘trampoline effect’. The Vomero 18 would be nowhere as bouncy if not for this cavity.

On top, the footbed and soft ZoomX layer add step-in softness. The React X foam midsole isn’t mushy – a hint of firmness adds stability to the high-stack midsole.

So far, Nike hasn’t offered widths for this model. In its stock form, the forefoot is neither too narrow or loose. The true-to-size upper also packs plenty of plushness – the tongue and heel secure the foot with their generous padding.

Best everyday trainer

Nike Pegasus 41

The Pegasus 41 isn’t particularly exciting, but it’s a capable everyday trainer that gets most things right.

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1. Read our detailed review of the Nike Pegasus 41 here.

The Pegasus is Nike’s most recognizable running shoe and its longest-running franchise. The ’41’suffix means that it has been around for over four decades. So why is it so popular, and should you get one?

Barring marathons and sprints, the Peg is an excellent do-everything shoe. The React foam midsole has two Zoom Air bags – pressurized urethane chambers filled with an inert gas. The React foam adds value by providing cushioning comfort for a wide range of runs – be it everyday miles or a 10K race.

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The Zoom Air bags add stiffness and stability to the ride, and in doing so, they add versatility. The firmness makes the shoe suitable for tempo training by improving forefoot transitions.

This 10 mm-drop shoe benefits heel strikers more than forefoot strikers. The stack heights make that pretty obvious; the heel is 37 mm tall – 10 mm more than the forefoot.

There are two widths available on the Pegasus. The standard ‘D’ width has a true-to-size yet snug fit due to the sleeved upper. The extra-wide width offers more space, as does the Gore-Tex version.

Best stability trainer

Nike Structure 25

Think of the Structure 25 as a more supportive version of the Pegasus, because that’s what it is.

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What are the differences between the Structure 25 and Pegasus 41? That would be one less Zoom Air bag, a non-React midsole, higher midsole sidewalls, and a more ‘structured’ upper.

The Structure’s midsole is made of Cushlon EVA foam, a material that Nike used in their legacy running shoe models. With the heel lacking a Zoom Air unit, it’s slightly easier to compress than the Pegasus because of its all-foam construction. The forefoot is firmer, however.

A firmer piece of foam separates the upper heel cup and the midsole; the under-arch support is provided by the raised midsole edge.

In the real world, these features don’t make a lot of difference to the overall stability – in the sense that the Structure 25 is not much better than the Pegasus 41 in controlling the rate of pronation. For example, the pronation management aspect is noticeable in shoes like the Asics Kayano 31 and New Balance Vongo V6.

That said, the Structure’s under-heel cavity is sloped to redirect the loading towards the outer side. The Asics GT-2000 13 does something similar too.

The upper has more layers around the heel than the Pegasus, otherwise the fit is very similar. It is also available in an extra-wide sizing.

Softest long-run cruiser

Nike Invincible 3

A high-volume and wide ZoomX midsole delivers exactly what one expects – a super-plush ride for long miles.

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1. Read our detailed review of the Nike Invincible 3 here.

We loved the first version of the Nike Invincible. Back then, its soft ZoomX cushioning had no equals; no other shoe came close to that level of plushness.

A few things have changed on the Invincible 3 since the first version rolled out. The upper uses a stiffer mesh, and the ride is firmer due to the updated lasting below the insole.

The Invincible 1 had no fabric under the insole, so the midsole was easier to compress. The Invincible 3 adds a fabric under the footbed that limits how far the foot can sink into the ZoomX midsole.

Regardless of the updates, the Invincible’s use case hasn’t changed. This is a plush cruiser for slow runs, recovery runs, call them what you will. The Invincible also works for 4:00 hour+ marathons.

While a softer upper mesh would have been better, the Invincible 3 has a well-proportioned fit with a true-to-size profile. Despite lacking an inner sleeve, the tongue slide is minimal.

Best for tempo runs

Nike Pegasus Plus

The lightweight ZoomX cushioning and snug upper make this shoe ideal for tempo runs.

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Question – does the Pegasus Plus manage to replicate the unique ride character of the original Pegasus Turbo?

The short answer is no. While the Pegasus Plus has its strengths, it’s a different running shoe than the Turbo. Unlike the original model which had a softer ZoomX foam over a firmer base, the Plus has a full-length ZoomX midsole.

The firmer base under the ZoomX core made the Turbo V1 unique. It made the ride more efficient, as the outsole didn’t flex inwards into the midsole as much as the Pegasus Plus does. The forefoot transitions took less effort as well.

The narrow upper fit also made the Peg 35 Turbo fun. The tighter fit did an excellent job of transferring the power to the midsole. We don’t get that on the Plus, at least not to the same extent.

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The Pegasus Plus is still a fun running shoe – more so than the Pegasus 41 or the InfinityRN4. The lightweight ZoomX cushioning responds well to footstrikes while making the shoe comfortable enough for up to a half-marathon.

Ideally, the upper should have used a thinner mesh like the OG Turbo or some of the earlier Vaporflys. A thick upper is what ruined the Turbo Next Nature too. The Pegasus Plus’s upper isn’t bad though – there are no hot spots, and it keeps the foot securely held.

Best for half and full marathons

Nike Vaporfly 3

The OG plated racer delivers a familiar ride that snappy and cushioned enough for a marathon.

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1. Read our detailed review of the Nike Vaporfly 3 here.

In 2019, the Nike Vaporfly was the only super shoe in town. Today, the Vaporfly 3 competes against the likes of the Saucony Endorphin Pro, Hoka Cielo, Asics Metaspeed Edge, and adidas Adios Pro 3, so is it still worth buying?

The Vaporfly 3 sticks to the original super-racer formula, but with one significant update. The upper isn’t as tight-fitting as the Vaporfly 2, so the shoe feels less aggressive during quick touch-and-go situations. The foot doesn’t feel locked in when making sharp turns either.

In practical terms, if you’re running a shorter race (like a 5K or 10K), then the Vaporfly 3 doesn’t feel as ‘quick’ as the Vaporfly 2.

On the other hand, the increased upper room makes the Vaporfly 3 more comfortable for wider feet. The ventilation is class-leading as well.

The midsole design is pretty straightforward. A curved Carbon plate accentuates the forefoot rocker and adds a snappy feel under the heel. The ZoomX foam (PEBA) midsole takes the harshness out of marathons.

Not all shoes are suitable for overpronators. Notice how the Vaporfly 3’s midsole collapses during overpronation.

There are a few negatives; the midsole lacks stability and is unsuitable for overpronators. The unstructured midsole tends to collapse inwards during overpronation.

Unless you’re stuck on Nike, consider the Asics Metaspeed Edge – it’s a polished version of the Vaporfly 3.

Best for 5K runs and intervals

Nike ZoomX Streakfly

During a short-distance race, less is more.

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1. Read our detailed review of the Nike ZoomX Streakfly here.

The Nike Streakfly is a short-distance racer with a full-length PEBA midsole. Is it the best 5K racer in the market? No, the adidas Takumi 10 and Hoka Cielo Road are better alternatives.

Rather than the ideal 5K racer, we see the Streakfly as a minimalist running shoe with just enough cushioning to run a 5K or 10K in. The upper is more spacious than shoes like the Takumi, which makes it an outlier in this category. Running shoes that are supposed to go fast usually have a narrow fit.

The low-profile midsole tends to bottom out when loaded. The forefoot outsole is also made of a soft EVA-like compound, so it lacks the quick transitions of grippier racers.

The bottomline is – the Streakfly isn’t a racing flat per se. It’s a lightweight trainer that works best for short-distance speedwork; the lightweight construction isn’t durable enough for everyday mileage.

Best for trail runs

Nike Wildhorse 8

This cushioned trail shoe with a forefoot plate is a versatile off-road running tool.

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If you prefer a running shoe that’s equally good on the road as it is on mild trails, consider the Pegasus Trail 5 – the next shoe on this guide.

On the other hand, if you want a bonafide trail running shoe, the Wildhorse 8 is your best bet. We chose this shoe over the Kiger because of its full-coverage outsole and forefoot plate. Also, the 10 mm drop midsole is more user-friendly than the 4 mm drop Terra Kiger.

As a trail runner, the Wildhorse is very versatile. The React midsole has the cushioning for everyday trail runs and longer distances up to 20k. The articulated rock plate protects the forefoot without negatively affecting the ground feel.

The outsole design is optimized for trail use. The wide lug spacing reduces clogging while providing trail-worthy traction.

The true-to-size upper is reinforced on the toe box, but uses breathable mesh in other areas for comfort.

The lacing is cinched through midfoot straps; the padded tongue filters the top-down pressure. The plush heel collar and mild tongue padding add interior comfort.

Comfortable road-trail hybrid

Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX

This rugged cushioned road-trail hybrid works on both concrete and unpaved surfaces.

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The Pegasus Trail 5 is sold in regular and waterproof Gore-Tex versions, so which should you buy?

We recommend the GTX variant for two reasons. One, the waterproof upper vastly decreases the chances of the feet getting wet. That way, you’re prepared for drizzles, puddles, and shallow stream crossings.

The other reason would be its faux gaiter. Unlike the standard Pegasus Trail 5, the higher heel collar has a soft gaiter. This design does a better job of keeping the debris out than the low-cut design.

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However, the Gore-Tex version doesn’t fit the same as the standard Pegasus Trail 5.

The faux collar and the padding inside tend to push the foot forward. The result is a shorter-fitting shoe with nearly a half-size difference. For example, a US 10 Pegasus Trail 5 equals a US 10.5 in the GTX version.

The React foam midsole is shared across both versions. It makes road runs comfortable and offers decent protection on non-technical trails. When used off-road, it works best for mild grades, park runs, chip trails, and gravel paths. The lack of a rock plate and thick rubber outsole offers limited protection for the (more) serious stuff.

The four-piece outsole exposes a lot of midsole foam and has shallow lugs. That’s one of the reasons why the Pegasus Trail 5 is one of the most popular road-to-trail running shoes.

The soft React midsole makes road running comfortable, while the articulated outsole improves ground feel on gentle trails.

Best for winter running

Nike Pegasus 41 GTX

There’s more to this shoe than just a Gore-Tex membrane. The upper is winter-ready, and the outsole uses a special compound for slick roads.

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The Pegasus 41 Gore-Tex is more than just a waterproof version of the Pegasus 41.

This is a proper winter running shoe for everyday runs. The ‘Storm-Tread’ outsole rubber excels on damp roads (not on ice, though); the construction of the waterproof upper also makes it wind-resistant. Most of the upper uses ripstop mesh with sealed seams over the panels.

The heel has a heathered mesh lining with quilting; the tongue is also padded. The upper is more reflective than the standard Pegasus as well.

The midsole is shared across the models, so runners will get the same (heel-biased) cushioning from the React midsole and Zoom Air bags.

And before we forget – the Pegasus 41 GTX is more spacious than the regular Pegasus. That’s because the GTX upper doesn’t have a full sleeve, so that frees up room for wool running socks.

Affordable daily trainer

Nike Downshifter 13

While lacking the bells and whistles of the higher-priced Pegasus, this $75 trainer covers basic running needs.

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Within Nike’s catalog of sub-$100 running shoes, the Downshifter 13 is our top pick.

It may not crammed with ‘tech’ that most modern running shoes have. But then, this is a $75 product that can be often had for less. Its Pegasus influence is strong, right down to the scooped midsole design and strap-based lacing.

However, the midsole is not made of React, but EVA foam. There are no Zoom Air bags either. The Downshifter is a no-frills running shoe that beginners can use before upgrading to a higher performance model.

The mesh upper fits true to size, and also sells in an optional extra-wide width. The EVA foam midsole is comfortable enough for everyday miles and low-intensity training.

HOW WE SELECTED

Some Nike running shoes – like the Vomero 18 and Pegasus 41 – come very close to being the one shoe to do it all.

However, it’s hard to recommend which Nike shoe is the ‘best’ overall without context. For example, a Nike running shoe that’s an excellent everyday trainer could be a mediocre marathon racer. Similarly, a trail shoe will feel out of its element when used as a road trainer.

So it makes sense to recommend Nike running shoes based on their use cases, which are as follows:

EVERYDAY TRAINERS

These running shoes are extremely versatile, since they work equally well across different speeds and distances. While these shoes are not exactly what one would call tempo trainers, they don’t feel mushy either.

Usually, there’s ample cushioning comfort for up to half-marathon distances. Popular Nike models like the Pegasus 41 and Structure 25 are good examples.

In this category, our top pick is the Nike Vomero 18 followed by the Nike Pegasus 41.

LONG-DISTANCE CRUISER

Most running shoe brands have a comfortable cruiser that prioritizes ride comfort over everything else. For New Balance, it’s the Fresh Foam 1080V14. The Ghost Max 2 fills that niche for Brooks.

For Nike, that shoe is the Nike Invincible 3 – a plush running shoe that never seems to run out of ride comfort.

The 2025 Vomero 18 also works well in this scenario. It’s more versatile than the Invincible 3.

(Related read: The most comfortable running shoes)

MARATHON RACER

The Nike Vaporfly 3 is the marathon shoe of choice.

Nike upended the marathon shoe landscape with the Vaporfly a few years ago, and it’s never been the same since. The Nike Vaporfly 3 continues to be a crowd favorite.

That doesn’t come as a surprise. The PEBA foam midsole and Carbon plate produce a soft, bouncy, and speed-friendly ride in a lightweight package.

Pro runners who run sub-3-hour marathons and land forefoot-first will prefer the Alphafly 3. The super-sized Zoom Air bag under the forefoot propels the foot forward, while the plate creates a smooth transition path. The wider and firmer Alphafly offers better stability than the Vaporfly.

(Related read: The best marathon shoes)

5K, 10K, TEMPO AND INTERVAL TRAINING

Nike is in the process of updating the Streakfly, but for now, the current generation model is excellent for 5K runs. It’s lightweight, breathable, and cushioned enough for short-distance runs.

For 10K runs and tempo training, the Pegasus Plus works nicely. The lightweight ZoomX cushioning adds a lot of pep, while the tight upper keeps the foot locked in.

TRAIL RUNNING SHOES

Nike’s trail running assortment has grown stronger over the last few years, but two models stand out. The first shoe is the Nike React Pegasus Trail 5 – a comfortable trainer that works equally well on the road and trail.

The Gore-Tex version has a waterproof upper and a higher heel with a soft gaiter.

The second shoe is the Nike Wildhorse 8 – a versatile trail shoe that blends ride comfort with off-road performance. For the sake of brevity, we’ve left the Zegama and Terra Kiger out.

(Related read: The best trail running shoes)

OTHER CATEGORIES

Some Nike running shoes work better for specific purposes. The Pegasus 41 GTX’s waterproof upper and grippy outsole make it a great winter running shoe.

And if you don’t want to spend Pegasus 41 money, the less expensive Nike Downshifter 13 is a versatile everyday workhorse.