In this product guide:
- 1. Best everyday trainer: Nike Pegasus 41
- 2. Best stability trainer: Nike Structure 25
- 3. Softest long-run cruiser: Nike Invincible 3
- 4. Best for tempo runs: Nike Pegasus Plus
- 5. Best for half and full marathons: Nike Vaporfly 3
- 6. Best for 5K runs: Nike ZoomX Streakfly
- 7. Best for trail runs: Nike Wildhorse 8
- 8. Best road-trail hybrid: Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-Tex
- 9. Best winter running shoe: Nike Pegasus 41 Gore-Tex
- 10. Affordable daily trainer: Nike Downshifter 13
- How we selected
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.
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.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: An energized ride for everyday road running.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, sleeved upper.
- Midsole: Two Zoom Air bags inside ReactX foam, 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber.
- Weight: 297 gms/ 10.4 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 37 mm (heel), 27 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 4E – extra wide.
- Previous model: Nike Pegasus 40.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Daily training, tempo runs, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: Slower than 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile).
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Versatile comfort
- Supportive ride
- Secure fit
- Outsole grip
- Multiple widths
Cons
- React behavior is temperature dependent
- Better for heel strikers than forefoot strikers
- Boring ride when compared to peers
- Fewer/wider lacing rows add top-down pressure
- Scarce reflectivity
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.
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.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: Maximum cushioning to support each mile.
- Upper: Non-stretchy mesh, reflective trim. No inner sleeve.
- Midsole: Full-length ZoomX foam. 9 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Two-piece carbon rubber.
- Weight: 310 gms/ 10.9 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 10/UK 9/EUR 44/CM 27.1.
- Stack heights: 40 mm (rear), 31 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed).
- Previous model: Nike Invincible 2.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Daily training, long runs, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot.
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 5:30 min/km (8:50 min/mile) and quicker.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -0° C/32° F.
Pros
- Long distance comfort
- Secure fit
- Wide midsole base
Cons
- Low versatility; limited to easy speeds
- upper interior could be plusher
- Lack of widths,
- No tongue gusset
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.
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.
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.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: Giving you race-day speed to conquer any distance.
- Upper: Perforated mesh, asymmetric lacing.
- Upper fit: True-to-size with loose forefoot.
- Midsole: Full-length ZoomX foam with Carbon plate. 8 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber in high-wear areas.
- Weight: 200 gms/ 7.0 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 38 mm (rear), 30 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed).
- Previous model: Nike Vaporfly Next% 2.
- Country of origin: China.
- Recommended use: 10K races, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 300 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) and quicker.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -0° C/32° F.
Pros
- Lightweight and springy ride
- Seamless plate-foam integration
- Ventilation
- Roomy upper
Cons
- Spacious forefoot weakens the power delivery to the midsole
- Sluggish toe-off when compared to the Vaporfly 2
- Low heel stability
- Structurally unsound for overpronators
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: Helps you comfortably take on the elements.
- Upper: Waterproof mesh, Faux gaiter, Gore-Tex membrane.
- Upper fit: Fits shorter than regular Pegasus Trail 5.
- Midsole: React X foam. 9.5 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: All-terrain rubber with shallow lugs.
- Weight: 300 gms/ 10.5 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 36 mm (heel), 26.5 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single – D (regular).
- Recommended use: Everyday runs on road, flat and mild trails.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -10° C/14° F.
Pros
- Cushioned and neutral ride
- Effective wind and water blocking
- Faux gaiter keeps debris out
- Protective rubber bumper
- Grip on wet roads
Cons
- No optional widths
- Inconsistent fit versus non-GTX Pegasus Trail
- Not for serious trail performance
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.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: Energized ride for wet weather road running.
- Upper: Waterproof ripstop mesh, inner sleeve, Gore-Tex membrane, reflective details.
- Upper fit: True to size and spacious.
- Midsole: React X foam, Zoom Air bags. 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: StormTread rubber with wet-friendly traction.
- Weight: 297 gms/ 10.4 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 36 mm (heel), 26 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single – D (regular).
- Recommended use: Everyday runs during wet weather and winters.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -10° C/14° F.
Pros
- Cushioned and neutral ride
- Effective wind and water blocking
- Reflective details
- Midsole stability
- Spacious forefoot
- Excellent grip on wet roads
Cons
- No widths
- Thin and flat forefoot cushioning
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 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 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.
(Related read: The most comfortable running shoes)
MARATHON RACER
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.