The current model, the Alphafly 2, features thinner outsole rubber and more ZoomX foam at the forefoot. In our testing, we found the shoe created smoother transitions, felt more responsive, and also moved more quietly. If you want the best of the best for your next race, this is it. Although it’s arguably been eclipsed by the newer, more feature-rich Alphafly line, the Vaporfly remains the most popular choice for marathoners, including elite runners. As the label on the heel proudly states, it’s the original “super shoe,” and it’s still going strong. The outsole in the first Renew Run and the second iteration are identical, with small design changes made to the swoosh. Overlays on the seams and toe box add to the durability and lifespan of the shoe. This extra padding and overlays do the shoe no favours in the weight department either.

In contrast to the ultra-thin uppers found on the Vaporfly and Alphafly, it features a durable double-layer mesh upper, which makes it more suitable for grinding through a training schedule. While premium racing models like the Vaporfly grace the feet of elite marathoners, the trusty Pegasus is the running shoe for the rest of us—and it might be Nike’s most beloved running model. The Pegasus line has been around for decades, and it’s a workhorse training shoe that offers some of the brand’s best tech. With expensive models like the Alphafly and Vaporfly attracting lots of attention, you’d be forgiven for thinking that all Nike running shoes come with eye-watering price tags. That isn’t the case, though: The Winflo is a notable bargain in the brand's running lineup, and a capable performer for everyday running.While it won’t have the same bouncy ride as Nike shoes with React or ZoomX cushioning foams, the Winflo is an approachable, highly versatile shoe. Long runs, short jogs, walking—with its roomy fit and comfy feel, it’s designed to perform well in a variety of situations.

On the foot, the fit is true to size lengthwise (I’d go up ½ or full size on your regular shoes), and regular width. The Zoom Air units work in tandem with midsole foam to provide cushioning and energy return, and they’re used across the running shoe lineup, from the Alphafly racer to the Pegasus training shoe. Carbon Fiber Plates The thin knit upper creates good breathability and saves weight. It’s also reinforced at the forefoot, and foam pods at the heel for a secure fit. Offset lacing keeps the shoe snug on your feet, even when you’re hauling.

Nike Renew Run 2 Price Comparison

The Zoom Fly 5 adds a slightly widened midsole at the forefoot and heel for improved stability. Although it’s significantly heavier than the Vaporfly and Alphafly, it offers a similar springy feel underfoot, and it's a great training counterpart to those shoes (you can save the pricier models for race day). From introducing runners to EVA cushioning to placing air-filled cells in its shoes, Nike has created some landmark innovations over the years, and it continues to push the boundaries of running shoe design today. To get you acquainted with Nike’s shoes, we’ll walk you through the most important tech found in the brand’s lineup and explain what those features do. Aesthetically the shoe has many similarities to the first Renew Run, with the only visible changes being the shaping around the collar and tongue to add in more support.

Kipchoge used his Alphaflys to set the current official marathon record—2:01:09—in 2022, and he also wore them while winning his second Olympic marathon gold medal. The Alphafly is the pinnacle of the Nike running shoe lineup, and occupies a vaunted place in the running world. In 2018, elite marathoner Eliud Kipchoge wore an earlier version of this shoe when he (unofficially) became the first person to run a marathon in less than two hours. Overall, the Renew Run 2 is an average entry-level shoe. I had mid-expectations and it delivered mid results. The relatively thin midsole is made of a full-length layer of ZoomX foam for a plush-yet-springy ride, and instead of a carbon fiber plate, Nike embedded a short PEBA plate at midfoot. The plate helps stiffen the shoe a bit and stabilize your foot as you run.Battle of The Brands: Best Brooks Running Shoes ● Best Adidas Running Shoes ● Best Mizuno Running Shoes What to Consider When Shopping for Nike Running Shoes In recent years, running shoe brands have moved toward a more “hands-off” approach to support shoes. Rather than putting firm medial posts or plates in the midsole to counter overpronation, modern support shoes opt for less-intrusive ways to build in support, like adding a wider sole or raised footbed edges on the medial side of the shoe. I’ll use it for occasional short recovery runs in colder weather, and day to day wear outside of running.