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. 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 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. 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.

In the new Wildhorse 8, Nike revamped the upper’s midfoot saddle system for a more stable, secure fit, which should come in handy when negotiating uneven terrain. The full rubber outsole is studded with large, widely spaced lugs that create good bite on all kinds of surfaces. Nike makes two cushioning foams that provide support across most of its running lineup – React and ZoomX. React is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) foam designed to maximize cushioning, energy return, and durability.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.

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. Flyknit yarn gives the React Infinity 2 more support without sacrificing comfort and flexibility. Nike Cushioning Foams In our testing, we found its stable, smooth ride made it great for longer efforts, and one of our wear testers loved using it for everyday training. “I have a whole host of daily trainers to choose from,” he said, “and with the exception of speed days, I would choose this shoe over and over.” More recent research suggests those benefits may only apply to very fast runners, though. In an independent 2023 study, athletes running in Vaporflys at a 9:40 mile pace saw a running economy boost of less than 1 percent, and some runners actually had worse running economy while wearing the shoes.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.

On the upper, the Flyknit material is constructed with breathability zones in high-heat areas to keep your feet cool, and compared to Nike’s race-oriented models, it features a beefier design that’s more durable, so it can withstand high-mileage training routines. The Nike Invincible 3 is perfectly plush, making it great for long runs—or runs of any distance, if you want a soft, bouncy ride. 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. 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 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). Show more The Expert: I became a runner in middle school and have covered running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist. I’ve written more about running shoes than any other kind of gear, and I have firsthand experience running in models from a range of brands, including Nike. I first wrote this guide in 2018, and update it regularly as Nike releases new shoes and running shoe tech.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. The Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex is a road shoe that isn’t afraid of a little dirt. The versatile design features a full-length React foam midsole for a smooth, well-cushioned ride with good energy return. Think of the Nike Streakfly as a shrunk down, streamlined version of the Vaporfly. While it isn’t quite as minimalist as an old-school racing flat, it’s Nike’s lightest racing shoe, and it’s designed to propel you through shorter races up to a 10K.

You don't have permission to access "http://www.asos.com/nike/nike-vista-lite-trainers-in-white-red-and-blue/prd/14032328" on this server. The forefoot outsole rubber is 2mm thinner, allowing a 2mm increase in forefoot foam for increased cushioning. Nike also scooped out some foam on the sidewall and a channel at the bottom of the shoe to shave off weight. In addition, the medial side of the midsole is shaped to resist compression, which helps the shoe feel less wobbly when cornering. Nike has developed two standout upper designs for its shoes: Flyknit and AtomKnit. Flyknit, found on shoes like the Vaporfly and Invincible 3, as well as Nike soccer cleats and some basketball shoes, is a woven upper design where yarn is woven tightly in some areas and more loosely in others. The loose weave allows the shoe to flex with your foot for greater comfort, while the tight weave provides support in key areas where you need it.That yields a bouncy, snappy feel that encourages fast paces. For the ultimate racing shoe experience, the carbon fiber-equipped Nike models are the way to go. How We Selected The Best Nike Running Shoes It offers great impact absorption and a soft feel when landing, but also delivers a springy sensation at toe-off. Having tested it in multiple shoes, I love the foam’s balance between softness and energy return—it’s ideal for everyday training. 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 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. 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.