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The 10 Best Nike Running Shoes in 2024, Ranked
That 10K you signed up for awaits.
The most important part of running—second to your stride, of course—is your shoes. The most important parts about your shoes is that they perform, don't cause injury, and are from a brand you trust. Around here, we're Swoosh stans. Several Esquire editors have trained for and completed marathons in Nikes. They're reliable, supportive, and trusted enough to get you through a mile (or 26.2). That being said, there are numerous Nike shoes to choose from, and the search can be quite overwhelming.
Whether you are an avid runner or a biweekly jogger, there are a lot of factors to keep in mind when selecting your sneakers. First, you must consider your intended usage. If you plan to do shorter sprints on a track, you may want to opt for something lightweight and designed for speed. If you are trying to go the distance, you will need to find a supportive style with advanced cushioning. Think about material: Do you want something breathable like the React or something more durable like the Wildhorse? And if you don't know what you want yet (and quite frankly we would be surprised if you did), then keep reading, because we are breaking down each style of Nike running shoe for you. We've got our favorite Nike running shoes for every kind of athlete out there. We won't let you down, and neither will Nike.
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-Tex
Pros
- Waterproof
- Ankle cuffs keep debris out of shoes
Cons
- Run narrow
These trail-running shoes are made for the elements. The Gore-Tex upper is waterproof, and the all-terrain sole has solid traction so that training can remain uninterrupted even on a soggy day. Plus, the cushy midsole helps with arch support and overall comfort.
One reviewer writes: "Very comfortable for trails and road. The Nike Pegasus trail range is fantastic for cross-trail and road running and is very versatile. 22km run out of the box without any issues. Fully waterproof and very light. Great grip for light to moderate trail use. Fit is just right. Sometimes worn for everyday use and walking - again, this shoe feels great for daily use too. If I was looking for something, I would say the sole wears quicker than expected but not dropping a star for that as I do cover a lot of mileage. Lastly, this new generation is very stylish compared to the last. They look great."
| Sizes | 6-15 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.5oz |
| Colors | 10 |
Pros
- Advanced cushioning gives extreme support
- Waffle soles for better outdoor grip
Cons
- Can get a bit clunky with the extra support
- Not waterproof
These are some of the most comfortable running shoes on the market. The maximum cushioning and moderate arch will give you solid support for each mile, and its responsiveness will add a spring to your step.
One reviewer writes: "I switched to these about 12 months ago. My feet were hurting from running (about 20 miles weekly). These literally stopped all of my pain with their cushioned sole. They also gave the support I needed for my knees. Super happy with them!"
| Sizes | 6–15 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.9oz |
| Colors | 3 |
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Easy to slip on and off
Cons
- Less supportive around your ankles
- Soles can wear down quickly
The Free Run 5.0's are Nike's answer to an easy low-cut sneaker. Made with 20 percent recycled materials, the grooved sole adds flexibility, and a breathable and stretchy yarn upper gives these a snug, socklike feel. It's a minimalist's dream shoe without sacrificing the support needed for a solid run.
One reviewer writes: "These are by far the best running and work-out shoes I've ever had. They're amid to my feet, but in a comfortable way. I'm an indoor runner and these shoes absorb a lot of the hard landing on the treadmill. They're contoured, too, which is a unique feature and are super light weight. As a business traveler, I needed something that is easy to pack and these fit the bill."
| Sizes | 6–15 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.2oz |
| Colors | 1 |
Pros
- Provide solid arch support for flat feet
- Come in Regular and Wide widths
Cons
- Some customers report squeaking after some time
Winflo is kind of a hybrid between the Pegasus and the Invincible. The slightly thicker sole and footbed are still incredibly lightweight, and an elastic band at the mid-foot makes for even more flexibility with each step. So your feet move as if these sneakers were molded around them. The sole has a similar waffle design to others on this list for strong traction on different surfaces.
One reviewer writes: "Amazing shoes. I'm 305lb and have flat feet and these have the cushion needed for me to walk, run, exercise, and everything else. It's got great bounce back. I have no shin splint pain or pain in the balls of my feet. It's like walking on air. I have funny feet and I am so happy I bought these. 20-30 minutes on the treadmill is light work in these."
| Sizes | 6-15 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.4oz |
| Colors | 8 |
Pros
- Heel molding keeps feet from slipping out
- Extra-cushiony insole
Cons
- Limited colors
If you like the style of the Freerun but need more arch support or prefer a thicker sole, consider the React Phantom Run Flyknit 2. These shoes have a similar breathable knit upper, a laceless slip-on design, and thicker layers of foam at the forefoot for more bounce and cushion without the added weight.
One reviewer writes: "Easily one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever walk/ran in. I was super hesitant because they are laceless, but they are snug and make running as if you were striding on a cloud. I cannot recommend these any more than I already have! I have the white pair & am grabbing the black pair next."
| Sizes | 6-15 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 4 |
Nike Vaporfly 3 Road Racing Shoes
Pros
- Wider toe box
Cons
- Buyers report they wear down quickly
If you're going for speed, then these are the shoes for you. The Vaporfly are designed for the long-distance racer, the responsive cushioning carrying you through a 10K or a marathon. A waffle outsole pattern ensures you can run rain or shine. The knit upper allows your feet to breath, and that heel bulge in the back is designed to reduce the weight placed on the inner foot so that your stride is sturdier as you run.
One reviewer writes: "It is worth it to get this. Tried 10k for this and felt no pain in my heels which i sometimes experienced after a run. I have high arches so it helps to support my foot as well. I usually size 1/2 up."
| Sizes | 6-15 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 200g |
| Colors | 8 |
Pros
- Available in Regular or Extra Wide
Cons
- Thick foam stacks may hinder balance
This next generation of the Invincible is one of Nike's best running shoes yet. Designed to maximize your comfort, these have extra-lofty and -wide cushioning and plush, bouncy foam, and they come in Extra Wide and Regular fits, depending on your preference.
One reviewer writes: "The most comfortable shoe in my rotation, very comfortable at long distances. Energy return is pretty good for a max cushion shoe. The heel slip can be resolved by a racers loop."
| Sizes | 6-15 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 17 |
Pros
- ReactX foam allows for 13% more energy return
Cons
- Customers say these run small
Upgraded from a cult-favorite style to ensure an even smoother run, the InfinityRN 4 is going to be your new favorite running buddy. This style uses ReactX foam, designed to give you a high energy return, and with their Flyknit upper, you've got all the breathability you need. What's new on this version is a waterproof coating that turns these into all-weather winners.
One reviewer writes: “These might be the best iteration to date. I loved the v2 premium; v3 was similar but not quite as good. v4 took a little breaking in (maybe 50 miles), and now it is soft responsive perfection. Runs 1/2 smaller than previous versions.”
| Sizes | 6-15 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 16 |
Pros
- Great for short distances
Cons
- Less supportive
Yes, these are from 2018, but there's a reason these sneaks are still around. Hands down, these are some of the Esquire's editors' favorite running shoes for short distances. They may not be as supportive or cushioned as the others, but they literally feel like you are running barefoot, except with lots of cushy padding so you don't feel the ground.
One reviewer writes: "Best shoe I've owned. Whether I'm working or running, these shoes take care of me. Very breathable, lightweight and durable! I've owned them for 3 months or so now. I set the bar pretty high since this is name brand. It exceeded those expectations!"
| Sizes | 6–15 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7oz |
| Colors | 1 |
Pros
- Rock plate at the heel helps cushion your feet
Cons
- On the heavier side
These guys are going to take care of the uneven terrain, winding paths, and toughest tractions so that you can focus on your run and not the rough or wet ground. The strong, gripping outsole will keep you locked in. The midsole is designed to cradle your foot so that there's no slippage as you run.
One reviewer writes: "The react foam soles are a game changer. I'm 6'2 230 pounds, love to hike and run once in a while. The soles of these shoes keep my feet comfortable. Plenty of room in the toe box, more than other narrow run unit shoes. The upper flex material allows my feet to breathe. After trying my first pair I'm hooked. I've been buying all the different colors for variety and fun."
| Sizes | 6–15 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.3oz |
| Colors | 2 |
Tips for Choosing
Naturally, you want to get the most out of your run, so the shoe you choose is of the utmost importance. When selecting the best Nike sneaker for you, pay close attention to the sneaker's features and weight.
The shoes on this list are all crafted to perform in different ways. Some—like the styles with extra cushioning, foam, and bounciness—are ideal for those getting into running and perhaps doing shorter runs. Something lighter and sleeker, however, will serve you well on longer runs like your next marathon.
If you're more of a trail runner, choosing the right sole is essential. Look for solid traction and no-slip grips. To avoid interruptions from debris getting into your shoes, pick the options here that have socklike ankle openings.
How We Picked the Best Nike Running Shoes
The best place to start when compiling a list of the best running shoes is to ask people who run. Luckily, there are several on the Esquire team, so we hit them up for recommendations. People who run are usually brand loyalists, so they'll share real feedback on which sneakers are best for short, distance, and indoor running. We also looked to online forums and customer reviews to see the specs that runners really care about. Since we were looking specifically at Nike running shoes, we combed all the options available and used the insights above to help narrow down our list.
FAQs
Are Nike shoes good for running?
Yes. Of course, Nike offers a range of sneakers for a range of activities, and running is one of them. Nike running sneakers are specifically designed for different types of runners, too, as you can see from this list. Some sneakers are multiuse, but check the product description for specific features based on the type of running you plan to do.
What kind of shoes are best to run in?
It depends on the kind of running you'll be doing. Look for lightweight sneakers for long runs like a marathon; options with thicker, more angled soles if you need arch support; and soles with significant traction if you're a trail runner. We broke these features out in this list, so bookmark it for reference each time you upgrade your running sneakers.
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