Nike makes some of the most versatile and dominant running shoes on the planet.
From the ground-breaking carbon-fiber plated running shoes that launched a new generation of speed to the consistent everyday training shoes runners have relied on for decades, we picked out the best Nike running shoes for every situation you’ll find yourself in.
These are the best Nike running shoes for every occasion:
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
Ready for every run and any workout, few shoes offer versatility and reliability like the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39.
The trusted workhorse is a neutral running shoe that uses a full-length React foam midsole for an energetic and bouncy ride. Compared to the Pegasus 38, designers reduced the weight of the Pegasus 39 and added two Zoom Air units in the forefoot for extra pop during take-off.
One thing hasn’t changed, however—the Peg is still one of the best Nike running shoes of all time.
With a speedy look and nimble ride, the updated Nike Pegasus 39 is the right tool for easy miles after work or fast days on the track.
Nike ZoomX Alphafly Next% Flyknit
Break the tape crossing the finish line and set personal records with the Nike Alphafly Next%. Perfect for racing half-marathons or marathons, this shoe is incredibly lightweight and made to help you race your best. It uses Nike’s innovative ZoomX foam combined with two slim air units to give you amazing energy return, cushion and spring from start to finish.
The full-length carbon fiber plate gives you a smooth and responsive ride so you can pick up the pace for your final kick. The flyknit upper is lightweight and breathable and uses Atomknit material that conforms to your foot for a secure fit. Designed to perform, crush your next race in the Nike Alphafly Next%.
Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7
Nike’s best trail running shoe takes the brand’s innovative technology off-road in the Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7.
Ready for any trail, the Terra Kiger 7 has great ground feel and traction from the forefoot to the heel. Multidirectional rubber lugs on the outsole give you the right grip whether you’re climbing up or down your favorite trail while a rock plate between your foot and the ground protects your feet from jagged rocks and hard landings.
To keep you comfortable for long adventures on the trail, designers used Nike’s React foam for a soft and smooth underfoot feel and added a Zoom Air unit under the forefoot for better responsiveness and feedback on uneven terrain.
When you lace up this Nike trail running shoe, a lightweight mesh upper hugs and supports the foot as you run on rocky trails.
If you’re a fan of shoes like the Nike Pegasus or React models, the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7 is the perfect trail running shoe for you.
Nike React Infinity Run 3
Nike’s React midsole gives the Infinity Run 3 a supremely cushioned feel underfoot. React foam is incredibly bouncy and durable, making it a perfect match for runners who want an easy ride.
Designers carved the midsole into a rocker shape to help smooth out transitions and add a bit of propulsion. Plus, they gave the Infinity Run 3 extra width to make it more stable, meaning it works well for people who overpronate and neutral runners alike. The Flyknit upper is breathable and provides extra support and security with a locked-down fit throughout the midfoot. Our testers loved the fit and feel of the upper in the Nike React Infinity Run 3 review.
Nike Metcon 7
The Nike Metcon 7 is the perfect shoe for weightlifting, CrossFit, HIIT classes and more. Nike’s React foam gives you an extra bounce and pop when you are doing burpees, while the wide and flat base is stable for lifting weights.
A new rubber outsole provides traction for side to side movement, and the rubber wraps up the medial side, so you have grip if you are doing rope climbs. The lightweight mesh upper is breathable and has integrated Flywire cables that keep your midfoot locked down.
Nike Zoom Fly 4
The Nike Zoom Fly is made for propulsive speed. It has Nike’s React Foam combined with a carbon fiber plate to give you a smooth, responsive stride. The React foam is both lightweight and durable.
The upper of the Zoom Fly 4 has a sock-like fit with a lightweight mesh for flexible and breathable performance, and Nike FlyKnit around the collar to make the shoe easier to put on and take off. This shoe has the propulsive feel of a racing shoe with the durability and comfort of a training shoe, making it perfect for speedwork.
Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16
Nike upgraded the foam to ZoomX in the Nike Vomero 16 to give you a softer underfoot experience. This lightweight foam gives you high energy return throughout your run, and Zoom Air cushioning pods in the forefoot deliver a snappy feel as you toe-off.
The upper of the Vomero is comfortable the moment you step in. A new band at the midfoot gives you a secure while extra ventilation in key hot spots keep your feet cool on the run.
How We Chose the Best Nike Running Shoes
We used data from our fit id® outfitting process, interviews with designers and real-life wear testing to determine the best Nike running shoes for most runs and the most runners.
You can shop with confidence at Fleet Feet: We offer free shipping and returns on all running shoes, and you have 60 days to return any gear if you don’t like the way it looks, fits or feels. Plus, with our price-match guarantee, you can make sure you never pay too much for a new pair of running shoes.
