Which Nike Running Shoe Is Right For You?

Running is one of the most accessible sports in the world. Getting started, however, may seem daunting when taking training regiments, diet and gear into account. A simple search on Google for “How to run” populates over four billion results, and while we at Sneaker News would love to help you comb through some of those findings, we’d prefer to focus on the footwear. Because there are thousands of options to choose from, we’re shining the spotlight on Nike Running’s offerings.
 
Soon to include the Nike ZoomX StreakFly, the brand’s catalog is expansive. Therefore, your running needs should be met without a problem not only now, but also as they evolve. World-class athletes the likes of Steve Prefontaine and Eliud Kipchoge have inspired, tested and run in some of the products Nike has released over the last 58 years – Kipchoge ran a sub-two hour marathon in the Nike AlphaFly NEXT% – so you’ll be in good company.
 
Before we attempt to help you figure out which Nike Running shoe is right for you, here are some things to note:
 

• Products featured ahead may no longer be available.
• Nike’s footwear tends to be narrow and favor neutral runners.
• “Nike React” and “Nike ZoomX” refer to foams commonly used for cushioning.
• Strike type, foot shape and personal preference should be considered.
• You probably don’t need new shoes.

As mentioned before, running is one of the most accessible sports out there. So, whatever footwear you can get your feet in should work fine. All pairs listed below, however, have helped countless athletes achieve personal bests, improve their “running economy” and minimize the general stress that the sport puts on their bodies with their weight, cushioning, lockdown methods and other design choices.
 
The Swoosh’s catalog currently includes more than 11 options, but we’ve landed on that number for this list as we felt it captured the perfect array of options for all running needs and price points. Given that the company is constantly updating their product line, new offerings may arise after publication, but familiar cushioning solutions and other design cues are likely to be employed.
 
Now, without further ado, here are 11 Nike Running shoes that might be right for you.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38

Debuted in 1983, the Nike Pegasus line has been countless runners’ “workhorse with wings,” delivering one of the most consistently reliable rides around. A breathable upper, roomy forefoot, dual-cushioning system and road-ready traction makes the Peg’s 38th iteration one of the easiest recommendations we can make to runners of all types.
 
• Best for: Daily training, road-running, neutral runners
• Cushioning: Nike React, Nike Zoom Air
• Specs: 10 mm drop (24mm heel, 14mm toe); 8.28 oz (W), 10.05 oz (M) weight
• MSRP: $120 (Buy Now On Nike, Buy Now On eBay)
 

Nike ZoomX VaporFly NEXT% 2
Once you’ve tried the VaporFly, most other running shoes feel less exciting. If you’re not a fast forefoot striker, you may want to look elsewhere as this product really shines for those ready to take advantage of the forward propulsion enabled by the carbon fiber plate-assisted midsole. Oh, and if you’re wondering why so many competitors’ running shoes include some sort of carbon fiber, the VaporFly’s record-setting is to thank.
 
• Best for: Race day, pace training, faster road runs, neutral runners
• Cushioning: Nike ZoomX
• Specs: 8mm drop (40mm heel, 32mm toe); 5.8 oz (W), 6.9 oz (M) weight
• MSRP: $250 (Buy Now On Nike, Buy Now On eBay)
 

Nike ZoomX StreakFly

Rooted in Nike Streak heritage, a long-standing series of products designed for race day, the StreakFly ditches the ultra-tall midsoles and carbon fiber plating for a closer-to-the-ground feel and springy thermoplastic panel. This one isn’t for the “faint of heart.”
 
• Best for: Race day, speed training, fast one mile to 10K runs,
• Cushioning: Nike ZoomX, Pebax plate
• Specs: 6mm drop (32mm heel, 26mm toe); 5.5 oz (W), 6.6 oz (M) weight
• MSRP: $160 (Buy Now On Nike, Buy Now On eBay)
 

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run FlyKnit

With a wide last and plush Nike ZoomX foam midsole, the Invincible Run is arguably the most comfortable shoe featured here. Experienced athletes often choose this option when they’re in need of an “easy day,” but the pair has also become a go-to sneaker for people who are constantly on their feet. If you want a pillowy feeling underneath your feet, look no further.
 
• Best for: Long distance running, slower road runs,
• Cushioning: Nike ZoomX
• Specs: 9mm drop (36.6 heel, 27.6 toe); 8.6 oz (W), 9.8 oz (M) weight
• MSRP: $180 (Buy Now On Nike, Buy Now On eBay)
 

Nike Quest 4

At quick glance, the Nike Quest 4 resembles several of the Swoosh’s top-performing running shoes. Closer inspection, however, reveals an option that trades the fanciest technologies for a budget-friendlier price point. Reliable and built-to-last, this is a solid choice for those not interested in the “latest and greatest,” marketable accoutrements.
 
• Best for: Daily running, road running, middle-distance running, neutral runners
• Cushioning: Textured foam
• Specs: 13.7mm drop (32.1mm heel, 18.4mm toe)
• MSRP: $75 (Buy Now On Nike, Buy Now On eBay)
 

Nike React Infinity Run FlyKnit 2
Designed (and proven) to reduce running-related injuries, this shoe features a chunky slab of firm Nike React foam at the midsole. While not as bouncy as other Nike Running propositions, the Infinity Run’s design – which includes high arch support – follows a rocker shape, naturally keeping athletes moving forward.
 
• Best for: Daily training, treadmill running, longer-distance running, neutral runners
• Cushioning: Nike React
• Specs: 8mm drop (34mm heel, 26mm toe); 8.5 oz (W), 9.9 oz (M) weight
• MSRP: $160 (Buy Now On Nike, Buy Now On eBay)
 

Nike Winflo 8
It’s difficult to compete with the Nike Winflo 8 when looking for a shoe under $100 capable of taking daily beatings while also delivering cushioning that’ll surely enable some faster paces.
 
• Best for: Daily training, road-running, middle-distance running, neutral runners
• Cushioning: Nike Zoom Air, Nike Cushlon
• Specs: 10mm drop
• MSRP: $90 (Buy Now On Nike, Buy Now On eBay)
 

Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16

Historically marketed as the company’s “smoothest ride,” the Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16 is a compelling alternative to the Pegasus as its use of ZoomX foam provides a spongier feel than Nike React does, even after high mileage.
 
• Best for: Daily training, road-running, middle-distance runs, neutral runners
• Cushioning: Nike Zoom Air, Nike ZoomX
• Specs: 10mm drop (33mm heel, 23mm toe); 8.4 oz (W), 10.3 oz (M) weight
• MSRP: $150 (Buy Now On Nike, Buy Now On eBay)
 

Nike Air Zoom Structure 24

While significantly different from the product line that debuted in 1991, the Nike Air Zoom Structure 24 still delivers one of the brand’s most “balanced” rides.
 
• Best for: Daily training, middle-distance runs, neutral runners
• Cushioning: Nike Zoom Air, Compression Molded Phylon (CMP 010)
• Specs: 8mm drop (21mm heel, 13mm toe)
• MSRP: $120 (Buy Now On Nike, Buy Now On eBay)
 

Nike Air Zoom AlphaFly NEXT% 2

While there are dozens of details to note about the latest Nike AlphaFly, one statement should give you an idea of how good it is and what it’s good for: Eliud Kipchoge used its prototype to run 26.2 miles in just under two hours.
 
• Best for: Race day, long-distance road running, supinating/neutral runners
• Cushioning: Nike ZoomX, Nike Zoom Air, carbon fiber plate
• Specs: 4mm drop (40mm heel, 36mm toe); 6.5 oz (W), 7.4 oz (M) weight
• MSRP: $275 (Buy Now On Nike, Buy Now On eBay)

Nike Zoom Fly 4

While no longer Nike Running’s top-tier option for marathons, the Nike Zoom Fly 4 features a springy carbon fiber plate that’ll have you itching to go a bit faster even on your “slow” days. So, you’re getting marathon-tested technology for at least $60 less than the Swoosh’s cheapest marathon shoe.
 
• Best for: Race day, pace training, faster runs, neutral runners
• Cushioning: Nike React, carbon fiber plate
• Specs: 8 mm drop (39mm heel, 31mm toe); 8.2 oz (W), 9.6 oz (M) weight
• MSRP: $160 (Buy Now On Nike, Buy Now On eBay)