The best Nike running shoes in 2024

The best Nike running shoes have been used by elites to produce remarkable feats in recent years. For instance, in 2023, Kelvin Kiptum shattered the marathon world record with a stunning time of 2:00:35 while wearing the Nike Alphafly 3, surpassing Eliud Kipchoge's previous record of 2:02:42 set in the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2.

However, Nike's running shoes aren't solely designed for record-breaking feats; they cater to runners of all abilities. I'm not an elite athlete myself but I know a thing or two about what makes a great running shoe, and I've been testing Nike's top running shoes for years. My guide aims to help you navigate through Nike's diverse lineup, whether you're a seasoned racer or a novice runner seeking the perfect pair.

My top recommendation, the Nike Pegasus Plus, stands out for its exceptional versatility as an all rounder running shoe, while the Nike Pegasus 41 is my top pick for new runners thanks to its comfort and affordability. For any road racing speed demons reading this I recommend the Nike Alphafly 3 for hitting those PBs.

I've got plenty more Nike running shoe recommendations such as the top Nike cushioned shoe. Keep reading to discover my top picks and why they've earned my seal of approval.

The quick list

Best Nike running shoe overall

Nike Pegasus Plus

(Image credit: Future)

1. Nike Pegasus Plus

Best Nike running shoe for most people

Specifications

Weight: 245g (M), 205g (W)
Drop : 10mm
Type : Road

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable and versatile
+
ZoomX midsole foam
+
Lighter than Pegasus 41

Reasons to avoid

-
No plate
-
More expensive than Pegasus 41

The Nike Pegasus Plus is the best daily trainer in Nike’s range, with versatility being its most important feature. I found it comfortable for easy long runs as well as responsive and speedy enough for speedier efforts, with the bouncy ZoomX midsole foam delivering a performance upgrade on the ReactX and Air Zoom pods midsole used on the standard Pegasus 41.

You pay a little more for the Pegasus Plus than the Pegasus 41, but the upgrade is worth it in my opinion unless you’re a newer runner looking for a more affordable and comfortable shoe in the Pegasus 41. Or you really don’t like the broad stripe that runs down the center of the upper on the Pegasus Plus, which is a call back to the design of the original Pegasus Turbo running shoe.

Unlike many super-trainers, the Pegasus Plus doesn’t have a plate in its midsole, which makes it more flexible and suitable for easy runs, though it doesn’t have the speed of some rivals from other brands like the Hoka Mach X2. It’s the standout option from Nike though, and my favorite daily trainer the brand has made since the original Pegasus Turbo.

Best Nike running shoe for beginners

Nike Pegasus 41 running shoes

(Image credit: Future)

2. Nike Pegasus 41

Best Nike running shoe for beginners

Specifications

Weight: 297g (M), 251g (W)
Drop : 10mm
Type : Road

Reasons to buy

+
Cushioned and comfortable
+
Will suit most runners
+
Good value

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the lightest for faster runs

The Nike Pegasus has been one of the most popular running shoes available for over 40 years, and the Pegasus 41 is a significant update on the past few versions of the shoe thanks to the new ReactX foam in the midsole. I found this means it has a softer, springier feel than the React used on the Nike Pegasus 40, and makes the new shoe an even more attractive option for runners of all levels.

It’s a classic workhorse of a shoe, with a versatile ride that means it’s comfortable for long and easy runs, but has some responsiveness for faster runs. For new runners the Pegasus 41 will be the perfect do-it-all shoe, while more experienced runners might want to look at the Pegasus Plus for a lighter, faster option that’s still comfortable for easy runs.

The durable design means you will get many hundreds of miles from the Pegasus 41, which has a thick outsole that I found grips well on wet pavements and even light trails, and it’s also a good-looking shoe that you can use for casual wear and in the gym, increasing its versatility.

It’s also good value compared with many running shoes, including the Pegasus Plus, and Nike has a habit of reducing the Pegasus significantly during big sales, so it’s one you might well be able to pick up for less than $100 during the Black Friday period.

Best Nike racing shoe

Nike Alphafly 3 running shoes

(Image credit: Future)

3. Nike Alphafly 3

Best Nike racing shoe

Specifications

Weight: 218g (M), 174g (W)
Drop: 8mm
Type : Racing

Reasons to buy

+
Fast, efficient ride
+
Lighter than past Alphaflys
+
Comfortable over long distances

Reasons to avoid

-
More expensive than other carbons shoes
-
Heavier than the Vaporfly 3

The Nike Alphafly 3 is the shoe that Kelvin Kiptum used to set the world record at the Chicago Marathon in 2023, but it’s not just a great option for elites, it’s one of the best carbon plate running shoes for anyone and particularly good for long distance events.

While the stack height is the same as the Nike Vaporfly 3 another great racing option, the Alphafly 3 is wider and I found it feels more cushioned underfoot, while still having the ‘tip-forward’ feeling of the Vaporfly that pushes you onto your toes. The Air Zoom pods under the forefoot add extra pop to each step, with the carbon plate and ZoomX foam in the midsole also helping to create a propulsive and efficient ride.

The Alphafly 3 is not quite as bouncy as the original Alphafly or Alphafly 2, but it's lighter and has a faster transition from heel-to-toe because of the new continuous midsole design, and I rate it as a more effective racing shoe overall as a result. 

Like the Vaporfly 3, the Alphafly 3 is an excellent option for races at any distance, and we enjoyed doing 5Ks and 10Ks in the shoe, but the way it helps you lock into a pace for long periods makes it especially good for the marathon. It’s a toss-up which Nike racer is better overall, with the Vaporfly perhaps having the edge for short events and the Alphafly being our top choice for the marathon, but I think the extra bounce you get from the Alphafly 3 just pushes it into top spot.

Best cushioned Nike running shoe

Nike Vomero 17 running shoes

(Image credit: Future)

4. Nike Vomero 17

Best cushioned Nike running shoe

Specifications

Weight: 298g (M), 241g (W)
Drop: 10mm
Type : Road

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable for runs of any length
+
Good for beginners
+
More stable than other cushioned shoes

Reasons to avoid

-
Not ideal for running fast
-
Upper is too warm at times

The Vomero 17 blends materials and features from several Nike cushioned shoes to create a balanced and comfortable shoe that will suit all runners well, and it's a good all-rounder option for beginners in particular. 

There are two foams in the midsole, with the top layer made from the bouncy ZoomX found in the Invincible 3 and the bottom layer being made from the firmer and more stable Cushlon 3.0 foam found in shoes like the Nike Structure 25.

This results in a ride that has some softness and spring, but one that I found more supportive and stable than that of the Invincible 3. The Vomero 3 shone for me during testing on longer runs in particular, when the comfortable ride came to the fore, and while it’s not a speed-focused shoe it can handle faster running fairly well for a comfort-first cushioned shoe.

I also found the outsole was durable and gripped well in my testing, and while the upper can get a little warm when running on sunny days, the padding on it is comfortable and we had no rubbing or other problems with the fit.

Best Nike running shoe for recovery runs

Nike Invincible 3 running shoes on a gravel path

(Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

5. Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3

Best Nike running shoe for recovery runs

Specifications

Weight: 310g (M), 258g (W)
Drop: 9mm
Type: Road

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable, plush everyday running shoe
+
ZoomX midsole foam is bouncy and responsive
+
A bit more stable than previous versions

Reasons to avoid

-
Similar underfoot experience to past versions
-
Heel clip won’t be for everyone

 Of course, there’s no one shoe for easy miles, but these are some of the most comfortable running shoes Nike has ever made. Think easy training miles when you’re working towards a marathon, or just want to relax and enjoy the view without worrying about your pace.

The Invincible Run 3 is an extremely plush shoe thanks to the ZoomX foam. Yes, that is the same foam used in Nike’s speedier shoes, but in Invincible the ZoomX is responsive and cushioned in a way that’s designed to take some of the load off, rather than propel you to your next PB. 

The midsole incorporates the rocker geometry seen in Nike’s faster shoes, but with no carbon fiber plate, this is far more gentle. The Flyknit upper is robust, built to help you feel supported over all that bouncy foam and the molded tongue is plush and cushioned.

The third iteration of the shoe sees some tweaks to the heel grip, which is designed to keep the foot in place as you move. The design has also changed — Nike has moved away from the rubber-ring of ZoomX foam surrounding the foot, and instead, has positioned the foam more strategically around the forefoot and the heel.

The upper is also slightly thicker. In a way, this shoe feels more grown up. That said, it's still incredibly fun and bouncy. However, if you're a completely neutral runner, now is the time to save your money and buy the Nike ZoomX Invincible 2. It's also worth checking out our Nike ZoomX Invincible 2 vs Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 face-off here. 

Best Nike trail-running shoe

Nike Ultrafly Trail outsole

(Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

6. Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail

Best Nike trail-running shoe

Specifications

Weight: 300g (M), 249g (W)
Drop: 8.5mm
Type: Trail

Reasons to buy

+
Bouncy, responsive ride
+
Vibram outsole huge improvement 
+
Wide toe box

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive 
-
Durability yet to be tested 

The Nike Ultrafly Trail is designed for racing over long-distances on the trails, with a carbon plate inside the midsole, which is made from the bouncy ZoomX foam also used in Nike's road racers. It's not just a great racing option though, with the comfortable and bouncy ride being perfect for all kinds of trail runs on harder surfaces.

It's the first Nike shoe to have a Vibram outsole, which delivers a big upgrade in grip compared with Nike's own rubber, which has been used across its trail range in the past. I found the Ultrafly to offer much more reliable grip on wet surfaces in particular, though the lugs are a bit shallow for mud — the Ultrafly is more built for rocky and hard trails than grass and mud.

I used the Ultrafly for a 30-mile run around the Gower Peninsula in Wales and the second half of a 50-mile ultramarathon on forest paths, and it proved exceptionally comfortable and supportive over these long runs. 

It's not a cheap shoe, however, and Nike does have some more affordable trail options like the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 for road-to-trail runs, and the Nike Zegama Trail 2, which also uses ZoomX foam in its midsole.

Best stability Nike running shoe

Nike Structure 25 running shoes

(Image credit: Future)

7. Nike Structure 25

Best stability Nike running shoe

Specifications

Weight: 289g (M), 241g (W)
Drop: 10mm
Type : Road

Reasons to buy

+
Stable, cushioned ride
+
Durable design
+
Good value

Reasons to avoid

-
Midsole foam is quite firm
-
Ride lacks bounce

If you are a runner with flat feet or one who overpronates, it might be worth trying out a stability shoe like the Nike Structure 25 which has extra support around the arch to help prevent your foot from rolling inwards when running. The support is fairly subtle on the shoe, and we found it was comfortable to use even for neutral runners, but the foam is quite firm compared to Nike’s other cushioned shoes and less springy with the aim of avoiding instability.

The Structure 25 is a workhorse of a shoe though, and one you can use for your daily miles that will last you a long time. The outsole is durable and grips well on wet pavements, and we also found the shoe was good on lighter trails. While the ride isn’t very responsive, you can pick up the pace in the Structure 25 reasonably well for any speedy sessions on your training plan so it works as a do-it-all shoe for runners who need extra stability.

There is a lot of padding around the collar of the shoe along with a rigid internal heel counter to add stability. This does support the foot well but I found it can also irritate the Achilles tendon, so if you’re sensitive to that it’s something to look out for. Also if you don't need a lot of support from a full stability shoe like the Structure then some of Nike’s other cushioned options like the Infinity Run 4 and Vomero 17 are quite stable for neutral shoes and use livelier midsole foams.

How to choose the best Nike running shoes for you

When it comes to choosing the best Nike running shoes, you'll need to think about how you run, how far and fast you're going, and the type of surface you prefer to do your miles on. There's no one-size-fits-all with running shoes, but certain shoes will be better designed for the type of run you have in mind.

For example, if you're looking to go fast on race day, you'll probably want to look at Nike's shoes with carbon plates and ZoomX foam — the Nike Vaporfly 3 and Nike Alphafly 3, both of which are designed to help you run more efficiently so you can log your quickest times.

Those shoes are not suitable for easy training, however, when you want a more cushioned, comfortable and durable shoe, like the Nike Pegasus 41 or Nike Vomero 17. For faster training runs a lighter and more versatile cushioned shoe is better, like the Nike Pegasus Plus.

Getting the shoe that best suits your running gait is also important. Nowadays, running brands are moving away from 'neutral' and 'support' shoes, but some shoes will offer more structure if you do overpronate when you run. The best shoe for you is generally the one that feels right, so getting to a running shop and trying out a few different Nike shoes is certainly worthwhile.

Finally, if you're into trail running, a road shoe isn't likely to have enough grip and support, so you'll want a running shoe with deeper lugs to ensure you don't slip as you clamber over rocky or muddy terrains.

How we test the best Nike running shoes

To test out Nike's running shoes I usually run 40-100 miles in them, trying them for a range of different runs depending on what they're designed for. So I rack up the easy miles in cushioned shoes like the Invincible 3 to test comfort and durability, do interval sessions and race in super-shoes like the Vaporfly 3 to test their speed, and do a bit of everything in daily trainers like the Pegasus to test their versatility. 

I also look at the fit of each shoe to see if it runs true to its stated size, and check the comfort of the upper. When testing Nike shoes I also compare them to the best running shoes from other brands, to see if they're truly the top option overall, or just the standout pick in Nike's range.

FAQs

What is Nike's fastest running shoe?

The Nike Alphafly 3 is Nike's fastest running shoe for marathons, as evidenced by the incredible success Nike pro runners have had with the shoe. It was worn by Kelvin Kiptum when he set the men's world record at the Chicago Marathon in 2023, and Ruth Chepng'etich when she ran the women's world record at the Chicago Marathon in 2024. The Nike Vaporfly 3 is also a contender for the title of Nike's fastest shoe though, and is a better option for 5K events than the Alphafly 3.

Are Nike shoes good for running?

Nike is one of the biggest brands in running for a reason, and it makes some of the best racing shoes you can get in particular — both the men’s and women’s marathon world records were set in the Nike Alphafly 3, though of course that has as much to do with the athletes involved as Nike’s great shoes.

Whether you find Nike better than or as good as other brands will largely be a matter of personal preference. There is a wide range of Nike shoes to suit all types of runners, and their range is not objectively better or worse than other brands.

One difference would be that Nike shoes tend to have a more traditional design with high heel-to-toe offsets of 8-10mm and less of a rocker profile than other brands. This is not the case for all Nike shoes, but a trend I’ve noticed when testing and reviewing their shoes compared to other brands.

Having tested a lot of running shoes from all the major brands, at the moment I’d rate Nike among the best for racing shoes and a little behind the top options from Asics, Hoka and Saucony in particular for training shoes. That’s my take though and partly down to the fact I usually prefer more rockered shoes. If you love racking up the training miles in shoes like the Pegasus 41 or Invincible 3, then they’re the right shoe for you.

Will Nike running shoes make me faster

Nike's groundbreaking Vaporfly and Alphafly shoes are touted for their potential to enhance running efficiency. Engineered with plush foam midsoles and rigid carbon plates, these shoes aim to reduce muscle fatigue and optimize performance.

But what does the research say? Well, one study published in 2017, funded by Nike themselves, found that Vaporfly boosted running economy by 4 percent.

However, independent research carried out on the performance of Nike running shoes revealed that the benefits were more marginal for runners at slower paces and some even had worse running economy while wearing the shoes.

Research continues into the benefits of super-shoes, but the real-world evidence certainly suggests that most runners do benefit from using the best carbon plate running shoes for races, but to different extents.

The bottom line is, while speed is important in running, it's not the sole factor to consider when choosing the right pair of running shoes for you. Look for a shoe that adequately supports your foot type and running style, while also prioritizing comfort

Nick Harris-fry
Senior Writer

Nick Harris-fry is an experienced health and fitness journalist, writing professionally since 2012. He spent nine years working on the Coach magazine and website before moving to the fitness team at Tom’s Guide in 2024. Nick is a keen runner and also the founder of YouTube channel The Run Testers, which specialises in reviewing running shoes, watches, headphones and other gear.

Nick ran his first marathon in 2016 after six weeks of training for a magazine feature and subsequently became obsessed with the sport. He now has PBs of 2hr 27min for the marathon and 15min 30sec for 5K, and has run 13 marathons in total, as well as a 50-mile ultramarathon.

He runs 50-80 miles a week and races regularly with his club, which gives him a lot of opportunity to test out running gear: he has tested and reviewed hundreds of pairs of running shoes, as well as fitness trackers, running watches, sports headphones, treadmills, and all manner of other kit. Nick is also a qualified Run Leader in the UK.

With contributions from