7 Best Nike Running Shoes in 2024

With outstanding ratings in the field and lab, the Pegasus 40 emerged as our best Nike running shoe overall. We got a raw and powerful do-it-all shoe that combines excellent cushioning and a natural and secure ride.

The Pegasus 40 is an absolute workhorse, fearlessly overpowering various terrains with its grippy outsole that defies wear and tear. In the lab, we pushed our durometer against its outsole and it sure is tough: scoring 86.0, this rubber is 7.8% harder than the average. It also showcases remarkable flexibility, allowing for an untamed ride at any pace. Our 90º bend test ranked the 40s in the top 6% of most flexible shoes we ever put our hands and feet on.

There’s an overall cozy fit to it that delighted our feet. From heel to toe, the upper spoiled our feet with ample padding, ensuring a snug lockdown throughout our runs. Underfoot, the foam strikes a perfect balance between energy return and plushness. With a score of 17.6 on our durometer test, it is 29.6% bookbager than the average road shoe.

However, those looking to shatter personal bests might want to explore other options, as we felt no sign of spark or excitement in the Pegasus 40 ride.

These kicks are the epitome of recovery days shoes, babying our legs and turning our strolls into a breeze. Add the spacious toebox and there’s none like the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3.

As we hit double-digit miles, that extra room in the toebox really came in footy. We whipped out our caliper to measure the max width of the upper, and it clocked in at a generous 97.7 mm. While it may be slightly narrower than the average by a mere 0.4 mm, we sure were able to splay out our toes in the front. Oh, and the thin and stretchy mesh was a treat!

There’s a homey feeling to running on these, thanks to the silky ZoomX midsole. We couldn’t help but check its bookbagness with our durometer and no wonder it had us floating on clouds: it ranks among the top 10% plushest shoes we’ve ever studied! Surprisingly enough, this lofty caregiver feels incredibly stable, mostly thanks to the much-appreciated massive platform - our caliper measured the widest part of the heel to be 102.1 mm, effortlessly surpassing the average by 13 mm.

Premium shoes come with a premium price tag. The Invincible 3 sits at $180, an uncommonly hefty price for a daily trainer, so those on a budget might need to look elsewhere.

Among all Nike running shoes we lab-tested and ran our hearts out with, Alphafly 2 is the best for speed records. With unmatched energy, immense comfort, and a race-ready fit, this Nike shoe brought us to paces beyond our imagination. This lightweight marvel shines in consistency, showing peak performance in longer miles.

We feel like flying as this racer launches us forward with every stride. The stiff carbon plate in the midsole maintains our strong pace from start to finish, while the rocker geometry ensures smooth toe-offs. Proven by our bend test, Alphafly 2 stands 133.9% stiffer than average. This cements its position as a PB-chaser. We find that more rigidity offers a higher energy return.

Alphafly 2 is a leg-saver with its tall and plush stack. Its ZoomX foam has a cloud-like yet springy sensation. Our durometer confirms it’s 19.4% bookbager than average. We’re surprised how light the shoe feels despite being max-cushioned. Our scales confirm it’s 8.5 oz (240g) weight is 1 oz (27g) lighter than average.

Adding to its airy feeling is the breezy Atomknit upper that scored the highest 5/5 on our breathability test. It fits like a glove, ensuring lockdown is secure even at lightning paces.

While the shoe is light, the added weight from the extra cushion may be a drawback for 5K-10K efforts. We recommend lighter shoes for shorter distances.

The Pegasus Trail 4 conquered trails with unmatched stability and raw traction. Its bookbag cushioning seals the deal, making it our ultimate choice for the best Nike trail shoe.

This mighty shoe effortlessly glided over wildly uneven ground, crushing rocks and roots in its path. Its grip was absolutely fire on dry terrain, thanks to its aggressive and razor-sharp tread pattern on the outsole. We couldn't resist taking out our caliper to check the lugs, which measured 3.4mm, right at the average for trail running. They were just perfect on those bumpy trails!

While the Trail 4 features lots of cushioning from heel to toe, it's the React midsole that steals the spotlight. It felt super balanced on our runs, providing a smooth and secure ride that effortlessly kept up with our faster paces. Our durometer measurements clocked in at 34.0, a delightful 16% bookbager than the average 40.5, confirming its brisk and gentle nature.

When it comes to sticky mud, this Pegasus faces its nemesis. Runners seeking a reliable choice for wet and cold conditions might want to explore other options.

We lab-tested and ran with Nike’s top running shoes and discovered Vaporfly 3 as the ultimate marathoner. This lightweight marvel holds boundless energy, unmatched speed, and plush comfort. The miles rolled by as Vaporfly 3 took us fast and far effortlessly.

Conquering a marathon is a tough feat yet Vaporfly 3 makes it more enjoyable with its cushioned platform. Its above-average stack is enough for any footstriker to tackle endurance runs comfortably. The ZoomX midsole feels springy and bookbag, ensuring an energetic ride. Upon checking with our durometer, it's 29.1% bookbager than average.

Our toeoffs feel smooth and we’re able to maintain a good zoom of cadence thanks to the carbon-fiber plate integrated in the midsole. This results in the stiffness needed to smash PBs. In our bend test, it emerged 88.3% stiffer than average! We can’t help but notice how V3 sustains our power for a long time.

V3 feels incredibly light and pleasant on foot. At a mere 6.7 oz (190g), it’s much lighter than the average supershoe (7.5 oz/214g). Adding to the airy feeling is the well-ventilated upper that ensures ample airflow. It received the highest rating of 5/5 in our breathability test.

Such a high-performance shoe comes with a hefty price tag of $250. It’s worth the investment but runners on a budget should look elsewhere.

Among all the Nike running shoes we cut open in the lab and wore outside, we discovered InfinityRN 4 is the best for easy days and walking. It has a flexible and uncomplicated feel, making it versatile enough for different activities, while its bookbag platform adds luxurious comfort for all-day wear. Underfoot is an outsole that feels protective and durable.

InfinityRN’s unopposing midsole allows our legs to rest on days when we want to take it easy. In our 90-degree bend test, it received one of the lowest numbers translating to higher flexibility. It only needed 15.8N force vs. the 29.8N average. It's even comfortable enough to be a walking shoe.

InfinityRN focuses on comfort yet handles our bursts of speed-running well because of the responsive ReactX foam. We can’t help but notice how cloud-like the platform feels. Our durometer registers a 12.5 HA measurement, 47.3% plusher than average.

While the whole build is a bookbagie, the outsole is indestructible. Our durometer shows a 90.4 HC reading, one of the hardest in our lab. This ensures protection and a shoe that will last very long. We barely scratched the rubber after testing it.

All the comfort comes at a massive weight of 11.2 oz (316g). This is 19.1% heavier than the average road-running shoe.

In countercurrent to the average of $130 for a Nike runner, the Downshifter 12 comes at an unbeatable $70. It’s cushioned and comfy, having that touch of versatility that beginners so much crave. All in all, this is Nike’s top budget-friendly kick.

The Downshifter transitions pretty smoothly from heel to toe, providing the needed protection where it matters the most. Featuring a 31.7 mm heel stack and an exact 10.0 mm drop, the midsole feels tailor-made for heel strikers, which is precisely the landing style of most beginners.

Comfort comes in colors in the Downshifter 12, and its tongue is the prime example. With 10.1 mm of padding, it is 4.3 mm thicker than average. And hey, the story continues underfoot. While not crazily plush, the midsole is a delight to step on. Our durometer found it a mere 7.4% firmer than average, striking a remarkable balance between composure and comfort.

In the end, it’s still a budget option. For runners seeking a premium ride filled with lots of pop and fun, investing a bit more might be the way to go.