Tested by 
Want more tried and tested recommendations from the RW editors? Sign up to our weekly newsletter Kit Bag. Click here to subscribe.
NIKE Herren Freizeitschuh Trainingsschuh Sneaker Schnürschuh Air Max Bolt | Jump to:
If you like a versatile, cushioned running shoe that doesn’t weigh you down and feels peppy enough for faster paces, you should be looking at Nike.
Nike running shoes continually push the envelope with new technology and innovative designs; from racing models NIKE SB × AIR JORDAN 1 RETRO HIGH LA TO CHICAGO 29cm beginners, the brand makes some of the best running shoes going.
What everyone's reading
Nike was the first brand to introduce ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) cushioning, setting the modern standard, industry-wide. It also invented many of the special features found in today’s running shoes, including air-filled cells that soak up impact forces and carbon fibre plates that increase energy return.
To help you navigate the brand’s current shoe line-up and cutting-edge shoe technologies, we’ve highlighted the best performance shoes Nike makes below, including models for every kind of running, from racing, to training, trail running and more.
-
-
NIKE Herren Freizeitschuh Trainingsschuh Sneaker Schnürschuh Air Max Bolt | Nike Air VaporMax 360 Zapatillas Hombre Gris
Nike Pegasus 41
Read review -
-
-
What to consider when shopping for Nike running shoes
Nike offers a number of different types of running shoes — here's what to consider when deciding if the brand is right for you.
How we test
All of the shoes below have been tested, with feedback from RW editors and our wider team of wear testers. To make this guide as helpful as possible, we've focused on performance running shoes that feature the brand’s latest cushioning foams, midsole tech, and upper designs, while making sure to pick models for all kinds of runners, from Air Max 97 Womens, to beginners and overpronators.
Why trust us?
Runner’s World UK has been vetting and reviewing running gear and tech since 1983. Our essential recommendations, including all kinds of running shoes, are selected based on data and insights gathered by our editors, who put the latest and greatest running shoes and gear through their paces day in and day out. In 2025, the Runner’s World test team is led by e-commerce editor Ali Ball, a 12-time marathoner and ultramarathoner who has over seven years experience testing fitness gear, including a number of Nike running shoes.
nike air force 1 metallic sneakers star polka dot print
NIKE Herren Freizeitschuh Trainingsschuh Sneaker Schnürschuh Air Max Bolt
Pros
- Stable ride
- Ideal for racing and speed sessions
- Cushioned and supremely responsive
- Breathable upper and flawless lockdown
Cons
- Seriously pricey
- Heavier than Vaporfly
- Not for everyday running
| Weight | 218g (M), 174g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39.5mm (heel), 31.5mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
Read our full Nike Alphafly 3 review here
When the late Kelvin Kiptum set the men's marathon world record in October 2023, he wore a prototype of these shoes. And there surely can't be a better recommendation for a shoe that that. When you run, the shoe propels you forward – the faster you run, the more you feel it. Even if you can't run at world record pace – and who can? – the energy saving will maximise your PB chances over any distance, but particularly the longer races.
For the latest iteration, Nike has used a continuous outsole for increased stability and an all-new last (shoe mould), fleshed out around the midfoot. These changes make the shoe a lot more comfortable than the Alphafly 2, reducing rubbing through the midfoot and on the Achilles, and give you confidence rounding corners. One of our testers wore these to race a half-marathon and had no blisters or hotspots after, unlike the V2.
The ride is punchy and light, with more of a tippy sensation on each step than the previous iteration. However, this just adds to the overall liveliness and enjoyment of the ride.
Pros
- Чоловічі кросівки nike start
- comme des garcons x nike pegasus 83 gold
- Secure mid-foot band
- Breathable upper
- Uses 43% less carbon than v40
Cons
- nike blazer mid tie dye cz7874 600 release date info
- Lacks the cushioning of maximalist shoes
| Type | Neutral |
|---|---|
| Weight | 251g (M), 297g (W) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
Read more about the Nike Pegasus 41 here
There's a reason that the Pegasus is in its 41th iteration — the 'workhorse with wings' really does deliver. The focus for the latest version has been on upping the shoe’s responsiveness, so there’s a new ReactX midsole which, according to Nike, provides 13% more energy return than the Pegasus 40.
There’s been a 1mm increase in the stack height, with the Pegasus 41 coming in at 34mm at the heel and 24mm at the forefoot. While it’s certainly not one of the new generation of maximalist cushioned shoes, when you step in to the Pegasus, you do immediately feel that comfort hugging your foot securely in place. The 10mm heel-to-toe drop remains the same and there’s the usual Air Zoom units in the forefoot and the heel to complete the cushioning system.
The Pegasus 41 offers a solid, stable and comfortably cushioned ride, and it's a shoe that can take a lot of mileage and a lot of pounding on the tarmac. While it may not feel nimble enough to be a speed-day shoe of choice, its durability and comfort make it a supremely reliable everyday training option.
Pros
- Детские футзалки Nike
- Good ground feel and responsiveness
- More accommodating fit than before
Cons
- You’re seeking more comfort and late-miles protection
- Nike Space Hippie 04sko til mænd Sort
| Weight | 170g (UK 7.5) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 35mm (heel), 29mm (forefoot) |
| Heel | 6mm |
Read our full Nike Vaporfly 4 review
In February, Nike announced the newest iteration of the shoe that started it all, the original ‘super shoe’. And, well, forget almost everything you know about the OG marathon racer. The Vaporfly 4 is still super, but not for the reasons you might expect.
First up, it’s apparently being subtly nudged to shorter distances, with a firmer and snappier ride. In testing, we found the shoe to be exceptionally fast for interval workouts and even during marathon-pace runs. But, as our workouts stretched out to 15 or 16 miles (including warm up and cool down), we started to wish that we had reached for the Alphafly instead.
Nike has also lowered the heel-to-toe offset to 6mm (down from 8mm), by reducing the total stack height — now 35mm thick. At slower speeds, like when jogging a warm-up, the heel still feels fairly soft. Once you get rolling at race speeds, however, you become more certain of the difference in ride.
Along with the change to foam geometry comes the first change to the plate shape. Nike says the FlyPlate’s curvature is 3 degrees steeper, ‘which helps unlock leverage from the foot and ankle.’
Given all the changes, this shoe is really going to excel for competitive runners at a wide range of distances, but particularly for everything from a 5K Nike WMNS Air Jordan 11 Low Pure Violet 22cm half marathon. If you’re seeking more comfort and late-miles protection for three to four hours of hard running, you’re better served putting those miles into the Alphafly 3.
Pros
- nike air zoom pegasus 37 a
- Estas Nike Special Project EXP X-14
- Smooth and consistent for longer runs
Cons
- Snugger fit not suitable for wider feet
- Laces feel a bit like an afterthought
| Weight | 265g (UK 9) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 42mm (heel), 34mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
Read our full Nike Zoom Fly 6 review
Nike Air Force 1 Mid 1 super trainer – the high stack, carbon-plated training and racing hybrid. Not for any longer, though, as the Nike Zoom Fly 6 offers versatility in spades.
The Zoom Fly 5's controversial recycled ZoomX foam has gone in favour of a full slab of ZoomX foam (not called out as recycled). Underneath is a layer of SR-02 EVA foam (a firmer foam) for stability and support, with a full-length carbon fibre FlyPlate sandwiched in between. The Zoom Fly 6 also packs in more foam than the Zoom Fly 5 and is the biggest of any Nike running shoe so far.
Our tester described this shoe as a grower: it might not be as bouncy as Nike's higher-end racing models, but the dual-midsole in conjunction with the ZoomFly Plate creates a consistent and responsive ride that shines on tempo runs and long training sessions. In fact, it's hard not to run fast in these shoes, with the pronounced rocker geometry helping to roll you forward. The downside of this is that it does make the shoe awkward to walk around in (much like its racing counterparts) and it's worth noting that the shoe does have more of a performance-orientated fit, running on the narrower side.
Overall, a great option for people who may not feel 'fast' enough for top-tier racing shoes and don't mind a little more weight, or marathon runners looking for a fun yet affordable training shoe.
Pros
- Very accommodating
- Surprisingly responsive
- Naturally moulds to the foot
Cons
- You prefer something with more ground feel
| Weight | 325g (men’s), 263g (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 46mm (heel), 36mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 10mm |
Read our full Nike Vomero 18 review
The latest iteration of Nike’s mega-plush Vomero range promises supreme comfort for even the longest training runs and races, not to mention the tallest midsole so far and a level of responsiveness not previously seen in the Vomero family.
A slick-looking running shoe that operates well at both faster and more leisurely paces, it envelops the foot like a proper hug – it’s soft, snug and secure, but not stifling or slow.
nike air foamposite one blue void university gold rugged orange tempo sessions. Thanks to the marriage of soft ZoomX foam and snappy ReactX foam in the midsole, the Vomero 18 has many gears and can fluidly move between efforts. Want to dial it back for an easy run? No problem – this shoe has the cushioning you need to glide along nicely, without any jarring ground impact forces. Want to put your foot on the gas? Not an issue – we were pleasantly surprised by the responsiveness of this shoe, with the pronounced rocker geometry assisting a quicker turnover and zippy toe-off.
As such, the Vomero 18 accommodates every type of runner. New runners can take their first, comfy steps in this shoe, then continue wearing it as they build up their confidence and pace. More experienced runners can equally enjoy this shoe for most training runs of the week, while even the fastest runners can wear this max-cushioned number for recovery runs.
Pros
- Женские кроссовки Nike Air Force Mid Utility White Black Red
- Breathable mesh upper
- Secure and snug fit
Cons
- Not as light as pricier options
- Midsole foam lacks responsiveness
| Type | Neutral |
|---|---|
| Weight | 325g (M), 262g (W) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
Now we are at a point where it's increasingly difficult to find a pair of good running shoes for under £100, mens nike kobe 5 olympics for sale new runners or those looking for a reliable workhorse for regular runs at a pocket-friendly price.
Sure, you won’t get the lighter, more responsive foams or carbon plates of some of the brand’s racier, more pricy options, but the Cushlon 3.0 midsole is still pretty soft and smooth riding, and the full-length Zoom Air unit offers some responsiveness.
The latest iteration has a more spacious forefoot and wider heel to provide a better fit for all foot types. The mesh upper has been enhanced to provide even better breathability, too, and the Flywire cables under the lacing provide a secure and snug fit. There’s also a smoother, softer lining inside the shoe to enhance overall comfort, and softened tongue padding.
Best Nike trail running shoes
Pros
- Nike Air Huarache 'Electrolime'
- Durable upper construction
- Roomy toebox
- Grippy outsole
Cons
- May be too plush for some
- A little unstable for technical terrain
| Weight | 253g (UK 5.5), |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 37mm (heel), 27.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 9.5mm |
| Lug depth | 3.5mm |
Read our full Nike Pegasus Trail 5 review
Don’t let the GTX fool you into thinking this is some kind of extreme model for only the severest conditions and most technical terrain. It’s actually a true road/trail hybrid, with a ReactX foam midsole (used in the Pegasus 41 road shoe) that feels great on the pavement. And, though the GTX distinction suggests ankle-high waterproofness, the material only reaches to the top of the laces. The gaiter collar is instead a stretchy fabric, preferable for shielding against trail debris and light drizzle.
The outsole uses Nike's all-terrain compound, which performs wonderfully well on all surfaces and, in further evidence of the Peg GTX’s road-to-trail multitool creds, especially so on the road.
Off the road, it’s at its best on harder packed less technical trails, grass and dirt paths, providing a lively, responsive but smooth and nicely cushioned ride. The traction isn’t quite aggressive enough when things get really steep or slippy, though. Protective elements are also dialled down compared to the most extreme trail models, although the latest version has a 3D printed toe. Unless you’re tackling something really extreme, though, there’s enough to keep you safe and comfortable.
Pros
- Responsive ride
- The Nike Kobe 6 is arguably one of the late Kobe Bryants
- New Vibram outsole
Cons
- Could be better at handling wet conditions
- Atmos X Nike Air Max 95 Animal Pack 2.0
| Type | Neutral |
|---|---|
| Weight | 320g (M), 262g (W) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 4mm |
Read our full Nike Zegama 2 review
Named after a mountain race in northern Spain, the Zegama is Nike’s most technical trail shoe. In recent years, Nike trail shoes haven’t been known to tackle the world’s hardest mountain tracks, but the Zegama impressed. The midsole is made from ZoomX – the same stuff used in the Vaporfly and Alphafly racing shoes. On its own it’s too fragile for very technical trails, so it’s enclosed in a more durable carrier foam for better longevity. The result is a cushioned and responsive ride.
The first iteration of the Zegama lost points for its outsole, which offered very little grip, particularly on the muddy trails most of us encounter in the UK. So, the Zegama 2’s new Vibram MegaGrip outsole is welcome news indeed. It offers significantly more traction across a wide range of off-road conditions, from muddy trails to gravel to sand.
The upper is built to handle rugged ground. However, we did find that the Zegama runs hot. The result of this, at least for one of our testers, was the development of hotspots under both feet.
Pros
- Excellent balance of cushioning and ground feel
- nike air max 1 ultra 20 pop art stars
- Fit true to size
Cons
- Not for sloppy mud
- Wideness can minimise nimbleness
- Upper can run hot
| Weight | 300g (men's size 9) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8.5mm |
Read our full Nike Ultrafly review
If you’re racing dry, long trails then these shoes are pretty fantastic and just eat up the miles, hitting a sweet spot between grip, cushioning and ground feel.
The midsole is made from the same ZoomX as the Vaporfly and Alphafly 3 models, but if you were hoping that it performs the same, prepare to be disappointed. The Ultrafly Trail certainly has materials and elements that are similar to its road counterpart, but it's a wholly different shoe and experience in its own right.
Nike brought some structure to the foam by wrapping it in a material to add some structural integrity (and also to protect it) which seems to have done the trick. This firmer ride is a welcome attribute on the trails where ground feel is paramount.
This sense of feel is enhanced by the wide toe box and even wider forefoot platform. On the bottom, a Vibram outsole strikes a good balance between speed and grip and worked well on all surfaces, but it truly excelled on the dry, loose stuff like gravel, forest trails, hard packed earth and even sand. It also handles some mud relatively well, but it’s not a shoe for trails that are consistently sloppy with mud.
