Nikeās mission has always been to do everything possible to expand human potential. Today, virtually every sport is dominated by the Swoosh, but in the early days, Nike was singularly focused on the pastime of its founder, Phil Knight: running. Knight founded Blue Ribbon Sports in 1962 to help runners run faster and longer by selling the best running shoes. At first, this meant importing Onitsuka Tiger (now known as ASICS) running shoes and selling them out of the trunk of his car in Beaverton, Oregon. But after growing tired of the slow-paced innovation in running shoes, Knight and former Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman took matters into their own hands and began to develop a series of shoes that would change running forever.
The Waffle Racer and Cortez running shoes were the first Nike designs to gain a following due to their shock responsive midsoles and grip. Early success with these silhouettes led Blue Ribbon Sports to abandon their retail model and form their own brand, changing the companyās name to Nike in 1978 and ultimately inventing the Air Sole program, the most popular innovation in its history. Nike Air would go on to differentiate Nike from every other running brand and set the tone for performance footwear.
Nike has constantly refreshed its running line with new technology to maintain a competitive advantage. Air Soles evolved to todayās Zoom Air, which is present in Nike running shoes today. Focus on breathability and flexibility in the upper of running shoes led to the development of Flyknit, which has since evolved into AtomKnit and Vaporweave technology. All together, Nikeās focus on constant improvement has delivered the running world the best running shoes in history.Ā
In 2020, with all of the top-of-the-line running shoes Nike offers, itās easy to wonder which Nike running shoes are the best. And the answer depends on your intended use. Cushioned running shoes with a higher drop are amazing for long-distance runners, but they might not be the best for short-distance runners. Less rigid low-drop running shoes are great for 5K runs but lack the cushioning a runner needs to run a marathon in comfort. For whatever the intended use is, Nike has great options for every type of run.Ā
These are the best Nike running shoes available now on StockX:
Best Nike Running Shoes for Daily Running
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37
Itās normal for running shoes to lose comfort over time if they are used every day. Wear and tear is inevitable, so you need a running shoe that can maintain a steady level of comfort day in and day out. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 is one of the best Nike running shoes for daily routine running because it delivers comfort that is built to last. Unlike previous iterations of the Pegasus, the Pegasus 37 replaces standard Cushlon foam with React technology which helps make this model a lighter, more resistant, and more responsive running shoe. Another new feature that this silhouette delivers is a thick forefoot Zoom Air unit. This design element maximizes energy return at toe-off, resulting in a dependable, smooth running experience.
Best Nike Running Shoes for Racing
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next%
In a perfect world, every race is held in dry conditions with clear skies. The only thing that should stand between the start and finish lines is open ground. Unfortunately, this isnāt the case in most circumstances. Weather changes and blue skies can turn grey and cloudy. Rain or shine, the best Nike running shoes are prepared for racing in any weather. The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% is composed of Vaporweave material thatās lighter and less absorbent than the Flyknit material used on previous Vaporfly 4% releases. To complement its durable upper, the Vaporfly Next% features a springy ZoomX foam midsole and thick rubber outsole with deep grooves made for channeling water. All of these design specs help deliver a bouncy stride with stable traction no matter the conditions.
Best Nike Running Shoes for Short Distance
Nike Free RN 5.0
Heel-toe drop, often referred to as offset, is the difference in the amount of material under the heel and the amount of material under the forefoot of a shoe. High drop running shoes have a larger gap between heel and forefoot (usually measured in millimeters) and are often preferred for long-distance running due to elevated cushioning. Zero drop shoes set the heel and forefoot on the same plane and are great for short distance, high energy runs because of their knack for tension spreading. The Nike Free RN 5.0 is the perfect middle ground between zero drop and high drop running shoes. Its minimal cushioning and Nike Free sole provide the flexibility and comfort that makes this shoe one of the best running shoes for short distance runners who want a lower drop shoe but donāt want to commit to a shoe with zero drop.
Best Nike Running Shoes for Long Distance
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit
One of the biggest issues with most running shoes is that design can inhibit natural movement in an effort to provide stability. For long-distance running, Nike set the runnerās needs as a priority once again with the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit. The Infinity Run provides support and stability without messing up instinctual motion. A Flyknit upper gives the runnerās foot breathability and security while a React sole adds a balanced blend of firmness and cushion. Overall, user-focused design and functionality make the Infinity Run one of the best Nike running shoes for long-distance.
Best Nike Running Shoes for Marathons
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next%
The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% has been one of the most controversial Nike running shoes to date. Critics have claimed that the shoes offer an unfair advantage due to the stacked ZoomX foam and carbon-fiber plated sole, which is designed to improve energetic efficiency by at least 4% (according to both independent and Nike-funded studies). Nike has continued to reach new heights in footwear innovation and, as a result, the Alphafly is one of the best running shoes for marathons. While other Vaporfly models are more readily available and moderately priced, the Alphafly can come with a price (an average price of $660 to be specific). High premiums and limited availability shows that the efficiency of the Alphafly is no secret to runners. If money is no issue and your marathon performance is a top priority, the Alphafly is the running shoe for you.
Best Nike Running Shoes for Trail Running
Nike Air Zoom Wildhorse 6
Running trails are often littered with rocks and twigs that will pop up, get inside your shoe, and bother your feet. Itās not dope. Your focus should be on the trail, not your discomfort – and Nike Running can help. The Nike Air Zoom Wildhorse 6 combats any distraction of unwanted debris with its sock-like ankle collar. Its snug yet durable silhouette helps protect your foot at all costs thanks to an abrasion-resistant sticky rubber outsole and firm React foam midsole. With a secure grip and responsive ride, the Wildhorse 6 is one of the best running shoes for trail running on any terrain thatās thrown your way.
Best Nike Running Shoes for Comfort
Nike Air Zoom Vomero 14 Black Pink Blast
Whenever Nike blends Zoom Air and React technology in a sneakerās sole, a masterpiece of comfort and responsiveness is born. The Nike Air Zoom Vomero 14 is one of the best Nike running shoes for comfort because it delivers the maximum cushioning experience thanks to this unique blend. React foam and Zoom Air units in the forefoot provide the perfect amount of bounce in your stride so that you are in the best position to reach your desired time. In addition to its ultra-supportive sole, the Vomero 14 also features a breathable mesh upper with a Flywire lacing system to secure your foot as naturally as possible.
Best Affordable Nike Running Shoes
Air Zoom Winflo 6
Some of the best Nike running shoes on StockX are also available at affordable prices. The Nike Air Zoom Winflo 6 is composed of the same technology as expensive counterparts like the Pegasus but in a significantly lower price range. It features a Cushlon foam and Zoom Air sole that provides reliable cushioning and versatility. A breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool during long runs yet is firm enough to offer support. Altogether, the Winflo 6 delivers a great value in performance and comfort for what it costs.
