We took a look back in time and decided to finally also contribute with a proper evaluation of Nike running shoes. Speaking honestly, it wasn’t an easy task because there are plenty of running shoes on the market out there. That’s also the reason why we didn’t want to make comparisons across the brands. But instead, we decided to write TOP 10 from Nikes. And there was really a lot to choose from. The evaluations are made from our own real reviews, not copied or rewritten from anywhere else. Frankly, it is solely our opinion and the way we see the current market. Stepping into your shoes, it is highly relevant to look also at individual reviews that we wrote about each model and make your own general opinion. So if you ask, “what are the best Nike running shoes?” The answer would be, not surprisingly, “well, it depends…” What does it depend on?
Many factors actually. You need to answer for yourself, “what am I really searching for?” Is it value for money? Speed? Comfort? Durability? Lowest price? Or cool design?”
And you could continue like this with a long list of questions. What we did was that we focused on Nike running shoes from the last three years and tried to find the most interesting, best performing models. Such models that would provide the highest performance and more than that, models that could offer one more exceptional attribute as well. We didn’t make the list declining as if it were Number 1 is the best and 10 is the worst. As it has been said, we have just selected those that seem to us the best plus have something exceptional next to everything. So, enough of talking, let’s take a look at it together, shall we? 🙂
1. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36
Such a normal Nike Air Zoom shoe, from the very first look right? Maybe it looks a bit boring and as any other Nike Pegasus model from before. But the truth is, this shoe really keeps the golden standard for long the same as short distance runners. It combines awesomely three things that a long-distance running shoe should have.
- It is absolutely, ultimately comfortable thanks to the upper shape
- It has so far the best Nike midsole cushioning
- It is crazily light
Where does it stand above other models? It has the version with a waterproof upper. And even then, it holds the aforementioned attributes. If our review was descending from 10 the best to 1 the worst, this would be a real adept for TOP number 1. No kidding….
2. Nike Zoom Fly
Nike Zoom Fly may seem as an unobtrusive, between runners a bit unspoken model of running shoes. But watch out! In this case, it is a completely different thing that makes Nike Zoom Fly so special. And that is the fact that the shoe has an unexceptionally shaped toe box that can help you if you have problems with halluxes. Forgotten problems for a big part of population but for many women especially, halluxes commonly known as bunions, really need treatment.
The best is to have wider shoes in the toe box and that is exactly what these Nike Zoom Fly are ideal for. It is a bit similar to Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 with the feel of the upper. But Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 are definitely narrower and thus the first place for solution of hallux problem definitely pertain to Nike Zoom Fly.
3. Nike Epic React Flyknit 2
Finally, a bit different shoe from the two above. It is a proud representative of React foam cushioning. It is a more recent midsole material that is being used for running shoes now. Compared to the previous two, it is way much softer. It perfectly absorbs shocks as not many other Nike Shoes and we can with peace in heart mark it as one of the best joint protective running shoes. Comfort, lightness do not need to be spoken in this case. Of course they feel good and comfortable on feet etc. but it is the React foam that makes them above standing other models.
4. Nike Air Max 270
Not the best for long distances but for short distance running on treadmill in the gym, this is a nice, absolutely sufficient option. As I said in the beginning, it really depends on what you want from a running shoe. For short distances, they are from our selection far the best. The air capsule in the heel makes soft transitioning for steps so that you will feel in a gym as if you were on cloud.
5. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Turbo
Energy return! That’s what this model is pushing through and why it deserved to appear in our TOP 10 selection of Nike running shoes. It has an upgraded ZoomX cushioning which is very unique. Promising to give back up to 85 % of your energy effort for each step. No matter the number, it really feels better even than a normal Zoom midsole. The truth is, for cushioning specifically, this shoe would be a perfect candidate to be top number one. Other than that, yeah, without a question, it is comfortable, just the price is the dark side. For performance, it will satisfy even highly demanding runners.
6. Nike ZoomX Vapofly Next%
Half-marathon runners watch out! This is the model that won for Eliud Kipchoge the first place of the London Half Marathon, in summer of the last year 2019. We are dealing here with a highly rebouncing midsole cushioning ZoomX that will make you dash to the final line as not many other Nike running shoes. The disadvantage? The price is even now after more than half a year later scary as hell. As for performance though, comfort, lightness and that ZoomX is totally uncomparable. If you have running as your not-every-day hobby , there are other better options. Otherwise, absolutely awesome.
7. Nike Zoom Gravity
If it were just for the running attributes, maybe this shoe would have fallen among other good Nike running shoes and that’s it. And it wouldn’t be worth mentioning that much after all. But, hey… not only that this Nike Zoom Gravity is great for running but it also looks absolutely different from other Nike models. It has an aerodynamic shape proving that there is still some space for proposing new original designs and make good quality shoes at the same time. True, the model offers a bit squishier, softer midsole than you can experience with other Nike models we have mentioned before. But if you target for yourself the originality of design, this is the prime. At that point, Nike Zoom Gravity is fairly outstanding.
8. Nike Zoom Vomero 14
In my opinion a bit forgotten model that doesn’t step on light enough in scope of runners. Nevertheless, besides its perfect running attributes, it is exceptional for its padding around ankles and firmness, so that if you have supination problems, this shoe from Nike is the one for you. And yeah, I could mention the great cushioning layer as well. It is one of the best Zoom implementations you can come across. It has of cushioning some very high amount.
9. Nike Free RN 5.0
If you are a fan of Nike shoes and still prefer something like barefoot shoes, this model will fulfill your desire. It is the best Nike (and I would say from other popular brands as well) shoes, that stimulates your feet as barefoot shoes. This model seems a bit different than those that Nike used to make in 2013-2015, but believe it or not, this is a real barefoot kind of shoe. They have heel to drop just 6 mm. For complementary running shoes stimulating your feet, this is an ideal model.
10. Nike Quest 2
And the last one, in my opinion a bit forgotten model that doesn’t step on light enough in scope of runners. Nevertheless, besides its perfect running attributes, it is exceptional for its padding around ankles and firmness, so that if you have supination problems, this shoe from Nike is the one for you. And yeah, I could mention the great cushioning layer as well. It is one of the best Zoom implementations you can come across. It has of cushioning some very high amount.