Best Nike Running Shoes for Men
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Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Nike Running Shoes for Men
Founded in 1964 by Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman and businessman Phil Knight, Nike has become one of the most iconic brands ever. Nike running shoes are one of the most recognisable in the world, with the trademark swoosh logo spotted on millions of feet worldwide. From sports stars to your average running enthusiast, Nike’s running shoes help push athletes to their limits and to “just do it.”
When it comes to running shoes, Nike is undoubtedly one of your best bets to lean on in comparison to other brands thanks to their massive range that caters to every kind of runner. From short road runs to off-road trails, we’ve compiled the best running shoes the brand has to offer for every need and to get you across the finish line.
What are the Best Nike Running Shoes for Men?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Most Comfortable |  Best for Training |
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 features a comfortable and safe fit thanks to its internal webbing for better lockdown and the interior band for reduced slippage. | Nike Winflo 8Featuring ample cushioning, two air units, and a thick layer of Cushlon foam, the Nike Winflo 8 is an affordable, comfortable, and grippy shoe that is versatile enough for all kinds of running. | Nike ZoomX Invincible Run FlyknitNike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit is a lightweight shoe with Nike’s ZoomX foam midsole and a rocker shape for solid bounce and shock absorption. Train for longer hours thanks to its comfortable fit. |
Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: |
Let’s Go Over Each of the Best Nike Running Shoes for Men
#1: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
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The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus is one of the most renowned Nike running shoes that runners everywhere have loved for years, and for good reason.
The new Air Zoom Pegasus 39 model makes a couple of improvements on its predecessors, such as a wider toe box for a more comfortable fit, internal webbing around the midfoot for better lockdown, and an interior band for reduced foot slippage. Enjoy comfort while running and still look amazing even with an all-black outfit.
Pros and Cons of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Versatile shoe for all types of runs ✔ Added support and improved heel lockdown ✔ Wider toe box and more comfortable fit | ✘ Longer break-in period |
#2: Nike Winflo 8
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If spending over £100 for a new pair of Nike running shoes just isn’t in the cards for you, you don’t have to fret. The Nike Winflo 8 is still a fantastic Nike shoe that can take you from running errands to running on the track.
While it may not have Nike’s more premium React foam midsole or ZoomX foam midsole, the new version of the Winflo delivers ample cushioning with two Air units placed inside a thick layer of Cushlon foam.
Pros and Cons of the Nike Winflo 8
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Versatile shoe for all types of runs ✔ Good value for money ✔ Cushioned Air units in both the heel and forefoot | ✘ Less responsive cushion foam compared to more expensive models |
#3: Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit
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Many runners deem the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run as one of the most comfortable training shoes out there, making them the perfect choice as your everyday gym shoe.
The Nike Invincible Run trainer features Nike’s ZoomX Invincible Run foam midsole and a rocker shape for solid bounce and shock absorption. The Invincible Run stability shoes are also perfect for training under any conditions too. The Nike Invincible Run has a quick-drying Flyknit upper and a waffle trainer outsole for better traction.
Pros and Cons of the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Rocker sole for a smoother ride ✔ A lot of cushioning and comfortable fit ✔ High energy return | ✘ Less suited for speed work |
#4: Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2
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While the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly is one of the most popular and top Nike running shoe for race day and long-distance runs, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 is a pair of road running shoes that definitely gives it a run for its money. It has an engineered mesh and carbon fiber plate for comfort and replenishing energy.
These high-mileage Nike shoes feature two exposed Zoom Air units in the forefoot, ZoomX foam in the heel, and a carbon-fibre plate for extra lift and bounce. The upper of this road shoe also features AtomKnit, a lightweight and breathable knit version of the Nike Flyknit for further breathability that still offers a snug fit.
Pros and Cons of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ High energy return ✔ Lightweight and comfortable cushioning ✔ Wider toe box | ✘ Higher price point |
#5: Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7
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If you’re someone who loves to run in nature and needs a shoe that can keep up with rocky trails and uneven terrain, these trail shoes are perfect for you.
The trail shoe Terra Kiger 7 is probably the top Nike trail shoes for trail running and outdoor training. Thanks to this trail shoe, the Zoom Air unit that offers a lot of energy return combined with traction lugs on the sole that provides more grip on all kinds of terrain and a rock plate at the heel to protect you from debris on the path.
Whether you’re running on a muddy hiking trail or snowy street, these Nike trail shoe will help make trail running a breeze.
Pros and Cons of the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ React foam delivers high energy return ✔ Versatile for all sorts of terrain ✔ Strong grip on uneven surfaces | ✘ Traction lugs show early signs of wear |
#6: Nike Free Run 5.0
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This Nike shoe is a favourite among runners for quick runs and even everyday errands.
Whether you want to train in them or just wear them for daily activities that keep you on your feet, this running shoe’s light and soft cushioning, breathable knit, and Flywire cables keep your foot in place and comfortable inside the shoe, while the flexible sole with laser-cut grooves allows for uninhibited range of motion.
Pros and Cons of the Nike Free Run 5.0
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Light and comfortable cushioning ✔ Versatile for daily activities ✔ Beginner-friendly | ✘ Runs slightly large |
#7: Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% Flyknit
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If you’re someone who enjoys shorter races, the Tempo Next% Flyknit is a shoe that will definitely keep up.
This running shoe makes for a great daily trainer for fast runners thanks to bouncy ZoomX foam, Air Zoom units in the forefoot, a wedge of React foam in the heel, and a composite plate for increased comfort make for a really light, responsive, and stable running shoe.
Pros and Cons of the Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% Flyknit
| Pros | Cons |
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| ✔ Snug and comfortable fit ✔ Durable outsole with strong traction ✔ More affordable than similar models | ✘ Illegal stack height in competition |
#8: Nike SuperRep 2
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While a good running shoe will get you through the race, you’ll also need a good shoe for strength training and working on your body at the gym. For runners who like to improve their performance through high-intensity workouts, your favourite running shoe might not cut it for you.
Instead, the Nike SuperRep, while certainly not the best among Nike running shoes, definitely makes up for it in gym performance. A lot of layers and Zoom Air cushioning keep your foot locked in and comfortable as you push yourself in every intense movement.
Pros and Cons of the Nike SuperRep 2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Good cushioning for high impact movements ✔ Wider and more comfortable fit ✔ Unique design | ✘ Not fit for long-distance runs |
#9: Nike React Miler 2
If you need a shoe that can get you through everyday runs, you’ll enjoy this running shoe. The Nike React Miler 2 makes for a great daily trainer as it offers light stability, comfort, and cushioning.
The shoe features a React midsole for high energy return while its redesign makes it lighter and provides better shock absorption.
Pros and Cons of the Nike React Miler 2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Lightweight ✔ Timeless and versatile silhouette ✔ Affordable price point ✔ Comes in 2 colours | ✘ Runs large |
#10: Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
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If you’re just getting into running, are looking to get fit, but don’t know where to start with your shoe, the Infinity Run 2 is a very good bet. This running shoe features a React midsole, guide rails by the heel, and Flywire cables at the lace eyelets for extra security.
It’s extremely cushioned and provides great arch support, so it’s one of the best Nike running shoes that can help any new runner feel confident in their first few steps.
Pros and Cons of the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ React foam delivers high energy return ✔ Snug and comfortable fit ✔ Versatile shoe for all types of runs | ✘ Narrower fit |
#11: Nike Air Zoom Structure 24
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The Nike Air Zoom Structure 24 is a supportive neutral trainer which can handle most types of runs and runners. It is comfortable, durable, and great value for money, perfect for anyone looking for a simple shoe that supports you. With a secure fit, breathable upper, and extra cushioning for heel-to-toe transitions, these trainers are perfect for supporting runners that tend to overpronate yet are looking for some solid mileage.
Pros and Cons of the Nike Air Zoom Structure 24
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| ✔ Lightweight ✔ Good traction ✔ Breathable upper ✔ Added stability | ✘ Slightly less durable upper |
How to Choose the Best Running Shoes for You
To an untrained eye, any pair of running shoes will seem just fine. However, it’s important to know what kind of runner you are in order to get the most out of your running shoes. Most runners know that grabbing a random pair could affect your performance quite a bit, such as if you pick up a pair that’s the best fit for shorter, fast training when you’re someone who enjoys longer distances or marathons.
Is Nike a Good Running Shoe?
Nike has a group of engineers that developed Nike Flywire tech that secures your foot, breathable engineered mesh for comfort, and even a carbon fibre plate for recovery runs. The Nike engineers focused on multiple functions of different shoes. Regardless, with that in mind, the shoes they developed may not be good for you, depending on a variety of factors, including the individual runner’s foot shape, running gait, and preferences.
Final Note
With so many shoe options available to us, it can be easy to overlook the individual characteristics that make up a shoe. However, learning what makes up a shoe and how they can come together to help you run better makes all the difference when it comes to improving your performance, even by just a little.
While Nike has a huge selection to pick from, these are undoubtedly favourites among avid buyers and are the top Nike running footwear to start with.
Editor’s Choice
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus is one of the best Nike running shoes out there, if not the best when you consider that its most current model is its 39th rendition. This crowd favourite is one of the best performance shoes you could get your hands on, with the latest model featuring responsive and super soft cushioning, breathable mesh uppers, and a Zoom Air unit for a bounce.
These running shoes are an absolute all-rounder and perfect for anyone looking for a super light shoe that also keeps up during longer-distance runs. If you’re looking to have a single pair of running shoes that can get you through everything, this is the one you want.
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