Take it From Us: These Are the 6 Best Nike Running Shoes of 2024

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NIKE FOOTWEAR HAS long been a cornerstone for both professional athletes and enthusiasts alike, particularly in the realm of running. The brand's continuous drive to innovate and push boundaries within the running shoe industry has solidified its association with elite performance.

The best Nike running shoes have a lot going for them, which is why they're a hit with runners of all levels. Nike's lineup is all about staying ahead of the curve with the latest in tech and design. Whether it's rolling out game-changing foam cushioning systems like the soft and bouncy Nike React or incorporating high-tech carbon fiber plates for that extra oomph, the brand stays at the front of the pack in innovation.

Best Nike Running Shoes of 2024

Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products

Aside from the tech, these top Nike running shoes also focus on comfort and fit, ensuring you get a smooth and supportive ride even on those long hauls. And let's not forget about the style factor—the sleek aesthetic and iconic swoosh make a statement on and off the track.

It's not just the elites clinching first-place finishes who favor the best Nike running kicks; they also serve as a gateway for running newbies taking their first steps into the sport. Personally, I ran the best race of my life, which also happened to be my first half marathon, in the Nike Vapor Fly. Nike shoes have earned my respect by helping me smash my goals in ways I never thought possible.

Whether you're clocking in the miles, hitting the track for speed work, or just taking it easy on recovery days, we've got you covered with our pick of the best Nike running shoes for 2024. So, no matter what you're aiming for, you'll find the perfect pair to keep you going strong.

What to Consider When Buying Nike Running Shoes

When shopping for running shoes, it's essential to focus on the features that contribute to performance and comfort. Keep the following in mind to make an informed decision regarding which Nike running shoe is best suited to your needs and preferences.

Support Type

First thing's first: figure out your foot type and pronation pattern (neutral, overpronation, or underpronation). Nike offers a ton of great shoes designed to accommodate different foot types, so it's important to choose a model that provides the appropriate level of support and stability for your feet. Generally, Nike running shoes fall in four categories, from most to least supportive: motion control, stability, neutral, and minimalist.

Cushioning

Nike's focus on cushioning, in particular, when it comes to performance footwear has really set the tone in the industry. It utilizes various cushioning technologies to provide different levels of impact absorption and responsiveness, so it's important to consider your preferences for cushioning and responsiveness when selecting a shoe.

For longer runs, opt for plush cushioning and snappy energy return for sustained comfort and support. Conversely, if you're aiming to enhance speed during your sessions, go with a lightweight shoe, as even minor differences can impact performance over time.

Here's a brief breakdown of Nike's most commonly used cushioning types:

Nike Air: Utilizes small airbags in the soles of shoes to soften impact by compressing upon impact and quickly springing back to their original shape and volume.

Nike React: Claimed to be Nike's most responsive yet, this foam-based cushioning system offers 11% more softness and 13% more energy return compared to previous cushioning technologies, according to the brand.

Nike ZoomX: Made from Pebax foam, offering lightweight and responsive cushioning with one-third the weight of traditional foam compounds like Cushlon and increased impact protection.

Nike Zoom: Combines pressurized air and elastic fibers to provide snappy energy return, prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot, and increase contact with the ground.

Nike Cushlon: Generic foam compound used for straight-up comfy cushioning and support, offering mid-range responsiveness.

Nike Phylon: A lightweight and responsive foam created by compressing EVA foam pellets, offering versatility in design and identified by its fine wrinkles.

Running Style and Terrain

Choosing the right type of running shoe to match your running style and terrain is a total must when it comes to performance and comfort. For technical terrain, trail running shoes offer the necessary traction and durability, while road running shoes are designed to absorb shock on hard surfaces. Long-distance runners should prioritize shoes with ample support for comfort over extended periods, while recovery runs benefit from shoes with extra support and cushioning to help runs feel nice and easy. Lightweight minimalist shoes like racing flats are ideal for speed work, and running spikes offer traction for track or grass-heavy routes.

Upper Construction

Pay attention to the upper construction materials and design to choose a shoe that offers the right balance of breathability, support, and comfort for your running style. Nike offers different options, including breathable mesh, lightweight knit, and supportive overlays that add protection for trail running or in wet conditions.

Sizing and Fit

Ensure a proper fit by paying attention to not only the length size, but the width size, too. You want a snug fit in the heel and midfoot, with enough room in the toe box to prevent discomfort or rubbing of the toes. Many retailers offer free shipping and returns, so it's always a good idea to order more than one size to try on at home if you're unsure.

Weight

Running shoes vary in weight, from lightweight racing flats to more substantial daily training shoes. Revisit your running style, terrain preferences, and foot type/stability needs to guide you in selecting a shoe weight that feels comfortable and supportive for your needs.

Price

One (among many) reasons we love Nike's running shoe line is that there's truly something for everyone, from premium models to more budget-friendly options. Start your search by setting a budget for your running shoes and consider the value offered by each model.

How We Tested and Selected the Best Nike Running Shoes

Men's Health's fitness editors and experts have spent countless hours researching and testing the best running shoes on the market. We compiled a list of more than 20 best-selling and top-rated Nike running shoe models, thoroughly tested them in our weekly running workouts, then narrowed it down based on fit specifications, support, price, and comfort. The above list represents our curated picks for the best Nike running shoes to shop in 2024.

Pegasus 40

If you’re looking for a 'just do it' type of shoe that can do it all, the Pegasus falls in line as a top-pick. I was first introduced to the Pegasus line in its 37th iteration, and have added the most up-to-date version to my shoe collection each year since. They’re everything you could ask for in a reliable, lace-up-and-go, daily trainer. Decently equipped with cushioning thanks to their React foam through the midsole and Zoom Air towards the heel, it delivers a well-balanced, comfortable ride at any distance. This is the most versatile daily trainer from Nike, hands down.

On shorter runs, you can really feel the springiness of the cushioning, which makes picking up the pace feel good. On longer runs, this shoe feels cushioned enough to prevent your legs from fatiguing too early. This is also one of my go-to picks for cross-training because of how snug and locked-down the midfoot feels.

Infinity RN4

If you are looking for support, whether emotionally or physically (ok, not really emotionally), the Infinity RN4 will do exactly that. This shoe is built to deliver serious support, no matter the distance.

The internal Flyknit band that wraps around the midfoot offers great support through the arch, without being restrictive. It has a generally wider toe box that gives my toes some more room to operate, too. The midfoot may feel snug for some, so Nike suggests going up half a size as a precaution to get the right fit. Nike running shoes aren't known for a drastic curved outsole, but this model also sports a slight curve that makes for a smooth heel to toe transition, especially for heel-strikers.

The Infinity RN4 has a water-repellant line in the toe, which I appreciated on unsuspected rainy runs. Pair that with the waffle curved outsole and you have an even protection in wet conditions.

What I really love about this shoe is that it features the new ReactX foam cushioning, which compared to the brand's OG React cushioning technology, enhances energy return. The combination of support, stability, and cushion makes this shoe a standout for those with additional support concerns.

Invincible 3

You can think of the Invincible as a sibling of the Infinity RN 4, except more cushioned, thanks to plush ZoomX foam underfoot. The lightweight feel and high level of cushion makes this shoe my favorite pair to use on recovery days.

It provides extra cushioning around contact points, such as your heel and the ball of your foot, which makes it the perfect option for recovery miles and leisurely runs. On runs where I'm not prioritizing speed and don't want my legs to feel too beat up after, I reach for these.

The Invincible also features a breathable Flyknit upper, which feels lighter and more ventilated than the Infinity RN4's upper. The Invincible also fits a bit wider than the Infinity RN4, so keep that in mind when it comes to sizing. If you are looking for a comfortable and overall highly-cushioned shoe, the Invincible 3 is definitely one to consider.

Streakfly

If you have a need for speed but aren't ready to commit to an all-out super shoe, the Streakfly is a good place to start. It's Nike's lightest racing shoe yet, perfect for speed workouts and races up to 10k. It's cheaper than a carbon-plated shoe, but still delivers in terms of speed.

The Streakfly was designed with a low-profile and breathable mesh upper to give it the lightweight snappiness it's known for. It feels sleeker and lighter than the VaporFly, almost like you’re just wearing socks. Overall, this shoe feels super responsive—I love wearing these on the track for repeats or even some local races.

The concern with some lightweight shoes is a lack of cushioning to absorb the high forces that come with faster paces, but the ZoomX foam incorporated in this shoe does a pretty decent job at softening the blow and keeping my knees feeling good.

The Streakfly is proven to be secure with their lacing system and ultra-thin knit upper to give it a sock-like feel. And an integrated notched tongue relieves pressure on the top of the foot to mitigate the uncomfortable feeling with swelling feet.

Vaporfly 3

The Vaporfly is one of the best of the bests when it comes to Nike's offerings. In fact, some may argue that it's the pinnacle of racing super shoes, and elite racers have stood at the top of the podium to support that notion.

The Vaporfly holds a special place in my heart as it was the first carbon-plated racing shoe I ever owned. Nike introduced the carbon plate with their Vaporfly line in 2017, revolutionizing long-distance running with its enhanced energy return and potential improvements in running economy (which refers to the ability to run at a certain speed with less energy expenditure). By encouraging forward propulsion, a carbon plate can alter a runner's biomechanics, particularly in the ankle and calf.

On the flip side, carbon plates also introduce additional forces during running, affecting absorption and landing. The Vaporfly addresses this concern with its premium ZoomX foam, providing a ton of impact absorption to mitigate these forces. This allows runners to maintain their pace without experiencing excessive fatigue through the lower body and core.

Continuously refining the design, Nike has focused on reducing weight with each iteration to enhance this shoe's performance. The use of Flyknit yarns improves breathability and fit through the upper, while a thinner outsole maintains durability while keeping things flexible and lightweight.

The closest in-house competitor to the Vaporfly is arguably the Alphafly, however the Vaporfly is favored by many, myself included. While my preference may be biased, I find the Vaporfly sleeker and better suited to my needs compared to the Alphafly. Nevertheless, both shoes stand at the forefront of racing super shoes, with some arguing that the Vaporfly paved the way for the Alphafly's advancements.

Alphafly 3

The Alphafly has truly made its mark on the long distance running scene, boasting record-setting performances from renowned athletes like Kelvin Kiptum, Eliud Kipchoge, and Sifan Hassan. With its speedster reputation, it undoubtedly lives up to its name.

Technically, the Alphafly incorporates more advanced performance technology and features compared to the Vaporfly. It encompasses key elements found in the Vaporfly, including ZoomX foam, a fly plate, and an updated breathable knit known as Atomknit. Nike engineered a new upper for this shoe, Atomknit, to offer a coarser texture with reduced stretch to enhance foot stability and limit displacement within the shoe. Compared to the Vaporfly, this added stability (without added weight) provides runners with a competitive advantage, particularly during longer runs like marathons.

Zoom Air units (basically cushion-encapsulated pockets of air) and ZoomX foam through the full-length of the sole combine to create Nike's highest energy return cushioning system yet. The shoe's design facilitates a seamless rolling motion from heel to toe, enhancing the overall running experience and delivering the best energy return of any Nike shoe.

Which Nike Running Shoes Are Best for Marathon Training?

The Pegasus is a total workhorse, standing out as a sound choice for marathon training for a few key reasons. It's a reliable performer for anything from lengthy recovery runs to short, intense speed workouts, handling a mixed bag of day-to-day training incredibly well.

It boasts Nike's signature Zoom Air cushioning in both the forefoot and heel, ensuring a responsive and comfortable ride that is also reasonably lightweight to prevent fatigue during longer runs. Its versatility really is its strong suit, making it suitable for various training styles, whether you're focusing on endurance, speed, or tempo runs.

Durability is also a key feature not to be overlooked with the Pegasus. With a proven track record of performance and continuous refinement with each iteration, the Nike Pegasus 40 is a trusted choice for marathon training, offering the comfort, support, and reliability that runners need to sustain the months-long effort.

How Do Nike Racing Shoes Compare to Those of Other Brands?

Since the Vaporfly first debuted in 2017, numerous running shoe brands have followed suit, creating their own versions of "super shoes" based on a similar blueprint: a thick midsole crafted from lightweight, responsive foam coupled with an embedded carbon fiber plate. A study conducted in 2022 compared super shoes from Nike, Saucony, Brooks, Asics, and others, revealing that the Alphafly and Vaporfly (alongside the Asics Metaspeed Sky) deliver the most significant enhancements to running economy.

However, it's essential to prioritize finding a race-day shoe that aligns with your foot shape and running style. No matter how much a shoe's design promises to boost running economy, its effectiveness becomes irrelevant if it's uncomfortable to wear.

Read More About Our Favorite Running Shoes

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