The 9 Best Nike Shoes to Buy This Spring, Tested by Fitness Editors

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BE IT FOR style or performance, the best Nike shoes just do it. While the Swoosh is rooted in sports, the giant athletic brand is known for transcending pop culture with buzzy collaborations and sneaker silhouettes—like the Nike Air Force 1s and Air Jordans—changing the way people dress on and off the court. Whether you want to rock a slam dunk look or smash your fitness goals, the best Nike shoes put both fashion and function at the forefront.

In the realm of footwear, Nike is still a juggernaut. That’s because you can always count on the brand to roll out fresh iterations of best-selling models with increased support and updated cushioning (e.g. Nike React, which adds more bounce to your natural stride). And when Nike isn’t releasing new versions of popular kicks, the label is teaming up with athletes, celebrities and designers to create cutting-edge shoes that sets them apart from competitors in a crowded market.

Best Nike Shoes

Whatever you’re into—running shoes, basketball shoes, or even pickleball shoes—the best Nike shoes can take your footwear game to the next level. The question, of course, is: Which pair is right for you? As Men’s Health Editors, we’ve tested and practically lived in Nike shoes. We spent the past year combing through our closets and testing notes to create a definitive list of the sportswear giant’s best styles to shop online.

What To Consider

Fit

You should always check the fit to ensure optimal comfort and performance. Understanding how the shoe fits, whether it runs small, large or true to size, helps you select the appropriate size and avoid potential discomfort or issues with the fit.

Price

You don’t ever want to overspend on any kind of shoes. Though, knowing the price of Nike shoes allows you to assess the value proposition of the shoe. Consider the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and technology incorporated into each pair. Limited edition releases or collaborations may command higher prices due to their exclusivity.

How We Selected

For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Fitness editors and writers on the best Nike shoes for men. Experts including our fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. and fitness editor Brett Williams, NASM, put countless Nike shoes through the wringer to evaluate their fit, style, support and effectiveness. We also considered picks from our style editors who know a thing or two about pairing the Swoosh with off-the-court looks.

Free Metcon 5 Training Shoes

Strong yet flexible, the Nike Metcon Free 4 is built to help you squeeze every ounce of performance from your training program. Extra support in the heel and at the midfoot adds balance and stability while you power through sets, while its next-gen chain-link mesh keeps you cool through even the most intense agility drills.

During our testing, we found that this top-selling model works best for those intense workouts. Think: Crossfit, heavy lifts, etc. With a Huarache-inspired strap, these shoes offer a locked-in fit and provide all-around comfort for whatever you’re getting into—be it cardio or squats.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Metcon is lightweight, so you don’t feel weighed down as you’re getting it in. We don’t suggest this style for long-distance running, but it does feature a soft foam core and wide heel that lends extra cushion and keeps your feet well-planted for weight lifting.

Read More: Best Cross Training Shoes

Killshot 2

Off the court, the Killshot 2 is one of our favorite casual shoes. Born from a partnership between J. Crew and Nike, the shoe’s preppy aesthetic is fresh, clean and incredibly easy to match with a lot of fits. In terms of craftsmanship, the classic silhouette is designed with smooth leather detailing and suede accents, which dresses up the sneaker.

Our love for the Killshot 2 runs deep. Firstly, its style range allows you to pair it easily with your favorite gray sweatsuit or a fine navy suit. The shoe is relatively budget-friendly for a Nike sneaker, so you could grab a couple different colorways without breaking the bank. More than anything, it’s very comfortable, thanks to its ample cushioning, a supportive midsole, breathable materials, and a well-engineered outsole. We’ve worn this during our office commutes and didn’t experience any real break-in period.

Air Jordan 1 Mid Shoes

This iconic shoe changed the footwear industry when originally released in 1985. Today, it’s still a go-to pick for sneakerheads and guys with great taste. With a fair amount of colorways available, you can choose one that has its own identity and suits your personal style.

Whether you're playing basketball or hitting the town, the Air Jordan 1 Mid is going to serve you well. Not to mention, it's an affordable alternative to the high-top retro models that are hiked up in price. Above everything else, we appreciate that the mid- and outsoles offer lightweight comfort and durable traction.

Read more: Best Jordan Sneakers

Air VaporMax Plus

Unlike traditional running shoes that feature foam midsoles, the latest generation of Nike’s Air VaporMax Plus has a cushioning system made entirely of Air pods. They’re strategically placed throughout the sole of the shoe to provide responsive cushioning and support underfoot. In other words, this design offers greater flexibility along with a bouncy sensation for runners ready to hit the curb.

Despite its thick build, this shoe has a lightweight feel to them. We’ve taken it for a test run on the treadmill and found it delivers excellent energy return. Our feet felt secure and stable throughout as we sprinted. Aside from its performance, we love the iconic ocean wavy pattern on the upper, which is inspired by palm trees swaying in the breeze.

Read more: Most Cushioned Running Shoes

Air Force 1 '07

With ultra-clean good looks, the Air Force 1 ‘07 remains one of our favorite Nike shoes for men. This original court-ready kick is still fresh with the same stitched overlays for extra durability. Our style editors love the Air Force 1 in either of the two off-the-shelf colors (white or blacked-out), but you can also opt to design your own with any number of infinite color combinations.

We’re suckers for a blank canvas shoe, especially one with so much styling potential. With the crisp white, you can go all the way casual with a flannel and jeans or almost formal with a relaxed suit and sweater. Not to mention, it’s easy to look as fly as your favorite athlete, given that Lebron James and Dwayne Wade have paired this with bold looks for their tunnel-walks into the arena.

Invincible 3 Road Running Shoes

For the road runner who values comfort above all else (and isn’t that pretty much all of us?), there’s the Nike Invincible 3. This sneak is built for the long run with the brand’s highest cushioning for maximum underfoot comfort, mile after mile. It provides excellent bounce with extraordinary “springiness” that helps to keep you moving forward.

If you want to tackle a marathon without feeling the brunt of your run, this shoe is your best bet. Our fitness editors have gone the distance in it —conquering a 10K run—and felt little to no discomfort after crossing the line. Ultimately, you’d want something that feels like you’re walking on a marshmallowy surface.

Read more: Best Nike Running Shoes

Air Jordan 1 Low SE

When a pair of high-top kicks are a little too aggressive for your everyday look, a low-cut design offers more flexibility and mobility for casual wear. Fitting true to size, this style comes with a narrow toe box and padding around the ankle and tongue for extra comfort.

If you want to put your best foot forward and catch everyone’s attention—like Hollywood A-listers, Michael B. Jordan and Timothée Chamalet—this silhouette will suit you well. Although the highly-coveted shoe is not our first choice for long-distance paths due to its firm sole, it will earn you style points at social events or around the office. It pairs nicely with a pair of jeans and sweater or a hoodie and sweatpants.

Blazer Mid '77 Vintage

If you’re looking for the classic, timeless Nike high-top, this is it. The Blazer pays homage to the 1970s, while maintaining its sturdy construction featuring a durable sole, full leather uppers, and a delicate mesh tongue. And after being selected as a creative canvas for fresh iterations by designers such as Sacai and the late Virgil Abloh, it’s safe to say this shoe still has its star power.

We've worn these to shoot some hoops and grab drinks at the beer hall, which is a testament to their versatile wear. What's also great is the retro-inspired silhouette is made with leather uppers, so they can take a beating—no matter how hard you crush it in the gym or on the court.

Air Max Dn Shoes

Arriving in a futuristic profile, the Air Max Dn shows off the brand’s best footwear innovations: air technology that shifts through the heel, so every step is more comfortable than the last. In other words, this pair is great to throw on for your morning or evening strolls.

Our fitness director considers it one of the most comfortable Nike shoes, thanks to its dual-pressure tubes that make you feel like you're walking on air. Plus, the upper is anchored by a TPU shank clip—material that assists in proper foot flexion and prevents any possible injury. Style-wise, you can experiment with this shoe a bit. If you’re going for a casual look, it looks great with joggers or jeans and a graphic tee or hoodie. And for a classier vibe, dress it up with a button-down shirt and trousers.

Shop More of Our Favorite Shoes

Best Cross Training Shoes | Best Running Shoes | Best Walking Shoes | Best Basketball Shoes | Pickleball Shoes | Best Workout Shoes | Best Dress Sneakers

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