All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
If you've considered hitting the pavement, the track, or the trail this season, coming across the best Nike running shoes on the market was probably inevitable. The Swoosh is a multibillion-dollar behemoth for many reasons, but none more compelling than the brand's stellar reputation when it comes to performance footwear. See, before Nike was a global superpower practically synonymous with sports, it was a small-time operation founded by a former college track star and his coach with one eventual mission: Design a better running shoe. Today, the Portland-based operation churns out athletic wear of all types, but sneakers are still its bread and butter, and its running shoes work overtime to uphold that legacy. Nike's running shoes are some of the best in the world because what they offer—from their cushioning, to their durability, to their energy return—is the opportunity to feel like Eliud Kipchoge, whether you're an amateur enthusiast looking for a new daily trainer or a hardcore half-marathoner in the market for racing shoes that'll help you smash your last PB.
The Best Nike Running Shoes Shopping Guide
- The Everyday Pick: Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature, $150
- The Budget Pick: Nike Quest 4 road running shoes, $80
- The Trail-Friendly Pick: Nike Zegama trail running shoes, $160
- The Hybrid Pick: Nike Pegasus Trail 4, $160
- The Dual-Purpose Pick: Nike Free Run 5.0, $100
- The Record-Breaking Pick: Nike Alphafly 2, $275
When you buy one of Nike's racers, you're buying a product that's been tinkered with to a fanatical degree: the foam midsoles, the treaded outsoles, the mesh uppers—every detail has been specially engineered for performance at the highest caliber, on long distance trails, 10-second sprints, or meandering uphill climbs. That level of attention is a crucial part of Nike's story, the special sauce that enables the type of innovation snapped up by the sneaker-wearing masses—and shamelessly replicated by the brand's competition. Flyknit, Flywire, FlyEase? All meaningless, insider-y jargon until Nike turned them into household terms, simultaneously making the technology they represent industry standard in the process.
There's no doubt you can find good, even great, models from other brands—the Asics, Brooks, and Sauconys of the world—but it's difficult to find models that perform well and do it with Nike's signature panache. So why bother? Because we've rounded up the best Nike running shoes available right now. From trail-ready runners to everyday beaters you can wear to jog around the neighborhood, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better place to start your journey. C'mon: just do it.
To see more of the best workout clothes and gear hand-picked by GQ editors, check out the GQ Fitness Awards.
The Everyday Pick
The Pegasus has been a stable of Nike's running line since the brand introduced the silhouette in the early '80s. The latest iteration of the all-purpose training shoe features its now-signature responsive foam and breathable mesh uppers, but also boasts a standout Zoom Air unit for more energy return and a slightly tweaked interior band to minimize slipping while you're on the move.
The Budget Pick
If you enjoy running because, well, it's cheaper than other sports—it doesn't require fancy equipment, just the right clothes and a good pair of shoes—then Nike's got plenty of kicks for you, too. The Quest 4 is a great option for racking up the miles on a tight budget—without racking up an equally long credit card bill.
The Dual Purpose Runner-Trainer Pick
The Free Run 5.0 is great for folks looking to make their running kicks their go-to gym shoes, period. The low foam soles provide greater stability while the stretchy yarns hug your feet like a sock. It's stripped-back design and low profile make it great for everyday wear, too.
The Trail-Friendly Pick
When your idea of a good run is less of a smooth road and more of a rocky trail, your regular running shoes won't cut it. The Zegama is made for traversing uneven terrain thanks to its deep-cut lug soles that ensure grippy strides no matter where you're headed. The engineered mesh is lightweight, breathable, and surprisingly hard-wearing, and when gravel and rocks litter your run, the double-thick ZoomX foam soles ensure you'll feel nothing but air. Add to that the crucial ankle gaiter and you'll never have to worry about losing your shoes in a tussle with a pile of damp leaves.
The Hybrid Pick
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex waterproof trail running shoes
If you're the type of runner that refuses let a little grime get in the way of clocking those miles, you're going to need shoes up to the task. Luckily, Nike's latest and greatest Pegasus trail model comes done up in flexible, lightweight, and totally weather-impervious Gore-Tex, which works in tandem with a grippy ankle gaiter to keep your dogs dry while you slog through the muck and mud in pursuit of your next high. Strategic traction patterns and rubber placements ensure an even grip and a seamless adaptation across different types of roads.
The Record-Breaking Pick
The most technologically advanced running shoe in Nike's line-up now comes with a sustainable bent, thanks to a body made of 50% recycled materials. Rest assured, though, they're still primed and ready to help you run fast—like, really fast—and look pretty damn cool in the process.
Plus 11 More Nike Running Shoes We Love
Nike Air Zoom Structure 24 running shoe
Nike Air Max Pre-Day shoe
Nike Downshifter running shoe
The no-frills pick that looks good in the gym and on the streets—and won't empty your sweat-wicking shorts pockets to afford.
Nike Juniper Trail 2 Next Nature trail running shoes
Durable uppers—and tapered lugs at the soles for a tight grip uphill and downhill—make the Juniper Trail 2 just the shoe you need to conquer rocky trails. Plus, it's made with Nike Grind, which means it uses recycled materials for a friendlier impact on your feet and the earth.
Nike Streakfly road racing shoes
If you can't deal with undue bulk weighing you down, the Streakfly is the shoe for you. It's got the unparalleled responsiveness of ZoomX foam on its side, but in a relatively pared-down silhouette compared to its bulkier Alphafly counterpart. That makes it the lightest shoe in Nike's roster and perfect for running a 5k or 10k.
Nike Vomero 16 road running shoes
The Vomero 16 is designed with intelligently mapped mesh (it's a whole thing!) to optimize breathability and keep your feet cool for long distances. On top of that, a supportive band at the midfoot, along with a heel clip, ensure a snug, secure fit through various road conditions.
Nike Air Max Men's Torch 3 running shoe
You could definitely take these early-aughts runners out for a jog, though we're more inclined to rock them with some swishy cargos and a gorp-y jacket before heading to the pub to link up with the mates.
