What’s your crazy dream? Running a nine-minute mile? Competing in a triathlon? Meeting the USATF qualifying standards in your next marathon? It’s only crazy until you do it, and that’s why Nike manufactures the most technologically advanced running shoes on the market. Their lineup of shoes is made for runners of all abilities. Let Nike help you set—and surpass—your next personal record.

How Nike running shoes can help you improve your run

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus series

Your everyday trainer, Nike’s iconic Pegasus has remained one of their most popular models for decades. It’s a neutral running shoe that doesn’t necessarily come with all the most extravagant bells and whistles—but it’s fast and comfortable.

Built to handle a variety of runs—from 5Ks to sprints to running to the store for groceries—Pegasus running shoes are dynamic enough to handle nearly any needs. The durable rubber outsole and ample cushioning make it great for longer runs, yet it’s light and springy enough to cater to shorter, faster workouts.

Typically you have to choose between a cushy midsole to protect your feet from impact and a stiffer midsole for energy return. However, the Pegasus hits the sweet spot between both. Nike’s Premium Cushlon ST foam is soft enough for endurance runs, yet firm enough to help with toe-off.

Nike Air Zoom Structure series

The Air Zoom Structure was built for overpronators (folks whose feet roll inward too far when they run) who need a little support with their landing. Nike designed Air Zoom Structure running shoes to feature a dual-density foam that combines Cushlon and Phylon foams. This creates a platform that’s firmer on the inside of the foot and softer on the outside (under the arch) to correct your stride. This Dynamic Support system offers smooth, effortless transitions and comfortable stability throughout your run.

In addition to keeping you stable throughout your gait cycle, Air Zoom Structure running shoes keep you on your feet with premium tread as well. A Duralon blown rubber outsole offers plenty of traction to grip any surface you’re running on, whether it’s slick sidewalks, wet roads, grass—you name it!

Nike Air Zoom Vomero series

The Vomero has the most plush cushioning of any Nike running shoe, making it perfect for underpronators (runners whose feet roll outward too much when they hit the ground). It also has extra foam in the back for heavy heel strikers who could use even more cushy protection.

Fans love this shoe’s dual-layer midsole, which consists of a full-length Zoom Air unit with a full layer of React foam on top of it. This combination provides not only a soft impact, thanks to the air pockets, but a bouncy propulsion into your next step from the foam.

Frequently asked questions

How did Nike get started?

Phil Knight started a company called Blue Ribbon Sports with his former University of Oregon track coach, Bill Bowerman, in 1964. In those humble beginnings, the two were actually just selling shoes out of the trunk of Knight's car. As the popularity of their shoes grew, the duo changed the company's name to Nike and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today Nike is one of the biggest sports apparel companies—and most recognized brands—in the world. Since their humble beginnings, Nike has continued innovating shoe and clothing technology for weekend warriors and world-class athletes alike.
What is Nike’s most popular running shoe?

Nike’s most popular shoe has consistently been the Air Zoom Pegasus. It’s an everyday, any-task running shoe that offers a nice balance of cushion and responsiveness, which is why people love it so much.

Can I take my Nike road running shoes on trail runs?

Technically, yes, you can wear Nike road running shoes on some trail runs. If you’re running on a well-groomed, level trail, then most Nike running shoes should be fine.
But if you’ll be running on dynamic terrain—lots of rocks, mud, uneven surfaces, etc.—you’ll need a shoe that’s built specifically for those elements. Trail running shoes are designed with thicker outsoles, deeper lugs, stiffer uppers to prevent rolling ankles, and other protective elements generally not found in road running shoes.

If you’re looking to tackle more serious terrain, you’ll want to equip your feet with the best trail tech available. Be sure to check out our selection of trail running shoes for some of the best options available.

What’s the best Nike running shoes for a beginner?

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus is a popular shoe for beginners. It’s a neutral running shoe that’s light, flexible, responsive, and well-cushioned, making it perfect for anyone who needs a little bit of everything.

After how many miles do Nike running shoes need to be replaced?

Nike running shoes are made with quality materials and advanced designs, resulting in durability that can easily exceed 300 miles.

Typically a pair of running shoes will have a life of between 300 and 500 miles. When you get beyond 400 and you’re approaching 500 miles, the technologies in the shoe will begin to wear and will not function at their peak. This can mean less stability to prevent rolling an ankle, less protective cushioning, or less spring in your step due to wearing React foam.

This is why the common wisdom is: between 300 to 500 miles is when you’ll want to seek a new pair. If you’re a pretty regular runner, this will likely mean around eight months, give or take. The best way to keep yourself safe is to keep a log of how many miles you run in each pair of shoes so you know when you’re approaching the replacement date of each pair you own.

What’s the best Nike running shoe for me?

In order to find the best shoe for you, you’ll need to answer a few questions.

First, what is your running style?

Are you a neutral runner or are you an overpronator or underpronator?

If you’re a neutral runner, you have “normal” arches (they aren’t too high or too low) and can comfortably run in most running shoes. When you land, your heel strikes the ground first and then rolls forward to your toes and your arch rolls inward. This absorbs ground impact to protect your knees and ankles, evenly distributing your weight.

Most of the shoes in Nike’s lineup are for neutral runners, like the Air Zoom Pegasus, the Nike React.

If you’re an overpronator, your foot rolls inward to the extreme when you land. This puts excessive strain on your ankles and knees. Overpronators need a stability shoe that counters this motion, and neutralizes their steps, like the Zoom Structure.

Underpronation is also known as supination, and it’s when your foot rolls outward as you land. It’s less common than overpronation, and if this is how you land, you’ll want a shoe with the most possible cushioning, like the Zoom Vomero.

What types of runs will you be doing?

Dynamic runs: If some days you’ll be doing slightly longer runs, some days shorter faster runs, or if you’re training for a dynamic run like a Tough Mudder type of event, you’ll likely want an all-purpose running shoe like the Air Zoom Pegasus or the React.
Longer runs, half-marathons, marathons: If you’re training for a long-distance run, you’ll want extra foot protection. This means as much high-quality cushioning as possible like that found in the Zoom Vomero.

Moderate runs: If you plan on doing average length runs of a few miles or more, then you’ll want cushioning and a lighter weight, and you really can’t go wrong with most neutral shoes in Nike’s lineup.

Shorter, speedier runs: If your main focus is speed, then lace into the Zoom Pegasus Turbo to experience a lighter, snappier version of the popular Pegasus.