15 Best Nike Running Shoes

15 Best Nike Running Shoes
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Whether you’re a Nike Newbie or a seasoned ‘Niker’, this article unveils some of the best-selling, most-loved and highly reviewed trainers the brand offers in 2016.

When the time has come to replace the old with the new, the worn with the fresh, there are certain things that will be higher up the priority list. You are likely to weigh up the comfort, performance, value and whether there’s room for extras. In our line-up we’ve covered some of the key elements such as soles, impact absorption, flexibility, insole replacement, fit, and breathability to give you the best overall view.

Without further ado, we introduce to you the top 15 Nike running shoes…

  1. Nike Lunartempo

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Why it’s one of the best:

  • Advanced cushioning system
  • Lightweight
  • Optional insole can be added
  • Reflective, durable material

This lightweight pair of running shoes delivers on several fronts ranging from breathability to advanced cushioning. Coming in at just under 7 ½ ounces, the Lunartempo gives runners a neutral shoe with a wider fit. With the additional flexibility of adding your own insoles to boost comfort and support, these shoes are brilliant for people who run around 5-10k.

A durable outer later featuring reflective material also makes this a fantastic shoe for nighttime runs.  Even though several runners experience a tighter fit than the usual Nike trainer, it still remains a highly popular.

  1. Nike LunarEpic Flyknit 

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Why it’s one of the best:

  • Outstanding traction for several terrains
  • Features lunarlon foam for increased durability and responsiveness
  • Good support and comfort
  • Comfortable cushioning
  • Brilliant for professional runners

Next on our list of Nike running shoes comes the Lunar Epic Flynit. Designed for the road and advanced athletes readily competing, the trainer has a neutral arch support with comfy interiors. Its cushioned and form-fitted top section gives runners the support and impact-absorption they need.

The Flyknit ranks highest on its lightweight design and covers both long and short distance runs according to many runners. No matter what terrain you’re on, this Nike trainer guarantees incredible traction.

Despite the higher price-tag and somewhat narrower fit, the LunarEpic Flyknit stays at the top on our list.

 

 3Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 33 

Why it’s one of the best:

  • Ultimate comfort great for everyday running
  • Ticks the boxes for style, value and breathability
  • Brilliant traction
  • Loved by runners for their durability for longer runs

Perfect for daily running, the Nike Air Zoom has a neutral support and ranks highly on value. With good breathability, you are covered for fast, high-mileage runs as the Pegasus is built to last. Renowned for their comfort and good-looks, this is one of the best Nike running shoes on market. Overall, the Pegasus is an affordable choice which delivers on style, comfort and performance.

 

  1. Nike Free 5.0

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Why it’s one of the best:

  • Brilliant for competitive running
  • Breathable fabrics
  • Responsive cushioning
  • Lightweight design

The Nike Free 5.0 has that extra bit of room to stretch into to achieve the perfect fit.

With a breathable fabric to keep feet cool during a run, many runners are pleased with the level of comfort it delivers. Another great element of the Nike Free is its flexible underfoot sole that enables natural movement through the gait progression. Providing ample support to keep the arch strong during runs, this trainer is brilliant for the road.

 

  1. Nike Zoom Elite 8

Why it’s one of the best:

  • Good grip and traction
  • Comfortable whilst providing solid support for tougher terrains
  • Responsive design

This responsive fast paced performance shoe isn’t called elite without sound reason. Brilliant for everyday runners, you’ll get good grip no matter what the surface. Its seamless Flymesh material provides comfort at the top whilst the Zoom Air cushioning in the forefoot gives extra support.

Additionally, you get add-ons with the Flywire so you can customize the fit till it’s perfect. With some reviews stating the durability on the soles wasn’t brilliant, the Nike Zoom Elite’s hexagonal ‘lugs’ set it apart with its good grip designed for top performance.

  1. Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 3

Why it’s one of the best:

  • Dedicated for trail running enthusiasts
  • Natural feel
  • Durable

Brilliant for trail running, this is one of our top Nike Running Shoes because it ranks highly on forefoot cushioning and provides fairly good stability. The woven mesh upper and the strengthened film strips protect the foot which helps weather the rough, uneven trail terrain.

With a solid outsole, especially around the heel area, you have an enhanced traction for the ups and downs during each run. Another great element of the Terra Kiger is its improved flexibility with a low-heel a wider sole that brings you closer to the trail whilst absorbing impact.

 

  1. Nike Free Train Instinct

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Why it’s one of the best:

  • Dual-density sole for optimal balance and support
  • tri-star shaped outsole which adapts to how your foot moves

The Free Train is Nikes answer to the neutral, competitive and minimalist running shoe.  With a breathable upper offering support from all directions, the Instinct keeps your foot secure. Made for natural movement, the trainer stretchy upper creates room for flexibility making the gait movement smooth.

Another differentiating factor of the Nike Instinct is its tri-star cut which increases and decreases in size whilst your foot moves through the gait cycle. Gaining high marks for durability with a strong rubber outsole, this trainer guarantees a great run for several athletic sports.

 

  1. Nike Air Zoom Vomero 11

Why it’s one of the best:

  • Strong and durable
  • Vibrant design
  • Flymesh material and Flywire cables for a snug fit

This neutral road running shoe is brilliant for daily runs and lives up to its reputation for durability.  The fit has been known to come up narrow for several runners but with different width options, several foot-types can be accommodated.

Also great for the style-conscious runner too as the Air Zoom Vomero comes in vibrant shades that please the eye. Flymesh material is used for breathability and Flywire cabling to help make fits comfy and customizable too.

 

  1. Nike Flex

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Why it’s one of the best:

  • Enhanced phylon midsole for comfort
  • Tri-Star outsole which adapts to movement

The Nike Flex is one of our top Nike Running shoes due to its enhanced flexible features. The Tri-Star feature adds the brilliant advantage of contracting and expanding with your foot. This means the trainer moves and breathes with each step you take.

Along with a breathable and flexible design, the Flex has the same Flywire technology patented in several Nike designs. The Flywire keeps your feet secure and locked-down for a great fit. To finalize, the rubber pods on the front and back increase the shoes longevity and keeps traction at its best.

 

  1. Nike Zoom Structure 19

Why it’s one of our best:

  • Optimal support
  • Good for runners with over-pronation
  • Keeps its quality after lots of miles

For a snug, comfortable run that provides good support – the Nike Zoom Structure is the one. If you tend to pronate more when you run, this trainer provides enough support to cater for it without feeling restrictive.

Its Flymesh upper and 3-density midsole keep your feet locked in place and feeling springy on every run. If you’re a runner that does high-mileage, this every-day trainer is essential and has been known to be the ‘support version’ of the Pegasus.

 

  1. Nike LunarGlide 8

Why it’s one of our best:

  • Lunarlon sole for superior comfort
  • Flexible upper with Flywire design
  • Freedom of movement

Nike has classed the LunarGlide as their ‘Run Easy’ trainer delivering ultimate comfort for a smooth run. Its spongy bottom made from long-lasting foam helps cushioning and reduces impact from road running.

The great thing about the LunarGlide is that it’s not only well-thought out on the inside, but the outer layer delivers with its strong grooves and support for over-pronation.

 

  1. Nike Dual Fusion RN 3

 

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Why it’s one of our best:

  • Aesthetically pleasing with a snug fit
  • Underfoot cushioning for support and comfort
  • Outer unit for increased durability

With the visual appeal and a well-designed inner, the Nike Dual Fusion ranks highly as one of our best Nike running shoes. Its so-sew overlay structure provides a deeper support whilst keeping the trainer lightweight. This means you get freedom of movement with a spacious toe box and enough structural support for neutral runners.

Being a more affordable option then other Nike models, the Dual Fusion RN3 offers runners a smooth ride brilliant for a variety of activities.

13. Nike Air Zoom Fly 2

Why it’s one of our best

  • Comfortable design with breathable material
  • A dynamic support structure
  • Lightweight for a smooth stride

It’s not called Airzoom for nothing. Its light-as-air upper mesh with breathable and expandable material means you really do feel as though you’re running on air. Yet the structural stability of the trainer isn’t comprised as the support platform adds enough stability without feeling beefy.  For a responsive run and great durability, the Air Zoom really does hold up to its name.

14. Nike Air Max 2016 

 

why it's one of our best: 

  • It’s comfortable, lightweight design
  • Appealing look with adaptable fit
  • Great for responsive performance

The Nike Air Max is awesome if you want a light trainer that looks and feels good. Known for being comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, the Air Max utilizes soft fabrics that are kind on the skin. With a good amount of room length and width wise, runners are guaranteed a good fit.

Underfoot cushioning adds to the positive aspects of this Nike trainer as it gives your gait an extra spring and responsiveness.  As your heel to toe transition becomes even smoother with the Air Max, you’ll realize it’s a trainer you can’t run without.

15. Nike Free RN Flyknit 

Why its one of our best: 

  • Good mix of cushioning, flexibility and breathe-ability
  • Outer sole delivers dependable traction

With a lightweight design, the Flyknit is a good match for runners expecting a shoe that caters for consistent performance. Applauded for its solid grip, flexibility is increased on trial and road terrains. So if you vary your running scenery, this breathable trainer could be your match made in heaven.

The Nike Free RN also comes with the latest midsole pattern, brand new to the Flyknit series. It means runners are guaranteed even more flexibility and freedom of movement for ultimate responsiveness. Overall, it’s fantastic for daily runner and low-mileage road runs. 

 

Melissa Hudson

Melissa Hudson