The Nike Invincible 3 is perfectly plush, making it great for long runs—or runs of any distance, if you want a soft, bouncy ride.

Nike makes two cushioning foams that provide support across most of its running lineup – React and ZoomX. But for longer efforts and general training runs, the Pegasus offers a smooth ride with enough springiness to keep you surging forward.As shoe brands develop lighter, softer foams and create shoes with tall stack heights, the rocker shape becomes more important: It promotes smooth, rolling transitions from landing to toe-off, even on shoes with thick midsoles. The Peg doesn’t come with Nike’s ultra-bouncy and lightweight ZoomX foam, so you might want a different shoe for speedwork days. The wide-open mesh design of the Flyknit upper promotes great breathability, but be warned: The Flyknit weave does not stretch, so be careful how tightly you tie your laces.

While it won’t have the same bouncy ride as Nike shoes with React or ZoomX cushioning foams, the Winflo is an approachable, highly versatile shoe. AtomKnit, found in the Alphafly and Nike track spikes, is made by stretching and steaming Flyknit fabric to reduce its weight, resulting in a thin, breezy upper that’s ideal for racing. It’s held up through countless hikes and trail runs, and I especially appreciate the springy feel of the React foam and the outsole’s lockdown traction. It offers great impact absorption and a soft feel when landing, but also delivers a springy sensation at toe-off. As the label on the heel proudly states, it’s the original “super shoe,” and it’s still going strong.Although the brand gets lots of attention for its premium racing shoes, Nike makes a variety of running models suitable for all kinds of runners and running disciplines.

Social media and advertising cookies of third parties are used to offer you social media functionalities and personalised ads. The sole is wider at the forefoot for added stability, and has an overall rocker shape, following a design trend that seems to be all the rage across brands like Hoka, Saucony, and Asics. Nike’s top running shoes, including the Vaporfly and Alphafly, feature carbon fiber plates embedded within their midsoles.The sole features React foam and Zoom Air units at the heel and forefoot for a well-cushioned and responsive ride. Long runs, short jogs, walking—with its roomy fit and comfy feel, it’s designed to perform well in a variety of situations. The midsole contains the winning combo of propulsive ZoomX foam and an embedded carbon fiber plate: Together, they create a snappy feel underfoot that helps you push the pace. On the upper, the Flyknit material is constructed with breathability zones in high-heat areas to keep your feet cool, and compared to Nike’s race-oriented models, it features a beefier design that’s more durable, so it can withstand high-mileage training routines.