The Best Nike Running Shoes for Women (2023)

Since its launch in 1962—when it was formerly Blue Ribbon Sports—Nike has signed on several strong female runners, including modern-day stars like Jordan Hasay, Shelby Houlihan, and Shannon Rowbury. Whether you’re chasing serious new PRs like that crew of “Bowerman Babes” or just want to add a pair of Swoosh shoes into your casual weekly rotation, we’ve tested and evaluated the best Nike options to meet your needs. Check out our top five picks below or keep scrolling for the full list, which includes a packable lightweight cross trainer, a brand new max-cushioned workhorse, and blazing fast marathon racers.

The Latest Swoosh Tech

One of Nike’s key upper technologies is a material called Flynit. Constructed from various types of stretchy woven yarn, Flyknit uppers create a sock-like, seamless fit around the foot that helps provide both targeted support and flexibility while running. Another feature that sets Nike’s running shoes apart is its unique Zoom midsole. This plush cushioning is delivered by a combination of highly responsive foam and Zoom Air units—literally hollow pockets of pressurized air within the sole—to soften impact on landing and improve energy return. You can find this midsole construction, called Zoom Air, in models like the Wildhorse and Pegasus.

Two of the shoes in our racing category below contain Nike’s top-tier ZoomX foam in the midsole. ZoomX is the thermoplastic Pebax-based material that provides bouncy, high-rebound cushioning and lasts significantly longer (with greater temperature-resistance and softness) than standard EVA-based foams. The Alphafly Next% combines ZoomX foam with a full-length carbon plate and two Zoom Air units for a remarkably responsive ride.

Test Team Notes

Before we write about and recommend shoes, our Runner’s World staff puts in miles of running, analyzes results and data from our Shoe Lab, and consults feedback from our 225-runner-strong wear-test team. Shoes on this list that haven’t undergone our strenuous testing cycle were recommended using our own expert knowledge and evaluation, experience in the running shoe industry, and conversations with designers and product developers. We’ve selected a variety of options—from grippy trail models and supportive cross trainers to affordable budget-friendly picks—and have specified how to use them in your training.

—BEST DAILY TRAINER—

Air Zoom Pegasus 38

While this new Peg may look a bit bulkier, it is every bit as responsive as its predecessor. In the forefoot, it features a Zoom Air unit, which is tailored specifically to both shoe size and gender. That pressurized air pocket is tuned to a lower psi in the women’s version to provide a slightly softer, more forgiving ride. (That’s not to suggest female runners require cushier shoes; rather, Nike made the adjustments to better match women’s gait patterns and comfort preferences.) The entire midsole uses React foam, so the Pegasus’s ride still feels just as snappy and responsive. Our favorite tweak on the 38th version? It may seem small, but we really dig the widened toe box.

—BEST FOR UPTEMPOS—

Air Zoom Tempo Next%

Such is the dilemma when choosing which shoes to wear for speed workouts: Your trainers are too heavy and clunky, but you don’t want to break out your racing flats before race day. If you can relate, investing in a speed day shoe like the Tempo Next% could solve it. This shoe features two Zoom Air units, which give the shoe its signature responsive feel, paired with a tall stack of ZoomX foam to provide cushioning over long distances. The rubber traction on the outsole is specifically placed only in areas that receive the most wear in training; this ensures that the shoe remains grippy, but still feels light.

—MOST AFFORDABLE—

Air Zoom Winflo 8

The latest Winflo hasn’t changed much from its predecessor, and that’s good news for one of our favorite $90 shoes. The eighth version still utilizes the same Zoom cushioning, parsing out its two Air units between the forefoot and heel for a smooth, fairly balanced ride. Unlike many trainers that place the lion’s share of cushioning in the heel, the Winflo actually positions its larger Air unit in the forefoot—an approach that slightly favors midfoot strikers, but still keeps the shoe super accessible to the heel-striking majority of runners. The major update to the Winflo is the Flywire cables that help secure the lacing better than the seventh version of the shoe and provide a more locked-in fit.

—BEST FOR MARATHON RACING—

Air Zoom Alphafly Next%

We’re calling it the fastest shoe you can buy, but it sure isn’t cheap. The Alphafly Next% is the shoe that Eliud Kipchoge wore to break two hours in the marathon, and while we can’t promise it will do the same for you, it could help tick some seconds (even minutes) off your PR. This shoe returns energy to your stride in more ways than one—thanks to a full-length carbon fiber plate, a ZoomX foam midsole, and two Zoom Air units. It also features the newest iteration of Nike’s Flyknit upper, called Atomknit, which offers a snug and secure fit with exceptional breathability.

—MOST STABILITY—

React Infinity Run Flyknit 2

The React Infinity Run best serves overpronators and runners looking for more support. The snug sock-style upper is tightly knitted in key areas to deliver additional stability, but still ventilates the foot well and allows for natural toe splay as you run. It features React foam which feels soft, yet very responsive, and the stiff heel cup helps keep your foot steady when you touchdown. Like the Invincible Run below, the Infinity React 2 was designed with injury prevention in mind—while we can’t promise that it will keep you from any future setbacks, it’s a great choice for runners who want a little extra support without the traditional “motion control” aesthetic.

—PLUSHEST RIDE—

ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit

Every tester on our team gave the Invincible Run a score of either 6 or 7 (out of 7) in the comfort category, with one tester deeming it the “most comfortable shoe” he’s ever worn. Most of that comfort comes from the ZoomX midsole made from Nike’s top-tier Pebax-based foam. (It’s among the lightest, plushest, and most responsive around right now, and has the capacity to return about 70% of energy with each footstrike, the most of any material we’ve tested in our RW Shoe Lab.) ZoomX delivers exceptional bounce and bottomless softness, without packing out or feeling overly mushy, and the Invincible Run has more of it underfoot than any other daily trainer in Swoosh’s lineup right now.

—BEST FOR TRAILS—

Air Zoom Wildhorse 7

Our wear testers reported sure-footing running in the Wildhorse 7. The shoe has a grippy lugged outsole, a sturdy segmented rock plate for protection over jagged terrain, and a protective multi-layer upper that provides a snug, locked-in fit. A Zoom Air pod in the heel cushions impact from the ground, and also helps provide a smooth, responsive ride.

—BEST FOR CROSS-TRAINING—

Nike Free TR8

On those days you’re feeling more gym rat than runner, lace up the Nike Free TR8. Like the Free RN 5.0, this flexible trainer has a soft foam midsole with deep crosshatched flex grooves to mimic the natural movement of your foot. This allows for better dexterity and ground feel during dynamic circuit training or HIIT workouts, while a flat heel provides a stable base for squats and heavy lifts. Though definitely more minimalist than Nike’s other models, the TR8 still doesn’t compromise comfort with its redesigned integrated tongue and widened toe box that offers additional room for your toes to splay.