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The 12 Best Nike Sneakers for Jogging, Dancing and Running Errands, Chosen by Editors and Fitness Pros
By Ashley Sepanski,
5 days ago
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You can’t say “sneakers” without thinking of Nike and that iconic Swoosh. But with literally hundreds of shoes available for purchase, which ones deserve your precious attention? As someone who loves to buy sneakers, and who should probably walk away from this article before I bankrupt myself, I sifted through mountains of Nike shoes to help you find your perfect pair. From running shoes to stylish sneakers , here are the 12 best Nike sneakers that should be on your radar.
The Top 5 Nike Sneakers for Women at A Glance
How I Chose the Best Nike Sneakers for Women
As a CPT, strength and conditioning coach, and major Nike fangirl, I love a Nike sneaker. I’ve tested most of these shoes IRL, and the ones I haven’t, I called in recs from respected PureWow editors and fitness professionals. I also scoured hundreds of reviews from real Nike shoppers to ensure only the best of the best made the cut.
It has been said that I should be a spokesperson for Nike Free Metcons. I have a mountain of gym shoes in my closet, but none see more action than my Metcon 4s. The flat rubber base has a wide heel for the perfect grounded stance during heavy weightlifting. Unlike other flat shoes designed for lifting, though, the rubber has strategic notches that allow your foot to bend during movements like lunges, agility drills, planks, and more. I appreciate how snug and secure the shoe is without causing pesky blisters, plus the upper is made with breathable, comfy mesh to prevent swamp foot. (They also look so badass.)
The 4s are an older model and in low supply, but the 5 and 6 models are very similar and just as glorious. If you want to absolutely own the gym from the moment you walk in, buy these.
These days, most runners will forgo Nike sneakers in favor of brands like Hoka or Brooks, but PureWow fashion editor—and RRCA-certified running coach— Abby Hepworth swears by her Pegasus 41s.
“I've never been super keen on Nike running shoes because my feet are wider and Nikes tend to run narrow, but these have ample room for my toes and are supremely comfortable,” she explains. “They're a great everyday trainer that's lightweight with the right balance of spring and cushion. Plus, the new Dynamic Midfoot Fit system ensures my arches and the center of my foot is fully supported from all sides and prevents the tongue of the shoe from wobbling around as I run. Basically, I can slip them on and forget I'm even wearing them, which is one of the highest compliments I can give to a pair of running sneakers.”
PureWow beauty director Jenny Jin is a Dunks girl, through and through. “I have them in various colorways and dress them up or down, depending on the occasion. I always wear them to dance classes because they have good traction and just enough padding to keep my feet secure and comfortable. Personally, I prefer the Dunk Lows, as they're easier to slip on and off, and don't cut off my legs as much as the mid- or high-top versions do.” (One note though: Many reviewers say these run small, so you may want to go up half a size when ordering.)
When Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay explores the great outdoors, these are her go-to shoes.
“I'm not a die-hard hiker, nor am I a huge trail runner, but I like to dabble in both whether I'm visiting a national park or exploring my local nature preserve. Since I'm not scaling any rock walls, I prefer trail running shoes in place of clunky hiking boots,” she says. “This pair is supportive, responsive, flexible and as comfortable as Nike's road-running counterparts. I love that I can break into a jog if the urge strikes without having to worry about whether my feet will hate me after. Plus, I can't get enough of the bright colors and fun design.”
Nelly wrote an entire song about them for good reason, and there’s not much I can say here that he didn’t say better. Slick leather, sturdy platform base, cool colors that can be styled for any occasion—Air Force 1s are the baddie shoe that are never out of season. Whenever I put them on, I not only strut, I stomp. *Cue give meee two purrrsss, I need two purrrsss*
When you step out on the court, be it at the gym or in your driveway, you want to play like the best, right? These shoes were created in collaboration with record-setting WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu. Constructed for quick pivots, bounce, and hard stops, former basketballer and current fitness instructor Courtney Wente says these shoes make her feel light on her feet with the right level of support. The flashy colors are just the cherry on top.
Nike’s signature Air Max tech has been adding bounce and cushion to sneakers since the late ‘70s. This design for the modern age features an extra-large Air Max “window” in the heel and a foam midsole that hugs your feet. With more than 4,000 5-star reviews, it’s a fan favorite for everything from long walks to runs to gym sessions. “Absolutely love how comfortable these shoes are,” one reviewer says. “Super flexible and match with anything I wear. Easy to be active with them, and [as] someone with plantar fasciitis, these definitely give me enough support throughout the day.”
These are the shoes that made me fall in love with high tops. If you’re not someone with crazy-long legs, you know that shin-to-ankle space is precious territory. I appreciate that these don’t take up too much leg real estate while still giving the support and look you want from a high top. Air Jordan 1s are iconic and come with their own fan club (like Jeep Wrangler drivers, but without the rubber ducks). They make me feel powerful and comfortable—and they go with practically every outfit in my closet.
Remember when I said I’m obsessed with Metcons? These may not be my beloved Nike Free Metcons, but they are in the same family and just as incredible. Ideal for weightlifters, the rubber bottom is grippy, durable and just the right amount of flexible. You’ll come for the brilliant construction, but you’ll stay for the variety of color choices (including the option to design your own pair).
If you hopped on the ugly shoe trend, then you’re gonna love these. This throwback sneaker honors the 1987 Air Max sneaker. It’s supportive and cushiony, as you’d expect an Air Max shoe to be, but brings extra fashion oomph for stylish girls who don’t want to fully commit to a sporty sneaker. “These shoes are absolutely perfect,” one reviewer gushes. “They are vibrant, comfy and so pretty! I’ve gotten so many compliments on them!”
Versatile with a touch of retro, you get tennis-level luxury for an affordable price with the Killshot 2. The upper is made with buttery suede and smooth leather while the gum rubber sole adds a distinct finish. Buyers rave about the comfort, claiming you can walk for miles without any discomfort. Case in point: “Nike Killshot 2 is my favorite sneaker! Cute and comfortable. I love that it really looks like baseball stitching on the heel. I have two other pair of Killshots and wear them everywhere, all over the world. I have walked and hiked for hours in them without a blister or any discomfort,” a reviewer writes.
Where my competitive athletes at? The Vaporfly 3 is your high-powered performance shoe for race day. It’s not cheap, but if you came to win, you’re probably willing to spend a little extra. Reviewers who have clocked multiple races say this is *the* shoe for road runners looking to hit a personal best, highlighting the comfortable toe box, carbon-plated bottoms, and lightweight feel. As a bonus, bright colors mean you’ll be easy to spot on the course while you zoom toward the finish line.
Don’t just take my word for it: “This is an incredible shoe,” a reviewer shares. “It is easily one of the best racers in the market.”
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