The 11 best Nike running shoes for speed training, jogging, and more

The Nike swoosh can be found on a variety of shoes, from trail shoes to marathon shoes. Although we all love variety, for runners it can be difficult to find the perfect footwear. Experts helped us narrow down the top Nike running shoes to suit a variety of training needs. Here’s what to look for in your next pair.

Nike shoes for everyday training

Whether you’re getting ready for a 5K, logging an easy run, or just trying to increase your mileage, these are the sneakers you’ll reach for again and again. Daily trainers should be versatile and provide enough comfort and support to get you through your daily miles.

On that note, look for daily training sneakers with ample ankle support (usually in the form of additional padding around the heel collar) and a slightly wider base if you want more stability (a shoe with a larger landing area should help prevent your foot from rolling), Jossie Abraham, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at Hartford HealthCare Connecticut Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut, tells SELF. You can choose stability or motion control shoes if you are aware that your feet roll inwards or tend to overpronate. These shoes will help to keep your foot aligned and stop this movement. Neutral shoes, on the other hand, don’t feature additional support and allow your foot to move freely.

You may want a more specialized style of shoe if you’re planning to run a marathon, try to set a race PR, or take your miles on technical terrain. If you’re only going to use one pair, you should find a pair that fits these general criteria.

Nike shoes for trail running

Trail running shoes aren’t just designed for agility and pace—they should also come with features that’ll keep you safe when you go off-road. Dr. Abraham suggests pairs that have lots of traction on the outsoles to prevent slipping and deep lugs for gripping loose terrain. You can also look for shoes with waterproof and high-abrasion materials to provide additional durability and protection against the elements. A secure fit is important for trail runners because they may have to move quickly or sideways to avoid rocks and roots.

Nike shoes for speed and distance

Whether you’re adding speed training to your running routine or aiming for a PR in your next road race, a pair of specialized shoes can be a worthwhile investment. Lighter-weight sneakers made with responsive, bouncy foam will put some pep in your step when you’re going for higher speeds, Dr. Abraham says. She says that sneakers with a rocker, curved sole will propel you forward more easily. Nike is the best in this category, offering models for both long-distance road races and shorter sprints.