Whether you are simply getting started to hit serious miles for your first race or preparing for the upcoming tenth marathon, you bank on your shoes to achieve your goals. The best shoes to help you achieve your running goals should be comfortable, protective, and durable, and Nike’s shoes tick the boxes in all the traits.
However, there is one challenge when selecting running shoes for women; they have a long list of shoes in the market. To help you identify the best Nike running shoes for women, we picked the best models that the company has to offer and reviewed them. Keep reading to find out the best one for yourself.
Table of Contents
Here Are The Best Nike Running Shoes For Women:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Nike Women's Epic Phantom React Flyknit Running Shoes |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Nike Women's Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoes |  |
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| 3. Nike Vaporfly 4% Flyknit Women Running Shoes |  |
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| 4. Nike Air Zoom Winflo 6 Women’s |  |
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| 5. Nike Women's Downshifter 9 Running Shoe |  |
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| 6. Nike Free TR 8 |  |
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| 7. Nike Air Zoom Wildhorse 5 Women’s Running Shoe |  |
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1. Nike Women’s Epic Phantom React Flyknit Running Shoes — Best Nike Women’s Running Shoes
Our first pick in this list is this Epic Phantom React Flyknit running shoe, a premium model that has won praise from runners and experts all over the globe. The shoe is designed with top-of-the-range features from Nike and you can count on them for super comfort and better performance.
The shoe is designed with a reactive insole that helps to cushion your feet from impact when running. The insole takes the shape of your foot to provide maximum support and stability. When we tested it, it felt like one was running on a wave – so comfortable and enjoyable to use.
Another incredibly awesome thing about this particular shoe is that it uses a rubber outsole that provides a firm grip to the surface and also helps to stabilize your steps. The shoe also uses a stabilizing heel clip that makes landing with the heel and taking off with the forefoot fast. With this shoe, you can only expect running faster and breaking your own record.
Specs
- Weight: 175 grams
- Drop: 7.6 mm
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Super light
- Designed with a meshed top for better breathability
- Excellent cushioning for enhanced protection from impact
- Designed to enhance your stability when running
- Helps runners to run faster
- Durable
Cons
- Does not have laces
- Not good for running on slippery trails
2. Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoes – Runner Up
This Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36 is one of the best shoe pieces that Nike has ever had. The shoe is designed with a versatile cushioning that makes it easy for you to run faster. The cushioning is also awesome for a wide range of runs, from running on the treadmill to long runs on the streets.
The most notable feature of the shoe is the Cushlon ST foam that provides highly responsive cushioning when running. When running, the foam provides a springy feel that helps make the transitions from the heel to the toe easy and fast.
To further enhance the stability of the shoe, Nike designed it with a strong rubber outsole. Additionally, the outsole has many lugs that help to enhance your grip when running. Another feature that contributes to the shoe’s stability is the top. Nike designed the upper section with meshed material that firmly holds the feet well and keeps them well-aerated.
Specs
- Weight: 226 grams
- Drop: 10mm
- Outsole: rubber
Pros
- Available in 25 different colors
- Designed with highly effective cushioning
- Rubber outsole and dynamic lugs for a firmer grip on different surfaces
- Can be used for both indoor and trail running
- A meshed top to keep your foot aerated when running
- Durable
Cons
- The toe box is narrow
3. Nike Vaporfly 4% Flyknit Women Running Shoes
You will agree with us that there are times, such as competing in tough marathons, when the standard levels of cushioning will not make the cut. In such situations, you need to be smart and go for shoes with the latest technology to help you run faster, and this Nike Vaporfly 4% Flyknit is one of the top options. Athletes who have used the shoe come back with great stories such as breaking work, regional or personal records.
The shoe rocks a Flyknit constructed upper that helps to make the shoe more breathable and lightweight. Furthermore, the top hugs the foot firmly and softly so that the shoe feels part of your body when running. We liked the plush feeling that makes one feel to continue running even after completing the training.
The midsole of the shoe is designed with foam to help cushion and protect your foot. The shoe’s midsole works with the full-length carbon fiber plates that make you feel like you are being propelled forward. The overall effect is that you will be able to run faster and reach the finishing line faster.
Specs
- Weight: 195 grams
- Drop: 11mm
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Available in four different colors
- Uses Flyknit constructed top for enhanced breathability
- Internal heel design helps to secure the back of the foot
- Strong and durable
- Tough outsole
Cons
- Not effective for running on the trails
4. Nike Air Zoom Winflo 6 Women’s
If you are looking for a great Nike running shoe on a budget, Nike Air Zoom Winflo 6 Women is one of the best options. The shoes are designed to make you feel like you are floating on air and, therefore, reaching the targeted destination fast. This was a great surprise because it is designed with top-of-the-range features that would make it fit a higher price tag.
The shoe is designed with two zoom air units in the heel and forefoot to provide the cushioning that you want. The air units work with a springy midsole cushioning to help push you forward, implying that you are able to run faster and complete the race ahead of competitors.
When Nike designed the shoe, designers knew that you might need to run through the wet trails at some point. Therefore, it features water-repellent materials to help keep your feet dry even when running on wet surfaces. Even the seams used on the shoe are waterproof.
Specs
- Weight: 267 grams
- Drop: 10 mm
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Available in 25 colors
- Designed with 11 zoom air units for a responsive and stable feeling underfoot
- Lightweight construction
- A meshed top for enhanced breathability
- The midsole works like a spring to help propel you forward
- Affordable
Cons
- The toe box is small
5. Nike Women’s Downshifter 9 Running Shoe
If you are joining the world of running, want to do occasional jogs, or need to run regularly for fitness purposes, a basic running shoe might be all that you need. This Nike Women’s Downshifter 9 Running shoe is one of the basic designs from Nike – no fancy inserts or midsole. With this simplicity, the shoe is also priced affordably.
Downshifter is designed with a comfortable fit to provide your foot with enough support and stability. The shoe features an open meshed top that makes it breathable to keep you comfortable when running.
Furthermore, it is designed with an articulated and full-length phylon midsole that provides flexible and resilient cushioning. While it’s designed as a basic model, we must indicate that the cushioning was really awesome. Once you put on the shoe, the cushioning feels like you are wearing a high-end model.
Specs
- Weight: 232.2 grams
- Drop: 10mm
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Designed with a meshed top for better support and high-value for money
- Good cushioning helps to provide quality support and protection
- The midsole has a springy appearance to help you run faster
- Lightweight construction
- Great for running on the pavement
- Sold affordably
Cons
- Less effective for running on wet surfaces
6. Nike Free TR 8
If you want to be a great runner, everything has to start with enough training, and that is why Nike designed this Free TR 8. It is one of the high-end shoe models designed to help you develop speed and achieve other running goals.
The shoe uses a patented design aimed to provide you a reliable piece to work from any place, be it inside a gym or out in the streets. The insole molds to your feet’ shape and absorbs the bulk of the shock and impact when running. Furthermore, it makes translation from the heel-strike to the fore-foot take off fast.
To make it easy for you to run faster, it rocks a lightweight construction. Nike used a combination of synthetic and natural materials in the top section to make the shoe light. So, whether you are working on the treadmill or running on the pavement, you can run for an extended period.
Specs
- Weight: 226 grams
- Drop: 8mm
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Designed for workout and pavement running
- Lightweight construction
- Soft interior mesh for maximum support when running
- A meshed top provided good air circulation
- A great piece to help you combine style and functionality
- Affordable
Cons
- The outsole is not durable
7. Nike Air Zoom Wildhorse 5 Women’s Running Shoe
Like the name suggests, the Nike Air Zoom Wildhorse 5 is a shoe designed to help run faster, like a horse. The shoe is designed to provide top protection to your feet and help you run faster on the trails. The sturdy yet light construction has made the shoe very popular for both new and old trail runners.
The midsole of the shoe is designed with a rock plate that acts as a shield for your foot. This implies that even if you are running in a trail with a lot of debris, you can maintain focus on optimizing speed. Furthermore, the Zoom Air heel unit helps to cushion the stride, ensuring you enjoy a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
Another unique feature is the multi-layer meshed top that helps to keep your feet well aerated when running. The layered mesh also wraps well around your foot to give you a plush feeling when running in the trail.
Specs
- Weight: 283 grams
- Drop: 8mm
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Eva midsole offers excellent shock absorption
- Designed with rock plate that helps to shield the foot
- A multi-mesh layer helps to enhance breathability and strength
- Tough grippy outsole lugs for better grip and mud shedding
- Designed to last
- Available in four different colors
Cons
- Expensive
Buying Guide
For years, Nike has made a name for designing top-rated shoes that runners can use to run faster or train for longer to achieve their goals. After looking at the best Nike running shoes for women in the above review, there is no denying that not only do you have an idea of what shoe to go for, but also the phenomenal features that make each of the above shoes unique.
That’s awesome, right? With that said, if for some reason you are yet to identify the piece that will help you achieve your running goals, we have prepared this guide to provide additional insights on Nike shoes and help you know the specific things to look for.
Understanding Nike Shoe Technologies
Nike is one footwear brand that puts much effort into discovering the best technologies that can help their runners achieve their goals fast. When selecting Nike running shoes for ladies, you should be on the lookout for these technologies to enjoy better performance. Here are some of them:
Flyknit
This is a specially woven fabric that is used to design the upper section of the shoe. Nike used Flyknit to strengthen the shoes and breathability. Flyknit is also environmentally friendly because it uses 60% less waste compared to the traditionally made shoe tops.
VaporWave
This is another incredible technology used on the upper part of most Nike shoes. It is an engineered and woven mesh, but rocks a smooth-plastic-like feel. The technology is mainly used for designing trail running shoes because it does not absorb water.
React Foam
React foam is a type of synthetic rubber that is mainly used for enhanced cushioning. It is lightweight, resistant to temperature, and durable. Although react does not have sink-ink softness, it rocks a unique and rubbery feel with a spring feel.
The Flyplate
This is a light carbon-fiber that is designed to give a snappy sensation with every step. The technology provides a propulsive feeling when running to help you increase your pace.
Cushlon
This is another material mainly used in the midsole to help cushion the feet from shock. It is made by mixing Phylon and rubber additives to create a more responsive and lightweight material.
Things To Look For When Selecting Nike Running Shoes For Women
Now that you are up to speed with the technologies used in Nike’s running shoes, it is time to pick the perfect piece for yourself. So, what are the main things to look for? Worry not because we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Good Cushioning
When running out there, whether for fitness training or competitions, the Nike shoe you select should have good cushioning to help protect your feet. A well-cushioned shoe should easily conform to the shape of your foot and absorb the impact as you run.
A Perfect Fit
Another thing that you must get right when buying Nike running shoes is size. If the shoes you select are small, there is a risk of suffering from deformed bones. However, too large shoes are likely to bog you down and make it difficult for you to run effectively.
To note the ideal shoe size, make sure to measure your feet when placing an order. Remember to add some allowance on the measurement because human feet expand when running. If you are unsure of the right allowance to add, consider measuring or buying the shoe in the evening when your legs will have expanded significantly.
Good Traction
To run effectively, you need to have good stability and traction. For good stability, you should look for shoes designed with a good outsole, insole, and top. If you will be running on the trails, the shoes you select should also have bigger and strong lugs or treads to shred mud and allow you to run even when the surface is wet.
Final Thoughts
Nike, one of the most trusted brands in the sportswear niche, has been working hard to improve the quality of its shoes and technologies used to design them for many years. We liked their commitment to research and a wide range of top-rated shoes on the market.
If you want to get more from running, whether it is in competitive athletics or for fitness purposes, the best Nike running shoes for women we have reviewed above will surely not disappoint.
While we vouch for all the seven Nike running shoes for women in our review above (they are remarkable in every way), the Nike Women’s Epic Phantom React Flyknit Running Shoes stood taller than the rest. The shoes are designed using the latest Nike technologies, and you can trust them to make running more enjoyable and satisfying!
