The 9 Best Nike Shoes to Buy in 2024, Tested by Style and Fitness Editors

Strong yet flexible, the Nike Metcon Free 4 is built to help you squeeze every ounce of performance from your training program. Extra support in the heel and at the midfoot adds balance and stability while you power through sets, while its next-gen chain-link mesh keeps you cool through even the most intense agility drills.

During our testing, we found that this top-selling model works best for those intense workouts. Think: Crossfit, heavy lifts, etc. With a Huarache-inspired strap, these shoes offer a locked-in fit and provide all-around comfort for whatever you’re getting into—be it cardio or squats.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Metcon is lightweight, so you don’t feel weighed down as you’re getting it in. We don’t suggest this style for long-distance running, but it does feature a soft foam core and wide heel that lends extra cushion and keeps your feet well-planted for weight lifting.

Read More: Best Cross Training Shoes

Off the court, the Killshot 2 is one of our favorite casual shoes. Born from a partnership between J. Crew and Nike, the shoe’s preppy aesthetic is fresh, clean and incredibly easy to match with a lot of fits. In terms of craftsmanship, the classic silhouette is designed with smooth leather detailing and suede accents, which dresses up the sneaker.

Our love for the Killshot 2 runs deep. Firstly, its style range allows you to pair it easily with your favorite gray sweatsuit or a fine navy suit. The shoe is relatively budget-friendly for a Nike sneaker, so you could grab a couple different colorways without breaking the bank. More than anything, it’s very comfortable, thanks to its ample cushioning, a supportive midsole, breathable materials, and a well-engineered outsole. We’ve worn this during our office commutes and didn’t experience any real break-in period.

This iconic shoe changed the footwear industry when originally released in 1985. Today, it’s still a go-to pick for sneakerheads and guys with great taste. With a fair amount of colorways available, you can choose one that has its own identity and suits your personal style.

Whether you’re playing basketball or hitting the town, the Air Jordan 1 Mid is going to serve you well. Not to mention, it’s an affordable alternative to the high-top retro models that are hiked up in price. Above everything else, we appreciate that the mid- and outsoles offer lightweight comfort and durable traction.

Read more: Best Jordan Sneakers

Unlike traditional running shoes that feature foam midsoles, the latest generation of Nike’s Air VaporMax Plus has a cushioning system made entirely of Air pods. They’re strategically placed throughout the sole of the shoe to provide responsive cushioning and support underfoot. In other words, this design offers greater flexibility along with a bouncy sensation for runners ready to hit the curb.

Despite its thick build, this shoe has a lightweight feel to them. We’ve taken it for a test run on the treadmill and found it delivers excellent energy return. Our feet felt secure and stable throughout as we sprinted. Aside from its performance, we love the iconic ocean wavy pattern on the upper, which is inspired by palm trees swaying in the breeze.

Read more: Most Cushioned Running Shoes

With ultra-clean good looks, the Air Force 1 ‘07 remains one of our favorite Nike shoes for men. This original court-ready kick is still fresh with the same stitched overlays for extra durability. Our style editors love the Air Force 1 in either of the two off-the-shelf colors (white or blacked-out), but you can also opt to design your own with any number of infinite color combinations.

We’re suckers for a blank canvas shoe, especially one with so much styling potential. With the crisp white, you can go all the way casual with a flannel and jeans or almost formal with a relaxed suit and sweater. Not to mention, it’s easy to look as fly as your favorite athlete, given that Lebron James and Dwayne Wade have paired this with bold looks for their tunnel-walks into the arena.

For the road runner who values comfort above all else (and isn’t that pretty much all of us?), there’s the Nike Invincible 3. This sneak is built for the long run with the brand’s highest cushioning for maximum underfoot comfort, mile after mile. It provides excellent bounce with extraordinary “springiness” that helps to keep you moving forward.

If you want to tackle a marathon without feeling the brunt of your run, this shoe is your best bet. Our fitness editors have gone the distance in it—conquering a 10K run—and felt little to no discomfort after crossing the line. Ultimately, you’d want something that feels like you’re walking on a marshmallowy surface.

Read more: Best Nike Running Shoes

When a pair of high-top kicks are a little too aggressive for your everyday look, a low-cut design offers more flexibility and mobility for casual wear. Fitting true to size, this style comes with a narrow toe box and padding around the ankle and tongue for extra comfort.

If you want to put your best foot forward and catch everyone’s attention—like Hollywood A-listers, Michael B. Jordan and Timothée Chamalet—this silhouette will suit you well. Although the highly-coveted shoe is not our first choice for long-distance paths due to its firm sole, it will earn you style points at social events or around the office. It matches nicely with a pair of jeans and sweater or a hoodie and sweatpants.

If you’re looking for the classic, timeless Nike high-top, this is it. The Blazer pays homage to the 1970s, while maintaining its sturdy construction featuring a durable sole, full leather uppers, and a delicate mesh tongue. And after being selected as a creative canvas for fresh iterations by designers such as Sacai and the late Virgil Abloh, it’s safe to say this shoe still has its star power.

We’ve worn these to shoot some hoops and grab drinks at the beer hall, which is a testament to their versatile wear. What’s also great is the retro-inspired silhouette is made with leather uppers, so they can take a beating—no matter how hard you crush it in the gym or on the court.

Arriving in a futuristic profile, the Air Max Dn shows off the brand’s best footwear innovations: air technology that shifts through the heel, so every step is more comfortable than the last. In other words, this pair is great to throw on for your morning or evening strolls.

Our fitness director considers it one of the most comfortable Nike shoes, thanks to its dual-pressure tubes that make you feel like you’re walking on air. Plus, the upper is anchored by a TPU shank clip—material that assists in proper foot flexion and prevents any possible injury. Style-wise, you can experiment with this shoe a bit. If you’re going for a casual look, it looks great with joggers or jeans and a graphic tee or hoodie. And for a classier vibe, dress it up with a button-down shirt and trousers.