Coolest Nike Shoes – Swoosh Life

Finding the best Nike shoes for women or men can take a lot of work. With 25 pairs of new Nike shoes being sold every second worldwide, it takes a lot of digging to find the freshest pair. Regardless of whether you think negatively or glowingly positive about the Beaverton behemoth, there’s no denying their impact on footwear, athletic apparel, and sports writ large. Whether you own a pair of Air Max 1s, one of the most popular and best Nike shoe ever, or just a straight pair of black or white Nike shoes, you know that when you slide them on your feet, you’re tapping into a whole movement, driven by a pursuit of athletic excellence.

You’ve probably owned a handful of new Nike shoes by now; maybe you’re living that swoosh life right this second. But perhaps it’s time to find some shoes for running, or you just want a pair of their more famous lines like the Air Force 1. But it’s time to re-up your sneaker style, and you’ve gone searching internet-wide for the right new Nike shoes to cop. Look no further friend, we’ve scoured the sprawling landscape that is Amazon and found a top list of footwear for you; here’s our list of the coolest Nike Shoes.

The Best Nike Shoe

Nike Men’s Revolution 5 Running Shoe (BEST CHOICE)

If you are looking for a great-looking entry-level running shoe, Nike offers the Revolution 5 in 15 different colorways. Made with soft foam to ensure you’re comfortable on longer runs, the Revolution 5 is made mostly for hard surfaces but could work as a trail runner as well. Featuring a number of Nike’s more expensive features like Epic React Foam, the Revolution 5 has the appearance of their more expensive shoes, without the price tag.

With a rubber outsole and a foam inner, and minimal drop (heel height compared to toe), these black Nike shoes are on the cushier end of the spectrum. If you’re looking for a great entry-level shoe that you can wear with casual attire, these are a great choice.

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Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV Cross Shoe

The absolute dad shoe has to be on our list. The Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV Cross Trainers have been cushioning the sweaty feet of fathers since the mid-90s. Believe it or not, Nike looked to fast food restaurants for inspiration, researched the footwear of adult males at theme parks, and ultimately designed a shoe that they felt was perfect for a midwestern dad to relax in after a long day of work.

These days, Monarchs are worn (somewhat in jest) by 20-something hipsters who secretly love their comfort and versatility. Whether you’re a young trendsetter or want to kick your feet up at the end of a long workday, these Nike shoes for men will serve you well.

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Nike Men’s Air Max Torch 4 Running Shoe

Released all the way back in 2015, the Nike Men’s Air Max Torch is a running shoe that hasn’t hit its stride in popular culture but packs a lot of the desired features of more well-known lines. Nike chose breathable mesh and synthetic material for the upper portion of the Air Max Torch 4. These shoes are suitable for casual occasions, gym training, light running, and walking, but are probably not the move for long-distance running. The midsole of this striking sneaker features Phylon through the forefoot. Below the shoe is a durable 1000 carbon rubber outsole that runs the length of the shoe.

While they may be part of a lesser-known Nike line, the Air Max Torch 4s pack a lot of value.

For some comfortable footwear for long days at work, check out our selection of the best sneakers for the office.

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Nike Men’s Flex Experience Run 8 Shoe

Nike’s Free and Flex lines are often confused for one another. The Free lineup is about as minimalist as it gets in a running shoe, where the Flex includes a bit of padding to protect your feet from the elements. The Flex Experience Run 8 is one of the most popular Nike shoes, especially for those just getting into the running game.

With nine different color options, Flex material throughout, and a super-cushy sole, these shoes are as great in a casual setting as they are logging miles on the road.

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Nike Men’s Tanjun Shoe

The Nike Men’s Tanjun Shoe is an affordable pair of sneakers that are great for many different occasions. With 39 different color variations, there’s an endless supply of options to ensure that you can meet the style requirements of any occasion. The Tanjun’s foam-injected midsole provides a cushy foundation for longer runs or just kicking around the gym waiting for the guy who’s doing curls in the squat rack to finish up.

If an entry-level sneaker that can perform as a gym shoe is what you’re after, the Nike Men’s Tanjun will do the trick!

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Nike Men’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoe

The Nike Men’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36 is the most up to date version of Nike’s most popular running shoe. As its fans call it, the “Peg 36” is meant to be fast and streamlined, and the newest design meets that goal. The entire shoe is made out of a single mesh bootie. This design keeps the tongue from sliding around while you’re logging the miles. One big advantage of the Pegasus is the use of their “Flywire” technology, which links all the lace ports together and allows you to tighten the shoe as much as possible without pulling the foot too far forward.

While the Pegasus 36 is among the best Nike shoes for running, they are incredibly versatile, and in 22 color options, you can grab a pair for runs and a pair for casual occasions.

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Nike Men’s Revolution 4 Running Shoe

If you’re looking for a great, entry-level Nike sneaker, Revolution 4 Running Shoe is an awesome option if you want to live the Swoosh Life but lack the big budget. The foam-injected soles of the Revolution are adequate for short-distance running, weightlifting, and great for casual occasions. There’s little doubt that there are better runners out there or more stylish footwear, but the Revolution is an affordable and effective running shoe under $100.

If your foot is on the wider side, the Nike Men’s Revolution also comes in a wide option. The toe box on this particular model is said to be fairly wide on the regular, so make sure to measure your foot before ordering.

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Nike Men’s Air Max 200 Shoe

The Nike Air Max are some of the Beaverton-based shoe companies’ most storied sneakers. Since the introduction of the Air Max in 1987, there have been 10 generations of this category-smashing shoe. Rumored to give you an inch or more on your vertical, take a tenth of a second off your 40-yard dash, and add a few wheels to your bench press, these shoes are legendary. The Air Max 200 is one of their latest iterations with 200% more air in the heel unit. While we have not independently tested and verified the claim, we are fairly certain they will improve your street cred by at least two-fold.

With 32 color styles to choose from, you’ll have no problem finding a pair for the gym and a pair for a night out on the town.

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Nike Men’s Free RN Flyknit Running Shoe

One of the most popular running shoes Nike has ever invented is the Free. This super-minimalist sneaker is light as a feather, keeps your feet cool, and looks amazing while doing it. The upper portion of the shoe’s woven fabric comprises one continuous piece of synthetic material. The laces loop through ports woven together to ensure that no matter how hard you crank down on them, they don’t create undue tension elsewhere in the shoe.

Wearing Nike Men’s Free RN Flyknit Running Shoe is like a pillow descended from heaven has wrapped your sole in cushy white foam. They are great for short-to-medium distance runs and make a great casual sneaker for summer as well.

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Nike Men’s Air Ring Leader Low Basketball Shoe

If your hoop game needs a refresh, but you don’t want to spend the time on the court, maybe it is time to change up your sneakers? The Nike Men’s Air Ring Leader Low Basketball Shoe is the perfect thing to class up your court ensemble without having to spend a fortune. These kicks feature an outrigger design that flanks the outside of the ball of your foot with stabilizers to ensure that you don’t roll an ankle while driving to the hole.

The Ring Leader only comes in two colorways, grey and dark grey, but the good news is that color matches nearly all clothing options, so no stress if you want to switch up your jersey from game to game.

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Nike Men’s Low-Top Shoe

With close to a dozen Air Max lines introduced in the last thirty years, it can be hard to keep track of all of the iterations, colorways, and significance of each line. These Nike Men’s Low Top Shoes are one of the favorites amongst the streetwear set. With a slightly higher heel drop than the traditional Air Max, these LTDs put you in a more active stance, ready for anything. Cushlon soles keep your feet insulated from the elements but give enough feedback to ensure you can feel the surface you’re cruising across.

If you’re looking for a shoe that looks as good on the court as in the street, these famous Nike shoes are a great choice, no matter the occasion.

Our guide to the top basketball shoes features more quality sneakers for active men. Check them out.

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Nike Men’s Mid Air Force 1 Shoe

There is no more iconic streetwear sneaker than Nike’s Air Force 1. If you want the credentials on that claim, go to YouTube and search for “Classic (Nike Air Force 1 remix)” and listen to Kanye West, Nas, KRS-One, Rakim, and DJ Premier bring the heat on a never-released track about the original hustler’s shoe.

Though you might find these in the street, you can wear them in the gym, but don’t you dare run in them. Buy these if you’re looking to flex in casual situations or a weight shack.

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Nike Men’s Shox NZ Running Shoe

If you weren’t wearing Shox NZ Running Shoes in the early 2000s, were you even running fast? These Pebax dispersion plate-sporting sneakers were the gold standard for athletes at that time, and lucky for you, they are still available today. With eight colors to choose from and all of the historical chutzpah of Usain Bolt in his prime, these shoes are a major flex.

If you’re looking for something as capable in the gym as on the street, you might have found your next pair of classic sneakers. Moreover, if you are a heel striker and want to log extra miles on the pavement, the Shox’s cushy outsole is probably your best bet in safeguarding your back foot if you want to up your miles.

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Nike Men’s Air Mavin Low Basketball Shoe

If you are looking for a value-focused basketball shoe, look no further than the Nike Men’s Air Mavin Low. These low-top sneakers are a super-rigid shoe ready for the hardcourt, gym, or casual environment. With a near-zero heel drop and a foam sole, you can be sure that these shoes are as comfortable as they are aggressive.

Knowing their basketball audience well, Nike widely released these shoes in larger sizes (up to a men’s 14) to mitigate their buyer’s need to go to a specialty shoe store. So if you’ve got abnormally big feet and have hoop dreams, these sneaks are for you.

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Nike Men’s Air Vapormax 3.0 Flyknit Running Shoe

Nike originally pitched the Men’s Air Vapormax 3.0 Flyknit Running Shoe as “gravity defying.” At only 9.2 ounces (US 10 Men’s), it wouldn’t be hard to argue that these are very lightweight running shoes, capable of propelling you down the streets and alleyways on their lightness alone. However, in reality, you’re going to have to put the power down while the Vapormax shields you from the rocks and debris below.

Designed for paved roads, sidewalks, and light trail running, the Air Vapormax is a great activewear shoe and could also fit certain social occasions. Wear them to a party where you think there’s a chance someone will challenge you to a foot race.

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Nike Shoe Buying Guide & FAQ

Features to Look for in Nike Shoes

Color – Nike has released a lot of custom colorways over the years. They have played a large role in the customization market and have driven the sneaker business further towards iconoclasm than any other brand. There will always be conventional color options like pure white, black, and greys. But Nike has been known to mix and max color pallets that seemingly do not belong together, only to start a trend in pallet mixing that sticks for ages.

Comfort – Since its inception, Nike has focused rabidly on sole technology, which, in large part, is the thing that makes your shoe so comfortable. Since co-founder Bill Bowerman’s Waffle Sole, Nike has searched far and wide for a footbed that keeps the pavement at bay and the wearer’s foot happy and healthy. There are few Nike shoes on the market widely regarded as uncomfortable these days, though if you were to strap on the first version in 1972, you might be glad to be living with modern footwear.

Cushioning – There’s a long and growing list of technology that Nike has invented to separate the bottom of your feet from the ground upon which they step. Nike Air is essentially any shoe that integrates an air pocket into the sole as a cushioning function as well as a force multiplier. The air might be their most famous invention, but many modern running shoes feature a wide variety of foam soles that cushion, protect, and aid in a runner’s gate. Nike is an innovator and leader in the world of sole technology.

Arch support – Nike shoes set the basic standard for arch support, meaning that they tend to be the middle ground for arch rise. Most of their footwear would neither be categorized as having a high nor a low arch. So if you are prone to plantar fasciitis or other foot ailments that result in a poorly fitting arch, custom inserts may be the way to go.

Waterproofness – Though Nike sells several shoes designed for inclement weather, none on this list will block you from a heavy downpour. All of the shoes on our list here will block out basic weather events, so if a little jog in the rain is what you’re after, you’re probably safe.

Breathability – The pack leader in knit technology, Nike features numerous woven-upper shoes that offer incredible breathability. If you have hot feet, take a closer look at their Free and Flex lines for great airflow.

Material – Nike shoes come in nearly all forms of material. From proprietary foam to nubuck leather, all the way to plastic, they utilize whatever material it takes to get the job done. If you have a particular proclivity to one type of material, there’s probably a Nike shoe for you.

Durability – How you treat your freshest Nike shoes will determine how long they last. One of the best ways to keep your Nikes in good shape is to use them for their intended purpose. A pair of Nike Frees, a minimalist running and fitness shoe, wouldn’t last long if you insisted on a 20-mile hike through Rocky Mountain National Park, so pick your shoes and activities wisely!

Nike Shoe FAQ

What are the best Nike shoes for everyday wear?

The best Nike shoes for everyday wear are, of course, the ones you feel comfortable in and match the style you’re after. If it were up to us, everyone would own a pair of Nike Air Max 95s and some Nike Frees.

How should I clean my Nike shoes?

Simple soap and water is the best move for cleaning your shoes. If you add a few drops of Dawn to a bowl and some hot water, dab the end of a dishcloth into the sudsy mixture and wipe down your sneakers. If this doesn’t do the trick, you may need to throw them in the wash on gentle, but this is the last resort as they won’t last long with this kind of treatment.

Can I customize my Nike shoes?

Nike has an incredible Custom program on their website. Most of the popular Nikes are up for customization. Some people even go as far as painting their favorite shoes in their house for a look that no one else has.

What is the rarest Nike shoe?

The most coveted and maybe the best Nike shoe of all time has to be the 1972 “Moon Shoe” that Nike created for track and field. This revolutionary sneaker was inspired by a waffle iron, which later became the staple design of their sneaker sole. Only 12 of them were made, and eventually, in 2019, one of the last remaining pairs was sold for $437,500 at an auction to Miles Nadal.

Sources:

History of Nike – Britannica

14 Things You Might Not Know About Nike – Mentalfloss