The 11 Best Nike Shoes to Buy in 2024, According to Fitness Trainers and Style 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.

Off the court, the Killshot 2 is one of our favorite casual shoes for everyday wear. Born from a partnership between J. Crew and Nike, the shoe’s preppy aesthetic is fresh, clean and incredibly easy to style 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.

Aside from its undeniable cool factor, there’s so much to love about this iconic shoe. For starters, the Killshot 2 is versatile enough to pair with your favorite grey sweatshirt or a tailored navy suit. It’s also super affordable, so you could grab a couple different colorways. We first wore them during a stroll in the park and didn’t experience any real break-in period. More than anything, it’s one of the most comfortable shoes that we’ve ever tested.

These perennially Nikes shoes changed the footwear industry when originally released in 1985. Today, they're still the number one pick for sneakerheads as well as 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.

The latest generation of Nike’s much-loved VaporMax (the aptly named VaporMax Plus) builds on all the best features of its predecessor: Rock solid support, ultra-responsive cushioning, and a featherweight design. Inspired by beach life, the shoe’s arch resembles a whale’s tail to add structure, while the iconic ocean wavy pattern covers the upper

It’s true they’re bouncy, but with a smooth ride. We especially love the addition of an extra Air technology to the heel for even more comfort. Another bonus: this model is designed with reflective details for nighttime visibility as you’re biking or running.

With ultra-clean good looks, the Air Force 1 ‘07 remains one of our favorite Nike shoes for men. These original court-ready kicks are still fresh with the same stitched overlays for extra durability. Our style editors love them 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 were spotted pairing them with bold looks for their tunnel-walks.

For the road runner who values comfort above all else (and is that pretty much all of us?), there’s the Nike Invincible 3. These sneaks are built for the long run with the brand’s highest cushioning for maximum underfoot comfort, mile after mile. They provide 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 them—conquering a 10K run—and felt little to no discomfort after crossing the line. After all, you’d want something that feels like you walking on a marshmallowy surface.

When a pair of high-tops is a little too aggressive for your everyday look, the Air Jordan 1 Low keeps things clean, fresh, and simple. The latest generation pulls heavy inspiration from the original AJ1’s of the mid-80s but with subtle modern updates to bring it into the new millennium.

Talk about a throwback. Nike’s Blazer Mid ‘77 Vintage harkens back to the 70s and a time when the brand wasn’t a household name (yet). These vintage men’s high-tops have hardly changed at all in the more than four decades since the first prototypes debuted on the disco-era basketball scene.

If you’re looking for the classic, timeless Nike high-top, this is it. 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 vintage-style silhouette is made with leather uppers, so they can take a beating—no matter how hard you crush it on the court.

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

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 assist in proper foot flexion and prevent injury. We love the fresh and bold approach to the new design, which is much more fun and playful than previous iterations.

If vintage isn’t your thing, Nike’s Air Max 270 delivers a modern aesthetic that’s bright, crisp, and athletic but with a dash of streetwear-friendly style. They show off the brand’s best footwear innovations with one of the largest heel windows to date, all available in a wide variety of colors.

The Nike Pegasus has been a staple among runners for years. It’s among the brand’s lightest-weight models, and this year’s Pegasus 39 is the lightest ever. Overall weight drops by nearly an ounce (for the men’s version), while maintaining the same comfort and quality the model is known for. We especially love the addition of an extra Air Zoom pod to the heel for even more cushioning.