Nike Air Force 1 30 | 7 Best Long Distance Nike Running Shoes in 2025

The Vomero 18 tops the Nike long-distance running category, and our feet wholeheartedly agree with its luxurious comfort and leg-saving cushioning. Lab tests show its midsole has maximum cushioning, offering protection for gruelling endurance runs, while its subtle stabilising components guarantee a safe ride.

We measured the stack height at a towering 42.5/28.6 mm, offering bottomless comfort for any foot striker. Moreover, it attains impressive shock absorption scores of 147 SA in the heel and 116 SA in the forefoot, proving it’s able to reduce the forces of landing better than average. Even after back-to-back runs, our legs didn’t feel too strained.

The midsole includes sidewalls to gently guide our foot alignment. Moreover, it features a broad base that secures our balance effectively. Our calliper confirms its generous dimensions with 116.6 mm in the forefoot and 96.5 mm in the heel.

However, Vomero 18 has a tapered toebox that may cause unwanted pressure on swollen or wide feet. Those who want to avoid blistering or discomfort should go for a more accommodating trainer.

Providing more than enough comfort and cushioning for miles and miles, plus responsiveness and breathability that's ready to take on high mileage—the Pegasus Premium beats all Nike long-distance running shoes we tested in and out of the lab in terms of shock absorption.

Pegasus Premium truly delivers luxurious comfort on all levels, from the upper to the midsole. We measured the stack at an above-average 42.8/31.0 mm, never running out of cushioning and avoiding that bruised feeling on the legs. We measured its ability to absorb shock, and both the heel and forefoot beat the average with 155 SA and 136 SA ratings.

Like the Pegasus on steroids, this Premium version also offers unmatched energy return. We measured the heel at 67.3% and the forefoot at an even greater 68.3%, confirming the energy rebound we truly enjoyed on the road. Its Air Zoom unit adds to its bouncy nature, too!

The knitted upper feels ultra-padded and offers extra comfort for long runs. Thankfully, it’s highly breathable, validated by its 5/5 ventilation score in the lab.

However, for all the comfort it offers, it is actually a whale on the scale at 10.9 oz (308g)—a whopping 16.2% above the average. Lighter shoes are available if weight is a concern.

The Vomero Plus is a blessing for endurance runners as it sustains lightning speed and lasting comfort in our runs. We discovered through our lab tests that its dreamy cushion oozes impact protection, balanced by an exceptionally responsive midsole. We believe it offers the best energy return among Nike’s long-distance shoes. Moreover, all these features are wrapped in a supportive package.

This racer can blaze through the miles, fueling us with boundless power and bewildering speed. Testing for its energy return, we recorded massive ratings of 67.1% in the heel and 68.8% in the forefoot, explaining why we could easily push the pace when we want to.

Its massive ZoomX foam gives a luxurious feel, effortlessly blending height and softness. It features an above-average stack height of 42.3/32.7 mm. We couldn’t resist checking for its shock absorption, impressing us with elite scores of 147/131 SA. It feels bouncy and protects our legs from harsh, long miles.

Vomero Plus goes the extra mile by offering confident strides. It does so by having tall sidewalls that contain excess lateral movement and featuring a broad landing platform. Our calliper verifies generous dimensions of 117.0/99.2 mm, helping us to find our footing securely.

However, the shoe’s plus size made it heavier than we’d like. At 10.2 oz (289g), it’s not the most agile shoe out there.

After four decades, the Pegasus line remains synonymous with everyday running, and the 41st version is no different. Post-testing in and out of the lab, the nike air max 270 flyknit grey continues to bring superior comfort, unmatched versatility, and next-level durability. As such, it’s our best daily trainer from Nike’s long-distance running lineup.

Comfort is a priority in the Pegasus 41, from top to bottom. Its thick and gusseted tongue and soft mesh upper are well-padded, serving as our haven for long hours. When we ran in these shoes, our feet felt fresh thanks to the well-ventilated upper, which our smoke test confirms with an impressive 4/5 breathability score—a rarity for dual-layer uppers.

Underfoot, the ReactX foam with two Air Zoom units kept the ride cushioned and bouncy. Our durometer confirms it’s 26.2% softer than average. Further boosting comfort for high mileage is the shoe’s fluid ride, since it feels less harsh on foot. Our bend test confirms Peg 41 is 34.0% more flexible than average.

The outsole sports the iconic waffle pattern from the 70s that’s both durable and grippy. Even after miles of hitting the pavement, it had no visible wear. At the lab, we verified it to be a tough 89.0 HC, confirming its longevity.

While the Pegasus 41 is reliable, it lacks the cushioning that other maximalists prefer, especially its below-average 22.2 mm forefoot.

After extensive running and lab assessments, the Structure 26 is our ultimate trailblazer among Nike’s long-distance running shoes. With a plush and protective ReactX midsole and its stable yet adaptive build, this trail shoe can handle the toughest and longest trails effortlessly.

Every landing is welcomed by a buttery foam, with stack heights reaching a well-balanced 36.1/26.0 mm. Its softness comes from its ability to reduce landing impact. Proven by a great shock absorption score of 132 SA in the heel, it makes long mileage more manageable for our muscles and joints.

Our arches are embraced by sidewalls that stabilise the midfoot and heel areas, ensuring solid footing through sudden changes in terrain. The midsole won’t easily surrender to ankle twists, backed up by its 4/5 torsional rigidity rating.

Thankfully, Structure 26 has room for flexing our feet. In our bend test, we confirmed it’s 9.2% more pliable than average, boosting its comfort for long hours of wear.

However, weighing 10.4 oz (296g), the Structure 26 may not suit runners seeking a lighter shoe for faster runs. Those prioritising speed may prefer alternatives.

Contrary to its name, the  Pegasus Plus is our best lightweight Nike long-distance running shoe. It shines in consistency, insane responsiveness, and agility—all in a streamlined and bendable package. It offers everything a fast runner needs for peak performance, with a classic race design that doesn’t need a thick stack.

The Pegasus Plus offers turbo speed and a nimble sensation, enhanced by its minimal build. Our scales show it’s only 8.6 oz (244g), making it 7.6% lighter than average. We found its midsole manoeuvrable, which adds to its effortless feel. In our bend test, it was found to be 30.9% more flexible than the average.

We’re in awe of the consistent energy this racer provides. It keeps our forward momentum strong with the ZoomX midsole. The shoe comes to life as we run faster, proven by massive energy return scores of 64.4% in the heel and 70.8% in the forefoot.

The responsiveness is impressive considering Pegasus Plus’ moderate stack height of 33.0/23.6 mm. It offers direct feedback and a reactive ride, which helps strengthen our foot muscles over time.

However, the upper is also streamlined, which leaves limited toebox room even for those with medium feet. If this is a dealbreaker, we advise searching for more accommodating shoes.

During our city-to-trail trips, the Pegasus Trail 5 impressed us with its reliability and versatility on mixed terrains. It has the grit and grip for rugged paths and the energy and comfort needed to sustain long miles. From top to bottom, its overall durability ensures it can survive several training blocks. Among lab-tested Nike long-distance running shoes, it’s our ultimate hybrid shoe.

Suitable for its purpose, the outsole features a hard 87.9 HC All Terrain Compound that barely had abrasions after significant mileage. Our Dremel further confirms its resistance to wear with only a minimal 0.8 mm dent during testing. We also found its 3.2 mm lug depth perfect for biting loose ground without feeling bulky on the streets.

The ride feels well-cushioned and dynamic thanks to the ReactX foam. Our durometer confirms it’s significantly softer than average by 51.1%, dampening landing impact and launching us like a spring during takeoff.

Even the upper feels soft to the touch and further analysis in the lab reveals a multi-layered mesh for additional protection against abrasion. True enough, our Dremel did not affect the upper, earning a well-deserved perfect score in durability. Unfortunately, ventilation was sacrificed. With a disappointing 2/5 mark, we can’t recommend this pair for summer trips.