Honest Review of Every Nike Running Shoe (2025 Line Up)

This video takes a deep dive into Nike's 2025 running shoe lineup, reviewing and comparing key models like the Pegasus 41, Vomero 18, Zoom Fly 6, Invincible 3, Streakfly 2, Vaporfly 4, and Alphafly 3. The aim is to help runners choose the right shoe for their needs, whether for daily training, speed work, or racing, by breaking down each shoe's purpose, comfort, weight, value, and performance.

Nike Pegasus 41: The Dependable Daily Driver

The Pegasus 41 is presented as Nike's classic daily trainer, suitable for all types of runs and runners. It costs £130, has a stack height of 37mm at the heel with a 10mm drop, and weighs 347g (UK size 12). It features React X foam with two Air Zoom pods at the front, but no plate. While dependable and durable, it's considered a bit dated for its price point, with better foam options available elsewhere.

Nike Pegasus Plus: A Step Up for Serious Runners

For those looking to take their running more seriously, the Pegasus Plus is recommended. Priced at £165, it offers a more responsive feel with a full ZoomX midsole and no plate. It has a 36mm stack height and a 10mm drop, weighing 313g. This shoe is praised for its versatility, handling recovery runs, easy runs, tempo, and even races. However, it's noted as being on the firmer side and a bit pricey for a non-plated shoe.

Nike Pegasus Premium: A Lifestyle Option

The Pegasus Premium, costing £190, is described as a premium daily trainer with a massive 45mm stack height and a 10mm drop, weighing a hefty 389g. It uses three layers of ZoomX foam with a full-length Air Zoom pod and React foam for durability. While it looks good and has a breathable upper, it's considered clunky, heavy, stiff, unstable, and not recommended for running, leaning more towards a lifestyle shoe.

Nike Vomero 18: The Max Cushion All-Rounder

The Vomero 18 is a max-stack daily shoe designed for heavier runners or those wanting extra comfort on long runs. It features a 46mm stack height, 10mm drop, and weighs 362g. The midsole combines ZoomX foam for responsiveness and ReactX foam for stability. It's a great all-rounder for marathon training, offering good protection and comfort, though it's a bit bulky for speed work. It's seen as good value at £175.

Nike Zoom Fly 6: The Budget-Friendly Plated Racer

Highly regarded, the Zoom Fly 6 is a fantastic shoe for tempo work, longer training runs, and as a more affordable race shoe. It costs £155, has a 42mm stack height, 8mm drop, and weighs 322g. It features ZoomX foam, Eva foam, and a carbon fibre fly plate. It's comfortable for long runs, offers a smooth ride, and is surprisingly durable. Downsides include noisy grip and potential rear stability issues for heel strikers.

Nike Invincible 3: The Soft Recovery Shoe (Soon to be Replaced)

The Invincible 3 is Nike's easy and recovery run shoe, featuring a full slab of soft ZoomX foam. It has a 37mm stack height, 9mm drop, and weighs 374g. While very soft and stable, it's heavy and prone to heel slip issues for some runners. It's noted that this model will likely be replaced by the Vomero Plus.

Nike Streakfly 2: The Ultra-Lightweight Racer

This shoe is incredibly light, weighing just 163g, with a 27mm stack height and 4mm drop. It's designed for short-distance road racing (5k, maybe 10k for elites) and features full-length ZoomX foam with a carbon fibre fly plate. It's extremely fast and smooth for speed work but has aggressive geometry, requiring good form and strong legs. Its exposed foam means it's not very durable, making it best for key races or workouts.

Nike Vaporfly 4: The Refined Half-Marathoner

The Vaporfly 4 is a lightweight road racing shoe (210g) with a 35mm stack height and 6mm drop. It uses full-length ZoomX foam and a carbon fibre fly plate. It offers a smooth ride and improved upper compared to previous versions, with great breathability. However, it's considered less suitable for heel strikers due to soft heel foam and can be narrow in the midfoot. It's recommended for distances up to a half marathon.

Nike Alphafly 3: The Marathon King

Nike's Alphafly 3 is the go-to shoe for marathon racing, weighing 269g with a 40mm stack height and 8mm drop. It combines ZoomX midsole with two Air Zoom units at the front and a carbon fibre fly plate. It's fast, smooth, more comfortable than earlier versions, and surprisingly durable. While expensive (£285) and potentially noisy or narrow in the midfoot, it remains a top choice for marathoners.

Key Takeaways

• Daily Training: Vomero 18 for long runs and leg protection, Pegasus Plus for shorter distances.
• Marathon Racing: Alphafly 3 is the top pick.
• Half Marathons/5k/10k: Vaporfly 4 is a great option.
• Casual Wear: Pegasus 41 is the most suitable.
• Speed Work/5k Training: Streakfly 2 is ideal for focused sessions.
• Tempo/Longer Training Runs: Zoom Fly 6 offers great value and performance.

Personal Favourites and Usage

The reviewer's favourite daily shoe for marathon training is the Vomero 18. For shorter distances, the Pegasus Plus is recommended. The Alphafly 3 is the preferred marathon shoe, while the Vaporfly 4 is best for half marathons and 5k/10k races. The Pegasus 41 is the go-to for casual wear and walking. The Streakfly 2 is reserved for 5k training in the summer, and the Zoom Fly 6 is used for long run sessions when preparing for marathons.

If you're looking for more in-depth reviews of any of these shoes, dedicated videos are linked in the description. The reviewer encourages viewers to share their favourite Nike shoes, what they're excited about for the upcoming year, and their experiences with the current range in the comments to help the running community.