Written by Alex Kane, senior editor, games journalist, and storyteller with 12 years’ experience.
Updated June 15, 2023
A good pair of shoes should feel comfortable, look great, and last a long time. With Nike footwear, you know you’re making a smart investment. It’s a brand you know and trust. A new pair of sneakers isn’t always cheap, but you don’t want to cut corners on products like running shoes or cross-trainers.
Need a shopping recommendation for walking shoes, Air Jordans, low-profile sneakers, or something else? We’ve got your back with a guide to what you need to know about some of the best Nike sneakers on the market right now.
Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes
These Motiva workout shoes from Nike offer a ton of cushion for your stride with their pronounced “rocker” design. They’re durable, comfortable, and come in women’s sizes ranging from five to 12. Not everyone loves their bulky “dad-style” shape, but they’ll support your feet, and you can get them in either hot pink or a more low-key gray-and-green design.
Pros
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Pronounced rocker design
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Available in sizes 5 to 12
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Comfy and durable
Cons
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Divisive “dad-style” look
Nike Legend Essential 2 Women’s Training Shoes
These stylish, affordable Nike trainers are designed with a flat sole for extra stability during things like squats and weight training. They come in women’s sizes five to 12, though some reviewers say the sizing runs large and slightly narrow in shape. They’re available in a cute black-and-violet design or a more subtle white, gray, and pink.
Pros
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Flat sole for extra stability
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Available in sizes 5 to 12
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Budget-friendly
Cons
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Sizing may run large
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Narrow instep
Buy now at Nike
Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid Shoes
If you’ve never owned a pair of Air Jordans, you’re definitely missing out on a particular experience. These have a timeless and iconic design inspired by one of the greatest athletes of all time, but they’re also unbelievably comfortable. If you need a great, reliable shoe for long walks or casual wear, you can’t really beat a sneaker like this. They’re available in men’s sizes seven to 19.5, and reviewers seem to agree that they fit true to size. Like the right pair of Oakleys or Ray-Bans, you owe it to yourself to give them a try sometime.
Pros
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Iconic Air Jordan design
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Peerless comfort
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Sizes 7 to 19.5
Cons
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None that we could find
Buy now at Nike
Nike Killshot 2 Leather Men’s Shoe
If you’re a fan of low-rise, casual sneakers that look great with your everyday outfit, these Killshot 2s are an outstanding choice. They’re available in men’s sizes six to 16.5 and come in a few low-key color schemes: beige, white, gray, and so on, with either a white or black Nike Swoosh. The Nike name is stamped tastefully along the back, and various leathers are layered for a durable, vintage look. The rubber sole has a “gum” texture that stands out.
Pros
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Various durable leathers
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Sizes 6 to 16.5
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Budget-friendly
Cons
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Narrow instep
Buy now at Nike
Nike Blazer Mid ’77 Vintage Men’s Shoes
If you’re going for a vintage 1970s look, these beautiful high-rise basketball sneaks are a must-have pick from Nike. Reviewers agree that they’re unbelievably comfortable, though not everyone loves the orange-foam style of the tongue. They’re available in men’s sizes six to 15, and you can get them in pretty much any color combination you want through Nike’s website with the “design your own” option. We think they’re gorgeous.
Pros
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Extra comfortable
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Vintage style
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Sizes 6 to 15
Cons
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Many dislike the tongue
Buy now at Nike
How to clean Nike sneakers
Your best pair of sneakers deserves a little extra care. But what kind of maintenance will keep shoes looking their best without damaging them? It’s a topic of some debate, but some regular light cleaning is a good approach to start with.
Nike recommends a 30-minute hand-cleaning routine, requiring only dish soap, baking soda, a dry shoe brush, and an old toothbrush for tight grooves. The manufacturer recommends a mix of warm water and dish soap (or laundry detergent) for darker shoes–-or equal parts water and baking soda for white or light-colored shoes. They also suggest hand-washing your laces in the same solution.
If you want to go against Nike’s recommendation and try the machine-wash route, we’ve found that some baking soda, a soft garment bag or pillowcase, and some towels will do the trick. Just make sure you don’t ever put them in the dryer afterwards; let the shoes air-dry.
Do Nike sneakers run small?
The prevailing wisdom is that Nike shoes tend to run small, but the truth is more complicated. Nike says they’re made “true to size,” and some styles—like the wider casual sneakers—can actually run large.
You’ll want to know your actual shoe size, which you can get fitted for at many brick-and-mortar retailers or shopping malls. Nike running shoes might have a narrow toe box, as well, so it’s a matter of knowing your feet as well as doing some research before you buy.
More Articles You Might Enjoy
- Nike’s new Motiva sneaker is a versatile workout shoe
- How to clean dirty sneakers in the washing machine
- The Best Hoka Running Shoes
- The Best Squat Shoes
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time. The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
Meet the tester
Alex Kane is a senior editor at USA Today’s Reviewed and the author of the Boss Fight Books volume on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. He has written for Fangoria, PC Gamer, Polygon, Rolling Stone, StarWars.com, and Variety. He lives in west-central Illinois.
See all of Alex Kane's reviews
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