Whether you’re looking for a running shoe to support your gym workouts or a pair of weightlifting shoes to power through squats and deadlifts, Nike has an extensive range.
But before you buy a new pair, there are a few things to know. So we’ve put together this buying guide to help you choose the right pair of Nike trainers for your needs.
Comfort
Comfort is the buzzword of the running world and Nike’s line of Training Shoes do not disappoint. They have a number of features that enhance comfort, including soft mesh uppers, linings and padding for extra support and cushioning through the heel. There’s also the Nike Free 5.0, which has an ultra-flexible midsole that eliminates stiffness and enhances ride comfort by eliminating the need for your foot to exert force. It’s a shoe that’s great for long runs or easy distances when you want to take your pace off and enjoy the view.
Alternatively, the Nike Invincible Run 2 is a very plush shoe that uses ZoomX foam from toe to heel for maximum energy return when you’re running.
Support
As the name implies, Nike Training Shoes are built for cross-training, which encompasses everything from high-energy HIIT sessions to gym workouts and weights-based resistance training. These activities all move your body in different ways, so you need a shoe that can adapt to your style of workout. That’s why Nike puts their shoes through a number of stability and versatility tests to see how they perform when you’re doing squats, deadlifts and plyometrics in them. The Nike Free Metcon 4 is a great example of this, since it can handle loads up to 275-315 lbs with ease. It also offers a wide toe box for comfort and lateral support that will help you do jump squats and lateral bounds with confidence.
Style
Nike’s range of training shoes are designed for every kind of training session. They’re a good choice for CrossFit, HIIT and plyometrics because they have a wide base to provide support, and there are also arcs in the sole that offer additional stability for lateral movements like skater jumps.
Some lifters and athletes like a shoe that fits narrow, while others prefer a more roomy toe box. Regardless of your preferences, it’s important to get the right fit for you so you can work out with confidence and prevent injury from occurring.
While daily trainers can be an excellent option for daily runs, you may not want to wear them for speed sessions and PR’s. However, if you’re looking to increase your mileage, they can be a great addition to your running kit.
Value
Nike might be best known for their performance running shoes, but they also have a great range of high-performance training footwear. They’re a bit on the pricey side, but they make a quality product that can stand up to tough workouts.
They even have a two-year warranty to back it up. In fact, they’ve got a couple of good reasons to get you into one of their shoes, including a cool new financing program that lets you finance your purchases through Klarna without any up-front costs.
The company has a large number of top-notch designers and engineers at the helm, so you’re likely to find a pair that’s crafted to perform in a variety of settings. The best pair for you will be a mix of stability and cushioning, depending on your personal preferences. You’ll probably want to pick something with a little bit of traction for weightlifting, as well as a plyometric shoe for jumping.
