The weather is finally getting to a place where you are don't need as many layers to keep warm just to go for a run, or you may just be ready to get back into running, it's the perfect time to invest in a new pair of shoes.
That's where this guide comes in handy.
We gathered testers from all over the country, including veteran runners at ACTIVE, to extensively test the shoes in this guide. All of our testers put their shoes through a minimum of 20 running miles (some way more than 20 miles) while paying attention to comfort, fit, weight, breathability, flexibility and ride.
From updates of old favorites that had our feet singing to new releases that will ensure you'll find something to motivate your miles well into summer, you're guaranteed to find a shoe you'll love. We know money might be tight, but if you can, treat yourself! You deserve it.
Spring Shoe Guides
Asics | Astral | Brooks | HOKA | Merrell | Nike | Reebok | Scarpa | Skechers | Under Armour
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Nike InfinityRN 4
Nike Motiva
Nike Pegasus 40
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
Nike Zegama
Nike Zegama 2
Nike InfinityRN 4
About: The Nike Infinity RN4 can do it all while not breaking the bank AND also provide a lot of support and comfort at the same time thanks to the new ReactX foam under foot and the improved Flyknit upper. If you’ve struggled with stability in the past, look no further as the new internal Flyknit band in the upper keeps the foot locked in and the curved outsole keeps the foot neutral. The added rubber on the waffle outsole provides more traction in slick conditions and also helps increase the longevity of the shoe.
If you are looking for a work horse shoe that can do it all, look no further than the Nike Infinity RN4. This shoe can take you from a run to the gym and around the town while still handling the demands of higher mileage and maintaining a stylish look.
A perfect shoe for doing it all! Move from your run to a morning gym workout, and then rock them to grab groceries and lunch.
Things We Liked:
"I’m a big fan of fly knit uppers, my foot and Achilles felt well supported."
"It’s so refreshing to find a shoe that can move with you the entire day while also looking stylish with a casual outfit.."
Areas for Improvement:
"The shoe seemed to run a bit small - I ended up with some blisters after my first run. That's why we recommend increasing 1/2 size."
"I would make the upper thinner (including the tongue) and increase the length of the laces. My feet were constantly feeling and showing the thickness of the upper because they would get so warm that they would swell and then the top short laces meant that you could only make them just so loose and there would be an imprint over your foot upon removal."
Final Thoughts
The Infinity RN is a dependable option for every day miles and long runs. It’s technically a neutral shoe, but it has plenty of support if you need it. The flyknit upper and stretchy tongue really keep the foot locked in, although the fit can feel snug, so consider going up half a size so things don’t pinch.
The shoe has a 9mm drop and is relatively heavy for a neutral shoe (nearly 10oz for the women’s version), but luckily the feel is lighter. The ReactX foam in the midsole and the rocker design keep the ride feeling fresh. This is a good shoe to reach for when you have some easy miles on tap and want something that won’t beat up your legs.
Specs:
- Drop: 9mm
- Weight: 9.9oz
- Price: $160
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: Recommended Increase 1/2 Size
- Ideal For: Recovery, Long Distance
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Motiva
About:The Nike Motiva helps you step through whatever the day brings, at your pace. Its uniquely patterned outsole and exaggerated rocker combine to give you a super-smooth, cushioned and comfortable ride. This means you can walk, jog or run comfortably and come back for your next leisurely stroll confidently. It gives you optimal support for your every move, every day. No matter how you move, the generative outsole pattern provides durability and traction—support that lasts every stride, every day.
Like trampolines on your feet, so bouncy!
Things We Liked:
"These are great running shoes for beginners, they feel great right out of the box."
"No break in time required here. Knowing your feet won't hurt while or after my long walks is a great feeling."
Areas for Improvement:
"If I had to find something to pick about with these shoes, the heel is thicker then I am use to, however it's comfortable and you will forget about it three steps in."
"I would stay away from the gym in these shoes, since they have the rocker feature and do not offer secure footing, unless you're walking around the track. I did have to double knot these because the laces are slippy and kept coming undone."
Final Thoughts:
The Nike Motiva’s grooved rocker sole looks good and delivers, uniquely absorbing the bumps along the way for cushioned comfort day to night. This feature was an overwhelming positive delight and an unexpected surprise that I look forward to each time I put these shoes on.
The fabric used on the upper shoe allowed plenty of breathability. No break in period needed, the shoe felt great directly out of the box. The shoe felt really bouncy but stable. The soft foam relieved our pain when walking, making this shoe a great all around fit.
Specs:
- Drop: 12mm
- Weight: 8.9oz
- Price: $110
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Walking
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal For: Walking, Light Hiking, Light jog
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Pegasus 40
About: The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 is the newest version of what has become a very consistent, albeit basic, daily trainer. Like previous versions of the Pegasus, the 40 will provide a firm, moderately supportive daily trainer for the seasoned runner or new runners looking for a low frill entry level shoe.
The mesh upper is light weight and breathable which could be nice for hot summer runs. The midfoot fits firm and the toe box is wide enough to accommodate runners with a wide forefoot. If you’ve run in Nikes before, this should feel right at home to you.
The sole of the shoe is adequate and should hold up over long miles. The firmness will appeal to runners looking to get more feel of the ground with less cushion.
The midsole Zoom airbags give a little cushion but tend to feel a little basic after running in the more modern trainers that have more responsive plates and advanced foot geometry. This could be a welcome return to the old days for seasoned runners looking for a simple, no new technology, type shoe.
A solid, reliable everyday shoe. Nothing overly fancy here.
Things We Liked:
"It's great to have a consistent shoe that can be relied on for knocking out miles on easy and recovery days. Nike seems to make minor upgrades with each new Pegasus model."
Areas for Improvement:
"The midsole could be improved to give a little more responsiveness. Initial runs feel a little firm and clunky after using newer shoes that provide a little more responsiveness on push off."
Final Thoughts:
Overall, the Pegasus is going to be a reliable, good option as an everyday trainer. The price point of $130 makes it somewhat affordable for new runners looking for a simple shoe or experienced runners looking to avoid the more modern options flooding the market these days.
Specs:
- Drop: 10mm
- Weight: 10.2oz
- Price: $130
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal For: Recovery, Cross Training
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
About: Inheriting the namesake of Nike's oldest as well as one of its most-beloved running shoe models for decades, the Pegasus Trail 5 mimics the all-around versatility of its older road sibling. The Peg Trail 5 is welcoming to newer trail runners as a great crossover shoe to make the transition to off-road and also boasts some powerful performance for veteran trail runners looking for a fast training or racing shoe.
New to this generation is the ReactX foam, which is currently only used in one other Nike model - the InfinityRN. The ReactX compound offers 13% more energy return and is lighter than the previous React foam. In a practical sense, Nike has created a trail shoe that feels as responsive as a road shoe. For traction, Nike has designed the outsole with a new compound created in-house called Nike ATC (All Terrain Compound). The lug design has been improved from the Peg Trail 4 - now featuring diamond-shaped lugs that are grippy on both wet and dry surfaces. In addition, Nike chose to reverse the lug direction on the heels for extra traction while descending. In testing, the lugs offered confident footing that, fortunately, didn't get caked in mud. Plus, they transitioned well to pavement in between trail heads.
The uppers in the Peg Trail 5 have the same fit and feel as the previous model. Appearance-wise, they look rugged, but are made of a lightweight, durable, and breathable mesh. This model continues to incorporate the Flywire for a secure lockdown of the laces. Now, it should be noted, that similar to the road version of this shoe, the Pegasus is traditionally on the narrow side; those who don't typically run in a Nike shoe may want to test these in store. The padded collar fits comfortably and snuggly; more importantly, it did well at keeping trail debris out. For those who want a glove-like fit, this should feel amazing.
From a performance standpoint, this is a fast shoe that can be used on either training runs or race day; although, it will shine best on non-technical trails where the 37mm stack height won't be a liability. Nike does manufacture a super shoe for trail racing, the carbon-plated Ultrafly, and while it's lighter and faster than the Pegasus Trail 5 when the terrain is appropriate for running, the Peg does feel and perform much better when hiking. Considering that all but the most elite ultramarathoners are likely to speed some time walking over the course of the longer distances, this is an important aspect to consider when choosing a race day shoe.
Fast enough to be a racing shoe, but affordable-enough to be a training shoe, the Pegasus Trail 5 are my new go to trail shoe.
Things We Liked:
"The new ReactX foam is AMAZING! These trail shoes respond like road shoes."
"The perfect choice for those times when 'you're only allowed to pack one pair' as it performs well and is comfortable on both roads and most trails, with a sharp casual appearance that goes well with street clothes."
Areas for Improvement:
"The 37 mm stack height might be a turnoff to some who like to be a little closer to the ground on rooty or rocky trails. "
"The tongue was a bit bulky for me, and I occasionally had to stop and move it around/re-tie until it felt just right."
Final Thoughts:
The Pegasus Trail 5 is a comfortable, versatile shoe that would make a great addition to any runner's rotation. The comfort is notable right out of the box, with a plush interior gently hugging the heel and creating a sock-like fit, a roomy toe box, and soft-underfoot feel due to Nike's new ReactX foam, which is said to give the shoe a 13% increase in energy return over its predecessor. This energy return is most notable when picking up the pace.
While it may not be the top choice for a trail racing shoe or for runs on 100% technical surfaces, this shoe is hard to beat when it comes to a hybrid trail/road shoe that can do it all, and do it well on a variety of surfaces. The Pegasus Trail 5 would be particularly useful for runners who head to the trails straight from their front door, often putting in as many miles in on the pavement as the dirt. The lugs, in combination with Nike’s ATC (All Terrain Compound) high abrasion rubber provide enough traction for wet, muddy trails over rocks and roots. The outsole hits that sweet spot where they are "just enough" for somewhat technical terrain, without being so aggressive that it feels uncomfortable or slow on the roads.
All-around, this shoe should be a top pick for those times when one must pack light and bring a single pair of shoes for travel and adventures. The ability to perform well and comfortably on and off road, combined with the great casual appearance that looks good with street clothes, the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 may be one of the best options of running shoes to keep up with training while traveling ever created. It seems that Nike may have intended this, with the addition of the carabiner loop on the heel, which allows them to be easily attached to luggage!
Specs:
- Drop: 9.5mm
- Weight: 8.5oz
- Price: $150
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Trail Running
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal For: Trail, Recovery, Long Distance
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Zegama
About: What is "Zegama", anyway? Long story short, it's a small town in the Basque country that hosts a super difficult trail race that has become somewhat of a cult-classic in the trail running scene. With a name like that, Nike's latest offering has a lot to live up to -- and it does. The midsole includes Nike's premium ZoomX foam, and it's super comfortable underfoot and has plenty of bounce. It feels quick, despite the significant volume and added width for stability. This lends to increased trail protection for difficult terrain and makes longer, demanding distances more manageable. The mesh upper has a roomy shape -- the toe box is wider and has more room for toe splay, making it friendly for runners with wider feet. It can feel a tad boxy though, and can be tough to get a dialed fit with the lacing system. Once you get the fit just right and the slim tongue in place (this might mean stopping a mile into your run to adjust), it feels great. There are a couple other trail-specific features worth mentioning -- the rubber toe cap adds confidence on descends and when navigating rocky or root-covered terrain, and the soft, stretchy heel collar does a solid job keeping out debris (the big stuff was kept out, but dirt still was able to get through, but not as much). It's important to note that grip was significantly impacted by any moisture on the ground, no matter if it was a light mist or heavy rain -- thankfully this was updated in the Zegama 2. Overall, the Nike ZoomX Zegama Trail is a model worthy of consideration, and fits nicely in Nike's storied trail shoe lineup. Plus, with the release of the Zegama 2, this shoe can be picked up for a discount, which adds to its overall value proposition.
These shoes are built really well - they can take a beating and still feel like new (ignoring the dirt, of course).
Things We Liked:
"The feel of this shoe right out of the box is perfect."
"It's one of the more comfortable trail shoes I've tried - the midsole includes Nike's premium ZoomX foam, and it strikes an unbeatable balance between cushion and bounce."
Areas for Improvement:
"The Zegama could offer a little more breathability and better gripping in wet conditions."
"The outsole is a major limiting factor of this shoe - any dampness on rock, on pavement, anywhere, these shoes lose all grip."
Final Thoughts:
The Zegama is great for longer trail runs where you are looking for a shoe that gets you off the rocks and has a great fit. This shoe can handle more miles than other trail shoes whether thats in one run or in the entire lifespan of the shoe. The design on the Zegama looks smooth and colors help it pop, so you won't mind wearing them around casually after a run either. This shoe can handle 6 minute pace on technical trails when dry. It could offer a little better traction on wet rocks here in Texas but its rare a shoe offers something like that. This is a great go-to trainer for any trail run whether you're hitting soft smooth trails, or rocky mountains.
Specs:
- Drop: 9.5mm
- Weight: 8.5oz
- Price: $150
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Trail Running
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal For: Trail, Recovery, Long Distance
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Zegama 2
About: When it comes to conquering the trails with confidence and comfort, the Nike Zegama Trail with the patented Nike Zoom X foam are a great companion for avid trail runners who want to pick up their pace. This quick and agile shoe transitions perfectly moving swiftly from dirt to gravel to road. When the terrain varies, the Zeguma adapts and rises up to the challenge.Well-Known for its comfort in road shoes, the lightweight Nike ZoomX foam midsole works perfectly for the demands of the trail as well. The cushioning not only provides ample comfort for long runs but also maintains responsiveness, ensuring a springy feel with every stride. Extra support under the heel cup keeps the foot in place allowing for quick lateral movement through more technical terrain. When logging miles on rocky terrain or soft trails, the cushioning remains consistent, protecting your feet from fatigue and impact.
Adding to comfort is its glove-like fit. The Zegama’s engineered mesh upper provides a perfect balance of strength and flexibility, ensuring stability with no extra bulk. The padded tongue keeps laces secure while the shank molds to the sides and arch of the foot. Whether you're weaving through technical sections or charging downhill, your feet stay securely locked in place, reducing the risk of slips and twists. The thoughtful design doesn't stop there. The inclusion of an ankle gaiter is a welcome feature, effectively keeping trail debris at bay and ensuring no chafing or scratches. Additionally, overlays stretch across the toe, enhancing durability and protecting against abrasions from rocks and roots.
Making contact with the trail is the Vibram sole. The wide-spaced lug pattern keeps its grip on a variety of terrains. From gravel jeep roads to rolling hills, You can push the pace knowing that your footing is secure, allowing you to focus on the thrill of the run.
The aesthetics of these shoes are super cool - the colors and design elements have an almost "prototype" feel. M.N from California.
Things We Liked:
"I love that the zoom x foam cushioning does not compromise its agility and speed."
Areas for Improvement:
"It needs more traction for slippery surfaces. Possibly add more depth to the lug pattern in the vibram sole."
Final Thoughts:
Runners asked, and Nike answered. New for 2024, the Nike ZoomX Zegama Trail 2 has taken all the good "stuff" from their super-popular Zegama release and added a handful of tweaks to make a great offering even better. The shoe retains the drool-worthy ZoomX midsole, but it's been retooled for a bit more stability. It's got all the cushion, comfort and energy return we've come to know and love, but feels slightly more refined and performance oriented. The upper is familiar, but a tad more breathable and the lacing system (paired with the redesigned tongue) lends to a more secure and customizable experience (which helps offset the wider, sometimes boxy feel of the forefoot). Even the stretchy heel collar is more secure and keeps more debris out.
Now for the grand finale: the outsole. This was a major shortcoming in the original version - any moisture on the ground had runners feeling like they were on skates. Nike heard this feedback, and the Zegama Trail 2 now features the industry-leading Vibram outsole, with more midfoot coverage, and a new traction pattern with fewer but larger lugs. It's the final Infinity Stone, completing the gauntlet capable of handling all the dirt, rock and roots even the most ultra of ultra-runners can throw at it.
Specs:
- Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 11.2oz
- Price: $170
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Trail Running
- Fit: True to Size to 1/2 size Up
- Ideal For: Trail, Long Distance, Recovery
Buy:
Women's | Men'sCheck out the other shoes in the Spring Shoe Guide.
Spring Shoe Guides
Asics | Astral | Brooks | HOKA | Merrell | Nike | Reebok | Scarpa | Skechers | Under Armour
About the Author
Stephen is the Editor in Chief for ACTIVE.com. He has been running been involved in the fitness industry for more than 10 years but has been running or playing sports for most of his life.
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