Nike 2025 Fall Shoe Guide

Choosing the right running shoe is crucial for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. As the seasons change, it’s an excellent time to evaluate your current footwear and consider an upgrade. Our team of experienced runners has put the latest models to the test to help you find the perfect pair for your autumn miles.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the top running shoes available this fall. We cover the rigorous testing process our team undertook and explain why investing in quality footwear is one of the best decisions you can make for your running journey. You will find clear, structured information to help you select a shoe that aligns with your specific needs.

Why Invest in a Quality Running Shoe This Fall?

A good pair of running shoes is more than just a piece of gear; it's a vital tool that directly impacts your experience on the road or trail. As temperatures cool and conditions change, having the right shoe becomes even more important. Quality footwear provides essential support, cushioning, and stability, which helps reduce the risk of common running-related injuries.

Furthermore, a well-designed shoe enhances your performance. Modern shoe technology is engineered to improve energy return, promote a natural stride, and provide a comfortable ride, allowing you to run longer and more efficiently. Investing in yourself and your running means equipping your feet with the support they need to carry you through every mile. Your feet will thank you for it.

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 that the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools 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 highly rated products.

Asics | Astral | Brooks | CEP | Craft | Diadora | Hoka | Kane | KURU | La Sportiva | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Salomon | Saucony | Scarpa | Skechers | Speedland | The North Face | Under Armour | Velous

Nike Structure 26

The Nike Structure 26 is a stability-focused running shoe crafted for runners who need extra support without compromising on comfort. Its dual-density foam midsole provides a perfect balance of cushioning and firmness, ensuring smooth transitions and reduced overpronation. The breathable engineered mesh upper offers a secure fit, while the durable rubber outsole enhances traction on various surfaces. Ideal for long runs and daily training, the Structure 26 keeps you steady and comfortable mile after mile.

These hot pink shoes are very comfortable to wear at all hours of the day, but stand out even more with your night time excercises.

First Impressions:

The inital fit of the shoes felt like they were narrow at the top of the shoe. I do know that Nike's tend to be more narrow vs other shoe brands. The feel of the shoe felt light, slightly firm. The cushioning feels responsive without being too soft, which makes it great for both daily runs and long walks. I feel the the breathability is good. The thin material at the top of the shoe allows perfect circulation so my feet don't get too hot while excercising.

Very comfortable in fit, feel and responsiveness. shoe fits snug, is soft, and easy to walk/run on.

Things We Liked:

I have gotten quite a few complements on the hot pink color from several other women. I like how to shoe fits like a glove to my foot. My foot doesn't move around while excercising and I feel like it made of quality materials that will last a long time.

I love the overall cushion

Areas for Improvement:

I would prefer for the shoe to have more bounce or 'cloud' like feeling especially on my heels. I feel like if the show also had more spring vs the firm heel, the shoe would be amazing for longer distance runs. Customers should be alerted that you should size up 1/2 a size if you have wider feet.

The fits a but snug for my liking.

Final Thoughts

Nike Structure 26 shoes are amazing shoes if you're looking for shoes to run shorter races, putting in a couple miles or for every day wear. They are ready to go as soon as you put them on. There is no need to break them in. The hot pink color is a huge pop of color that is appealing to all ages.

Nike Structure 26 are made of quality, breatheable materials that will last for many, many miles. The shoe is lightweight and fit to your foot with very little movement. Whether you're a runner, someone who works on your feet, or just want a super comfortable and stylish sneaker, you can't go wrong with these.

Specs:

• Drop: 10mm
• Weight: 11.3 oz
• Price: $145
• Category: Cushion
• Type: Road Running
• Fit: True to Size
• Ideal for: Recovery, Long Distance, Race

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Nike Vomero Plus

The Nike Vomero Plus is a premium running shoe that combines plush comfort with advanced performance features. Equipped with ZoomX foam for exceptional energy return and a padded collar for added ankle support, this shoe is perfect for long-distance runners. The engineered mesh upper enhances breathability, while the durable outsole ensures reliable traction. Whether you're training for a marathon or enjoying a leisurely jog, the Vomero Plus delivers a smooth and luxurious ride.

First Impressions:

The Nike Vomero Plus immediately stands out for its plush ZoomX cushioning that feels soft yet springy, delivering comfort without the sluggishness often found in max-cushion shoes. With a roomy, breathable upper and a stable platform, it comes across as a smooth, dependable daily trainer built for long miles.

The appearance of this show is very impressive, so much attention to detail. They fit perfectly to size and the mesh upper provides great breathability. Ultra comfortable with the tall foam stack and the high-abrasion rubber provides great traction. There is a bounce to every step.

Things We Liked:

The full-length ZoomX midsole provides plush cushioning with just the right amount of spring, making even long miles feel easier.

The max cushion offers a bouncy, yet stable ride that keeps you going the extra mile.

Areas for Improvement:

The soft cushioning may feel too plush for runners who prefer a firmer ride on faster workouts.

I honestly cannot think of anything I would change about this shoe.

Final Thoughts

The Nike Vomero Plus is a plush, max-cushioned daily trainer designed to make long runs feel less like work and more like glide time. Right out of the box, it impresses with its soft, responsive ZoomX full-length midsole, which strikes a rare balance between cushioning and energy return. Even with all that plushness, the shoe doesn’t feel mushy or sluggish—each stride is springy, smooth, and surprisingly lively for a shoe in the max-cushion category.

The upper is breathable and secure, featuring engineered mesh that adapts to the foot while maintaining a roomy toebox. This makes the Vomero Plus comfortable for a wide variety of foot shapes, allowing toes to splay naturally without feeling cramped. The midsole geometry and outsole design work together to create a stable platform, helping keep feet guided through each step, even on longer or slightly faster runs. While the cushioning is excellent for everyday miles and recovery runs, some runners might wish for a firmer feel if planning to push tempo workouts. Still, for anyone looking for a go-to daily trainer that combines comfort, protection, and a surprisingly lively ride, the Vomero Plus is a strong contender.

Specs:

• Drop: 10mm
• Weight: 10.3 oz
• Price: $180
• Category: Cushion
• Type: Road Running
• Fit: True to Size
• Ideal for: Recovery, Long Distance

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Nike Vomero Premium

The Nike Vomero Premium takes the beloved Vomero series to the next level with upgraded materials and a refined design. Featuring the same ZoomX foam for responsive cushioning, this version adds premium finishes and a sleek aesthetic for runners who value both performance and style. The padded tongue and collar enhance comfort, while the durable outsole ensures long-lasting wear. Perfect for runners who want to stand out, the Vomero Premium is as functional as it is fashionable.

First Impressions:

The cushion and spring on these is instantly noticed. They were very comfortable and I felt like I could run forever. The fit was very good and I the toe box was not cramped. My first run was a pleasure.

At first glance, the shoe looked bulkier/taller than expected, especially in the sole. Once I picked it up, I noticed it was a bit on the heavier side, but not uncomfortably so. The design is sleek and modern. Once on my feet, the fit was surprisingly good, snug around the heel with generous room in the toe box. I thought they may feel a bit wobbly, but in my runs they were stable. The cushioning gave off serious "moon shoe" vibes, super bouncy. Overall, it’s a comfortable, well-designed shoe.

Things We Liked:

The spring and responsive feel of the cushioning on these shoes is better than I have ever experienced. There was no jolt when my foot landed on the road. The shoe's spring actually felt like it was boosting each step. Very nice!

Although the shoe felt a bit heavy at first and I questioned the stability, my strides felt smooth and supported, and I actually shaved time off my mile pace.

Areas for Improvement:

These shoes are heavy and at times the super high stack feels a bit unstable - like when making tight turns

Given the tall stack height I noticed that as long as I was on a fairly flat track, I felt stable. However, if there were sections of the road that were slightly uneven, I noticed some wobble. Overall, they were pretty stable, but I was cautious.

Final Thoughts

This shoe is all about CUSHION! The thick, protective midsole is the star of the show, delivering a plush and luxurious underfoot experience. This massive amount of foam generates a wonderful spring in your step, making every stride feel energetic and propelling the foot forward, contributing to a surprisingly fast ride despite the high stack.

The generous volume of the midsole also means the stack makes you feel taller! This is great for a protective, distance-focused feel. Furthermore, the upper is very comfortable, wrapping the foot securely and seamlessly without causing hot spots or pressure points, even on long runs.

The primary trade-off for this maximalist design lies in stability. The high stack and soft foam mean that stability is not as strong on uneven surfaces. While excellent on smooth pavement, runners should exercise caution on cambered roads or cracked sidewalks, where the foot can roll more easily.

If your priority is max Cushion! and an energetic, spring in your step feel for paved running, this shoe is a top contender. It offers a fast and protective ride with a highly comfortable upper, provided you stick to mostly smooth surfaces where the compromise on stability won't be an issue.

Specs:

• Drop: 10mm
• Weight: 12.4 oz
• Price: $230
• Category: Cusion
• Type: Road Running
• Fit: True to Fit
• Ideal for: Recovery, Long Distance

Buy:

Nike Kiger 10

The Nike Kiger 10 is a trail-running powerhouse designed to tackle rugged terrain with ease. Featuring a lightweight yet durable construction, this shoe includes React foam for responsive cushioning and a rock plate for added protection against sharp objects. The multi-directional lugs on the outsole provide exceptional grip on wet and uneven surfaces, while the breathable upper keeps your feet cool during intense runs. Whether you're navigating rocky trails or muddy paths, the Kiger 10 is built to perform.

First Impressions:

My first impression was that that these trail shoes were very light and comfortable, but more importantly had great traction on the most technical trails! The responsiveness while navigating through rocky areas on the trail was excellent. Very comfortable and capable!

Good low profile which makes the turnover fast. I loved the vibram sole-- felt grippy but light. The fabric is very breathable but still durable. Nike always wins on fabric. I happen to love a narrow shoe and the arch fit me well.

Things We Liked:

The traction and responsiveness are the best I've felt in a trail shoe. They were so light, I barely knew that I had the shoes on, but I had confidence that I would not lose my footing on even the most technical trails.

Gave a road shoe fit with trail responsiveness and loved the color!

Areas for Improvement:

I found that when navigating especially rocky sections of the trail, I could feel rocks through the sole around the arch. The forefoot and heel felt good and I never experienced feeling a rock in those areas.

I cant go more than 7-8 miles without wanting more cushion under my toes. needs to be a bit more flexible.

Final Thoughts

Great traction is the shoe's most impressive feature, delivering a secure grip on everything from steep climbs to loose, dusty, and even wet descents. The exceptionally light construction makes the shoe disappear on the foot, which, combined with a highly responsive feel, ensures a fast turnover and a truly nimble ride.

The shoe is overall comfortable, providing a good lockdown without unnecessary bulk. However, the minimal design leads to a noticeable drawback: rocks could be felt through the arch area on technical, jagged trails, suggesting a lack of robust underfoot protection in the midfoot zone. Additionally, the need for weight reduction is evident in the tongue, which has not a lot of cushion, requiring careful lace management to prevent pressure points across the top of the foot.

This is a fantastic shoe for runners prioritizing agility, speed, and exceptional traction. The trade-off for the light and fast ride is a diminished level of cushion and protection, particularly noticeable in the arch and tongue.

Specs:

• Drop: 5mm
• Weight: 9.8 oz
• Price: $170
• Category: Neutral
• Type: Running Trail
• Fit: True to Size
• Ideal for: Speed, Race, Trail

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Nike Wildhorse 10

The Nike Wildhorse 10 is your go-to trail shoe for conquering tough terrain with confidence. Designed with a durable mesh upper and reinforced overlays, this shoe offers excellent protection and breathability. The React foam midsole provides responsive cushioning, while the rugged outsole with deep lugs ensures superior traction on challenging surfaces. With its secure fit and all-day comfort, the Wildhorse 10 is perfect for trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

First Impressions:

My first thought was that these shoes were way too pretty to get dirty! But once I got moving on the hot, humid trails of Texas and Atlanta, the fit felt locked in without being tight, the springy cushioning hit just right, and the breathability kept my feet cool even when the temps - and the miles - started to climb.

Things We Liked:

I really appreciate the upper on the Wildhorse 10. The engineered mesh with its breathable zones and padded ankle collar kept my feet comfortable and debris-free, even on our humid, but dry dirt southern trails.

Areas for Improvement:

If I could tweak one thing, I’d give the outsole a bit more bite. The traction was solid on dry, rolling terrain, but on steeper or slick sections, I found myself wishing for deeper lugs to feel a little more confident with each step.

Final Thoughts

If Nike’s trail line needed a statement piece, the Wildhorse 10 is it. Skipping version “9” telegraphs the leap: a higher-stack ReactX midsole that feels lively without getting sloppy, a dialed upper that breathes and keeps grit at bay, and a more confident All-Terrain Compound outsole for everyday dirt. On foot, it lands in that sweet spot of secure yet comfortable - snug through the midfoot, a slightly tapered but surprisingly roomy toe box, and a padded tongue/heel collar that disappears from your mind once the run starts.

Out on rolling, dry to moderately technical trails, the ride shines. ReactX brings a pleasantly springy feel for mid- to long-distance efforts, and the forefoot rock plate plus firmer outsole calm trail chatter so legs stay fresher deeper into the run. The tradeoff is reduced ground feel and a touch of wobble on steeper, slick, or highly technical sections, where the shallow chevron lugs don’t bite like a true mud shoe. Still, for weekly long runs, rail-trail grinders, and recovery miles on dirt, it’s an easy shoe to trust: breathable, protected, and cushioned in a way that nudges the pace without demanding it.

Bottom line: the Wildhorse 10 feels like Nike’s most complete “rugged comfort” trail trainer to date. Runners with average to slightly wide feet who value cushion and protection over hyper-agility will appreciate how it smooths out gravel, roots, and surprise pebbles, then cruises comfortably back to the car. If you want a plush, polished trail companion that handles big weekend miles and road-to-trail connectors with equal poise, the Wildhorse 10 brings the goods.

Specs:

• Drop: 9.5mm
• Weight: 11 oz
• Price: $165
• Category: Neutral
• Type: Running Trail
• Fit: True to Size
• Ideal for: Long Distance, Trail

Buy:

Our Comprehensive Testing Process

To bring you this guide, our expert team, comprised of seasoned runners and footwear specialists, conducted extensive testing on a wide array of shoes. We are committed to providing reliable and unbiased recommendations based on real-world performance.

Each pair of shoes was subjected to a minimum of 20 miles of running across varied terrains, from city pavements to park trails. Our testers meticulously evaluated each shoe based on a set of key criteria to ensure a thorough and balanced assessment.

Key Evaluation Criteria:

• Comfort: We assessed the initial feel and long-run comfort, noting any pressure points or areas of discomfort.
• Fit: Testers evaluated how the shoe conformed to the foot, including the security of the heel, the width of the toebox, and the overall lockdown.
• Weight: We considered the physical weight of the shoe and how it felt during a run—whether it felt light and nimble or heavy and cumbersome.
• Breathability: The upper materials were tested for airflow to determine how well they managed heat and moisture during a run.
• Flexibility: We analyzed the shoe's flexibility in the forefoot and its overall ability to move naturally with the runner's stride.
• Overall Ride: This is a comprehensive assessment of the shoe's performance. It includes the quality of the cushioning, the smoothness of the heel-to-toe transition, and the general feeling of the shoe in motion.

Asics | Astral | Brooks | CEP | Craft | Diadora | Hoka | Kane | KURU | La Sportiva | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Salomon | Saucony | Scarpa | Skechers | Speedland | The North Face | Under Armour | Velous