We all know Nike shoes are stylish but how do they rank in terms of comfort? If you’re going to be sporting the big swoosh, you want your feet to be happy or you’ll never wear them. The good news, however, is that there are a wide range of styles that meet that criteria. To help you find them, I’ve researched dozens of sneakers and made a list of the most comfortable Nike shoes below. When making my selections, I looked for the following:
Cushioning: To maximize comfort and prevent your feet from getting sore, all of the selections feature cushioned footbeds that reviewers say they love to walk around in. I relied not only on product descriptions but firsthand accounts from fans.
Shock Absorption: On top of well-cushioned footbeds, I made sure the midsoles feature shock-absorbing properties, like Nike Air units, to help your feet rebound when they strike the ground. This helps prevent foot fatigue and muscle soreness.
Temperature Control: It might not be the first thing you think of but temperature control plays a big part in the comfort of your feet. No one wants to walk around with damp, sticky toes. All of the shoes on this list are equipped with mesh upper portions, perforations, or other pieces of cooling technology to help your feet breathe and to prevent overheating.
As a bonus, I also looked for extra padding where possible, particularly around the uppers, tongues, and ankle areas. Given this, take a look at the most comfortable Nike shoes.
The Best Everyday Shoes
The lowdown: Whether you’re looking for the most comfortable Nike shoes for work or simply a pair of shoes to kick around town in, these everyday sneakers fit the bill. The well-cushioned skate shoes are constructed with high-tech dual-density sockliners that provide soft, airy support. Additionally, the lightweight cushioning in the footbeds helps prevent foot fatigue and reduces soreness caused by standing for long periods of time. The upper sections are made with durable but stylish suede, and the shoes come in more than a dozen color choices, too.
Proof from fans: “Was looking for a pair of comfortable sneakers to wear to a casual work environment, dinner dates, or just out with friends. These are perfect: they look great with dark jeans or khakis, have better cushioning than Vans or Converse lows, and are just the right amount of casual.”
Available sizes: 4 to 9.5
The Best For Running
The lowdown: With 1,700-plus reviews, it’s hard to beat the popularity of these super sought-after sneakers. The combination of ultra-soft foam cushioning in the midsoles and special underlays around the edges for added support makes them some of the most comfortable Nike running shoes out there. Not only that, but they also feature built-in, moldable pods that flatten and spring back when your feet strike the ground, offering extra rebound and shock absorption. The mesh uppers make them breathable, so your feet don’t get hot and sweaty. On top of all this, they’re available in a wide range of sizes and 12 different colors.
Proof from fans: “You can’t beat how soft and comfortable they are, the springiness of them where you actually ~feel~ faster, and the stylishness of them. […] I was using another brand of running shoes until my recent purchase of these fabulous gray Nike’s and my feet and knees had started to hurt a little bit. I thought it was just me, that I was wearing myself out or something, but it was the poor quality and uneven footing of that other shoe. After a few runs with these Nikes, that pain and soreness from my feet and knees is gone. Thank you, Nike! I’ll be back here for my next pair of running shoes!”
Available sizes: 6 to 15 (regular and select wide sizes)
The Best For Walking
The lowdown: Whether you’re walking for exercise or you have a job where you’re on your feet all day, these men’s Air Force 1s rank among the most comfortable Nike walking shoes. They’re built with extra sturdy foam midsoles with Nike Air units that add extra lightweight cushioning, as well as shock absorption. The forefoot and heel are equipped with pivot points to make your transitions smooth, and the collars have padding for added comfort. Additionally, they have special ventilating performations to help keep your feet cool. And they’re available in dozens of colors, so you can find the pair that best suits your style.
Proof from fans: “Feels like walking in clouds. Incredibly well made and comfortable. Definitely worth the money and look so nice and fresh and clean up any outfit”
Available sizes: 7.5 to 13
The Best High Tops
The lowdown: If you prefer high-top sneakers, these Nike Air Precision basketball shoes offer a great blend of comfort and functionality. They’re made with dense cushioning in the midsoles to absorb shock and make them feel extra comfortable. On top of that, the tongue and upper portions feature soft padding that help them fit snugly, with additional padding around the ankle area, too. The mesh keeps them airy and breathable while the rubber soles provide excellent traction. You have a choice of five color options with this pick.
Proof from fans: “Good ankle support. Very comfortable.”
Available sizes: 8 to 12
The Best Slides
The lowdown: These ultra-popular Nike slides, which boast more than 3,600 reviews on Amazon, have an impressive cult following. This is largely due to their exceptional comfort, which fans say is off the charts, especially for such a simple shoe. The cushioning is made from a type of EVA foam called phylon that’s compression-molded for extra support and shock absorption. The straps are built with a blend of leather and synthetic materials that are both flexible and durable, while the rubber soles deliver high-quality traction. They come in more than two dozen colors and an impressive range of sizes, too.
Proof from fans: “They have good arch support and are really comfortable. The strap is cushioned so the top of your foot is comfortable also. Great sandal.”
Available sizes: 4 to 18
The Best Hiking Shoes
The lowdown: Constructed with tough leather and durable rubber soles, these Nike hiking boots offer a rugged design paired with extra comfort, according to customers. The phylon midsoles provide soft cushioning and impact resistance, allowing you to trek long distances without your feet getting achy or sore. The boots are super shock-absorbing, with mesh material in the upper portion to prevent you from overheating, even during strenuous hikes. They’re fairly affordable as far as hiking boots go, and, as a bonus, they make great work boots, too. Plus, they come in several different color combinations.
Proof from fans: “Some of the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned. Extremely great traction when hiking rocky terrain. Rugged [as] heck.”
Available sizes: 6 to 12
