Supwell's Buy or Wait: Nike Running Shoe Edition
With the recent release of the Nike Alphafly 4, the hype around the Apex, and sales on Nike trainers like the Vomero Plus, we are breaking down whether you should buy or wait on the current Nike performance running shoe line-up.
From the Alphafly to the Vomero Plus, we’re breaking down which Nike shoes are worth copping right now and which ones we’d hold off on. Some easy buys, some tough waits, and a few shoes that might have you reaching for the wallet a little too quickly.
Alphafly 3: Wait
The Alphafly 3 is a legendary, but outdated, racer. We’d pick up the Alphafly 4, which is an improvement in every way and will be widely available soon.
Alphafly 4: Buy
The newly-released Alphafly 4 is a lighter and bouncier update to the 3, making it an excellent buy for runners seeking an iconic, reliable racer for their next marathon.
Nike Alphafly Next% 4
Apex: Buy
If you can get your hands on one and are looking for explosive energy return, the Apex is a definite buy. That being said, it remains to be seen how Nike’s pinnacle racer will work for everyday runners.
Zoom Fly 6: Wait
Don’t walk...RUN. The Zoom Fly 6 is the most outdated shoe in Nike’s lineup, featuring a stress ball-like foam and a harsh carbon plate.
Nike Zoom Fly 6
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Streakfly 2: Buy
The Streakfly 2’s lightweight design isn’t as impressive as it was when it released seeing that there are high stack marathon shoes that are lighter now. However, this is still a great option for short distance PR attempts.
Nike Streakfly 2
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Vaporfly 4: Wait
The Vaporfly 4 is another one to avoid. This is Nike’s weakest Vaporfly to date, lacking the soft, springy character the line is known for. From leaks we’ve seen, the next Vaporfly looks poised to return the nameplate to its former glory.
Nike Vaporfly Next% 4
Vomero 18: Wait
Unless you’re looking for pure impact absorption in your daily trainer, we’d pass on the Vomero 18 for now. Our hope is that the Vomero 19 feels less dated relative to the competition.
Nike Vomero 18
Vomero Plus: Buy
We can’t imagine a world in which we don’t recommend buying the Vomero Plus. Despite being over a year old, this is still a top tier max cushion daily trainer, and one of the most versatile, too.
Nike Vomero Plus
Vomero Premium: Buy
The Vomero Premium is a fantastic recovery tool that takes the burden off the legs. We’ve seen potential leaks of the 2nd version, but an update isn’t imminent yet.
Nike Vomero Premium
Pegasus 42: Wait
This one is on the cusp of wait and buy. If you’ve traditionally liked the Pegasus, you won’t be disappointed here. If you’re looking for an excellent workhorse daily trainer, however, there are so many better options on the market.
Nike Pegasus 42
Pegasus Plus 2: Buy
The recently-released Pegasus Plus 2 is a great buy for runners seeking an elevated take on the Pegasus formula. What this is not, though, is a modern super trainer. Don’t expect crazy bounce or a lightweight feel.
Nike Pegasus Plus 2
Pegasus Premium: Wait
The Pegasus Premium has a few too many quirks for us to confidently recommend it. It’s heavy, narrow, unstable, and generally feels like a less-viable running shoe compared to the Vomero Premium.
Nike Pegasus Premium
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