The hardest part of running isn’t always logging the miles. It’s finding the right shoes to carry you through them. Don’t get me wrong, a lot goes into my training for a race (nutrition, strength work, mobility, mindset, and so on)—but after more than a decade of half and full marathons, I’ve learned that the shoes on my feet are the real secret to how I feel when I cross the finish line.

Running is a sport of trial and error, and as a wellness writer and product tester, I’ve rotated through more shoes than I can count (10 pairs this training season alone). This week, I put three new Nike standouts to the test: the Pegasus Premium, Vomero Plus, and Structure 26.

I’m about 10 weeks out from the New York City Marathon, so my training is really starting to ramp up. This week I had two easy runs, a tempo run, an interval workout, and a long run. Throughout the week, I tested each of these shoes extensively. 

Before diving in, I did a lot of research to decide which shoes would be best for which runs. I landed on the Pegasus Premium for my tempo and interval runs, the Vomero Plus for my easy runs, and the Structure 26 for my long runs.

After testing running gear for quite some time, I have it down to a science. Throughout each run I paid close attention to how the shoes felt on my feet, plus how the rest of my body reacted. In the days after, I tuned into how my muscles were recovering compared to after runs with other shoes I’ve tested. 

Before we get into my experience with each of the Nike running shoes I tested, a quick note about what led me to trying these shoes in the first place. 

Nike has always been my North Star as a runner. Whenever I’m searching for a new pair of running shoes (or new running apparel!) Nike is the first place I look.

 To put it simply: The brand makes great running gear. With Nike’s commitment to excellence, I always feel confident knowing the shoes will hold up over time, fit true-to-size, and feel great on my feet. Plus, I’d be remiss not to mention that the designs are incredibly cute.

What led me to this new suite of products specifically is that it has something for everyone (and for every run). Nike is truly championing the power of choice for runners. The brand created this three-shoe “Choice Lineup” to help runners choose which fit and feel is best for their running style. 

I try not to hype up a shoe too much before I test it out, but I’ll admit I was the most excited about the Nike Pegasus Premium. After hearing a lot of buzz around this new shoe in the running community, I was actually a little nervous to find out if it lived up to the hype. 

Since the Pegasus Premium is designed to be the most responsive shoe of the three I tested, I chose it for my speed training days. I wore these shoes for a six-mile tempo run on Tuesday and a five-mile progression run on Thursday. 

I really loved running in the Pegasus Premium shoes! Off the bat, they were my favorite design of the bunch. I couldn’t wait to rock them on the West Side Highway, but I was a little nervous that they’d feel heavy. The shoes have multiple layers of foam, which for other brands can mean for a heavier ride.

Lucky for me, Nike’s foam feels lighter than air. I’ve run in the OG Pegasus shoes before, and these were even more responsive. They’re designed with Nike’s ZoomX foam in the midsole and ReactX foam in the heel, a combination that propels my foot forward almost as much as a carbon-plated shoe.

After 11 miles in the Nike Pegasus Premium shoes, I’d confidently recommend them to runners who want maximum responsiveness for faster runs. If you’re doing any type of speed work, these are a great pick.

Not to be dramatic, but this shoe changed me. I’ve never really been drawn to shoes with max cushioning in the past, mostly out of fear that they’ll feel heavy and clunky. Needless to say, the Nike Vomero Plus proved me wrong.

 I kicked off the week with a six-mile easy recovery run. My body was feeling pretty tired after a 16-mile long run two days before, and the Vomero Plus was the perfect choice for my sore legs. The plush cushioning felt like exactly what my body needed. 

Typically, the next run after my long run can feel like a bit of a struggle. I know recovery runs are a crucial part of training, but I’ll often find it difficult to keep my pace slow. I’ll rush through the run simply because my body is tired and I want to get it over with. But with the Vomero Plus on my feet, I actually enjoyed the ride.

 What stood out to me during my 10 miles in the Vomero Plus was the soft cushioning and sustained comfort. The shoes felt breathable (even in 80-degree New York City weather), and very forgiving on the hard ground. 

Who it’s best for

I’d recommend the Nike Vomero Plus shoes to literally any runner. They’re great for everyday runs (recovery/easy runs or long runs) and a solid option for both beginner runners and those of us who have been in it for years.  

The Nike Structure 26 shoes got a prominent place in my lineup this week. I wore these shoes for my 14-mile run. 

For a runner, there are few things worse than wearing the wrong shoes for your long run. I typically never test something brand new on long run days. But like I said, I’ve built a lot of trust in Nike. So I had faith these shoes wouldn’t let me down.

A true stability shoe, they’re designed to help maintain alignment of your foot and your stride in runners who have flat feet or low arches, or who overpronate (which is when your foot rolls inward on your stride).

When I first laced up these shoes, I immediately noticed the secure (yet not stiff) fit. I’ve been disappointed by other stability shoes in the past that just feel really rigid, but these were surprisingly flexible.

Per the name, they’re definitely the most structured of the three I tried. Even as someone who has a neutral stride, I could feel that these shoes kept me more aligned and supported throughout my long run.

Most importantly, they were comfortable. The full-length ReactX midsole provided just the right amount of cushioning to soften my landing, and the shoes felt quite responsive. I didn’t feel any rubbing or discomfort during the 14 miles I ran in the Structure 26 shoes, which speaks volumes. 

The Nike Structure 26 shoes are a top choice for runners with flat feet or low arches, or who overpronate. They’re expertly designed for maximum stability, and as someone who has struggled with that in the past, I appreciate how supported I felt in these. 

Every foot is different and every stride is unique. When I first started running, I went solely off of aesthetics—and I learned the hard way that so much more goes into finding the right shoe.

Luckily, Nike has a shoe for every foot type and running style (even better, they nail the aesthetics as well). 

Not sure which of these is best for you? I’d recommend taking some time to evaluate your foot type (high, low, or neutral arches or flat feet) and your running stride (pronation). I also suggest considering the types of runs you’ll be doing (easy everyday miles, long runs, speed training) and what terrain you’re running on.