Right, now that we’ve all got over the shock of once again being in national lockdown and having football taken away from us yet again, focus turns to keeping ourselves fit and healthy (and sane) ready for the return of the game. For that we once again turn to running, and to help with this we’ve rounded up the best Nike shoes.
With football once again on pause, we look at ways to maintain fitness, keeping levels somewhere near respectable so that when we once again kick off, we’re not blowing out our rings following our first dash that’s anything longer than what from the couch to the toilet/kitchen would be (depending on the requirements – certainly not to be confused). And so we look at getting out and getting some hard miles under our belts – that’s right, running. That dreaded element to preseason that the majority of sane people hate. But you can’t avoid its necessity when it comes to the beautiful game, and so we’ve done a bit of research, rounding up the best Nike shoes that will hopefully make ‘clocking some miles’ a little bit more bearable for you.
Forget about those tatty old trainers that you’ve had for well over a decade. Sure they may fit like the best pair of slippers you’ve ever had, but when it comes to running they’ll offer you exactly zero support or cushioning, and unless you’re one of the most hardy of free runners (that’s running in shoes that basically try and replicate a barefoot feeling) then you’re going to need support and cushioning otherwise you’re asking for injuries. And let’s face it, the whole point of running is so that you’re primed and ready to go when football returns; last thing you want is an injury.
Nike Zoom Alphafly Next%
Right, this one is for some proper mileage at some serious speed. Inspired by the shoe that Eliud Kipchoge wore to break the two-hour marathon mark, this beast combines ZoomX foam, Zoom Air units and a carbon plate to propel you on. Comfortable and rapid, this is a high miler, so if you’re just planning on looping round the block once or twice, then this may be overkill.
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next%
For the ZoomX Vaporfly Next%, Nike somehow managed to cram 15% more of the incredibly lightweight and responsive ZoomX cushioning in, largely in the forefoot to provide even more energy return, and they did it without increasing the overall weight of the shoe. It also sees the debut of VaporWeave in the upper. It’s lighter than Flyknit, it’s breathable but crucially it absorbs far less water from sweat or rain – perfect at this time of year.
Nike air zoom pegasus 37
Durable and lightweight, the Nike Pegasus 37 is designed to let you run distances at speed – so not one for your lumbering centre backs. And let’s face it, for a shoe to be around for 37 years, it has to be doing something right. Tried, tested and tweaked, it now provides more React foam than its predecessor as well as a forefoot Air Zoom unit that is twice as big.
Nike Zoom Fly 3
Highly propulsive and lightweight, the Zoom Fly 3 is a racer that brings comfort and durability. A good one for long distances, it features a new arch-band lacing system for a more adjustable fit. The React midsole with carbon fibre plate provides springy responsiveness.
Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% FK
Straight off the bat, you’re into that Swoosh outline because it reminds you of your favourite Mercurials, and that’s OK – you’ll be back in them in no time. Meanwhile though, the Air Zoom Tempo Next% is the perfect everyday runner. You don’t have to be a marathon legend in this one, but its comfortable performance will see you through your everyday training regime.
Nike React Infinity Run 2
Geared up to reduce running injuries, the brand new React Infinity Run 2 features an updated Flyknit upper to help promote more strength and support, while the sole is soft yet uber-reactive and really responsive with a spring-like feeling.
Shop all running shoes on prodirectrunning.com
