Founded in 1964 as ‘Blue Ribbon Sports’ and officially renamed in the early seventies, Nike is one of the best-known sports brands in the world.
It has a reputation for consistently producing high-quality clothing and accessories for athletes, designed for durability and to boost performance.
In this guide to the best Nike running gear, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite Nike items, ideal whether you’re a marathon runner or planning to do the Couch to 5K.
From high-performance training shoes to Nike cold weather running gear, here are my top ten products available right now.
The Best Nike Running Gear in 2023
#1. Best Running Shirt for Warmer Days – NIKE Legend Short Sleeve Tee
#2. Best Running Shorts for Speed – Nike Dri-FIT ADV AeroSwift
#3. Best Nike Running Gear for Hydration – Flex Stride Running Belt
#4. Best Shoes for Road Running – Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40
#5. Best Midlayer – Nike Therma-FIT Repel Element Men’s 1/4-Zip Running Top
#6. Best Running Waist Belt – Nike Slim Waist Pack 3.0
#7. Best Nike Running Jacket – Windrunner
#8. Best Nike Trail Running Shoes – ZoomX Zegama
#9. Best Running Cap for Warmer Days – Unisex AeroBill Featherlight Cap
#10. Best Sunglasses for Runners – Nike Windshield Elite Rectangular Sunglasses
The best Nike Running Gear
#1. Best Running Shirt for Warmer Days – NIKE Legend Short Sleeve Tee
Fabric: 100% Polyester, Sizes: XS to 4XL (Plus Tall Sizes)
| Pros | Cons |
| Moisture-wicking | Runs small |
| Breathable | |
| Big range of colors and sizes |
The best Nike running gear is made from fabric that keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable when training, and that’s just what you get with the Legend tee shirt.
One of the brand’s most popular products, it uses Dri-FIT technology to rapidly wick away sweat from your skin and is made with flat seams and a smooth jersey fabric, so you never have to worry about chafing.
It is lightweight and flexible – so it moves easily when you do – and has a relaxed, regular fit, with ergonomic side seam panels.
It’s easy to look after, too, keeping its shape and color well after multiple washes.
#2. Best Running Shorts for Speed – Nike Dri-FIT ADV AeroSwift
Fabric: 89% Polyester, 11% Spandex, Sizes: Small to XX-Large
| Pros | Cons |
| Secure, flexible waistband | Rear pocket too small for some phones |
| Seamless front to reduce chafing | |
| Lots of pockets |
When it comes to speed, an aerodynamic silhouette is an important factor and you’ll need sleek running shorts with a glove-like fit.
That’s why my list of the best Nike running gear just has to include the fabulous Dri-FIT ADV AeroSwift racing tights, which are designed to help you smash your personal best.
Lightweight and secure, they are made with a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric designed to simultaneously offer support but allow you complete freedom of motion.
There is a drawcord to help you achieve a custom fit, a rear center pocket for your phone, and 4 extra pockets around the waist for your key, card, or gels.
#3. Best Nike Running Gear for Hydration – Flex Stride Running Belt
Fabric: 60% Nylon, 40% Polyester. Lining: 100% Nylon, Capacity: 22 oz
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | Pocket is too small for most phones |
| Can be worn around the waist or over the shoulder | |
| Reflective details |
Staying well-hydrated during runs is important, but bulky hydration packs are often overkill for daily training.
This bottle belt from Nike makes a great alternative – it comes with a 22 oz squeezable bottle that’s easy to use on the go and holds enough water for longer runs.
It also comes with a zip pocket – ideal for small essentials like your energy chews or a key – and has an adjustable buckle for a custom fit.
There are also built-in expanders to ensure that the belt remains flexible and allows you to move freely, plus silicone grips to stop it from shifting and distracting you from your run.
You can see more running belts with water bottles here
#4. Best Shoes for Road Running – Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40
Heel Drop: 10mm, Weight: 9.4 oz, Support Level: Neutral
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable upper | Heavier than previous version |
| Very durable outsole | Midsole feels firm at first (though loosens over time) |
| 2 Zoom Air units for a springy toe-off |
Whenever I’m asked about the best Nike running gear, I always recommend these shoes – the latest iteration of a much-loved favorite.
They provide the support and responsiveness found in previous versions but now offer additional comfort in sensitive areas like the arch and toes.
The heel is designed to optimize the landing space for faster transitions and increased durability, whilst the waffle-inspired tread pattern gives you the traction you need on the road, even in wet conditions.
The breathable upper, meanwhile, is super comfortable, with a nicely padded tongue, horizontal lacing that provides great lockdown, and a well-cushioned heel collar.
#5. Best Midlayer – Nike Therma-FIT Repel Element Men’s 1/4-Zip Running Top
Fabric: 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex, Sizes: S to 4XL
| Pros | Cons |
| Great for cool, rainy days | Neck is snug when fully zipped |
| Smooth collar with reduced seaming | |
| Standard fit for a relaxed feel |
If you’re looking for good Nike cold weather running gear, check out the brand’s Element running top, which uses Therma-FIT technology to help manage your body’s natural heat and keep you cozy on chilly days.
The soft, French terry fabric is lightweight and has water-repellent properties, so though it won’t keep you dry if there’s a very heavy downpour, it’s perfect if you happen to get caught in a passing shower.
A very cool feature is the thumbhole that allows you to use your sleeve to cover your hand – it has a 3-way system, so you have the option of wearing it as a mitten, thumbhole, or cuffed.
There are reflective elements to help with visibility in low-light conditions and the 1/4 zippered design allows you to increase the airflow as your run gets more challenging.
#6. Best Running Waist Belt – Nike Slim Waist Pack 3.0
Fabric: 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane, Size: One Size Fits Most
| Pros | Cons |
| Contoured design for less bouncing | Only suitable for very small phones |
| Adjustable size | Hand wash only |
| Can be worn on the waist or around your shoulder |
A waist belt is a very useful running accessory – lighter than a backpack but with more storage space than a running armband.
That’s why I’ve included the Slim Pack 3.0 on my list of the best Nike running gear – it’s super lightweight and compact, yet still provides enough space for essentials like your cards, keys, gels, and more.
The pocket is expandable, so you may be able to use it to store your phone too, although it’s really too snug for larger models.
You can see more good running waist belts here
#7. Best Nike Running Jacket – Windrunner
Fabric: 100% Nylon, Sizes: S to XXL
| Pros | Cons |
| Ribbed cuffs and waist to keep out drafts | Pricey |
| Comfortable fit | |
| Machine washable |
Many of my clients swear by the Windrunner jackets as some of the best Nike running gear out there, offering lightweight protection that’s perfect for springtime or fall runs.
It has a breathable mesh lining and a vent at the back to maintain airflow and keep you cool, plus a zipper and drawstrings to cinch in the collar if temperatures drop.
The shiny fabric has a water-repellent finish and there are secure zippered pockets at the sides, giving you somewhere safe to keep your keys, cash, and phone.
I love the classic look of this jacket – the Chevron design lines inspired by the Windrunner track jacket from 1978 – but it’s available in plain black, too.
#8. Best Nike Trail Running Shoes – ZoomX Zegama
Heel Drop: 4mm, Weight: 10.2 oz, Support Level: Neutral
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent support | Relatively narrow fit |
| Great rebound | Stack height may be too high for some |
| Good range of colorways |
Made with the ZoomX midsole foam that features in Nike’s Vaporfly road shoes, the Zegama is a responsive trail shoe built for speed.
It has a very tough upper, made from a strong engineered mesh that can withstand the debris you’re likely to encounter on the trail, and is supportive enough to prevent excessive foot rotation.
It also features an ankle gaiter, that effectively keeps out dust and grit.
The increased stack height provides extra cushioning to keep you comfortable on longer runs and the widely spaced 4mm lugs provide excellent traction and shed mud readily.
#9. Best Running Cap for Warmer Days – Unisex AeroBill Featherlight Cap
Fabric: 100% Polyester, Sizes: One size, adjustable
| Pros | Cons |
| Sweat-wicking | Slightly too snug on larger heads |
| Well ventilated | |
| Machine washable |
Sustainably produced with recycled materials, this cap easily makes it onto my list of the best Nike running gear as it has a classic design that looks great whether you wear it forwards or backwards.
It’s perfect for keeping the sweat out of your eyes when the going gets tough and offers excellent ventilation, with lasered perforations at the front and on the sides to maintain airflow.
It features reflective details to enhance your visibility at night and also has an adjustable closure for a great fit, which is easy to adjust with one hand mid-run.
You can see more of our favorite running caps here
#10. Best Sunglasses for Runners – Nike Windshield Elite Rectangular Sunglasses
Frame: Plastic, Polarized: No, Dimensions: 60mm Lens, 10mm Bridge, 140mm Arm
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight, streamlined design | May be a little tight on a larger head |
| Floating nose pad to maintain airflow | |
| 100% UVA/UVB protection |
Wearing sunglasses as you train is important for your eye health and helps you see more clearly on sunny days, improving your performance.
So last but not least on my list of the best Nike running gear are the brand’s excellent Windshield Elite Rectangular glasses, which have an anti-reflective coating and a one-piece lens for unbeatable coverage.
The design of the frame helps you maintain clarity on longer runs, with ventilation above the nose bridge and at the top to stop the lenses from fogging.
The cushioned temple tips help them stay in place and make them comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time.
You can see more of our favorite sunglasses for runners here
The best Nike running Gear: Key Takeaways
With decades of experience in producing top-quality clothing, footwear, and accessories for athletes, Nike is a brand you can depend on when you’re looking for some of the best active wear around.
Whether you want a great pair of shoes to give you the edge on race day or protection from the elements as you train, I hope this guide has been helpful in tracking down the best Nike running gear for your needs.
