3 New Sneakers Every Kind of Runner (or Walker) Will Want For Summer

By Samantha Sasso
Photo Illustration by Samantha Shin | Courtesy of Nike
Photo Illustration by Samantha Shin | Courtesy of Nike
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One of the oldest myths in the fitness world is that in order for you to be classified as a capital-R runner you need to meet a few qualifications, like completing a half marathon or, at the very least, a 10-minute mile. But this isn't middle school gym class — there are no rules here. The same principle applies to your preferred terrain. There's no right or wrong place to run (or walk — this counts too). Each runner has their sweet spot, whether that be on the road, a rocky trail, a treadmill, or a dirt path in the park. It doesn't really matter where you run — it just matters what shoe you wear to run.

As outdoor weather conditions improve — finally, no more jackets or hand warmers needed— you may consider making an update to your shoe rotation to meet your unique terrain needs. Even if your existing soles still have some life in them, it's hard to resist the allure of a new shoe that's especially bright and bold for the season. What's more motivating than wanting to get outside and show off your new gear? Ahead, the newest shoes from Nike for every kind of runner.

For Hitting the Open Road
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For Hitting the Open Road

While you can tolerate and respect an off-road jog, there's something special about hitting the pavement (or, for the indoor runners of the world, the treadmill) when you want to drown out the world and just go. Plus, like many runners who have come before you, running on concrete is where your love for the sport began. Odds are, as a road racer, you prefer a shoe that increases your speed and propels you forward. Enter: the Nike Vaporfly 3 ($260). Designed with a bulging midsole, this shoe helps reduce weight on the inside of the foot to stabilize your movements so you can run faster, longer, and at a steadier pace. The added bonus is the shoe's breathability: the soft and supportive yarn helps keep your feet cool and comfortable.

For Off-Road Excursions
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For Off-Road Excursions

Sure, you're an equal opportunity runner — you love a sidewalk sprint as much as you do backwoods trails — but you shouldn't have to own a separate shoe for different terrain. The new Nike Pegasus Trail 5 ($150) easily adapts from pavement to dirt with its ultra-responsive foam midsole, making it soft and stable no matter where your next run takes you. The mesh is tightly woven in high-wear areas (i.e., your toes) so you have better coverage, and it's designed with less rubber (and extra grip!) along the outsole to help create a smooth transition to an unpaved route. The latter also wraps around the front to provide added durability. Talk about a shoe that can keep up.

For Unexpected Terrain
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For Unexpected Terrain

A high-elevation trail. A steep rocky descent. The jagged foothills on your favorite hike. The only constant in your runs is you always go off-road. In fact, the more unpredictable the terrain, the better. Not every shoe can adjust so easily from one unstable ground to the next, but the new Nike Zegama 2 ($180) allows you to have your cake and eat it too. Made with a responsive ZoomX foam midsole for optimal cushioning, the Nike Zegama 2 helps you to keep a steady pace in any location, even the bumpy ones. The most impressive feature is the new lug pattern on the outsole — the deep tread of the rubber resembles that of a tractor tire. This wider design guarantees reliable traction even while exploring more technical terrains.