Choosing the best Nike shoes feels like finding a needle in a haystack at times, given the overwhelming array of exceptional options available. Yet, the quest becomes rewarding once you discover that ideal pair that checks all the boxes- stylish, comfortable, and a great value for your money.
For dedicated sneaker fans, securing some of Nike's most coveted releases is key to building a collection. Plus, the thrill of catching someone admiring your choice of footwear is unmatched, although the true satisfaction lies in wearing some of the best sneakers you've long desired. However, acquiring the ideal Nike shoes is no easy feat, especially amidst the frenzy and hype surrounding certain releases.
To help your search, we've put together a guide to the best releases over the last year or so based on consumer demand and essential criteria like style, fit, and comfort. Our top picks aim to make this daunting selection process considerably easier, presenting a lineup that embodies the best of one of the premier sneaker brands available.
Best Nike Shoes - Quick List
- Nike SB Dunk Low "Coconut Milk" - one of the best-selling Nike shoes
- Supreme x Nike Air Max DN "Black" - a great Nike collab
- Nike Air Max 1 '86 "Royal Volt" - top retro design
- Nike Dunk Low "Sand Drift" - best Nike sneaker for women
- Nike Air Max 97 "Triple White" - a superb all-white design
Nike SB Dunk Low "Coconut Milk"
Best-selling Nike shoes
* prices subject to change
Why we chose the Nike SB Dunk Low "Coconut Milk"
First up, we have the excellent "Coconut Milk" SB Dunk Low. Launched in February as a standout feature of the City of Love collection, it has quickly risen the ranks and become a favorite, both within the SB Dunk series and across Nike's entire sneaker lineup.
This model sports a minimalist aesthetic, starting with a Coconut Milk base and complemented by Light Bone suede overlays. Its distinction lies in the Renaissance-inspired elements, particularly the insole's graphic, which echoes the famous Creation of Adam from the Sistine Chapel ceiling, weaving a romantic narrative into this Paris-themed creation.
However, the sneaker retains the skateboarder vibe synonymous with the SB line, featuring the iconic padded tongue and the instantly recognizable skater shape. This fusion of sophisticated design and skate culture versatility makes it a superb choice for various settings, cementing its place as one of the best Nike Dunks, and Nike shoes in general, you can buy.
- Read more: Best sneakers for men
Supreme x Nike Air Max DN "Black"
Best Nike shoe collaboration
* prices subject to change
Why we chose the Supreme x Nike Air Max DN "Black"
Next up, we have one of the best sneaker collabs to release this year so far, with Supreme teaming up with Nike to release this unique "Black" Air Max DN.
Dressed in a sleek black mesh, the shoe's upper prominently showcases a reflective 3M Supreme logo sprawled across the sidewall. Adding to this are haptic print overlays, complemented by a glossy toe cap and fused mudguard for better protection.
Below, you'll find dark green accents around the midfoot and heel panel to match the laces, while a striking yellow "DN" emblem completes the heel. However, the best part of these sneakers, at least in our opinion, is the four prominent air bubbles in the heel, proudly displaying Nike's innovative cushion technology.
Ultimately, those with a preference for black sneakers get a Nike shoe that captures the brilliance of the Air Max with a stylish, skateboarder-esque feel thanks to Supreme's excellent design input.
- Read more: Best sneakers for women
Nike Air Max 1 '86 "Royal Volt"
Best retro Nike shoes
* prices subject to change
Why we chose the Nike Air Max 1 '86 "Royal Volt"
The "Royal Volt" Air Max 1, released as part of Air Max Day 2024, is undeniably one of the best Nike shoes of the year. This stunning sneaker brings back the vibrancy and style of the original design, making a bold statement with every step.
The "Royal Volt" showcases Nike's advanced technology with its impressive Air unit window. Unlike the '80s version, which had a smaller visible unit prone to cracking in the cold, this modern iteration features a robust and eye-catching Air unit highlighting Nike's innovation.
Elsewhere, the design combines cool gray suede and white mesh, complemented by bright blue suede overlays. Additionally, the highlighter yellow outsole and matching Nike branding on the insole adds a striking contrast to the overall color scheme.
Featuring the Air Max Day date proudly displayed on the tongue too, this sneaker not only celebrates its retro roots but also stands out with some modern additions. As a result, it's a superb retro colorway that doesn't look out of place in a modern sneaker collection.
- Read more: Best low-top sneakers
Nike Dunk Low "Sand Drift"
Best Nike shoes for women
* prices subject to change
Why we chose the Nike Dunk Low "Sand Drift"
Next up is the Nike Dunk Low "Sand Drift", a modern, women's exclusive take on an ‘80s classic.
Perhaps the most fascinating thing about the design is how Nike has executed a color-blocking combination comprised of hemp and sand. The upper of taupe-colored leather pairs with beige suede overlays and contrast stitching accents that work together tremendously to accentuate classic details with a level of throwback flair.
Now, these shoes were originally designed for the hardwood floors of basketball courts, but Nike has repurposed them for streetwear, whilst retaining their historic status as a hoop icon of the ‘80s.
As a result, you get a comfortable sneaker here, which can be attributed to the padded, low-collar heel finish At the same time, the shoe serves as a status symbol of style and can flexibly be incorporated into various outfits due to its neutral tones and design.
- Read more: Best high-top sneakers
Nike Air Max 97 "Triple White"
Best white Nike shoes
* prices subject to change
Why we chose the Nike Air Max 97 "Triple White"
A sneakerhead’s collection most definitely won’t be considered complete without an all-white pair in the rotation. The Nike Air Max 97 “Triple White” shoes certainly fit the bill as they sport a clean all-white upper and sole with the only hints of color coming from the small touches of grey used for the branding on the mini-Swoosh logo and accents.
Interestingly, the residual effect of stripping most if not all of the color from the shoe allows the sneaker’s full-length visible Max Air unit to come to center stage. Built with a traditional blend of mesh and leather, this shoe appears to have radiating lines that ebb and flow in a similar way to the ripple effect of an object plunged into a pond of water.
The good news from a practical point of view is that buyers get a robust pair of “all-white” trainers that can be worn with a variety of different outfits, whether that be your classic light blue pair of jeans or your black skinny pants.
However, the only downside prospective purchasers should be aware of is that shoes of this color are difficult to clean, a symptom of almost all of the best white sneakers around. So, if you’re prone to walking through dusty or muddy terrain, then we'd highly recommend checking out the "Triple Black" Air Max 97 from 2018 instead.
- Read more: Best sneaker deals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It can be a bit difficult to keep up with the times when it comes to the world of sneakers, but rest assured we’re here to help by answering a few of the most commonly asked questions. Check out a few queries down below.
What is Nike’s best-selling shoe?
There are a few contenders here, although, according to reports online, the Air Force 1 is Nike's best-seller due to its long-enduring cultural impact. Wherever you come from, you’re almost guaranteed to spot someone wearing a clean white pair of this type of shoe, supporting the argument of it being Nike's most popular trainer.
The Air Jordan 1, which is the first iteration of the iconic signature sneaker made for basketball legend Michael Jordan, is up there though alongside Nike Dunks and the various Air Max models. However, the Air Force 1 probably just about clinches it in terms of popularity worldwide.
Which Nike shoe is the most comfortable?
There are several different candidates when it comes to comfort, but I’m going to chip in with my own anecdotal experience. Nike’s React Vision sneakers offer an astonishing level of cushioning that I'd say is hard to beat. The Air Prestos probably come in a close second though.
On the other hand, Nike itself champions its Invincible range when it comes to optimum comfort, as these shoes offer a soft, padded, and bouncy sensation with each stride.
It’s also imperative to note that how comfortable your shoe ultimately feels will also boil down to how wide or narrow your feet are, as some shoes are built to provide snug or loose fits for people with feet on either side of the width spectrum. We'd therefore recommend trying on different models in-store if you want to find the most comfortable Nike shoe for you.
Where can you buy Nike shoes once they've sold out?
If the sneakers you desire are currently unavailable, there are several avenues you can explore in your quest to find a pair. Firstly, you can try your luck at local shoe stores, as they might still have some stock remaining from Nike's initial release.
Alternatively, consider browsing resale platforms and marketplaces like StockX if you're struggling to locate the sold-out Nike shoes elsewhere. Keep in mind that you might have to pay a premium over the retail price, depending on the shoe's popularity. However, most resale platforms offer authentication services for each purchase to ensure you're not buying counterfeit or second-hand items.
If neither of these options yields results, your last resort may involve the uncertain prospect of waiting for a potential restock. Nike occasionally restocks its most popular sneakers when there's enough demand, but this isn't always guaranteed, making it a less reliable method for securing sold-out shoes.
For more detailed information on this topic, you can refer to our comprehensive guide on the best places to purchase sneakers.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, finding the perfect pair of Nike shoes is easier with the right guidance. Whether you're after the latest release or a reliable everyday pair, these top picks highlight Nike’s best options. Happy sneaker hunting!