In the early ‘70s, only a few years after Nike was founded, the sportswear giant was already innovating, using its groundbreaking air-bubble technology that we now consider part of everyday sneaker life. These days it feels like Nike releases a new cutting-edge technology every month or so, but one of the most successful advances in recent years was Nike Air Zoom.
Nike Zoom refers to the cushioning system that uses pressurized air and tightly stretched fibers to absorb impact and then snap back for fast movement and reduced stress on muscles, joints, and tendons. The technology was engineered with the aim of breaking the 2-hour marathon boundary, and it worked. Perhaps it worked a bit too well, with Eliud Kipchoge’s Nike Vaporfly Next% — which used Nike Zoom technology in the sole unit — sparking controversy about whether the trainers should be banned.
In the end, the shoes that Kipchoge wore were banned. So, like it or not, there's no denying the impact of Nike’s engineered Zoom sole. There’s a huge variety of Nike Zoom trainers that use varying degrees of this technology which means that you can also reap the benefits. Whether you’re a runner or just want to try one of the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever wear, here are our favorite Nike Zoom trainers available right now.
Scroll down to see our top picks from the Nike Zoom family.
Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%
Nike technology seems to take a leap forward with every new release at this point, and that means that everyday trainers are becoming more and more performance-focused. The Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% is the perfect example with ZoomX Foam that returns energy in the footbed as well as a Zoom Air unit to the front which cushions and springs.
Nike Zoom Freak 2 Basketball Shoe
Since being drafted in 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been lovingly dubbed The Greek Freak — a nickname that informed his footwear line. The Zoom Freak 2 is designed to aid the Freak’s height, length, speed, and unprecedented Euro step with Zoom cushioning throughout the sole unit.
Nike Air Jordan 1 Zoom Cmfrt x Paris Saint-Germain
One of the most exciting things about Nike’s output is seeing new technology rolled out to fan-favorite silhouettes like the Air Jordan 1. This collaboration pair with Paris Saint-Germain features suede and leather to the upper as well as underfoot Zoom cushioning.
Nike Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 SE
The Nike Zoom Spiridon’s exoskeleton of an upper gives the shoe serious otherworldly appeal, and it doesn’t stop at the visuals. Zoom tech to the sole unit complements the beautiful suede and leather uppers with comfort to match.
Nike Air Monarch 4
Arguably the king of normcore footwear, Nike’s Monarch IV is understated and so, so proud of it. Clean leather uppers meet a Zoom sole unit for one of the most versatile everyday options in today’s roundup.
Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 6
If you like to take your runs off the beaten track, the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 6 should be prominent on your radar right now. This trail runner is lightweight but super durable with a rugged outsole and Zoom cushioning to the midsole.
Nike Air Zoom-Type
A double-stacked heel combines with Zoom Air cushioning to the forefoot for a seriously smooth ride while the uppers of the Air Zoom-Type are altogether more focused on style. Standing as one of the most recent Zoom releases from Nike, dropping in June this year, the Zoom-Type features a color palette inspired by Japanese street style and the uppers boast a deconstructed style that gives this pair raw energy.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 is a sleek, elegant addition to any running closet. Taking after the Nike Pegasus which originally dropped in 1987, the Zoom Pegasus 37 has given the Pegasus name new life. This time, the silhouette features a multi-colored flash to the midsole that promises forefoot cushioning, as well as the classic Mercurial Swoosh along the lateral side of the shoe.
Jordan React Elevation
The Jumpman never sleeps. It's been a busy year for the Jordan brand and we're happy to see that the newest Jordan silhouettes are complete with Zoom sole units, and why wouldn't they be? Zoom boosts performance, comfort, and looks amazing.
Jordan Zoom '92
Nike has really turned the clock back on this one. This pair is giving us serious '90s nostalgia, but with none of the uncomfortable, cracked sole unit. That's because, if you look close enough, you'll see the inspiration was taken from the '92 Jordan VII which has the unforgettable zig-zag sole unit.
Jordan Why Not?Zer0.3 SE
The Jordan Why Not?Zer0.3 is one of the boldest new-age Jordans but we're definitely here for it. The jagged sole unit gives the shoe anime-esque momentum and this color palette is unmissable.
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