The Winflo 10 Is Our Tester’s Current Favorite Nike Running Shoe
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Running shoes are expensive, and with prices rising over $20 per pair of shoes in the last eight years, the “most affordable sport” is becoming less accessible. But just because you can’t—or won’t—drop over $150 on a pair of shoes doesn’t mean there aren’t some great options out there. One of the best is the Nike Winflo 10. Coined by some as the “Pegasus Lite,” the Winflo is soft, responsive and lightweight. The shoe comes in at just $105 full price, and you’ll often find this shoe on sale.
While significantly cheaper than many other Nike running shoes, it has features seen in the more expensive models, an excellent fit and a high-end look (hello, this spring’s Bloom Run Collection).
Since this is considered one of Nike’s budget models, it doesn’t get as much hype as the brand's more popular models like the Structure, InfinityRN and Invincible, but we think it’s worth a spot in your running rotation. Keep reading to learn more about the Winflo and where this shoe falls in rank among the 50-plus shoes I’ve tested over countless miles.
Nike Winflo 10 Overview
Nike Winflo 10 pictured here in the new Bloom Run collection colorway
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Nike Winflo 10 at a glance:
- Price: $105 (currently on sale for $69.97–$72.97)
- Colors: 7 for women, 13 for men
- Sizes: 5–12 women, 6–15 men
- Best for: Short runs and everyday wear
The Winflo is a good-looking shoe. It has a light, breathable mesh upper that allows for maximum airflow and doesn’t feel tight on the foot. Unlike many Nikes, which tend to fit a bit short and narrow, this one runs true to size, if not a tad long. I found it had plenty of room horizontally, especially in the toe box.
The upper features overlays, which aid in both design and stability, plus are specifically placed around the tongue to reinforce durability. I liked that they didn’t hit anywhere on my foot that might cause loss of movement or hot spots.
The midsole is made from a combination of soft but responsive foam, and full length Nike Air cushioning, giving the ride a springy feel. This is a neutral shoe, but it has a slight flare at the toe and heel that helps improve stability on uneven surfaces. It also has a decently supportive heel cup, so you won’t feel like you are slipping around or out of the shoe.
The outsole uses Nike’s typical waffle-design rubber outsole which gives excellent grip on all different types of surfaces including grass, track and wet roads.
What we like:
- Affordable
- Great colors, including the Nike Bloom Run collection (pictured here)
- Very comfortable
- Breathable upper
What to consider:
- Not a ton of support
- Runs slightly wide on a narrow foot
Nike Winflo 10 Fit
I’ve found many Nikes to be on the short and narrow side, but these seem to fit much more true to size—they may even run slightly long. They are a neutral shoe, so they don’t have a ton of arch support or stability, but they are decently cushioned, and have a pretty plush feeling underfoot. They also give a decent amount of room in the forefoot, but aren’t too wide in the heel.
Since the upper is made from mesh, it’s not going to give a super snug fit like a knit would, but many people prefer this since it is easier to control and get a more personalized fit where you need it. The tongue is padded and attached to the upper so it won’t slip around or move when you run, and the heel counter—while not super reinforced—has a good amount of cushion which both keeps the heel in place and prevents irritation.
Our Experience Wearing the Nike Winflo 10
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I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with the Winflo—it actually ranks as one of my favorite Nike shoes right now. I have the colorway from the Bloom Run collection, which is a springy combination of pink, blue and butter yellow on a white upper. If that’s not your thing, there are also a bunch of neutral options to choose from as well that pair well with any outfit.
To test these shoes, I both ran in them and wore them to a dance class. On the run, I loved how lightweight they were. They felt quite cushioned and responsive—especially when compared to other running shoe models of a similar price. I am a pretty neutral runner, so support isn’t something super important to me, but if you do overpronate even a little, these probably won’t be enough to keep you comfortable—even with an insert.
As for the dance class, I loved how flexible these shoes are—they moved well with the foot, and felt secure on the feet with lateral movement. Because they are so lightweight, they are easy to jump in, and offer padding without being clunky. They also give enough grip that you’re not slipping around, but they still allowed me to turn without stopping me up too much. That said, these make a great choice for Zumba or other dance cardio classes.
Nike Winflo 10 vs. Nike Winflo 9
The Winflo 9 and 10 are pretty similar, but there are a few changes worth pointing out. One of the most notable is the upper. The 9 had an almost knitted mesh appearance that soaked in dirt and grime, and was hard to clean. Since the 10 is a more traditional mesh, it’s a bit more forgiving, especially if you use a shoe cleaner. This change in upper also made the shoes appear more high-end. They may cost about $35 less than your average running shoe, but they sure don’t look it.
The midsole and outsole are pretty similar between the iterations, and testers noted that even though they looked different, the two versions felt pretty much the same—something you don’t often get with big brand shoe companies, as they love to change up a shoe just when you fall in love with it.
Overall, the Winflo just keeps getting better, so the 10 is definitely worth a purchase whether you were a fan of the 9 and it’s time to upgrade, or have yet to grab this shoe.
Nike Winflo FAQs
Is the Nike Winflo 10 good for running long distances?
While some people can run countless miles in a lightweight, neutral shoe, most of us need a bit more cushioning and support to run comfortably for over 30 minutes. Generally, I would recommend the Winflo as a shorter distance shoe and as a great option for speedwork days.
Related Post: The Best Long-Distance Running Shoes
How does the Nike Winflo compare to the Nike Pegasus?
The Winflo is lighter and a bit firmer. It works best for short and fast runs. The Pegasus offers a bit more cushioning—especially in the front of the shoe. If you want a daily trainer and run over 20 miles a week, the Pegasus may be a better fit for you.
Are the Nike Winflo waterproof?
No, the Nike Winflo is not waterproof.
Final Thoughts: Is the Nike Winflo 10 Right for You?
If you are looking for an affordable running shoe, the Winflo is a great place to start. It performs and looks much higher end than it is, and altogether it’s a great option for newbies and short runs. Not exactly what you’re looking for? Check out the iNike Dunk Low for a casual option, or the Metcon for a cross-trainer.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
