How to build a Nike Running road shoe rotation for 2023

In this video I discuss why building a shoe rotation is so important, the categories of shoes you want to include for a road running shoe rotation, an overview of Nike’s 2023 performance road running lineup and a breakdown of my own personal Nike Running shoe rotation.
0:00 Intro
0:34 What are the benefits of a running shoe rotation?
2:18 Categories of road running shoes
3:42 2023 Nike Running road shoe line overview
9:22 Walkthrough of how build my own Nike shoe rotation
15:22 Outro
Thanks for watching! Leave a comment and let me know any questions you have about Nike road running or building your own shoe rotation.
Disclosure: No one is paying me to make this video and no one has any editorial control over the contents of this video. Additionally, I have no connection into Nike's design or marketing process. Everything I cover in this video is my own opinion and experience.
Product Images courtesy of Nike
Intro & outro music from Epidemic Sound:
Go Lightly above the Surface - Hanna Lindgren
www.epidemicsound.com/artists...
Subscriber count at time of upload: 153
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[@SagasuRunning]

Let me know if you have any further questions about building a running shoe rotation or about Nike shoes specifically.

[@rsii83]

Love the info you provided.

[@SagasuRunning]

I’m so happy the hear it was useful and informative! 💪🏻

[@mabad]

Good stuff. Thanks for the insight on rotations.

[@SagasuRunning]

Glad this was useful! 👍🏻

[@KilliKilliPower]

Great video!!

[@SagasuRunning]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@dwaynekirchner5426]

This was very helpful. Thank you

[@SagasuRunning]

Glad to know it was useful!

[@corbinchristopulos1179]

This is a great video

[@SagasuRunning]

Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@vikingsruleU]

Very informative! I am starting to build my rotation, and this video helped a lot

[@SagasuRunning]

Wonderful! Glad it was useful.

[@awa0922]

Thank you for the great video. I subscribed to your channel.

[@SagasuRunning]

Thank you. Glad you found the content useful! 🤙🏻

[@harmandash7147]

best video on KZbin.. giving wholesome 😅 ❤❤❤

[@SagasuRunning]

🤙🏻

[@prajwalbhat7899]

This was a really helpful video. I am a beginner especially in terms of, which is for what and when. It's confusing to get clarity. I understand what kind of shoes I need. Thank you very much 😊

[@SagasuRunning]

I’m glad this was useful for you! Enjoy your runs.

[@esci88]

I think ( as ex nike employ) this is the best video of a nike shoes rotation i ever saw. Love this video!

[@SagasuRunning]

Thank you. Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@j_505]

Just recently discovered your channel! Love your take on Nikes running line-up. I actually have a different take on the Pegasus Turbo Nature. I’m a HUGE fan of Gen 1 Turbo, I’d say my favorite ever. With Peg Nature, it definitely isn’t a super speedy shoe, but I love it for clocking long miles. In terms of its geometry, I think Peg Nature is geared for that. I was originally expecting to hate the shoe, but really ended up loving it a lot. Just my opinion. Anyway, keep up the great work with the channel! You know your stuff 👍

[@SagasuRunning]

Interesting. I’m glad it works for you. The he main problem for the Next Nature for me IS the geometry overall. I do love the shoe as a casual shoe though. You must love the racing strip on the Next Nature then… it’s the “iconic” Peg 35 Turbo touch. Thank you for the kind words. I love to hear that people are enjoying what I’m putting out! Plenty more to come…

[@therangersinger]

Very concise and well made video. I have that same rotation. Had to return my streakflys as the midsole ripped at 48 miles. I have learned to love the tempo next percent for only one type of workout and would likely never consider another shoe for that type. And that would be hill repeats. Hill repeats need a little extra something on toe off and definitely need a shoe that can protect you on the downhills. My hill repeats are both up and downhill. And that shoe is the best for it. Otherwise I hate it 🤣

[@SagasuRunning]

Interesting. All the reason you stated you use the tempo for hill repeats are the exact reasons I’d never use it for that 😂 running is like that, we all have our own preferences. The Streakfly is the perfect hill reps shoe to me. I ran a lot in the Tempo a few years ago and while I never loved the shoe I will say if you can find a use for it it works well! I loved it for Darrell’s as I found it did easy and fast paced well. This was when I was still “saving” VFs or AFs for racing…. Which I no longer do. I do wish Nike would make a tempo shoe with the nylon plate that was in the tempo. I found it much less harsh than a full CF plate… good for training. I’m curious where they evolve Tempo too next.

[@amaanislam]

I’m a new runner and bought the vaporflys thinking they were the best shoes to buy, not knowing they weren’t made to be run in daily. I took your advice and built this exact rotation (excluding alphaflys, i use the vaporflys for my tempo runs as i’m not racing) and have been loving it! I come from a bodybuilding background so cardio isn’t my expertise, but these shoes have made running so much more enjoyable!

[@SagasuRunning]

This is great to hear. I’m glad this was useful. Ya, starting in VFs as your first shoe is like learning to drive in a Ferrari. Glad you have some options now.

[@cars92dtb]

Nike Tempo is the one I bought 2 weeks ago. 2 runs in, oh my word, it’s fast! Makes the Peg39s seem dull in comparison! PegTrail3 is another great option and goes great on the tarmac. Hope you keep enjoying these shoes and your running 😊

[@SagasuRunning]

The peg trail is a good option for some road running, I use it for trail running but always end up with a few kms of road use on them.

[@harmandash7147]

most important video on internet

[@SagasuRunning]

I definitely wouldn’t say that. This video will get an update later this year as well.

[@madfemurfast]

I have never run in Nike, so this is nice to see.

[@SagasuRunning]

Excellent. I’m glad it was useful! 🤙🏻

[@mchaydel]

I find the Tempos to be the most versatile shoes I have ever purchased, I use them for short speed, tempos, and even easy long runs

[@SagasuRunning]

I ran a lot in tempos when they came out. I did find them versatile too… but they were never a shoe I WANTED to run in or would grab. They never disappeared on the feet, I was always aware of all the layers of foam and tech and they were very loud. So after my 2nd pair died I just replaced them with Alphafly 2s, which is find much better for long tempo. I don’t do short tempo work in plated shoes.

[@BenL-ql2tl]

Thanks for the great video! I use the Peg 39 as a daily trainer and then have the Vaporfly 2 for tempo/speed and Vaporfly 3 for race. I tend to use my older Vaporflys as a tempo shoe once they’ve clocked a few marathon races. Is there any advantage to getting a Streakfly as a dedicated tempo shoe? Or is it fine to stick to my semi-retired Vaporflys? Interested to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

[@SagasuRunning]

I too have used older VFs as a tempo shoe, but more for long runs (before the invincible 3). The SF doesn’t have a plate in it. So I think there is a huge advantage in them as a training tool. You’ll hear me talk about foot and leg strength endlessly. I wouldn’t say they replace the older VFs… but they are a good “in addition” option. They are also great fun to run in and excellent for hills repeats (something a played shoe isn’t great for).

[@norax8282]

This is by far the best shoe rotation I have seen! With the Nike line, it is even better. Nicely break down on the different categories of Nike running shoes and great ration example and well explained reasons. I now better understand my two Nike: Alphafly 3 and Vomero 17, which I will use for race and recovery. Thinking about adding Streakfly for tempo and Pergasus for daily trainer. What do you think?

[@SagasuRunning]

The Pegasus always has been my de facto daily trainer and you can’t go wrong with the SF for workouts. I will be updating this video later this year as there are some big changes in the Nike running line coming in 2024.

[@norax8282]

@@SagasuRunningLooking forward to your updates!

[@martinbergmann7478]

Great video. As for me I use race shoes for everything … specially adios pro 3, prime x stung and endorphin pro 3 works well at almost any speed. Only Hoka rocket x2 and Vaporfly 3 i do not run for daily stuff since they don’t work for me at low speeds . To be honest I never been a fan of the daily shoes .. boring feel and not very exciting . And durability is for track and treadmill almost no factor anymore . I mean I spend 70-80% of my runs in daily training sessions and why would I bore my self ? I live once . Spend your money where u spend ur time 🤟🏻🙃. Only daily trainer I own are Boston 10/11s and the zoom fly 5 . Unpopular opinion but I even walk with my alpha 2s at airports 😬🤣. Cheers mate . Great stuff !

[@SagasuRunning]

I agree on the “spend your money where you spend your time” comment. This is why I prefer doing tempo work in race shoes and not in actual tempo trainers. I’m also lucky that I genuinely love the Pegasus. I’ve tried daily trainers from a few other brands and really dislike most of them (videos coming soon) and nothing is a simple as the Peg for me. I want my daily trainer to completely disappear on my feet when I wear them. I never want to think about a daily trainer… I just want to go out and enjoy running. Thanks for the support! Plenty more videos coming.

[@anjalirawat5378]

Excellent video! Do you know when the Vomero 17 will drop? I’m a skinny built 130lb 5’10. My cardio is generally walks with occasional running. In your opinion, Vomero 16 or Peg 39 for me?

[@SagasuRunning]

If you just want one shoe for occasion running… go with the Peg. Lots of great color ways and even some sales on the Peg 39 right now. The Vomero 16 is a bit of an odd one and not worth trying to find for occasional running. I’ve seen everything from May to Fall for the Vomero 17… so no clue. Nike seems to randomly drop stuff as supply chain stuff gets worked out for them, especially in the states. Also… thanks for the support. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@anjalirawat5378]

@@SagasuRunning thanks for that:) actually in my country, I’m getting the Vomero 16 cheaper than the Peg haha. Between the two, which will be more comfortable for walking?

[@lordstalker93]

My personal opinion, the solid Nike shoes rotations for myself as 5’9, 253 lbs will be: 1. Daily trainer: Vomero 2. Recovery: Invincible 3. Tempo: Tempo Next % 4. Race: Alphafly

[@SagasuRunning]

Sounds like a solid rotation. The Vomero is a good choice for daily trainer for you. The AF is too.

[@lordstalker93]

@@SagasuRunning thank you! But i also agree with your POV on Streakfly as tempo shoes for speed training to stimulates leg’s muscle & build up strength without any kind of plate assistance.

[@vivienrouge3429]

Nice one. What do think of mine ? Race : vaporfly 3 / vaporfly 2 black / alphafly 1 Tempo : Vaporfly 2 white (eldest) / alphafly 1/ Pegasus 39 / invincible 3 Daily trainer : Pegasus 39/ invincible 3 / invincible 2 / Rival fly Cushioned : Invincible 3 / Invincible 2 I'm also a marathoner and I'm looking out for peg 40 and alphafly 2 when the price will go down. I feel nice this way and I agree on all points. Despite training with Adidas I think Nikes are better suited for me. Thanks

[@SagasuRunning]

You have ever base covered for sure. I feel you on a brand being better suited to your foot. I like some Adidas shoes, but they are very hit or miss and Nike just works for me across the board.

[@ninjashoyo9086]

Thank you! Can you make one for ASICS?

[@SagasuRunning]

Possibly later this year. I’m much more new to Asics and have alot to learn. There will be some Asics content coming soon though.

[@ninjashoyo9086]

@@SagasuRunning hooray, thank you! Btw can you also indicate in the video, the possible effects to the runner if they wear shoes that aren’t for them? For example, what would happen if a neutral runner runs in pronated shoes (ex. ASICS Kayano)?

[@James.chalmers]

can you do this similar video but with a mix of brands not just nike?

[@SagasuRunning]

Someday possibly. I am a mostly Nike runner but do mix in a few other brands. I’ve been toying with the idea of doing something cross brand like this. I do have a shorter version of this coming out for Adidas this week.

[@Y2hlc3Rlcg]

can you do a Puma or asics version of this? please ? :D thank you!

[@SagasuRunning]

I’ll be doing one for Asics in 2024, then updating the Nike and Adidas ones for 2024 as well. I don’t know Puma at all, or run in their shoes, so have no knowledge of that one, sorry.

[@Mr.VladCruz]

I have low arches and use an orthotic insole in my Infinity Runs. Could these be used in those racing shoes like the Vaporfly or Streakflys?

[@SagasuRunning]

Of course. You can race in any shoe. There is no rule saying it HAS to be a race shoe to race. A shoe you are comfortable in and confident with is better than any race shoe you are unsure of. Race shoes are only about maximizing things in race day.

[@Andre-wm2ir]

Hey, I find your argument that a daily trainer and race shoe would be enough quite logical and that might be something that I would also recommend for beginners or people with a very restrained budget. But I ask myself that if I have multiple training shoes, cushioned trainers and race shoes, why would I need a daily trainer? That is why shouldn't I do my easy mileage in highly cushioned shoes, and my lactate threshold and interval stuff in tempo/race shoes? Isn't it best to try to protect your legs as much as possible when not working out hard?

[@SagasuRunning]

A daily trainer is a shoe you should be able to do anything in that isn’t too overly cushioned or minimal, at least IMO. I personally want to spend as little time as possible in overly cushioned shoes, reserving then only for when my legs need the extra care (ie. 80mi+ weeks in later marathon builds). I want to work on leg and foot strength and overlap leg stiffness and don’t want all of of that energy going into a big chunk of foam. But, yes. You can totally do tempo/fast work in your race shoes… I have always preferred that.

[@Arki2019]

My rotation consists of mainly Nike and puma, but recently after injury I used a mizuno the wave rebellion sonic and really enjoyed that for daily to tempo use, then really throwing the cat Amongst the pigeons… the ASICS Superblast. So I guess my rotation sits at Race vaporfly 2, alphafly 1 +puma deviate nitro elite Daily and long mixed runs Superblast Tempo runs mizuno wave rebellion sonic and peg turbo next nature ( also will use for short easy daily’s) Confused my self with it all 😂

[@SagasuRunning]

Well… you got the Superblast in there which is many people’s “do anything” shoe… easy/hard/training/race. So worst case you got that sorted. I’ve never run in a Mizuno, though they are very popular here in Asia. Maybe some day.

[@Arki2019]

@@SagasuRunning I was considering the invincible 3, but a deal with the Superblast came up in the uk, considering I pretty much hated the Novablast I apprehensively purchased them.. 64 miles in and liking them although I do still find an element of “ clumpiness “ no where near as bad as the Novablast. But as my fitness returns I’ll be able to make a better decision on that. Great content btw

[@SagasuRunning]

@@Arki2019 I share your feelings 100% on the Novablast 3 (I assume you’ve seen my video there too) and have held off trying the Superblast for the same reason you hesitated. I’m still not THAT interested in them but I know the shoe is well loved. Big, bulky, stiff and clompy (as you said). I do love the Invincible 3. In fact it’s my biggest surprise in 2023 running shoes so far. I have a lot (more) to say about it and will be doing a follow-up 150mi+ video in the next few weeks. Thanks for the support. 🙏🏻

[@TeenTri_Life]

Hi I am training for cross country/triathlon, (trail/road racing 3k-10k) I am looking for a rotation that is cheap but functional (looking at some older models on sale at Nike) do you have any suggestions? What I am thinking is Nike Structure 24 as Daily Trainer, Nike Vomero 16 as Max Cushion, and Nike Zoom Fly 5 as Tempo (I think I will hold of on a racer until cross country starts as we can't were spikes because part of are courses will be on pavement.)

[@SagasuRunning]

Without knowing more about the specifics of the race I don’t think you can go wrong with a Pegasus 40 + Vaporfly 3 combo. Since your distance is fairly short, the peg will handle all easy running and likely most of your speed workouts. The Vaporfly 3 will handle racing on packed dirt just fine. Possibly add a Streakfly for hill reps and an alternative easy day shoe. You likely don’t need anything like and Invincible 3 as you don’t have alot of distance to cover in training. If you have a XC background you may want to look at the Rival Waffle 6 as a possible race shoe over the vaporfly. If you went this route just the pegs and the rival waffle would have you covered for everything. Good luck.

[@vinaysoni2032]

Would you say Nike is failing at molding out a vertical training rotation in their offerings? It looks like your current rotation is Nike’s highest performing shoes and then the Pegs. I never see people with intended Nike rotation: Peg > Zoom Fly > Vaporfly or Peg > Tempo > Alphafly. Do you feel like their tempo trainers are just lacking or are they just more durable versions of the better shoes?

[@SagasuRunning]

I think it’s a combo of Nike’s tempo trainers being “meh” and their race shoes being so good. It becomes an obviously choice. Other brands don’t have such a huge divide in their racers and tempo trainers. Additionally I’d personally rather train in what I race in as well. Would love for them to strip the Zoom Fly series back down to that ie used to be ( 4% era), basically a VF3 with react foam and a nylon plate. I actually don’t dislike the Tempo and was surprised to see it return. It’s the better tempo shoe Nike makes. Im curious what they do with it now.

[@WeOut]

With the Pegasus - Vaporfly rotation, would you recommend doing tempos and intervals on the Pegasus or the Vaporfly’s? (If money is not super important, to some extent 😅)

[@SagasuRunning]

Easy runs and some easier tempo runs in the Pegs… everything else (literally) in the Vaporflys.

[@WeOut]

@@SagasuRunning ow man you are the best in the game! Best in depth videos in design/product choices, applications, recommendations and always replying to comments. Big ups to you, keep up the videos. Looking forward to the coming years 😁

[@SagasuRunning]

@WeOut I appreciate the kind words and support. Plenty more to come. Also thanks for giving one of my first videos some love. 🤙🏻

[@jasonkang7661]

I have vapor fly 3, invincible 3, and pegasus 40. What other shoes do you think I need to complete the shoe rotation? Or do you think these three are good enough?

[@SagasuRunning]

You are good there. For general running and/or training for racing you have all bases covered.

[@jasonkang7661]

Have you tried Alphafly 3? How are they compared to Alphafly 2?

[@SagasuRunning]

Nope. I’ve not been able to buy a pair. I’m not a big fan of the AF2… so any shoe should be better than that.

[@johannbaniqued4360]

Being a minimalist runner most days myself, would put the Nike Free 5.0 across multiple categories?

[@SagasuRunning]

It’s interesting you ask this. I have a background with barefoot/minimal running and have run in the Free series quite a bit. It’s not really part of Nike’s “zoom” (performance) range, which is why I didn’t cover it here, but I would consider it a daily trainer for those who prefer much less shoe. It would pair very well with the Streakfly and even Vaporfly 3. I have some barefoot/minimalist content coming in the next few weeks. I’ll talk about a shoe that I have used for over 10 years and make sure to do at least one run weekly in. Which is not Nike, which is why it’s not discussed here. Stay tuned.

[@jasonkang7661]

Now that you've probably tried Vomero 17, do you think Vomero 17 could replace Pegasus 40 as a daily runner?

[@SagasuRunning]

Well, no...but maybe for some people. I think it is a bit too much foam and too bulky to be a true daily trainer. As a secondary/cushioned trainer sure. However, the pegasus is still a more versatile shoe. I actually have published quite a bit of content on the V17, even a problem I ran into with it that stopped me from running in the shoe, since this video was published. The Nike lineup is changing pretty drastically in 2024 and 2025...so there will be an update to this eventually. Start here: Nike Vomero 17 vs Nike Pegasus 40 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXSvpZiCl7KXosU

[@luosongaming8522]

Can you do a ASICS shoe rotation??

[@SagasuRunning]

My next video will be covering how to build a marathon training rotation and will include Asics. I will eventually do a general one though. So many other things to get through first though.

[@luosongaming8522]

@@SagasuRunning that’s awesome! I can’t wait for that

[@jasonkang7661]

Where does Infinity Run 4 fit in?

[@SagasuRunning]

It really doesn’t. At best it is a cushioned trainer. However the IRN4 is now a lifestyle shoe that you can occasionally jog in, not much more.

[@win3326]

Can you please give me some help in building shoe rotation?Currently, I own newbalance 1080v13 (i fitted it into a cushioned trainer)And superblast (still confused about where to put this in maybe tempo trainer or daily trainer?) Moreover, I have plantar fasciitis right now maybe from over-training or using the wrong shoe, When i start running, I accidentally use next tempo next% (used shoe from my uncle) like 3-4 days a week i believe that shoe have plate but not sure if that the reason for my injury.

[@win3326]

Should i put superblast into daily shoe and find tempo training maybe endorphin speed 3? Or put superblast into tempo traing and find some daily shoe (maybe pegasus40)

[@SagasuRunning]

You will like the video I’m publishing later today (Sunday)… it’s all about rotation building. It will cover all of this with some rotation examples…

[@win3326]

@@SagasuRunning Oh ok thanks a lot.

[@juandelval7931]

everytime i wear the alphafly for anything more than a 10k, my feet get destroyed and I end up with huge arch blisters

[@SagasuRunning]

AFs kill my toes… always have.

[@edword7195]

the sizing of the Pegasus appears to be a bit bigger than a normal Nike trainer, it is a focus group trainer sort of ok but good for no one. People expect a Nike in a Nike size if they did not want a Nike size they would buy a different brand. Like bad chef or restaurant Nike struggles with consistency

[@SagasuRunning]

Nike has had consistency issues over the past few years for sure. However, I find the fit to be consistent across the range, including the Peg. I wear the same size in all Nike running shoes and have no issues.

[@bourbon369]

please make How To Build Adidas Running Shoes

[@SagasuRunning]

I have already done, at least how to build a Adidas rotation for racing.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGW9nWSuf7qMock

[@turbochargedlegs]

i use Vomero 5 as a daily trainer since i want to get more stronger legs in general. i have 2 pairs of Peg turbos as well, but running in the 10 years older classic Vomero 5 is my choice🥸

[@SagasuRunning]

Older shoes will definitely work the legs more, that was just how it was prior to the super shoe era. I never ran in the Vomero 5… but I remember the Peg Turbo well… though there are a few much better replacements for the Peg Turbo in 2023.