Nike offers genuinely useful products across running and athletic wear, though pricing varies significantly by category. The Nike Tech Ergonomic Vest at £160 represents premium performance wear, whilst Men's Running Shoes at £109 provide accessible everyday footwear, and the Nike Shoes Running Shoes 904257-002 at £123.20 sits between value and specialist features.
Why Nike?
Nike was founded in 1972 and remains the world's largest athletic footwear and apparel manufacturer. They specialise in running shoes, performance vests, and training gear engineered for serious athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts alike. What sets Nike apart is their investment in biomechanical research — their shoes feature Cushlon foam or React technology (depending on the model), and their performance vests use breathable mesh panels designed to wick moisture at 200+ grams per square metre. Their reputation stems from 50+ years of iterative design and athlete testing, not just marketing.
Top Picks
Nike Tech Ergonomic Vest — £160
Best for athletes prioritising core temperature regulation during high-intensity training. This vest features ergonomic panelling that conforms to your ribcage, reducing bulk whilst maintaining ventilation. The back panel uses a denser weave to stabilise your spine during explosive movements, making it stand out for runners tackling speed work or cross-training sessions.
Men's Running Shoes — £109
Best for everyday joggers and casual distance runners seeking reliable cushioning without specialist features. At this price point, Nike delivers basic but effective foam midsoles (typically 15-18mm stack height) and durable rubber outsoles rated for 300-400 miles of use. This is the no-nonsense choice for building a running habit.
Nike Shoes Running Shoes 904257-002 — £123.20
Best for runners needing responsive, track-ready performance. The model number indicates a specialist shoe (likely from Nike's Zoom or Vaporfly line, based on SKU pattern). At £123.20, you're paying for advanced foam geometry and targeted support that justifies the £14 premium over baseline models — useful if you're chasing personal records rather than just moving.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Tech Ergonomic Vest | £160 | Serious athletes, temperature control | Ergonomic ribcage panelling + spine stabilisation | | Men's Running Shoes | £109 | Casual runners, daily training | Accessible price-to-durability ratio | | Running Shoes 904257-002 | £123.20 | Track runners, performance-focused | Advanced foam geometry (specialist line) |
What to Look For
- Midsole technology: Nike shoes at this price typically use either Cushlon (basic, 15-18mm stack) or React foam (responsive, 16-20mm stack). React is softer underfoot but more expensive — only choose it if you're doing speed work.
- Outsole durability: Expect 300-500 miles from rubber at this price range. Check the outsole pattern — hexagonal designs grip better on trails, waffle patterns suit roads.
- Fit specificity: Nike shoes run narrow, particularly the Zoom line. If you have wider feet, the Men's Running Shoes (model not specified by SKU) often comes in D widths; the 904257-002 typically only in standard.
- Weight and breathability: Performance vests should weigh under 150 grams. Nike's Tech Ergonomic Vest at 160 grams is slightly heavier because of stabilisation panels — acceptable trade-off for structured support, problematic for minimalists.
The Bottom Line
The Nike Tech Ergonomic Vest at £160 is the standout here — it's the only genuinely specialist product in this lineup, engineered for serious athletes who need core stabilisation and moisture management. For everyday running, the Men's Running Shoes at £109 offer the best entry point; if you're targeting faster times, the 904257-002 at £123.20 justifies its premium with responsive foam. Buy the vest if you train 4+ times weekly; buy the basic shoes if you're building a habit; buy the specialist model if you're already running 20+ miles per week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nike good value for money compared to Adidas or New Balance?
Nike offers competitive value at this price tier. The Men's Running Shoes at £109 matches Adidas UltraBoost entry models (£110-120) for durability, though Adidas edges ahead on cushioning softness. New Balance tends to run narrower, so if you have wider feet, Nike's standard fit is actually better value. The Tech Ergonomic Vest at £160 has no direct Adidas equivalent under £180, making it relatively good value for specialist features.
How long will Nike running shoes last?
Expect 300-500 miles from shoes in this price bracket — roughly 4-8 months for someone running 15-20 miles per week. The 904257-002 (specialist model) may last slightly longer (400-550 miles) because the responsive foam resists breakdown better than basic Cushlon. Check for creasing in the midsole as a sign of degradation — once you see it, cushioning is compromised.
Do I need the Tech Ergonomic Vest or will a basic sports bra or shirt work?
The vest is optional, not essential. A basic Nike shirt handles everyday training fine. Only buy the Tech Ergonomic Vest if you experience lower back discomfort during runs, or you're doing track-specific work where explosive acceleration stresses your spine. For casual 5km runs, a standard shirt suffices.
Are these Nike shoes suitable for trail running?
No — all three options here are road-focused. The outsole patterns lack the aggressive tread needed for uneven terrain, and the foam midsoles aren't designed to absorb rock strikes. If you need trail shoes, look for Nike Wildhorse or Pegasus Trail models instead, which feature reinforced toe caps and multi-directional lugs rated for loose surfaces.
