If you run on Australian roads, you have almost certainly narrowed your next pair down to a Nike or an Adidas at some point. They are the two biggest names on the shelf, they dominate the search results, and — thanks to Australia's eye-watering retail markups — they are also the two brands people most often overpay for locally. Buy the same shoe on Amazon Australia and you routinely save $40–$90 a pair. So which brand actually deserves your money in 2026? We tracked live prices and pulled the honest differences. Here is how Nike and Adidas really compare for road running.
How the two brands differ
Broadly: Nike leans on a firmer, more traditional daily-trainer feel with a springy responsiveness, while Adidas has gone all-in on soft, bouncy midsole foams that return more energy underfoot. Reviewers consistently note the Adidas Supernova and Pureboost lines feel more cushioned and lively, whereas Nike's Pegasus and Revolution families keep that dependable, no-surprises ride heel strikers tend to trust. Neither is "better" — it comes down to whether you want plush and bouncy or firm and stable.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41 (Women's)
- The benchmark daily trainer — 10mm drop, ReactX foam and dual Air Zoom units
- Firm, stable ride that favours heel strikers and higher-mileage weeks
- Predictable fit and long-wearing outsole — a genuine do-everything shoe
Current AU price: $209.04 | Best for: runners who want one reliable trainer for every run
Adidas Pureboost 5 (Men's)
- Adidas BOOST cushioning — the soft, bouncy foam the brand built its reputation on
- Flexible, street-to-road versatility that doubles as an everyday shoe
- Energy return that makes easy kilometres feel genuinely comfortable
Current AU price: $130.00 (down from $200.00) | Best for: runners who prioritise a soft, springy ride
Adidas Supernova Stride 2 (Men's)
- Adidas's answer to the Pegasus — a cushioned neutral daily trainer
- More plush and responsive underfoot than a traditional trainer, with added stability
- Comfortable enough for long runs, versatile enough for daily training
Current AU price: $132.40 (down from $170.00) | Best for: the direct cushioned-trainer rival to the Nike Pegasus
Nike Run Defy (Men's)
- Nike's easy-access everyday runner with soft foam cushioning
- Lightweight, breathable mesh upper for warmer training days
- One of the best-value Nikes on Amazon Australia right now
Current AU price: $94.96 (down from $149.95) | Best for: beginners and casual runners chasing a bargain Nike
Adidas Duramo SL 2 (Men's)
- Adidas Lightmotion foam — functional, firm everyday cushioning
- A forefoot rocker adds a bit of versatility to an otherwise no-frills ride
- Outstanding value for an easy-day or gym-to-street shoe
Current AU price: $59.00 (down from $89.95) | Best for: the cheapest solid entry into the Adidas range
The verdict
Choose Nike if you want a firm, stable, do-it-all trainer with a proven track record — the Pegasus 41 remains the safest single purchase in the whole category. Choose Adidas if you want a softer, bouncier ride and are happy to trade a little firmness for comfort and energy return; the Supernova Stride 2 is the closest head-to-head rival to the Pegasus, and the Pureboost 5 is the pick for pure plushness. On value, Adidas currently has the edge on Amazon Australia — the Duramo SL 2 at $59 and the discounted Pureboost make the range hard to beat right now. Whichever way you lean, the real win is buying at the tracked Amazon AU price instead of full retail.
Prices were accurate at the time of writing and change frequently on Amazon Australia. As an Amazon Associate, SoleScout earns from qualifying purchases.