Best Sneakers For Running A Marathon

Running Shoes Featuring Built

Icebug

Socks can really impact the quality of your outdoor runs, and Smartwools crew socks are specifically cushioned in places where runners need supportthe balls of the feet and heels. Crafted from 57% Merino wool, the fabric naturally wicks away moisture and odor to keep your feet fresh mile after mile. While some runners prefer to hit the road in ankle socks most of the year, the crew height makes a huge difference in the winter when youre in need of any amount of warmth you can get.

The Best Supportive Running Shoes: Nike React Infinity Run 3

Weight: 10.2 oz

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm

If you overpronate, you’re going to want these sneakers. The React Infinity Run 3s have arch support and cushioning around the heel and ankle to help correct potentially detrimental running strides. The 3s don’t have the same dramatic rocker shape as other super-cushiony running shoes, but the foam rocker does give runners a little more pep in their step, in addition to energy rebound and added stability. As with the lightweight Flyknit upper, you can be sure your foot won’t overheat on those long-distance hauls.

Where Do You Plan To Run

Road-running shoes are designed for pavement and occasional forays onto packed surfaces with slight irregularities.

• Light and flexible, they’re made to cushion or stabilize feet during repetitive strides on hard, even surfaces.
• Best for people who run on sidewalks, road, treadmills or track.
• Road-running shoes have flatter, smoother soles to create a consistent surface for running on paved roads.

Trail-running shoes are designed for off-road routes with rocks, mud, roots or other obstacles.

• They have bigger lugs than road-running shoes for better grip on uneven terrain.
• They are sometimes fortified with plates underfoot to help protect your feet from rocks or sharp objects.
• Theyre generally stiffer through the midsoles for more support on rugged trails and uneven surfaces.

Cross-training shoes are designed for gym workouts, cross-training or any balance activity where having more contact with the ground is preferred over a thick platform sole.

Don’t Miss: Best Arch Support Sneakers Men

Choose Your Running Shoes Based On Fit And Comfort

So now that you know its best to get a new pair of shoes fairly early on in your marathon training, lets talk about how to make the choice. The best thing you can do for yourself here is drown out all of the noise of everyone telling you which shoe is the GOAT , and instead, try a bunch of shoes on until you know youve found THE ONE for you.

The best place to start the try-on process is your local running store.

There are so many options of running shoes and it can be an overwhelming process watching and reading review after review, so a running shoe expert can help you narrow it down. You will likely pay full-price for the shoes, but there is no substitute for being able to actually have a chance to run in the shoe and have an expert help you make the right choices for your needs .In terms of whats better between zero-drop, stability, maximalist cushioning you will find opposing viewpoints. Injuries can happen in any of those types of shoes because training properly, incorporating strength training and getting enough sleep all matter far more than your shoe choice. Instead, it makes much more of a difference to choose a pair of shoes that fit your feet well and that feel comfortable to YOU with every step. This study backs up this thought process.

If you like it and it feels good while you run, then thats all that matters.

Best Marathon Running Shoes In 2023

Our group of runners and reviewers have gone out to the market and road-tested the best marathon running shoes for the 2022 running season and heres their pick.

Whether youre a marathon virgin or a veteran, selecting a pair of shoes for your and event can be a tough task.

Sometimes you have a favorite style that suddenly isnt available, or sometimes you need to upgrade your old kickers.

Lets look at what you should be looking for in marathon shoes and share with you our recommendations for the best marathon shoes!

Also Check: Black Dress Shoes That Feel Like Sneakers

Best Marathon Training And Racing Shoes By Category For 2022

We all want to know, what is the BEST shoe for running a marathon? Well, its the shoe that fits well, provides comfort you know you can count on when your feet are aching at the end of a marathon, and just makes you feel good when you run. Which means, its a different shoe for everyone.

With that said, there are certain shoes that people recommend again and again as top contenders and thats what Ive included here. But youll definitely want to try them on first and be SURE theyll work for you and your needs before you

Note that I have chosen shoes that will work well for MOST runners, which means they are neutral running shoes.

Brooks Glycerin Stealthfit Gts 20

Brooks Glycerin Stealth Fit GTS 20

Brooks Glycerin Stealth Fit GTS 20

The Glycerin, Brookss most cushioned shoe, is not just some colossus reserved for slow and steady runs. Todays model is more dynamic, more streamlined, and more responsive. The Stealthfit GTS 20 features elements from the brands other models, but this Glycerin is more of a monster on the road than Frankensteins experiment. Like it did with the Levitate 5, Brooks has released two versions of the Glycerin and Glycerin GTS 20 , giving runners a choice between a traditional engineered mesh upper and a knit version dubbed Stealthfit Fit.

Brookss knit uppers have come a long way since 2018s Levitate. When I tested the first Levitate, my feet overheated and the ribbed collar gave me some nasty blisters on my heels. The Glycerin GTS 20s new Stealthfit upper is thin and stretchy and adapts to your foots shape I no longer have to wear thick crew socks to shield my heels from rubbing.

The Axon 2 was a breakout hit among testers last spring. Trailing behind it is Sauconys new stability shoe, the Tempusand its garnered the same favor. Unlike the Axon 2, which is priced astonishingly low at $100, the Tempus costs $160, the baseline for a premium trainer. This is because its new stability tech takes some DNA from Sauconys Endorphin series. At the Tempuss core is Pwrrun PB, the same Peba-based superfoam found in the brands super shoe, the Endorphin Pro.

Recommended Reading: Pink High Top Gucci Sneakers

Best For Durability: Nikepegasus 39

Nike is one of the leaders in the running industry consistently producing running sneakers ranked highly by industry experts. Many elite runners sponsored by Nike like Eliud Kipchoga run in VaporFlys or AlphaFlys when competing. The Nike Pegasus 39 is an annually updated training shoe designed for its durability and versatility for training and racing. . The shoe doesnt provide an overly cushioned or bouncy experience, but is a very durable sneaker, called Nikes workhorse that can be worn during cross-training as well.

• Top Running Shoe of 2022 by Runners World
• One of the Best Running Shoes of 2022 by Fleet Feet
• Best Overall Shoe by RunRepeat
• Best Running Shoe for Speed by Sports Illustrated

Take The Lead With The Best Marathon Running Shoes

Put down your best splits yet with can’t-miss runners from Nike, Adidas, Hoka and more.

Let’s go racin’.

From starting line to finish line, you rely on your gear to make the most of your marathon experience. That means investing in apparel and footwear to keep you calm, comfortable and efficient on the race route. Marathon shoes are specially designed to help you put down your most powerful steps as you chase down those personal bests.

But with running shoe breakthroughs happening every day and technologies pushing the record books to new heights, which marathon silhouette is best? From high-octane speedsters to kicks that cater to your personal gait, we’ve combed through the rankings and stayed in-stride to curate this roundup of the best marathon running shoes for you. Before we toe the starting gate, however, let’s break down just what makes up today’s marathon shoes.

Don’t Miss: Most Comfortable Sneakers For High Arches

If You Can Only Buy One Type Of Shoe Buy This One

Im well aware that saying just go buy 3 pairs of shoes can still be a recommendation to spend $600+ and for many, thats just unreasonable for a fitness hobby.

If you can only buy one pair, buy a solid pair of recovery / easy run shoes. The ones listed above are versatile, can be pushed a bit more for speed, and will last hundreds of miles under foot.

So if you can only afford to buy one pair, pick something like the Pegasus, or ZoomX invincible to get you through your and onto that start line.

Best Marathon Running Shoes 100+ Shoes Tested In 2023

Having a distance of 42 kilometers or 26 miles, a marathon is a long-distance road race. You definitely need more than just a comfortable shoe for this effort.

It might be a max-cushioned cruiser that helps you train for a marathon, or a carbon-plated speedster to shave off the minutes from your record, or a supportive shoe that wont let overpronation stop you from running 42K.

We have tested over 100 marathon-ready running shoes to make sure you have the best options.

And if you want us to literally guide you through the process of choosing the right marathon running shoe for you, scroll down to the guide section below.

Read Also: Golden Goose Leopard High Top Sneakers

Best Shoes For Running Half Marathon

Brooks Men’s Ghost 14 Running Shoes Black/ Blackened Pearl/ Blue 9

• Part of the Ghost Collection

Brooks Women’s Hyperion Tempo Ice Flow/Navy/Pink / 5 / B

Brooks Men’s Launch 9 Running Shoe, White/Pink/Nightlife / 12

• Features and Benefits
• BioMoGo DNA technology offers increased response
• Creel warp mesh uppers provide breathability

Altra | Men’s Rivera 2, Navy / 10

on Cloud x Women’s Black/Asphalt / 10.5

• Gait Type: Neutral .

Under Armour Men’s HOVR Sonic 5 Running Shoes Black, 8

• Neutral running style

Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoes

Brooks Women’s Ghost 14 Running Shoe, Alloy/Primer Grey/Oyster / 6.5

Brooks Men’s Ghost 14 Running Shoes Grey/ Blue/ Red 8.5

• Engineered Air Mesh upper with 3D Fit Print heel and saddle hold foot securely
• DNA LOFT foam midsole provides a smooth, cushioned ride

Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 7.5

Nike Men’s Air Zoom Pegasus 39 Running Shoes, Orange

• A pair of grey running shoes, has regular Styling, lace-ups detail.

Saucony Men’s Endorphin Pro 2 Running Shoes, White

• Faster than your wildest dreams.
• Roll to a new PB.
• Fastest to the finish.

Hoka Bondi 8 6.5 , Black / White

• Engineered mesh construction

Nike Men’s Revolution 5 Running Shoes, Black

• Main Materials: Mesh upper / Rubber Outsole
• Product Color: Black and Grey

Hoka Bondi 7 Triple Black Men’s Running Shoes, Size: 11.5

• Engineered mesh upper

Hoka Women’s Clifton 8 Running Shoes Black/ White 10

• Breathable mesh upper

Hoka Mach 5 Running Shoe Men’s White/Scuba Blue, 8.5

Best Lightweight Shoe For Marathon Running: Oncloudboom Echo

The On Cloudboom Echo has a carbon plate and minimalistic design that makes it weigh less than most running shoes. The company built this running shoe alongside elite athletes to provide an enjoyable and fast experience for their runners. These running shoes have the race blend of all-out racing shoes and comfort for your feet. On Running is one of the fastest growing running shoe brands in the market and this is our best recommendation for those training for a half marathon distance.

• Best Shoe for Racing by Fleet Feet
• Best Shoe for Wide Feet by RunRepeat
• One of the Best Shoes for Road Racing by Trail and Kale

Also Check: Light In The Box Sneakers

Insulated Leggings For Truly Cold Occasions

Athleta

When temperatures dip below freezing, standard nylon leggings wont cut it. Thats why the Athleta Rainier Tights have brushed fleece on the inside to keep you warm and reflective details near the pockets for your early morning runs. Theyre high-waisted and designed to stay in place when you pick up the pace.

How To Choose The Best Running Shoe

Some runners care a lot about weight, and research shows that you expend more aerobic energy with heavier shoes. Lighter shoes typically have less cushioning, which can make them feel faster, but new midsole foams now make a plush ride possible without adding much heft to the shoe. If youre going long distances, some extra cushioning might be a better option, as it provides impact absorption.

To test softness, we go to our Shoe Lab to take individual measurements of both the heel and forefoot, since the overall experience can vary based on where a runner touches down and toes off. The cushioning scores are given on a scale of 1 to 100, with one being the firmest. In addition to those key stats, we also look at the running shoes stability features, flexibility, and energy return to help you find one youll love.

Select Sizes and Colors on Sale.

You May Like: Black Leather Low Top Sneakers

The Best Shoes For Running A Marathon

The greatest thing about running is how accessible it is. You dont need a fancy gym membership or a lot of expensive gear to get involved. The only thing you really need is a good pair of sneakers. And if youre going to go so far as to run a full marathon26.2 miles, plus all the training miles you need to log to get thereyou need a really good pair of shoes.

Marathon shoes tend to fall into two categories: maximalist and minimalist. If youre a new runner, high cushioning might make the most sense for you. The idea is to provide some protection between the foot and ground, explains John Mercer, a kinesiology professor at the UNLV School Allied Health Sciences. With each foot strike, a runner will experience forces about 1.5 to 2.5 times their body weight, he says. That repetitive loading has always been thought to be related to running-related overuse injuries. The more shoe you have, the more comfort and longevity youll experience over the course of the race.

Asics Gel Nimbus Lite : The Most Versatile Everyday Training Shoe

Facts

Stack: 35 mm , 25 mm Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mmWeight: 8.7 oz/248 g , 8.3 oz/235 g womensCushioning: Balanced

Asics are famous for their gel running shoes, making it easy to take up running at all ages and fitness levels. And with the Gel Nimbus Lite 3, theyve increased the overall stack height by a whole 10 mm compared to the Lite 2, offering extremely comfortable cushioning for everyday training.

With a durable, solid rubber outsole, these shoes can come in handy for speed workouts while staying comfortable for long runs. The weight is in the middle of the pack, snappier than the brands well-known Nimbus, and benefits from the use of FlyteFoam instead of the more common EVA foam in the midsole.

Pros

• 10 mm heel-to-toe drop comfortable on the Achilles tendon
• Versatile shoe for all types of runs
• Lighter and more responsive than the Nimbus counterpart
• Great comfort all around.

• Forefoot cushioning too little for some reviewers
• Grip can be improved.

Recommended Reading: Best Running Sneakers For Supination

Best For Half Marathon Racing: Asics Metaspeed Sky

The ASICS Metaspeed Sky features a carbon plate that increases your stride length and creates a smoother running experience. These are shoes that youd only invest in and run in if youre trying to achieve a personal best in a race. Theyre less affordable and less versatile than the other shoes on our list, but this is ASICS competition with the Nike AlphaFly or NEXT%. The sole has been described as soft but responsive and many have reviewed this shoe as being the best in class.

• Best Shoe for Long Runs by Runners World
• Best Shoe for Road Racing by Fleet Feet
• Best Shoe for Races by RunRepeat
• Best Shoe for Racing by Running Shoes Guru

Best Running Shoes For Marathon Racing

If you are ready to lace up for race day, here are the shoes we recommend. Most people will be fine using their training shoe for the race. But if you are a competitor you might want something lighter and more responsive.

Here are a few options, but if you want more choice, please check our marathon-specific selection that goes into detail separating suggestions based on your speed, training shoes vs race-day shoes and more!

Adidas Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung

Weight

• Extremely cushioned
• Improved upper comfort

or buy them here: Men / Women

• Lighter than the Endorphin Pro 2
• Higher level of cushioning
• Great foot lockdown
• Better breathability

or buy them here: Men / Women

• Upper creates a great secure fit

or buy them here: Men / Women

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3

Weight

• Fit is now true to size

Recommended for

or buy them here: Men / Women

Also Check: Best Sneakers For Ingrown Toenails

Best Cushioned Racing Shoes

On’s Cloudstratus shoe is the ultimate cushioned racing shoe that excels on outdoor road runs, weighs less than 11 ounces, and is perfect for the half marathon to marathon runner.

Pros: Tons of vertical and horizontal cushioning, great for longer runs, be it training or racing, works well on treadmills but is built for outdoor running

Cons: This much cushioning may not be ideal for some runners

The debate around cushioned running shoes can be a polarizing one . Despite those studies, highly cushioned shoes are still incredibly popular as brands like Hoka and On have offered their own unique take on the design for years.

Although it admittedly took me several years to join Team Cushioned Shoe, I’ve quickly become a convert in recent years and my favorite pair to both race and race train in is the Cloudstratus from On. Designed specifically for outdoor road running, the Cloudstratus leans heavily into the brand’s unique cushioning system, offering both horizontal and vertical cushioning.

This helps with the shoe’s energy return and just overall durability . That energy return is apparent, too, as I noticed from even the first run in these how much they contribute to driving me forward on each step.

On outfit the Cloudstratus outsole with a solid rubber grip that did its job because I never felt any sort of slippage, even on wet pavement. I didn’t try them on anything super slick like ice or sleet but they’ve done well when running in the rain.