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Were you planning to run your first marathon? Finding the right pair of running shoes can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re not well-versed in running lingo and terminology! Whether you’re a serious athlete or just looking to enjoy a good run, this list of the best running shoes for marathon will guide you through your options so you can find the perfect shoe to keep you going mile after mile; race day.
Table of Contents
Best overall Marathon Running Shoe
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 running shoe is our top pick because it’s lightweight, durable, and provides ample cushioning that runners need to complete their long-distance goals. These shoes have been developed with an engineered mesh upper which makes them breathable and comfortable to wear. They have been designed so that they provide instant comfort when you put them on, thanks to the Heel Clutching System, which allows you to transition with ease from heel to toe. These shoes also feature an EVERUN topsole which absorbs impact shock as you run and reduces fatigue throughout your race by providing superior energy return at toe-off.
Most Comfortable Running Shoe
The perfect marathon running shoe strikes a balance between high cushioning and support levels and lightweight and flexible. This is exactly what you get from The Brooks Glycerin 19: It has plush cushioning, and it’s pretty flexible, but its upper is still secure enough to provide support. Furthermore, its outsole features subtle grooves that improve traction—something that’s especially important on your downhills and flats. And like other top-of-the-line models we’ve reviewed, its midsole foam is soft yet responsive, so you won’t have any problems with blisters or sore feet as long as you break them incorrectly.
Best Marathon Running Shoe for flatfeet
The Adrenaline GTS 21 shoe is an excellent option if you have flat feet and need arch support. I’ve used it during several marathons and found that my arches didn’t hurt at all during or after. It also offers plenty of cushioning to reduce shock as you pound those 26.2 miles (or 42.2 if you’re doing a double). Overall, I was delighted with how I felt throughout my marathon using these shoes; however, they may be too heavy for runners who prefer something lighter. Also, they’re not ideal if you have an aggressive running style or want to pick up your pace in longer races because of their heavyweight.
Best budget Marathon Running Shoe
If you’re looking to get into running and don’t want to spend more than $100, we recommend going with our budget pick, The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37. This shoe has excellent breathability through its mesh upper, which wicks away moisture to keep your feet comfortable even during longer runs. It has plenty of cushioning underfoot with 21mm of plush foam in addition to an 8mm heel-to-toe drop which allows it to function well as both a daily trainer or marathon racing shoe. While there are better shoes out there, these will do just fine for most runners who aren’t willing or able to spend more than $100 on their first pair of kicks.
FAQ
Have you been wondering what running shoes you need? Searching shoes for any type of running needs and finding it hard to make a decision, here are some questions answered.
What do marathon runners wear?
Well, that depends on how serious they are about running. If you look at pictures of elite marathon runners, you’ll notice they’re often wearing different shoes from recreational athletes. Too many experts in distance running, not all shoes are created certain equal types of shoes can help you maximize your performance and others that might slow you down.
How many running shoes do I need for marathon training?
It would help if you replaced your running shoes every 300 to 500 miles. Most runners do fine with three pairs of running shoes (one pair worn while another pair is drying out). As you get better at running, you’ll want to replace your current marathon training shoes every 250 to 300 miles. Remember that even if your old marathon training shoe still looks great and feels just fine, it doesn’t mean it isn’t time for an upgrade.
How to Choose the Best Running Shoes for Marathon
Choosing running shoes can be confusing, especially when you’re looking for marathon-ready shoes. The truth is that no shoe will make you run faster—your training and your body are ultimately what gets you to that finish line. Still, there are some key things to look for in marathon-specific footwear. Let’s break it down.
What Are They Made Of?
Many of today’s best marathon shoes utilize light and breathable materials like mesh and synthetic leather. Materials matter because they determine how hot or cold your feet might get while running long distances; fabrics that don’t breathe well can lead to blisters, hot spots or worse. You also want to make sure your marathon-worthy kicks have strong cushioning at points of high impact (like underfoot) because it helps protect against injury from repetitive stress over time.
Will It Handle Long Runs?
Some brands’ marathon shoes aren’t made for distance running at all—many of them only have a limited amount of cushioning meant for shorter runs. Whether you plan to run a half or full marathons, make sure you’re investing in a shoe that’s specifically designed to handle long distances.
In general, look for something that has an overall thick midsole and some rocker-like arches on top. This is crucial because it helps absorb more impact and reduces your risk of developing stress fractures and other severe injuries over time.
What’s Your Training Schedule Like?
If you’re training to complete multiple marathons throughout one year, it may be wise to invest in more than one pair of marathon-ready kicks—especially if your sessions are longer than 90 minutes at a time. But if you’re only doing long runs once or twice per week, most experts agree that most running shoes work fine.
Do You Need Additional Support?
You don’t need exceptional support for most full or half marathons (that’s where stability shoes come into play), but some runners do need additional help because they pronate heavily (or roll in) while they run. Fortunately, there are plenty of supportive marathon shoes on today’s market that can stabilize your feet while they hit their stride.
How Will They Hold Up Over Time?
It used to be that durable running shoes were synonymous with big and bulky footwear. Still, modern companies have developed entirely new ways to make their marathon-worthy kicks last through multiple events without requiring too much upkeep along the way.
Our Final Thought
There are many considerations to make when looking for running shoes, and one of these is your foot strike. The impact is most commonly measured in pounds per mile, or how many pounds of force your foot will absorb every mile you run. The more energy your foot soaks, the higher impact level your shoe will have—and it’s something you should consider when shopping around.