Determining which shoe to run in for a marathon can involve a lot of trial and error. That’s no different for Runner’s World editors and staffers. Several members of our team are running in the NYC Marathon this weekend, and, as you’ll see in a few of their accounts below, the shoes they started training in are not the ones they’ll be lacing up on November 5.
Another fairly common thread is that they erred toward shoes that balance cushioning and support with an easy turnover. Comfort is also paramount, given the many miles the runners will cover.
Read on for their training stories and how they landed on which shoes will carry them through the five boroughs. Maybe glean some inspiration for your next pair, too.
Aly’s Pick
Brooks Women’s Ghost Max Running Shoe
After a few long runs in shoes that I thought were going to be my marathon shoes, I realized I needed more support. I run in a lot of different shoes, but the Brooks Ghost is so reliable that when the brand introduced the Max, I knew I had to try it. I’m a slower runner, so for the marathon, I need something that feels supportive but also offers a good amount of cushioning. And the Ghost Max checks those boxes.
I’ve done some training runs in the pair and never once thought about what was on my feet, which, to me, is always the sign of a good shoe. During those runs, there were no pinching or pain points, which is crucial when you’re going to tackle 26 miles. The shoe offers a smooth ride, with a nice mix of cushioning and support, which will hopefully have me feeling good as I trek from Staten Island to Central Park.—Aly Ellis, deputy editor, special projects and social media
Thomas’s Pick
Asics Men’s Gel-Kayano 30 Running Shoes
I’ve tried a variety of shoes throughout my training, and I mainly stuck with Adidas. But my feet were basically hamburger meat after my 18-miler, and I needed something that would remedy that. Jeff Dengate, our Runner in Chief, has been helping me find a good shoe rotation for this training cycle. And after looking for some more support on long runs and trying the Gel-Kayano 30, I decided to go with it as my race shoe. I want to finish the race, not win it, and this Asics will do the job.
I have zero arch, so something with a ton of support—rather than something super fast—is better for longer runs in my case right now. It’s also my first marathon; I’m not trying to break any records.
The Gel-Kayano 30 has a crazy amount of support and is wider, giving my foot a more natural feel hitting the pavement as I run. I just started wearing it and haven’t run any other races in my pair, so this might be a bit of a gamble. However, 26 miles is 26 miles—my feet are going to hurt regardless. The pair is broken in, which is all I care about leading up to race day.
Overall, the fit is great. I wear my shoes a little loose and have no issues with stability. I think the Gel-Kayano is my best bet. At this point, it has to be.—Thomas Hengge, photographer
James’s Pick
The Endorphin Speed 3 is my first pair of Saucony running shoes, but it instantly became my go-to. As a heel-striker, long-distance runner, and clock-watcher, I needed a shoe that could provide enough stability for frequent 20-plus-mile distances but that was equally lightweight enough to keep me feeling quick on my feet.
After extensive research and a helpful gait analysis from my local running store, Aardvark Sports Shop, the Endorphin Speed 3 was the clear choice. The soft, springy bounce of the foam cushioning in the heel is paired with the brand’s Speedroll (essentially the toe of the shoe curves up). This provides a sensation of easy propulsion as I pick up the pace. The 8mm heel drop allows me to sink into the marshmallow-like cushioning, while the nylon plate provides an energizing spring as I roll onto my toes. And the upper’s breathable mesh helps keep my feet cool.
As my weekly mileage has ramped up in preparation for both the NYC and Philly marathons, it’s been difficult to resist lacing these up for my long runs, interval days, and even my short rest days. With the goal of running a sub-3-hour pace and a PR at the marathon this weekend, I wouldn’t feel more confident lacing up any other shoe.—Credit: Adam Schram
Adam’s Pick
New Balance Men’s FuelCell SuperComp Elite V3 Running Shoe
I’m not normally a New Balance wearer—Saucony has been a recent favorite for me—but I got my SuperComp Elites in the lead-up to the 5Published: Nov 02, 2023 4:48 PM EDT. I fell in love with how squishy the heel foam is without sapping away my speed. I’m a midfoot striker, so I don’t need maximal cushioning in the heel. But I’ve found that this shoe’s foam springs me through my stride and onto my toes—ideal for saving energy on a long day. I was originally skeptical about a carbon-plated shoe, since I heard that they can feel stiff, but the SuperComp is cushioned enough that I don’t feel that effect. I still get some extra pop, from the plate, though.
The SuperComp Elite’s thin, sock-like upper is my one issue, but that’s only because it’s unfamiliar. I prefer a little more midfoot lockdown, and this shoe makes my arches feel somewhat precarious. It took me some time to figure out the right tension for my shoelaces as a result—I was consistently overtightening them for my first few long runs.—Adam Schram, assistant reviews editor
Erica’s Pick
New Balance Women’s FuelCell SuperComp Elite V3 Running Shoe
