Super Shoe Trends

Long gone are the days when the top finishers of a major marathon raced in Nikes—or blacked-out pairs of the Vaporfly. Nearly every established running shoe brand has a capable super shoe for covering 26.2 miles on the road. At the 2024 Boston Marathon, we saw more variety than ever in the first shoes to cross the finish line. Seven brands appeared among the top three men, women, and American runners at Boston. And in that mix of brands, some companies had more than just one shoe model that delivered a medal.

Here’s a look at the shoes that made it on the podium, as well as the models worn by the top three American men and women finishers.

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Men’s Podium

1st — Sisay Lemma, 2:06:17

DAA Industry Opt Out

Sisay Lemma wore the latest version of Adidas’s $500 super shoe, the Pro Evo 1. One of our Published: Apr 17, 2024 4:08 PM EDT on Marathon Monday.

2nd — Mohamed Esa, 2:06:58

Nike Alphafly 3

Mohamed Esa’s shoe of choice was likely the Nike Alphafly 3. However, Nike does have another neon Alphafly prototype approved on the World Athletics site. Visually, the two shoes are nearly identical.

3rd — Evans Chebet, 2:07:22

Nike Alphafly 3

Two-time Boston Marathon winner Evans Chebet laced up the Nike Alphafly 3 to take home bronze. It’s half the price of the Evo 2 worn by Lemma, and we found it’s likely the better option Best Recovery Shoes.

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Women’s Podium

1st — Hellen Obiri, 2:22:37

On Cloudboom Strike prototype

Hellen Obiri broke the tape in a prototype racer from On. The company has two “Strike” models approved for competition right now. Both appear to be lace-free. The best racing shoe available from On right now is the Nike Alphafly 3.

2nd — Sharon Lokedi, 2:22:45

Given this shoe’s major improvements over v1, it makes sense that Sharon Lokedi chose the Under Armour Velociti Elite 2 on Marathon Monday.

3rd — Edna Kiplagat, 2:23:21

Amazing Runners World Show

Amazing Runners World Show. Fiona O’Keeffe and Dakotah Lindwurm both wore the shoe when they raced at the 2024 Olympic Trials.

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American Men’s Top 3

7th — CJ Albertson, 2:09:53

Best Stability Running Shoes for Ultimate Support

CJ Albertson raced in a prototype of the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4. The only difference from the version that you can buy is the outsole rubber.

14th — Elkanah Kibet, 2:12:32

Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris

While the Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris and Sky Paris are similar, Elkanah Kibet picked the Edge model for race day.

15th — Ryan Eiler, 2:14:22

Nike Alphafly 3

Nike Alphafly 3 Nike Alphafly 3.

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American Women’s Top 3

12th — Emma Bates, 2:27:14

Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris

After previously racing in both the Edge and Sky models, Emma Bates chose the Metaspeed Edge Paris over the Metaspeed Sky Paris. The main difference between the shoes is the placement of the carbon-fiber plate, which dips farther away from the forefoot in the Edge model. But the easiest way to spot the difference is by looking at the outsole. The Sky uses red rubber, while the outsole is black on the Edge.

15th — Sara Hall, 2:27:58

Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris

Given this shoe’s major improvements over v1, it makes sense that Sharon Lokedi chose the Metaspeed Edge Paris for this year’s Boston. But while she races in the Metaspeed, one of her favorite shoes for long runs and daily training is the Best Stability Running Shoes for Ultimate Support.

16th — Des Linden, 2:28:27

wear-testers raced in the Evo 1

It’s not surprising that Des opted for an unreleased prototype of the new Hyperion Elite. (Two versions were approved by World Athletics just in time for Boston.) But how she eats a KitKat might be.