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From cushioned cruisers to lightning-fast carbon plates, these are the best marathon shoes for your next 26.2 attempt
Tested by The Runner’s World Editors
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Whether you're running your first marathon or gunning for a PB, finding the right shoe to carry you 26.2 miles is key. Comfort and durability are non-negotiable, but the finer details? That’s where things get interesting. Maybe you prefer a plush, all-purpose cushioned trainer that can handle both long runs and race day, or perhaps you're after a snappy, Nike Air Zoom-Type Dark Grey. Whatever your preference, we've got you covered on how to choose the best marathon shoe, plus our top picks —tested over hundreds of miles.
For more marathon tips, check out our rules of successful marathon training nike zoom freak 2 release date price Nike Wmns Daybreak Football Grey White-Orange Jogging Shoes CK2351-005 and carb loading in marathon week.
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Best super trainer
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What to look for in a marathon shoe
Cushioning vs responsiveness
With so many logistics to consider on race day (dropping your race bag, getting to the start line and spotting your family and friends to name just three) the last thing you want to be worrying about is an uncomfortable pair of shoes that start rubbing after the first mile. So, first things first, find a shoe that you are comfortable in and remember the golden rule: nothing new on race day.
That being said, the more comfortable and plush a shoe is, the more cushioning it usually has. If you're gunning for a PB, you'll want to find the balance between a shoe that's comfortable, but has enough responsiveness and firmness to pick up the pace. If this is your first marathon, responsiveness is probably less of a concern, and you'll just want to be comfortable enough to get round.
Breathability
Our feet naturally get hot and swell when we exercise. It's important to find a shoe with good breathability to dissipate that heat and avoid hotspots (which lead to blisters). Extra breathability will make all the difference on race day, too.
For marathon shoes, we'd recommend a mesh upper over a knit upper as they tend to be more lightweight and breathable.
Sizing
Never buy the same size running shoe as your normal shoe size because you will always need extra room. Not only will your feet elongate as you run, but they'll also swell as you do more activity. A cramped space for the foot, combined with pressure and repeated friction on the skin and nails, will lead to a very unhappy situation.
Going half a size up is often adequate, but sometimes you may need to try a full size larger than your normal shoe size. However, if shoes are too big or the toe box is too wide, then the twisting motion of the foot forces your body weight forward and the toes grasp to gain more stability, with the lesser toes curling up. The best option if you're unsure? Go to a running shop and try on a range of sizes. Or check out our guide on how to size running shoes.
How to find the best marathon shoe for you
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Once you've considered all of the factors above, what’s next? Before hitting ‘add to basket’ on a £200+ pair of super shoes, it’s important to understand your options when it comes to a long distance racers.
First, a note for first time marathoners
If this is your first crack at running 26.2 miles, chances are your goal is to finish, rather than to aim for a specific time. In this case, comfort is king. We'll be the first to tell you that there’s nothing wrong with opting for the same running shoe you’ve been using for your training runs, so long as you’re confident it will feel comfortable on race day.
If you’re after something a little more peppy, however, there are a few options:
1. Consider geometry
A lot of the latest running shoes have what’s called a ‘rocker geometry’. With these shoes, the sole looks more like a crescent than a flat line. The purpose is to aid heel-to-toe transitions, gently pushing you forward. If you’re used to running in a very plush, supportive and cushioned shoe, this could be a good starting point.
2. Plateless racers
Switching to a carbon plate shoe can feel pretty intimidating for some runners (not to mention, it'll set you back a couple of hundred quid). If this sounds like you, you might want to go for something with some rigidity through the forefoot (to propel you forward) but without a plate. Often, these shoes still contain elements of the high energy return midsole foams used in the respective brand’s carbon plate super shoes, such as PEBA (Polyether Block Amide) and Supercritical EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). Good examples include the Cette Nike Air Huarache White Emerald Green va telle rejoindre votre collection, the nike w msw nsp syn fill parka bv3125 010 mayro and the nikes new air vapormax 2019 premium university red black.
3. Super shoes
Born out of the Nike Breaking 2 project in 2017, there’s a reason why these shoes are at the top of the food chain. Generally speaking, super shoes contain a combination of high energy return foam and a carbon fibre plate. The plate also has a spring function, which is thought to work in conjunction with the foam to provide propulsion.
While most running brands have at least one carbon plate shoe in their collections, they’re all wildly different in their constructions, midsole foams and rides. Some, like the Adidas Adios Pro 4 and the Hoka Cielo X1, feel more 'aggressive', while others, like the Asics Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, are more bouncy.
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A Nike-funded study published in 2017 found that among 18 runners tested, super shoes (in this case, the Nike Vaporfly 2) improved running economy – the amount of oxygen required to cover a certain distance – by an average of 4%.
But here’s the catch; as well as being Nike-funded, the participants in the study were able to hold an average pace of between 5:22 to 6:45 minutes per mile. (For context, a pace of 6:40 min/mile will give you a 2:55 marathon).
A separate 2023 study looked at 16 runners who moved at far slower paces: between 8:03 to 9:40 minutes per mile (where a pace of 9:43 min/mile will give you a 4:15 marathon). The researchers found that the subjects improved their running economy by just a fraction, suggesting that super shoes do more for you the faster you run. Runners averaging at a 9:40 min/mile pace improved their running economy by an average of 0.9%, while the 8:03 min/mile runners improved theirs by 1.6%.
Of course, these are just two of many studies into super shoe efficiency. But, it would suggest that a pair of super shoes is a more worthwhile investment for the speedier runners among us.
How we select the best marathon shoes
Runner’s World has been the authority on all things running – from gear to training plans, to recovery tips, for more than three decades. We've been putting in the legwork to provide our readers with the most comprehensive resource possible for every kind of runner.
The shoes highlighted below are the result of research, extensive testing and reviews from the Runner’s World team, led by e-commerce editor Ali Ball. Ali is a 12-time marathoner and Boston Qualifier who has tested over one hundred different running shoes in her career.
We set the line-up to cater to a wide variety of needs and preferences over the marathon distance, including picks for beginners, heavier runners and more experienced runners. While running shoe fit and feel is highly subjective and we always recommend trying a pair before you buy, we’re confident that at least one of the options below should work well for you.
Best marathon shoes for beginners
For some people, all you need for a marathon is a comfy cruiser that doesn't weigh you down. The following picks are best suited for those aiming to finish over four hours.
Pros
- Nike Mercurial Superfly VIII Academy IC Обувь
- Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid Black Gym Red Metallic Gold 27cm
- Premium cushioning
- Highly durable
Cons
- Air VaporMax 3.0 Pink Rise
- Mens Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid SE Fearless Edison Chen CLOT
Read our full New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 review
Now on its 14th iteration, the Fresh Foam x 1080 remains a shoe that caters for most runners' training needs, with a more conservative update this time around.
The v14 has had a more conservative update than the v13. You've still got NB's soft and protective Fresh Foam X cushioning underfoot, but it feels slightly less 'mushy' than the previous iteration, which adds some stability. There's also more cushioning packed into the forefoot to create a slightly stiffer ride.
A new engineered mesh upper also enhances breathability (though if you have high volume feet, it's worth noting that our tester found the toe box slightly shallower on the latest iteration), while a new narrower design provides a more secure midfoot hold.
Let’s be clear, though: the 1080 is by no means a performance shoe. There’s no real ‘pop’ or liveliness to it. That being said, if you want a durable marathon shoe that will serve you well for many miles, this is a great option.
| Weight | 300g (M), 235g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 38mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
Pros
- Promotes smooth transitions
- Excellent versatility
- Bouncy and responsive
Cons
- Fits a little wide for narrow feet
- You're after a firmer ride
Read our full Asics Novablast 5 review
Membership editor Jen Bozon wore the previous iteration of the Novablast when she ran the Manchester Marathon last year — and the latest iteration continues to impress as an excellent all-rounder that combines comfort, support and durability.
It features a brand new midsole foam, known as FF Blast Max. Asics claims that it helps to increase the shoe’s ‘bounce properties’ by 8.5% compared with the v4’s FF Blast Plus Eco foam and after testing it, we have to agree. It's noticeably softer underfoot than the previous version, however, that doesn’t mean that you’re sacrificing responsiveness here. In fact, our tester found the shoe felt smooth and at home running at easy paces, but it was also capable of handling pacier efforts, too.
As well as the bouncy cushioning, you get a rocker profile and a toe spring in the forefoot which helps to create noticeable momentum at toe-off. Beneath the shoe are deep parallel grooves running along the full length on either side, with a central diamond-shaped pod in the forefoot, and this 'trampoline-inspired' outsole design works with the cushioning to create even more energy return.
| Weight | 255g (UK 8) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 40.5mm (heel), 32.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral |
Pros
- Good balance of cushioning and energy return
- Breathable, structured upper
- Stable
Cons
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Read our full Nike Invincible 3 review
If your aim is to finish rather than race for the line with your heart jumping out of your chest, the Invincible 3 is a top option.
Compared to other highly cushioned shoes, which can feel very soft and comfy but lack energy return, there is an abundance of responsiveness that offers runners a feeling of 'pop' when running in this shoe. ZoomX is a very progressive foam and, as it compacts under load, there is a real sense that it’s just waiting to expand back and propel you forward.
The previously thicker, less breathable Flyknit upper has been replaced with a more breathable and less sketchy Flyknit upper that helps lock the foot into place and gives the shoe a more secure feeling.
| Weight | 310g (M), 258g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 9mm |
| Carbon plate | No |
Best marathon shoes without a carbon plate
Not quite ready to go all-in on a pair of super shoes? These speedy options work well for training and race day.
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Pros
- Incredibly versatile
- Nike Blazer SB Mid Edge Team Red Light Dew Summit White
- Snappy and springy
Cons
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- You want the rigidity of a carbon plate
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Cushioned to the max (45mm in the heel and 37mm in the forefoot), the Superblast 2 retains many of the cherished features that made the first iteration so popular, with a couple of key updates.
The midsole features the latest PEBA-based FF Blast Turbo+ cushioning from the Metaspeed Paris models and the EVA-based FF Blast+ Eco from the Novablast 4 to create what Asics hopes is the perfect balance of comfort, softness, responsiveness and efficiency. Crucially, this is all without a carbon plate.
Despite the shoe’s humongous stack height (which is over World Athletic's 40mm limit – so, if you're an elite athlete, look away), it’s surprisingly stable. This is largely thanks to the slightly wider midsole and outsole, which also eliminates that ‘cloppy’ feeling you get with traditional high-stack carbon plate shoes. Despite the lack of carbon plate, there’s some rigidity through the forefoot, which helps to propel you forward at toe-off.
The latest version has a new engineered woven mesh upper that feels more structure than the original Superblast, while a new Asicsgrip outsole provides improved grip on wet surfaces.
The con is that these shoes still come with a premium price tag. At £200, the Superblast 2 is only £20 cheaper than Asics’ dedicated racing models. If you can justify it, though, you won’t be disappointed. The Superblast is a max-cushioned dream – springy, smooth and stable, and versatile enough for both training and race day (we should know, we've ran a marathon in it).
| Weight | 247g (UK 8.5) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 45mm (heel), 37mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
Pros
- Smooth, nimble and fast
- More cushioning than v4 to cope with longer miles
- Fantastically durable
- Versatile across different speeds and distances
Cons
- After getting a look at a JD Sports exclusive Nike Air Max 95 in
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If you’re looking for versatility, the Rebel v5 is still one of the best plate-free performance offerings out there. It’s comfortable straight out the box, the ride feels fluid and dialled in, and it copes admirably at a variety of paces.
The midsole bounce, full-foot flexibility and gentle forefoot rocker combine to make it feel very peppy, with testers feeling that it was particularly suited to tempo efforts but also quick enough to race in. The additional foam in the latest version (+5mm) makes it more suitable for going the distance compared with the v4, while still offering a more nimble and connected ride than a shoe with a 40mm stack and a rigid plate.
The midsole foam is a PEBA blend (known for being lightweight while providing high energy return). This creates a ride that is both smooth and fast. There's plenty of rubber on the outsole, too, so durability is fantastic.
| Weight | 225g (M), 180g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 35mm (heel), 29mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Carbon plate? | No |
Pros
- Quick and nimble
- Lightweight upper
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- Extremely versatile
Cons
- Tongue prone to sliding
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An evolution of the Adizero SL, now with extra ‘Evo’ and some ‘trickle-down’ tech from the carbon-plated nike dunk high 60 rasta and Pro 4, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL is the ‘entry level’ shoe in the Adizero family. But don’t think of it as some budget version of faster shoes; this is a performance shoe in its own right.
Some of the foams found in super shoes are very soft and if you take out all the rods, the carbon plate etc, a 39mm stack of that foam might be a bit tricky to run in. The slightly firmer characteristics of Lightstrike Pro mean that the shoe feels quick and nimble, rather than squidgy and slow. It's really satisfying to run fast(er) in this shoe and you don't feel any sort of instability or inconsistency, which can often be the case with very soft foam.
We found the fit to be true to size and comfortable, though the upper could use a little refinement in future updates. The engineered mesh is lightweight and breathable, and the back half is lightly padded to deliver just enough comfort — bonus, it doesn’t get soggy when it’s soaking wet. It’s worth noting that the heel fit can be a little loose, though.
Overall, this is one of the highest rated shoe of any that we’ve tested in the past year. It received particularly high marks for weight, comfort, cushioning, and ride. It’s not perfect — no shoe is — and testers marked it down slightly on fit, mostly because of how the tongue slides to the side when you run. However, the underfoot experience was universally applauded.| Weight | 224g (UK 8.5) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39 mm (heel), 33 mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Carbon plate? | No |
Best carbon plate marathon shoes
soon for running fast, the following shoes sit at the top of the food chain. Ideal for speed sessions and race day itself. Check out our full round-up here.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Very responsive
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Cons
The Metaspeed Sky and Edge Tokyo are the successors to Asics' highly successful Paris models, which have featured on the podiums of a number of major road marathons over the past 12 months. The unusual two-shoe approach splits runners into what Asics calls ‘stride runners’ (those that increase their stride length as they speed up) and ‘cadence runners’ (those who increase their step rate as they speed up). However, we’ve personally found an easier way to differentiate between the two – certainly for the Tokyo models – is that the Sky seems to suit runners with a predisposition to land on their forefoot or midfoot, while the Edge provides more stability for heel strikers.
The shoes feature an updated midsole, made from a combination of FF Blast Turbo and brand-new FF Leap foam. The configuration of the foams is slightly different in the two shoes to cater for the running styles that they’re soon for – as is the positioning and curve of the carbon-fibre plate. However, the same is true of both shoes: this is an impossibly lightweight, bouncy super shoe with a wonderfully responsive ride. At quicker paces, the shoes truly come alive and you get a real sense of propulsion – even more so than their predecessors.
If we're getting into the nitty gritty, though, we'd describe the Edge's Ride as one that smoothly transitions you onto your forefoot for a bouncy, trampoline-like toe-off. Heel stability is also greater in the Edge thanks to the firmer foam being below the softer FF Leap foam. The Sky's ride is slightly more aggressive and really pushes you up onto the forefoot for a propulsive toe-off.
Whichever one suits you best, though, these are two of the very best super shoes you can find right now.
| Weight | 170g |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39.5mm (heel), 34.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 5mm |
Pros
- Vastly more comfortable than v2
- Lightweight and stable
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Cons
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Read our full Nike Alphafly 3 review
When the late Kelvin Kiptum set the men's marathon world record in October 2023, he wore a prototype of these shoes. And there surely can't be a better recommendation for a shoe that that.
When you run, the shoe propels you forward – the faster you run, the more you feel it. Even if you can't run at world record pace – and who can? – the energy saving will maximise your PB chances over any distance, but particularly the longer races.
For the latest iteration, Nike has used a continuous outsole for increased stability and an all-new last (shoe mould), fleshed out around the midfoot. These changes make the shoe a lot more comfortable than the Alphafly 2 – reducing rubbing through the midfoot and on the Achilles – and give you confidence when rounding corners. In fact, e-commerce editor Ali Ball wore these to clock a Boston Qualifying time at the 2024 Berlin Marathon and didn't pick up a single blister in the race.
The ride is punchy and light, with more of a tippy sensation on each step than the previous iteration. However, this just adds to the overall liveliness and enjoyment of the ride. You'll need deep pockets, but it's worth every penny.
| Carbon plate | Yes |
|---|---|
| Weight | 218g (M), 174g (W) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
Pros
- Extremely responsive
- True to size
- Incredibly responsive
- Highly breathable
- Fantastic traction
Cons
- Very little heel stability
- Hard to get hold of
Read our full Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 review
Puma’s Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is a serious contender in the carbon plate super shoe category – and this time, it’s backed by science. Tested by the University of Massachusetts, the shoe was shown to improve running economy by 3.15% over its predecessor and by over 3.5% compared to rivals like the Nike Alphafly 3 and Adidas Adios Pro Evo 1 – potentially saving more than four minutes for a three-hour marathoner.
Lighter than ever at just 170g (UK 8), it sheds nearly 100g from the previous model, with updates including a refined decoupled midsole, sleeker design and a more enclosed full-length carbon plate. The springy NITROFOAM ELITE cushioning and PUMAGRIP outsole deliver snappy propulsion and confident grip across long distances.
In testing, the shoe proved surprisingly versatile – excelling at marathon pace and feeling forgiving over longer runs, with no pressure points or form breakdown. While it suits efficient heel-to-toe striders, runners with a quicker cadence may also find it more accessible than past versions.
With elite-level stats and real-world comfort, the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is one of the most compelling marathon super shoes to date. If you’re chasing a PB, this lightweight rocket is well worth lacing up.
| Weight | 170g (UK 8) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 40mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
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