Expert consulted: Long-distance running is a true test of endurance for your body, mind, and footwear. Whether you're training for a marathon, gearing up for an ultra, or simply enjoying the ride, wearing the right pair of shoes can make all the difference in the long run.
There’s nothing worse than having your shoes give out before you do. Finding a shoe that can withstand the demands of long-distance running is crucial. The best long-distance running shoes blend comfort, support, and durability to help you go the distance with confidence and ease. They should feel like an extension of your feet, supporting your every footstep while supplying enough underfoot cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and happy for the long haul.
We’ve tested many of the latest running shoes to find the best options for long runs, whether you’re training for a race or simply pushing yourself to go farther than ever.
Cyber Monday Running Gear Deals 2024
- Best Overall: Asics Novablast 4
- Best Value: Brooks Trace 3
- Best Daily Trainer: ensures smooth and effortless transitions between soft dirt and hard pavement
- Best Marathon Racer: Topo Athletic Atmos
- Best Lightweight: Hoka Mach 6
What to Consider
Why Trust Us?
Runner’s World has been the authority on all things running–from gear to training plans, to recovery tips Best Winter Running Shoes for Traction and Warmth competitive running–for more than five decades. We have been putting in the legwork to provide our readers with the most comprehensive resource possible for every kind of runner.
Our most vital gear buying guides feature testing and research from the Runner’s World test team, which tests the newest, most exciting running gear so we can help you find the best high-performance running equipment. In 2024, the RW test team includes Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate, as well as Test Editors Amanda Furrer and Morgan Petruny.
The best long-distance running shoes were selected by expert contributor and prolific shoe reviewer Cory Smith, who has over a decade of shoe testing and reviewing experience, diligently testing over 100 pairs of shoes per year. He is also a Wide, thick sole feels a bit clunky Wide, thick sole feels a bit clunky.
Smith’s picks were approved and supported by RW Test Editor Amanda Furrer, who provided testing feedback and data from the Runner’s World wear-test program, which solicits insights from a group of over 275 runners.
Choose the Adrenaline GTS 24 as Your Everyday Shoe
Our testing began with a thorough market analysis, including examining customer reviews and feedback from industry professionals and the Runner’s World test team.
The specific shoes for this guide were selected by Cory Smith, based on multiple test runs where he personally evaluated shoes for ride quality, comfort, fit, and durability. He also solicited feedback from a small group of dedicated wear testers, each of whom has over 30 years of experience running. Runner’s World Test Editor Amanda Furrer approved those picks and contributed additional insights, including data from the RW Shoe Lab and wear-test program.
The best long-distance running shoes showcase exceptional qualities–comfort, durability and support. Each of them is exceptional in their own way, and should be a perfect fit for the right runner.
Our Long-Distance Running Shoe Reviews
Pros
- CA Notice at Collection
- Comfortable upper
- Durability
Cons
- Not as bouncy as the Novablast 3
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.2 oz (men’s); 7.9 oz (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 41.5 (men’s); 40.5 mm (women’s) |
Comfort, support, and durability are undoubtedly the most important features of a long-distance running shoe. RW Testers all agreed that no shoe tested checks all these boxes like the Asics Novablast 4. “I am typically not an Asics fan, but these are my new go-to road shoes!” exalted one wear-tester.
For such a thick-soled shoe, it feels surprisingly “light and springy,” noted another. He further added that instead of sinking into the cushioning and having to stabilize it, the mildly firmer foam and wide platform felt inherently stable. The firmer underfoot feeling wasn’t cause for concern among our testers: In fact, most of them welcomed the more responsive ride over a mushy, cushioned one.
Across the board, testers agreed that the Novablast 4 fit true to size without any significant issues. The soft, stretchy woven upper, coupled with a plush heel collar, exudes comfort and luxury: One tester, who said the Novablast 4 allows her to run long distances again, said it’s hard to imagine a more capable and comfortable long-distance running shoe.
Shoe Lab and wear-test program 2024 Shoe Awards.
Pros
- Good ground sensitivity and flexibility
- Durable midsole
- Comfortable upper
Cons
- Firm underfoot feeling
- This Adrenaline Fan Loved the Newest Model
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.0 oz (men’s); 8.0 oz (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 12 mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 24 mm (men’s/women’s) |
The Brooks Trace 3 shows that you don't have to sacrifice quality to get a good deal on your shoes. To hit a price point under $140, shoe brands often compromise on materials to keep costs down. Priced at a fraction of our other picks, the Trace 3 is a rare exception–offering strong performance at a reasonable price.
The Trace 3 is updated with Brooks’ EVA-based DNA Loft cushioning, the same midsole material used in premium models like the Brooks Ghost 16 and Glycerin 21. While there isn’t a ton of cushioning underfoot, I’d say the new midsole delivers a smooth, somewhat firm ride that’s more reminiscent of a low-profile shoe.
A newly engineered mesh upper with modest padding along the tongue and heel collar delivers a snug and comfortable fit while providing excellent breathability. Flex grooves built into the outsole allow the sole to be more flexible, so your foot moves more naturally through your stride. If you like to feel connected to the ground, you’ll feel right at home in the Trace 3.
ensures smooth and effortless transitions between soft dirt and hard pavement
Pros
- Stable cushioning
- Comfortable upper
- Durable
Cons
- Shoes & Gear
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.5 oz (men’s); 7.4 oz (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 33 mm (men’s/women’s) |
A great daily trainer fades into the background of your run. You slip them on, step out the door, and forget they’re even there. Mile after mile, our testers found that New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 880 V14 was a trusty training companion, getting them from point A to point B without any issues, day after day. “It won't turn heads or stand out in a lineup...” said one tester, “it just feels really good.”
Though it doesn’t have a single standout feature, New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 880 V14 provides a reliable and comfortable experience without drawing attention. “It is lightweight, offers enough stability and cushioning, and is versatile enough to last through tempo runs, moderate trails, and daily runs,” said another tester.
The V14 features a re-engineered mesh upper that’s thick and heavily padded, cushioning every part of the foot. That thickness was a double-edged sword for some testers, however, who found it didn’t breathe so well. Additionally, testers noted that the toe box tends to run wider than expected, though they mostly appreciated the extra room.
Despite the ventilation issue, the ensures smooth and effortless transitions between soft dirt and hard pavement stands out as a dependable and versatile daily trainer that excels in comfort and stability. “I have a hard time finding a flaw,” noted one tester.
Pros
- oz mens; 8.8 oz womens
- Excellent midfoot lockdown
- Highly protective
Cons
- Wide, thick sole feels a bit clunky
- Midsole may be too firm for some
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.7 oz (men’s); 7.9 oz (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 38 mm (men’s/women’s) |
Saucony Endorphin Elite runners with wide feet to find a comfortable fit. If you struggle to find shoes that feel wide enough, the Topo Atmos is a highly cushioned shoe Other Hearst Subscriptions.
A wide toe box isn’t all this shoe’s got going for it. One tester described its maximal cushioned sole as "a good balance between hard and soft, providing a considerable amount of support." A proprietary EVA blend provides a smooth and protective ride that’s perfect for long outings. “At all times my feet and knees felt amazing,” another tester noted. “I felt comfortable to push myself.”
It is worth noting that these aren't built for speed: The massive stack of cushioning adds heft, so they’re a better fit for long, leisurely runs. A few testers found the thick sole to be "clunky" and "firm," so it clearly isn’t for everyone.
Nonetheless, testers all agreed that if you're struggling to find a standard-width shoe with a wide toe box, the Topo Atmos is a good solution.
If you’re looking for a shoe with a wide toe box and more padding, we recommend checking out the On Cloudeclipse.
Pros
- Responsive cushioning
- Lightweight and nimble
- running shoes typically last
Cons
- Narrow fit
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.2 oz (men’s); 6.7 oz (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 37 mm (men’s); 35 mm (women’s) |
At 8.2 ounces for men and 6.7 ounces for women, the Hoka Mach 6 is a nimble, lightweight shoe designed to let you push though more miles, faster. Earning a Runner’s World 2024 Shoe Award, Choose the Adrenaline GTS 24 as Your Everyday Shoe.
“It felt like I was running on air with these shoes,” one tester said.
Right out of the box, the Mach 6 fits like a glove. The creel jacquard upper with fitted internal gusset was soft and provided a good amount of lockdown without feeling overbearing. Underfoot, the new supercritical EVA midsole proved remarkably cushioned yet still very responsive.
“They feel very soft but in a responsive way, not in a sink-your-feet-in way,” observed one wear tester. Another described the ride as “light and zippy.”
Unlike some Hoka shoes that make you feel elevated, the Mach 6 offers a low-to-the-ground sensation, resulting in a snappy, quick stride.
"I haven't had this much fun testing a pair of shoes!” A tester gushed. “These shoes are a blast!"
Pros
- Highly responsive ride
- Lightweight, fast feeling
Cons
- Very narrow fit
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.1 oz (men’s); 6.5 oz (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 30 mm/22 mm |
Rooted in a longstanding tradition of quality Italian shoe design, the Diadora Frequenza’s lightweight, highly responsive design is perfect for keeping a fast pace on a long run. At the heart of its spry, spirited nature is Diadora’s Anima N2 midsole cushioning, a supercritical EVA foam that’s both cushioned and lively. It makes you feel like a ball of energy: Each ground strike swiftly absorbs impact and rebounds like the snap of a rubber band.
Despite its highly responsive ride, the Frequenza also feels comfortable at a more leisurely pace. During multiple runs at mixed paces, I discovered the underfoot cushioning strikes that sweet spot of just enough to provide a protective and soothing ride while remaining nimble, responsive, and ready to react at a moment's notice. The upper is as functional as it is stylish, too, with a breathable and transparent mesh with suede retro-looking overlays.
Fair warning: The toe box feels a bit cramped–enough to warrant sizing up half a size. If Diadora isn't on your radar, it should be now.
Pros
- Cushioned ride
- High energy foam
- Why Trust Us
Cons
- Heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.5 oz (men’s); 8.8 oz (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8.5 mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 38.5 mm (men’s/women’s) |
For long days running over soft trails, the Nike Ultrafly offers comfort and performance that can keep you moving mile after mile. This supershoe of the trails comes packed with Nike’s cutting-edge features, including ZoomX PEBA foam and a carbon fiber plate. It’s a star-studded combination that generates a smooth, comfortably cushioned ride that lends itself to distance running.
Nike spared no expense in terms of traction, either, opting for a Vibram Litebase outsole, often considered the gold standard of trail running outsoles. The wide sole provides a superb platform, ensuring strong stability. Even in loose kitty litter, the 3-millimeter chevron lugs provide good grip.
It also fared exceptionally well on rocky technical terrain: I never felt the need to check my speed to prevent a rolled ankle. A padded ripstop upper further enhances its comfortable long-distance chops while adding protection from trail debris.
The only real downside here is the price. At $260, this is one of the most expensive trail shoes we recommend. That said, the Ultrafly is one of the best ultra long-distance trail shoes on the market, hands down, and we think it’s worth the splurge.
Pros
- Bouncy midsole
- Versatile outsole
- Stable for high stack height
Cons
- Ill-fitting upper
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.2 oz (men’s); 8.5 oz (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 38.5 mm (men’s/women’s) |
While Swedish brand Craft might not have the same recognition as brands like Nike and New Balance, the Xplor Hybrid redefines versatility for runners, offering unparalleled performance for those eager to conquer any terrain.
The outsole, developed in collaboration with bicycle tire manufacturer Vittoria, features lugs around the outer edges for grip on trails, with a smoother center for seamless road transitions. The unique design, inspired by The 8 Best Running Jackets for Surviving Winter, ensures smooth and effortless transitions between soft dirt and hard pavement.
Underfoot, its ETPU (expanded thermoplastic polyurethane) midsole delivers a bouncy ride that’s full of energy on any surface. While it’s a bit heavy to classify as an uptempo shoe, the lively midsole allows it to run fast when needed.
My only knock is its fit. The Xplor Hyrbrid’s one-piece engineered mesh upper is quite voluminous in width and length, to the point where I considered dropping down half a size. Even with the fit issue, though, a smooth ride, excellent grip and stable platform all make this unique trail shoe feel special.
Pros
- Wide platform feels stable
- This Adrenaline Fan Loved the Newest Model
Cons
- Oversized sole makes it feels a bit clunky
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.7 oz (men’s); 9.2 oz (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 40 mm (men’s); 39 mm (women’s) |
No stability running shoe has a longer track record of success than the Asics Gel-Kayano. After more than 30 iterations, this cult classic shoe provides a perfect amount of cushioning, but still feels stable and supportive.
"The cushioning in this shoe is elegant; it doesn't squish down too much or feel lifeless," noted one tester, adding, "It was a noticeable upgrade in comfort from other Asics shoes I've worn in the past."
The difference in this iteration is a heaping helping of Asics' EVA-based FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning, which incorporates a higher percentage of recycled materials compared to its predecessor's midsole. The stack height is 4mm taller. Even with a thick cushion, it maintains stability through a combination of a flared heel bevel, wide basenets, and strategically placed, softer, more energetic foam under the arch to guide your foot into the optimal position.
Testers appreciated the added support without finding it intrusive. One overpronating tester described the ride as stable and “planted,” further adding, "The underfoot feeling is phenomenal" for a stability shoe.
The engineered mesh upper follows suit, creating a cozy and secure place for your feet. It’s worth noting that some testers found the Kayano 30 to run a little wide. Not enough to warrant going up in size, but enough to notice.
Editor’s note: Asics released a new version of this shoe, the Asics Gel-Kayano 31, in June, 2024. As of this publication, we have not fully tested the new version, so we continue to recommend the previous model. We will update this pick once we have received enough feedback about the shoe from the community.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
Pros
- Updated upper more comfortable and durable
- Midsole may be too firm for some
- Firmer midsole may appeal to larger audience
Cons
- Not as bouncy as the Novablast 3
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.5 oz (men’s); 6.5 oz (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 39.5 mm (men’s/women’s) |
After months of hard, high-volume marathon training, you earned the right to put your best foot forward come race day. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is just the right shoe for a high-performance moment: Sporting a new dual-density midsole that blends Saucony's PWRRUN HG supercritical foam, as seen on the Saucony Endorphin Elite, running shoe sizing.
Combined with a full-length carbon fiber plate, the Pro 4 feels slightly firmer than its predecessor, prioritizing responsiveness and stability over bounciness. The ride proved remarkably smooth and capable of transitioning from easy to faster paces on runs that called for changing pace, which is rare for an uber-padded super shoe.
Perhaps the best improvement, though, is to the upper. I had comfort and durability issues with the upper on the Endorphin Pro 3. The new engineered mesh upper on the Pro 4 features a stretchy integrated woven tongue, which locks down perfectly and feels more durable. With its improved, better-fitting upper and responsive midsole, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is the perfect companion to help you achieve your goals, regardless of your pace.
Pros
- Extremely plush and comfortable
- Bouncy midsole
- Great fitting upper
Cons
- Heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 11.3 oz (men’s); 9.2 oz (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 48 mm (men’s), 46 mm (women’s) |
When you’re going long, there’s nothing more comfortable than a thick stack of cushioning to save your legs. With a substantial 46 to 48 millimeters of blended PEBA and supercritical EVA foam beneath your heel—the most in any Hoka shoe—the Skyward X guarantees an unmistakably experience that feels both energetic and extremely cushioned.
A proprietary convex carbon fiber plate in the midsole bows in the middle, compressing and springing back with each step to create a tangible bouncing effect. With each footstrike in the Skyward X, the shoe returned equal energy–almost like jumping on a trampoline. Time and again, I found myself choosing the Skyward X over any other shoe when I wanted a soft, plush feeling.
The downside to all the foam, of course, is that the Skyward X is one of the heaviest shoes I’ve tested. Despite that, I found it performs surprisingly well regardless of the pace, from easy runs to tempo workouts, thanks to its performance-minded midsole and carbon fiber plate. If you believe the thicker the cushioning, the better, the Skyward X is wildly comfortable and unlike any shoe I’ve tested.
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Cory Smith is a running coach and journalist specializing in running and fitness-related content and gear reviews. He is the founder of Run Your Personal Best, an online running coaching business that has helped hundreds of runners achieve personal bests in distances ranging from 800 meters to 100 miles. Cory holds a USA Track & Field Level 1 and 2 Endurance Certification and was the former Head Cross Country/Track Coach at Penn State Brandywine. Over his running career, Cory has held three Maryland state records, was a two-time National Championship qualifier while at Villanova University, and holds personal bests of 4:03 in the mile and an 8:05 in the 3K.
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
