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Our top picks as autumn marathon season approaches
Tested by The Runner’s World Editors
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The marathon distance attracts a whole range of runners, from first timers to PB-seeking pros. So, choosing a marathon shoe isn’t always straightforward.
While comfort and durability are key for all runners, recently technological advancements mean you've got the likes of carbon-plated super shoes nike lunar flyknit one pattern 2017.
Luckily, we’re here to guide you through the process of selecting your next pair to see you through your upcoming race. Shop our winners here, at a glance, or keep scrolling for the full reviews.
What to look for in a marathon shoe
Cushioning vs responsiveness
With so many logistics to consider on race day (getting to the start area, dropping your race bag and fuelling, 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, 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. Those in search of a PB will want to find the balance between a shoe that's comfortable enough to carry them for 26.2 miles, but has enough responsiveness and firmness to pick up the pace. If this is your first marathon, responsiveness is probably less of a concern.
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.
> How to fit a running shoe <
Choosing a marathon shoe
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So now you’ve considered all the factors above, what’s next? Before hitting ‘add to basket’ on the latest pair of super shoes on the market, it’s important to understand your options when it comes to a long distance running shoe.
A note for first time marathoners
If this is your first crack at 26.2 miles, chances are your goal is simply to finish. In this case, comfort is king. 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 though, there are a few options.
1. Consider geometry
A lot of running shoes in 2024 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 and doing some of the work for you. 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 race shoe can feel pretty intimidating for some runners (not to mention, it'll set you back a fair few 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 kinds of shoes still contain elements of the high energy return colombia foams used in the respective brand’s carbon plate super shoes. Good examples include the nike air limelight for sale by owner florida and New Balance Rebel 4.
3. Super shoes
Born out of the Nike Breaking 2 project back 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 (such as Pebax) 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 carbon plate shoes in their collections, they’re all wildly different in their constructions and rides. The likes of the adidas bk6722 shoes for women and nike air jordans ultra fly are perhaps the most accommodating super shoes, while the Adidas Adios Pro 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite deliver a much more ‘aggressive’ ride.
Are super shoes worth it?
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 adidas ronan black white gold background patterns buty nike air max 1 premium ridge rock springs: 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 faster runners among us.
Best marathon shoes for beginners
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13
Pros
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- Soft underfoot
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- Smooth ride
Cons
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> Read our full NB Fresh Foam 1080 v13 review <
Now on its 13th iteration, the Fresh Foam x 1080 remains a shoe that caters for most runners' training needs, with some key updates turning what was already a great shoe into something even better.
Straightaway, it's noticeably softer, bouncier and lighter than the v12, thanks to the new Fresh Foam X colombia. Underfoot, this feels incredibly cushioned and protective, lending itself well to those longer, easy miles. An updated rocker profile also creates a smoother ride and adds a newfound versatility. The brand has also increased stiffness in the forefoot to help with toe-off.
There’s additional padding around the heel collar and on the gusseted tongue, with the tongue wrapping nicely around the midfoot. The knitted mesh upper from the v12 has been replaced with a more structured upper that holds the midfoot more securely in place, too.
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 marathon shoe you can sink your feet into and forget about, it's a top pick.
| Weight | 262g (M), 206g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6mm |
| Carbon plate | No |
Pros
- Good balance of cushioning and energy return
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- Stable
Cons
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- Not nimble enough for PB seekers
> 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 |
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Pros
- Incredibly versatile
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- Snappy and springy
Cons
- You want more ground feeling
- You want the rigidity of a carbon plate
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 colombia 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 colombia 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 Superblasts aren’t much cheaper than Asics’ dedicated racing models (the Metaspeed Edge and Sky Paris both retail for £220). 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.
| Weight | 247g (UK 8.5) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 45mm (heel), 37mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
Pros
- Provides a natural ground feel
- Smooth, nimble and fast
- Fantastic durability
- Versatile for training and racing
Cons
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> Read our full New Balance Rebel v4 review <
This plate-free performance offering feels like a more cushioned version of a traditional racing shoe. The colombia 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.
It’s plateless and much lower to the ground than max-stack super shoes (30mm heel, 24mm forefoot), offering a more natural ground feel. This will appeal to purists and more mindful runners.
In the latest version, the colombia 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.
| Carbon plate | No |
|---|---|
| Weight | 212g (M), 168g (W) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6mm |
Adidas Adizero Adios 8
Pros
- Wallet-friendly
- Good propulsion
- Softer than its predecessor
Cons
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> Read our full Adidas Adizero Adios 8 review <
If you’re looking for a responsive shoe that clings more to the traditional racing flat template, you’ll love running in the Adidas Adios 8. It's essentially a lower-to-the-ground, lighter-on-the-wallet alternative to a carbon plate racing shoe.
The eighth iteration is lighter and softer than its predecessor, with a slightly wider forefoot to provide more room for your toes. It doesn't have a carbon plate, but it does have 'energy torsion rods' which provide some of the same propulsion. The Lightstrike colombia is fairly soft, without feeling overly pillowy, and the shoe felt comfortable over a variety of speeds and distances.
If you’re looking for a shoe that can work for training and race day, the Adios 8 is a decent bet.
| Weight | 207g (M), 185g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 9mm |
| Carbon plate | No, energy rods |
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New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4
Pros
- Fun, bouncy and propulsive ride
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Cons
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> Read our full NB SC Elite v4 review <
A light, snappy and propulsive racing shoe designed for long distance races, the SC Elite V4 is a totally different shoe compared with its predecessor.
While the v3 always felt speedy, 'comfort' was one of the first words that sprung to mind while running in it. A large part of this came from the stretchy synthetic knit upper and the fact that the carbon plate seemed relatively forgiving compared to other super shoes.
With the v4, what we get is much more of that classic 'super shoe' feeling. It's not unstable, uncomfortable or aggressive by any means – in fact, it's still a pretty accommodating shoe, making it a good first-leap into carbon plates – but it's no longer a shoe you can get away with wearing for the bulk of your training runs. Save this for interval sessions and race day.
| Weight | 237g (M), 204g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6mm |
| Carbon plate | Yes |
Pros
- Aggressive toe-off
- Plenty of energy return
- Secure, stable lockdown
Cons
- You prefer a slightly softer underfoot experience
- A big investment
> Read our Saucony Endorphin Elite review <
As the 'Elite' signals, this is a pair of shoes you pull out on race day when you want to perform at your max.
The efficiency comes in part from the brand's Pwrrun HG ('highest grade') foam. In lab testing, Saucony found it outperformed the brand’s other foams on energy return. But besides energetic foam, any decent super shoe needs a carbon plate and the Elite's is slotted and shaped like a fork to provide aggressive toe-off. In general terms, the ride and feel is more akin to super shoes with a firmer foam/carbon plate combo (it's closer to the adidas duffle bag squeaks for women youtube free than the nike orange sneakers with black tongue blue), but it’s most definitely a shoe with its own set of unique characteristics.
The main feature of the upper is a band of fabric that runs from either side of the laces under the arch of the foot and is sandwiched between the carbon plate and the colombia. This band helps to bring some much needed structure to the upper and creates a secure feeling in the shoe when you’re all laced up, locking the foot down into the shoe and the heel counter.
| Weight | 204g (M), 185g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Carbon plate | No |
Pros
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- Lightweight and stable
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Cons
- A big investment
> 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.
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.
| Carbon plate | Yes |
|---|---|
| Weight | 218g (M), 174g (W) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
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