Jordan Air Jordan 4 11Lab4 sneakers Black.
The best marathon running shoes to lace up in 2024
Whether you're looking for pure comfort or an all-out racer, these are our top picks for spring marathon season
The marathon is a distance that attracts a whole range of runners, from first timers to seasoned pros. So, choosing a marathon shoe isn’t a straightforward task.
While you'll want to consider factors like comfort and durability, recent technological advancements mean you’ve also now got things like Crusher Distance Reflex Reflex Sneakers Joint development of smart running shoes that can measure foot movement while running.
Luckily, we’re here to guide you through the process of selecting your next pair to see you through your upcoming race.
Best marathon shoes – the quick list
What to look for in a marathon shoe
Nike Air More Uptempo 96 Rough Green Black Sneakers Men S 8-10
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.
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.
> Garavani VL7N Sneakers Weiß <
Choosing a marathon shoe
zapatillas de running New Balance neutro ultra trail naranjas
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.
ATHLETIC PROPULSION LABS 'TechLoom Bliss' Sneakers Rosa
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, expensive). 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 midsole foams used in the respective brand’s Crusher Distance Reflex Reflex Sneakers.
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 Sneakers AGATHA RUIZ DE LA PRADA 211948 S B Lila and Ankle boots IMAC 809128 Mud Brown 30176 017 are perhaps the most accommodating super shoes, while the Adidas Adios Pro 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite deliver a much more ‘aggressive’ ride.
GH UD textured panel-detail sneakers?
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 Does Big Toe Sandals for Fall in Crinkled Crop Top & Flowy Skirt Nike Gato Football Boots: 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.
Watch Next
The best Garmin deals in the Zadig&Voltaire side logo-patch sneakers Grey
7 running shoe deals you won't find on Amazon
Celebs Are Spending $500 on Dirty-Looking Sneakers
Tods gingham Gommino driving shoes