Marathon Mania: 15 Best Long Distance Running Shoes

Long-distance running is a test of your will and endurance, as you’ll be forced outside of your comfort zone to find success. When it’s just you against the long road ahead, the gear on your feet is going to play a critical factor in your performance. Half marathons and full marathons will beat your feet into an exasperating, blistered mess if you decide to throw on a pair of floppy shoes.

When you’re searching for long-distance running shoes that wrap around your feet to perfection, comfort and durability are at the forefront. Running 26.2 miles isn’t exactly a walk in the park for most athletes so your shoes will need to go the distance. In addition to the 26.2 miles you’ll be running when it’s show time, you’ll be clocking in anywhere between 20 to 30 miles every week for about three months if you’re training properly. So the shoes you choose will have to survive the preparation plan and not blow out on you before game day. We’ve identified the best long-distance running shoes that are built to last.

When you’re choosing footwear for lengthy routes and you’re fairly new in the sport of running, you’ll want to go for neutral shoes, as they’re made for those with basic pronation and relieve pressure on your knees and joints. You’ll also want to make sure the shoes you’re looking for have ample cushioning and are lightweight so they won’t drag you down when you’re trying to push through those last few miles. Of course, you’ll ultimately have to listen to your feet because comfort is the most important factor. Trying the shoes on is a must for runners at any level because high-tech specs don’t always translate to a perfect fit. You’ll be investing numerous hours into the running shoes you pick up so take your time.

To assist you in finding a pair of marathon running shoes to help you through training hell to earn a runner’s high and get you through the finish line, we’ve decided to compile a list of footwear built for the job. We’re sure you’ll find a pair of marathon-worthy shoes that will keep your feet happy and healthy on the long, satisfying journey ahead.

Adidas Adizero Boston 7

These streamlined lightweight running shoes will work wonders for your soles while you cover ground on urban surfaces. They have a mid-firm cushioning for responsiveness to boost your run energy and a neutral fit for a natural, flexible feel while you train to conquer 26.2 miles. They also have a ‘Microfit’ system, which locks down your heel and mid-foot for a stable, secure fit, and rubber outsoles for incredible traction whether you’re running in wet or dry conditions. You’ll also benefit from the energized ‘Boost’ cushioning, which returns back the energy you give as you run, making these shoes perfect for a half or full marathon.

Purchase: $99

New Balance 1500v5

Made with competitive runners in mind, the New Balance 1500v5 shoes provide excellent support in just the right areas of your feet to enhance your performance on your route. They’re packing agile ‘REVlite’ midsoles, super light ‘FantomFIT’ uppers, and breathable air mesh to keep your feet cool mile after mile. The ‘FantomFIT’ uppers combine two immensely thin materials with a no-sew construction to shave weight off your feet, increasing your speed. The midsoles of the shoes provide you with premium responsiveness and are 30% lighter than other foams in the same category. If you need long-haul support, these marathon running shoes will do the trick.

Purchase: $110

Brooks Ghost 11

The Brooks Ghost 11 running shoes provide you with soft landings no matter what your stride is like thanks to ‘DNA LOFT’ heel crash pads. They’re also built with ‘Omega Flex Grooves’ for natural flexibility and Gore-Tex uppers for waterproof capabilities. They also have high-tech mesh uppers that feel snug and light on your feet to make them seem almost like they’re not there at all. Winner of the Runner’s World Editor’s Choice Award, these shoes are worth considering for their reputation alone.

Purchase: $120

Brooks Glycerin 16

If you’re looking for a soft pair of long-distance foot protection, the Brooks Glycerin running shoes are the way to go. They provide you with full-length ‘DNA LOFT’ midsoles for a smooth, ultra-soft ride whether you’re on the first or 21st mile.. They have an engineered mesh for superior breathability so your feet won’t feel suffocated and a two-way stretch bootie construction for a personalized, adaptive fit. Due to their expert construction, your heel-to-toe transitions will feel smooth, helping you conserve energy and decrease the potential for cramps.

Purchase: $120

Mizuno Wave Rider 22

An evolution of Mizuno’s franchise running shoes, the Wave Rider 22 take comfort and support to the next level with blown rubber outsoles and ‘Dynamotion Fit’ uppers that move seamlessly with your feet so your stride always feels natural. The soft-cushioned footwear will cushion your feet in all the right spots and protect your soles with ‘X10’ carbon rubber outsoles so they won’t break down or blow out any time soon. They also feature an ‘INTERCOOL’ ventilation system to keep your feet feeling fresh.

Purchase: $120

New Balance FuelCell Impulse NYC Marathon

Utilizing nitrogen-infused forefoot foam technology, this special edition of the New Balance ‘FuelCell’ model provides you with lightweight protection on those long, endurance-testing runs. The revolutionary foam used in these shoes is 30% lighter than other foams in the same category and coupled with the bootie construction, you’ll enjoy a custom fit to keep your toes comfy for all 26.2 miles. The construction of these special edition shoes will help you drive off the platform in a flash while delivering long-lasting performance to help you crush your run goals.

Purchase: $120

Hoka One One Clifton 5

With award-winning heritage, Hoka One One is a company you can count on to make outstanding footwear for long-distance running. The Clifton 5 running shoes are cushy and fast with open-engineered mesh construction for excellent breathability. They have ‘Meta-Rocker’ technology for flush strides to keep your rhythm on point, full EVA midsoles, and a full ground contact design to assist you in maintaining proper running technique. And they even have strategic hi-abrasion rubber zones to cut back on weight to make you feel even lighter.

Purchase: $130

Salomon Sonic RA Pro 2

Combining an extremely responsive construction with enough protection for road runs, these lightweight marathon running shoes by Salomon will aid you in devouring the road ahead. The lightweight Sonic RA Pro 2 running shoes are made with ‘Geometric Decoupling’ outsoles for efficient load guidance for easy heel-to-toe transition whether you’re running outdoors or training for your next marathon on a treadmill. They’re made with stitch-free welded uppers and ‘EnergyCell+’ midsoles for amazing energy return.

Purchase: $130

On Cloudflow

Tim Don broke the Ironman world record by more than four minutes wearing the On Cloudflow running shoes. These shoes feature 18 cloud cushions to help propel you with every stride a, ‘Zero-Gravity EVA’ foam for comfortability, and ‘Speedboard’ technology with flex and rocker for smooth flow and explosiveness when you run. And they have a revolutionary mesh-weave for superior breathability and support. They feel so comfy you’ll want to continue wearing them even when you’re not on the track.

Purchase: $140

Brooks Ravenna 9

Keeping your feet comfortable with responsive ‘BioMoGo DNA’ midsole cushioning and rebounding rubber, you’ll get a springy feel throughout your entire run with this footwear. They’re shaped for quick heel-to-toe transitions and have diagonal roll bars for further support to decrease the potential of injuries while you’re putting in road work to prepare for the big day. And the reflective saddles wrap around your feet, ensuring they won’t slip off in the middle of your run. These lightweight running shoes will keep your feet as fresh as possible while you’re trying to pass that finish line.

Purchase: $148

Saucony Triumph ISO 5

With full-length ‘EVERUN’ midsoles providing you with enhanced energy return, the Triumph ISO 5 running shoes will make your long runs a little more pleasant than usual, which is a significant help. They have ‘FORMFIT’ contoured footbeds to cradle your feet for a personalized fit and an ‘ISOFIT’ design to adapt to the flex of your soles. They also have crystal rubber outsoles and reflective elements on the heels in case you want to train under the stars. Pick up a pair of Triumph ISO 5 running shoes to stay energized on your next marathon.

Purchase: $151

Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo

The Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo running shoes contain everything you love about the original iteration with significant upgrades for speed. They have feather-light uppers and Nike’s ‘ZoomX ‘ foam designed for professional runners with elite responsiveness and speed in mind. The shoes have ‘Flywire’ cables for a snug fit, ultralight translucent uppers, and heel collars that taper away from your Achilles for consistent comfort during long runs. In addition, they have beveled heels and rubber outsole strips so you land in ideal positions after every stride and transition smoothly every time.

Purchase: $180

Adidas Adizero Adios 3

These neutral running shoes provide you with the flexibility and mid-firm responsive cushioning you need to conquer any long distance run. They have ‘Stretchweb’ outsoles for a natural flex, providing you with an energized feeling and ‘Continental Rubber’ for superb traction so you can grip the road with every stride. Constructed with super air mesh, these breathable running shoes will provide you with a cool, smooth ride to help you break your personal record. Whether you’re hitting the road, getting on a treadmill, or running around a track to train for your next marathon, these shoes will get you to the finish line.

Purchase: $181

Asics Gel-Kayano 25 Tokyo

Featuring Impact Guidance System technology to enhance your natural gait along with your heel strike to toe-off, the Asics Gel-Kayano 25 Tokyo running shoes will improve your overall performance. They utilize ‘Flytefoam Propel’ technology, providing you with a supreme bounce to keep you going and Asics signature ‘GEL’ technology to minimize the impact on your legs, protecting your joints. And with a sleek design along with an internal elastic sleeve that fits like a sock and a knit upper taking inspiration from a traditional Japanese kimono belt, these shoes will earn you style points with every step.

Purchase: $190

Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro

Although most running products are designed with performance in mind, Reebok’s Floatride Run Fast Pro hit the target and did so with style. These shoes have single-layer engineered mesh uppers for a lightweight, breathable feel, and a bootie construction for additional comfort. Their ultra-thin high-traction outsoles provide reliable traction and grip while their ‘Floatride Foam’ provides you with soft cushioning on impact. The basic version of these shoes won the 2018 Gear of the Year award in 2018.

Purchase: $250