The best running shoes for marathoners

Marathons — heck, even half- or quarter-thons — are all about endurance. Whether you love long-distance running for fun or competition, it can be equal part invigorating and grueling. But without the proper footwear, you run the risk (no pun intended) of falling short of your full potential. A great pair of running shoes is a key part of the equation.

“When planning for a marathon, it’s absolutely essential to pick the proper footwear,” says Andrew Blakey, a certified personal trainer and director of Your Future Fitness. “You’re going to want a shoe that is durable enough to withstand the constant stress of running for dozens of miles while also being light enough to keep your body from wasting excess energy.”

Look up any popular running shoe brand and you’ll find trademarked designs like “Flytefoam cushioning” (featured in the Asics Gel-Nimbus Lite 3 running shoes) or the “Speedroll technology” in Saucony’s Endorphin Speed 3 shoes. 



  


            
                 
  




Features like these can make or break your final run time. All of the footwear options highlighted below are well reviewed running shoes by trusted brands like Nike and Asics, and would make for the perfect addition to any marathon runner’s collection. Even if you’re just looking for a fresh way to shape up, you can’t go wrong with a decent distance-running shoe.
Best running shoes for marathon runners
Check out our list of the best marathon running shoes, featuring men’s and women’s styles of some of the best running shoes to buy in 2023. 
Browse our selection of the most popular running shoes for marathoners to find the pair that you’ve been waiting for. The next time you run in a marathon may just feel like a new experience entirely after you invest in the best footwear for long-distance runs.



  


            
                 
  





For a solid lightweight design, you’d be hard pressed to find a better running shoe than the Gel-Nimbus Lite 3 by Asics. This shoe has a streamlined design that can help to correct problem “foot strike,” as Asics and foot experts put it.
This is basically how your foot hits the ground when you run, so this shoe can help you avoid discomfort during long marathons — especially if you have high arches.
“With its quality and lightweight [design, this shoe] can be a definite shoe to add to your running collection,” Blakey says, “and 50% of its upper polyester is made from recycled materials.” This added perk is good for anyone interested in footwear that has a low environmental impact.



  


            
                 
  




Find both men’s and women’s sizes available in a variety of colors on Amazon. Prices vary depending on your choice of color, with some designs taking the spot as the most budget-friendly marathon running shoes on our list.
Men’s Asics Gel-Nimbus Lite 3, starting at $89
Women’s Asics Gel-Nimbus Lite 3, starting at $89



  


            
                 
  





Best for everyday use: Hoka Mach 5


Even for dedicated marathon runners, having something that feels just as comfortable in other settings is worth it. Whether prepping for a marathon run, hitting the treadmill, or just kicking it on an errand run, these responsive shoes by Hoka would be a great fit.
“[They’re] marketed as very lightweight, breathable, [and] with good grip,” says Dr. Marc Matarazzo, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. Matarazzo highlighted these shoes in particular, alongside the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22, as the cream of the crop when it comes to marathon running shoes.
Find a selection of brightly colored styles in both men’s and women’s sizes at Nordstrom.



  


            
                 
  




Men’s Hoka Mach 5, $140
Women’s Hoka Mach 5, $140


“The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 [is] said to have good support with a design that limits excess rotation of shin and heel,” Matarazzo says. If support is a top priority for you as a marathon runner (and it should be), this may be the perfect shoe for you.



  


            
                 
  




Brooks advertises this running shoe as offering top-tier cushioning thanks to its patented “DNA Loft foam.” Combined with the added “GuideRails tech” that aims to keep your foot safe and your form on point during long runs, there’s no wonder why this one made our list.
Find plenty of eye-catching colors in men’s and women’s sizes at Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW). Also worth noting is (at the time of publication) a 15% sale going on for all men’s and most women’s colors (the navy style remains at the original price of $140) at the time of this writing. Grab a pair of great running shoes at a discount while you can.
Men’s Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22, on sale for $120 (as of publication)



  


            
                 
  




Women’s Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22, some colors on sales for $120 (as of publication)


Marathons are all about endurance, but sometimes? You just gotta go fast. When it comes to shoes that are designed around speed, these running shoes by Saucony are our top pick.
“This lightweight shoe is great for runners who are looking to run faster in races, tempo runs, and speed workouts,” says Bill Reifnsyder, a former professional runner and the CMO of athletic laundry detergent company Nonaste. “Coming in at 7.2 ounces and a well-ventilated upper, your feet will stay cool on the way to your next PR.” That’s personal record for those not in the know.



  


            
                 
  




Breathability and a lightweight design are great features to have for your marathon running shoes. On top of that, Saucony markets these shoes as having “updated geometry” that can add more pop and spring to your run for some serious speed. 
Find a wide selection of unique colors in men’s and women’s sizes at Amazon. Prices vary by design, so keep an eye out for some added savings while picking out the pair that most matches your style.
Men’s Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, starting at $127



  


            
                 
  




Women’s Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, starting at $109


These versatile running shoes by Nike offer a nice blend of comfort, reliability, and durability. Nike’s patented “ZoomX foam” improves upon previous Zoom Fly designs to offer a lighter, more responsive cushioning system.
Added stability comes in the form of a wider base in the forefoot and heel, which can help you avoid discomfort during long runs — or take tight turns with ease if speed is more your thing. According to the product page, a carbon fiber plate in the design also works to propel you forward with every step — giving you that extra oomph you need to reach the finish line.



  


            
                 
  




Nike offers a number of different colors in both men’s and women’s sizes. As of this writing, there are discounts to be had for certain colors — up to 30% savings when compared to the original price of $160.
Men’s Nike Zoom Fly 5, some colors on sale for $112 (as of publication)
Women’s Nike Zoom Fly 5, some colors on sale for $137 (as of publication)



  


            
                 
  






Comfort is a big deal for long races and marathons, so we made sure to pick something that offers just that. These running shoes by New Balance come with “Fresh Foam X cushioning” and a knit upper that provides extra stretch and support.
“They are comfortable, lightweight, breathable, and provide hours and hours of support without causing achy feet or sore arches,” says one reviewer. This dedicated consumer has been an owner of New Balance footwear for over 20 years, according to their review, and they still gave it five stars. That should tell you all you need to know about the brand’s dedication to perfection here.
Find some unique and interesting color schemes on Amazon, from the more traditional Black/Thunder/White to the uncommon White Multi/Black (which looks to us like one of those magic eye pictures that were popular in the 90s). 



  


            
                 
  




Men’s New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12, starting at $100
Women’s New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12, starting at $120

What to look for with marathon running shoes
What makes a great running shoe? Marathons are more about endurance and less about speed, so you want athletic footwear that won’t work against you in the long run (pun definitely intended). 



  


            
                 
  




You have your pick of different running shoes for marathoners above, but before you zero in on the details you want to cover your basics: comfort, good cushioning for shock absorption, and — perhaps most importantly — a size and shape that works for you.
“Make sure they fit properly,” says Dr. Gregory Alvarez, a podiatrist at the Ankle and Foot Centers of America. “Shoes that are too tight or too loose won’t provide the necessary support and comfort. Shoes that are too small may cause… foot injuries. Shoes that are too large, on the other hand, may lack the necessary stability and cushioning.”
Alvarez also mentions running terrain and advocates for a lightweight shoe over something heavier when it comes to a good running shoe. These are the things you should keep in mind when shopping for the perfect shoes to grab the next time you’re getting ready for a long-distance marathon.



  


            
                 
  





How we chose the best running shoes for marathoners

Customer reviews: In addition to using expert recommendations to pick our favorite kicks, we read through consumer reviews to make sure people were consistently happy with their shoe purchases. 
Expert recommendations: We spoke with certified personal trainer and Your Future Fitness director Andrew Blakey; orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine Dr. Marc Matarazzo; former professional runner and Nonaste CMO Bill Reifsnyder; and podiatrist at the Ankle and Foot Centers of America Dr. Gregory Alvarez for product recommendations and advice.
Star rating: We made sure all of our chosen running shoes have a four-star rating or higher, so you know you’re getting the best of the best with our list.
Your needs: As a marathoner, you likely know what you want in a shoe — but that may be different from what other runners look for. We considered things like different features, styles, and colors to list something for everyone.

Read more about how we review products

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