Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Run like the wind and feel your best all throughout your 26.2 journey.
Photo:Shape
You should see our closets.
These shoes also have a highly breathable and light mesh upper that makes them ideal for warm weather.
Take it from a sub-3 marathon runner (me), these are incredible.
PHOTO: Brooks
If that’s not good enough, Boston Marathon winnerDes Lindenhas been rocking these for her most recent races.
This classic model fits a variety of foot shapes and sizes.
These shoes are fast, bouncy, and simply fun to run in.
Shape
These shoes are uber comfortable and supportive without so much soft cushioning that they almost feel flimsy.
The midsole foam is light but firm and great at absorbing shock.
I like the lightness of them and they are a more narrow shoe, she says.
PHOTO: Asics
For me, the shoe has to be a nice fit, snug at the heel and light.
These fit the bill and are some of the lightest marathon shoes youll find.
They propel like no other, and give an incredibly energy to your feet with each step.
PHOTO: Shape / Jisette Baquet
“The shoes should fit snugly, offering both comfort and stability for the marathon distance.
We were impressed by how instantly comfortable these shoes were.
They feel sturdy, reliable, and stable.
Theserunning shoes for beginnersare perfect for working up to their first 26.2.
The thin carbon plate keeps these shoes super light while providing excellent energy return with each step.
Theyre designed with a curved sole that encourages a gentle rocking motion for added forward momentum.
The upper is bonded, not stitched, which makes it stretchy and sleek-looking without added weight.
The lower 4 mm drop can feel more comfortable if you have ankle stability or balance issues.
And still, these are some seriously fast race shoes.
While the drop isn’t big, the rocker still keeps you going in forward motion.”
Youll run your fastest in a pair of shoes that you feel most comfortable and confident in.
Ideally, you wont have to think about your shoes at all during the race.
This can help propel you forward and make each stride feel easier and faster.
Over 26.2 miles, this can add up to a major PR.
Sobie recommends shoes with extra cushioning and support for slower marathon runners.
For training, opt for a cushioned, highly stable shoe to withstand the impact of long-distance runs.
And for racing, choose a lighter, more responsive shoe for speed.
When it comes to shoes, best is highly subjective.
Major shoe brands are constantly releasing new models with updated technology that are lighter and presumably faster.
Gawors recommends that marathon runners rotate between two to three different models of shoes during training and racing.
A former collegiate runner for Amherst College, she caught the marathon bug post-grad.
She’s also competed in triathlons and is an avid swimmer, hiker, cyclist, and reader.
We selected the best marathon running shoes based on in-depth fit and run testing by experts and editors.
PHOTO: Hoka
PHOTO: Shape / Summer Cartwright
PHOTO: Asics
Shape
PHOTO: Saucony
PHOTO: Shape / Jennifer May
PHOTO: Nike
Shape
PHOTO: Hoka
PHOTO: Shape / Summer Cartwright
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Shape / Jhett Thompson
