Best Marathon Shoes for 2024

Marathon running is a grueling sport that requires a lot of preparation, both physical and mental. One of the most crucial aspects of this preparation is choosing the right pair of shoes. The right pair of marathon shoes can make all the difference in your performance, helping you to run faster and more comfortably for longer periods of time.

When it comes to choosing the best marathon shoes, there are several critical factors to consider. One of the most important is cushioning. Marathon shoes need to provide ample cushioning to absorb the impact of each stride and protect your feet and joints from injury.

Another important factor is support. Marathon shoes should provide adequate support to prevent overpronation (when your foot rolls inward too much) or underpronation (when your foot rolls outward too much) and maintain proper alignment.

Finally, the weight of the shoe is also a crucial consideration. Marathon shoes should be lightweight to minimize the amount of energy you need to expend with each stride.

We spent hours researching and testing various marathon shoes to identify the ones that provide the best combination of cushioning, support, and weight for optimal performance.

Best Marathon Shoes

As avid runners ourselves, we know that finding the perfect pair of marathon shoes can make all the difference in your training and race day performance. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best marathon shoes on the market, taking into consideration factors such as comfort, support, durability, and overall performance. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just starting out on your running journey, our roundup has something for everyone. So without further ado, let’s lace up and dive into our top picks for the best marathon shoes.

1) New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Trainer V2 Running Shoe

If you’re looking for a high-performance running shoe that delivers both comfort and support, the New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Trainer V2 is worth considering.

We recently tested the New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Trainer V2 on a variety of surfaces, including pavement and trails. We were impressed by the shoe’s Energy Arc technology, which provided a noticeable boost in energy and helped us maintain a consistent pace throughout our runs. The FuelCell foam also delivered a comfortable and responsive ride, making it easy to transition from heel to toe.

One thing to keep in mind is that the shoe has a 47mm midsole height, which may not be suitable for runners who prefer a lower-profile shoe. Additionally, the arched carbon fiber plate may take some getting used to for runners who are accustomed to a more traditional shoe design. However, we found that the snug fit provided by the breathable, flat knit upper with lock-in fit feeling ensured a comfortable and secure fit.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-performance running shoe that delivers both comfort and support, the New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Trainer V2 is definitely worth considering.

2) ASICS Women’s GT-2000 11 Running Shoes

We highly recommend the ASICS Women’s GT-2000 11 Running Shoes for marathon runners who want a supportive and comfortable shoe that is also environmentally friendly.

The ASICS Women’s GT-2000 11 Running Shoes are a great choice for marathon runners who want a shoe that is both supportive and eco-friendly. The Jacquard mesh upper provides a comfortable foothold, and the recycled content and dyeing process used in the shoe’s construction make it an environmentally responsible choice.

One potential downside of the shoe is that the tongue can slide to the side during running, which can be uncomfortable for some users. Additionally, the cushioning may not be enough for runners who prefer a more plush feel. Finally, the shoe may not be suitable for those with wider feet, as it can be a bit snug.

Overall, we believe that the ASICS Women’s GT-2000 11 Running Shoes are a great investment for marathon runners who want a shoe that is both comfortable and environmentally responsible.

3) New Balance FuelCell Propel V4 Running Shoe

If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish pair of marathon shoes, then the New Balance FuelCell Propel V4 Running Shoe is an excellent choice.

We recently tried out the New Balance FuelCell Propel V4 Running Shoe and were impressed with its performance. The FuelCell foam in the shoes provided a propulsive feel that helped us to drive forward and maintain a steady pace throughout our run.

The no-sew construction of the upper made the shoes comfortable to wear, and we didn’t experience any rubbing or discomfort during our run. The TPU plate in the shoes provided excellent traction and propulsion, which helped us to maintain our footing on different surfaces.

One thing to note is that the 6mm drop is approximate and may vary due to variances created during development and manufacturing processes. Additionally, the shoes may not be suitable for those who suffer from metatarsalgia or other foot conditions.

Overall, we would recommend the New Balance FuelCell Propel V4 Running Shoe to anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish pair of marathon shoes.

4) Joomra Whitin Men’s Supportive Running Shoes Cushioned Athletic Sneakers 10 S5 | Light Grey

If you’re looking for an affordable pair of running shoes that are perfect for marathons, then you might want to consider the Joomra Whitin Men’s Supportive Running Shoes. These shoes are designed to provide excellent support, comfort, and durability, making them an excellent choice for runners of all levels.

We found that these shoes were comfortable and provided excellent support during our runs. The woven fabric was soft and breathable, and the shoes were lightweight, making them easy to wear for long periods. The lace-up closure also allowed us to adjust the fit to our liking, ensuring that our feet stayed secure during our runs.

One of the standout features of these shoes is the special patch on the upper that prevents the laces from tearing. This is a common problem with running shoes, so it’s great to see that Joomra has addressed this issue. The high-density foam midsole also provided excellent cushioning, which helped to reduce the impact on our feet during our runs.

However, we did notice that the color on the side of the shoe started to come off after a few months of use. While this didn’t affect the performance of the shoes, it was a bit disappointing to see. Additionally, we found that the sizing was a bit off, so make sure to check the sizing chart carefully before purchasing.

Overall, we think that the Joomra Whitin Men’s Supportive Running Shoes are an excellent choice for runners who are looking for affordable and comfortable shoes that provide excellent support and durability. If you’re in the market for a new pair of running shoes, then we highly recommend giving these a try.

5) NOOKNAK Men’s Running Shoes

If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish pair of sneakers for your next marathon, the NOOKNAK Men’s Running Shoes might be worth considering.

We’ve tried the NOOKNAK Men’s Running Shoes ourselves, and we were pleasantly surprised by their comfort and quality. The shoes are lightweight, breathable, and provide good support and cushioning for your feet. The natural rubber and highly elastic EVA sole is soft and comfortable, yet durable and anti-slip, making it perfect for running on different surfaces.

The breathable mesh material allows your feet to breathe and stay cool, while the high elastic synthetic materials in specific areas provide reinforcement and prevent deformation. The highly elastic, breathable memory sponge insole is also a nice touch, as it provides stable lateral movement and skid resistance, ensuring maximum comfort during long hours of walking or running.

However, some customers have reported that the shoes tend to deform after a few months of use, which might be a concern if you’re looking for a long-lasting pair of sneakers. A few customers have also mentioned that the shoes make a squeaking noise after a while, which can be annoying. Finally, some customers have found the shoes to be a bit narrow, so you might want to go half a size up if you have wider feet.

Overall, we think that the NOOKNAK Men’s Running Shoes are a good choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish pair of sneakers for their next marathon. They provide good support, cushioning, and breathability, and the natural rubber and highly elastic EVA sole is soft, comfortable, anti-slip, and durable. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable pair of running shoes, the NOOKNAK Men’s Running Shoes might be worth checking out.

6) FitVille Mens Wide Sneakers Road Running Shoes Athletic Shoes with Wide Toe Box – Fresh Core 11 X-Wide Grey

If you’re looking for a comfortable and breathable marathon shoe that provides exceptional cushioning and traction, the FitVille Mens Wide Sneakers Road Running Shoes Athletic Shoes with Wide Toe Box – Fresh Core 11 X-Wide Grey might be the perfect fit for you.

The FitVille Mens Wide Sneakers Road Running Shoes Athletic Shoes with Wide Toe Box – Fresh Core 11 X-Wide Grey is designed to deliver exceptional performance and comfort during long-distance runs. The engineered knit upper is designed to provide unbeatable breathability, ensuring that your feet remain cool and dry even during the most intense workouts. The wide toe box allows for more flexibility in the forefoot, which allows your foot to move more fluidly, reducing the risk of injury.

The shoe’s innovative cushioned sole offers exceptional comfort and ultra-responsive cushioning, ensuring that your feet remain comfortable throughout your marathon. The air-cushioned heel creates a snug and locked-in fit with every stride, ensuring that your feet remain stable and secure during your run. The concave-convex rubber outsole delivers enhanced traction, stability, and durability, ensuring that you can run on any surface with confidence.

In summary, if you’re looking for a comfortable and breathable marathon shoe that provides exceptional cushioning and traction, the FitVille Mens Wide Sneakers Road Running Shoes Athletic Shoes with Wide Toe Box – Fresh Core 11 X-Wide Grey might be the perfect fit for you. With its innovative design and superior performance, this shoe is sure to help you achieve your marathon goals.

7) HuJAT Women’s Air Running Shoes Walking Tennis Fashion Sneakers Casual Comfortable Breathable Jogging Shoes 8.5 Black

If you’re looking for a versatile and comfortable shoe that can be used for a variety of activities, the HuJAT Women’s Air Running Shoes might be the perfect choice for you.

We’ve been using the HuJAT Women’s Air Running Shoes for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with their performance. The shoes are lightweight, breathable, and flexible, which makes them perfect for a variety of activities, including walking, running, jogging, training, travelling, shopping, indoor and outdoor activities, casual wear, exercise, sports, gym, camping, hiking, tennis, and workout.

The breathable elastic upper is one of the best features of these shoes. The mesh material is light and elastic, which means it can fit your foot shape better, making your feet feel breathable and unburdened. The soft memory foam insole is also a great feature, as it has good resilience and flexibility, can disperse the pressure of footsteps, and is moisture-wicking, keeping your feet fresh when walking.

The air cushioning sole is another standout feature of these shoes. It improves the shock absorption effect, protects your knees better, and makes you walk for a day without fatigue. This is especially useful if you’re planning on using the shoes for activities that require a lot of walking or running.

However, there are a few downsides to these shoes. The white color option might get dirty easily, which could be a concern for some people. Additionally, the top of the shoes is very loose, which might not be suitable for people with narrow feet. Finally, the padding of the shoes might not be firm enough for some people, which could cause discomfort after prolonged use.

Overall, we think the HuJAT Women’s Air Running Shoes are a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and comfortable shoe that can be used for a variety of activities. They have a few downsides, but the pros outweigh the cons, making them a solid choice for anyone in need of a new pair of shoes.

Buying Guide

When it comes to finding the best marathon shoes, there are several factors to consider. We recommend taking the following into account when making your decision:

Foot Type

Before purchasing marathon shoes, it’s important to consider your foot type. There are three basic foot types: neutral, overpronated, and underpronated. Knowing your foot type will help you select a shoe with the right amount of support and cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and injury-free.

Cushioning

Cushioning is another important factor to consider when selecting marathon shoes. A shoe with good cushioning will help absorb shock and reduce the impact on your joints, which is especially important during long-distance runs.

Arch Support

Arch support is essential for those with flat feet or high arches. A shoe with the right amount of arch support will help prevent injuries and provide extra stability during your run.

Sole Material

The sole of the shoe is another crucial factor to consider. Look for a shoe with a durable sole that provides good traction. It’s also important to choose a shoe with a sole that matches the terrain you’ll be running on.

Weight

The weight of the shoe is another important factor to consider. A lightweight shoe can improve your performance and reduce fatigue, but it’s important to find the right balance between weight and support.

Overall, finding the best marathon shoe requires careful consideration of several factors. By taking the time to evaluate your foot type, cushioning needs, arch support, sole material, and weight, you can find a shoe that will help you reach your running goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated marathon shoes for new runners?

When it comes to marathon shoes for new runners, comfort and support are essential. Some of the top-rated options for new runners include the Brooks Ghost 13, ASICS Gel-Nimbus 23, and Hoka One One Clifton 7. These shoes provide excellent cushioning and stability, making them ideal for long-distance running.

Which marathon shoes are designed specifically for speed and performance?

If you’re looking for marathon shoes that are designed for speed and performance, you might want to consider the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%, adidas Adizero Adios Pro, or the New Balance FuelCell RC Elite. These shoes are equipped with the latest technology to help you run faster and more efficiently.

What are the preferred marathon shoes among elite athletes?

Elite athletes often have their own preferences when it comes to marathon shoes. However, some of the most popular options among elite runners include the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%, adidas Adizero Adios Pro, and the Hoka One One Carbon X. These shoes are designed to help elite runners perform at their best and set new records.

How do I choose the right shoes for long distance running?

Choosing the right shoes for long-distance running can be a daunting task. However, some factors to consider include your foot type, running style, and the type of terrain you’ll be running on. It’s also important to choose shoes that provide adequate cushioning and support to prevent injuries.

What are the leading marathon shoe options for women?

Women’s marathon shoes are often designed with a narrower fit and different color options. Some of the leading options for women include the Brooks Ghost 13, ASICS Gel-Nimbus 23, and the Saucony Triumph 18. These shoes provide excellent support and cushioning for female runners.

Are there any marathon shoes that stand out for both 5k and 10k races?

If you’re looking for marathon shoes that can perform well in both 5k and 10k races, the Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 and the ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 are great options. These shoes provide a balance between speed and support, making them ideal for shorter races.