The 11 Best Long Distance Running Shoes For Marathon Training And Race Day, According To Coaches
From plush and supportive to springy and fast.
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What’s the most important thing to consider when seeking out the best long distance running shoes? Is it A) how much cushioning the shoe has; B) how much support it has; or C) how comfortable it feels?
If you picked C, you’d be correct: “Really, the most important thing about [a long distance running] shoe is how comfortable it is for you personally,” says Elizabeth A. Cody, MD, a foot and ankle surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery. Because the truth is, the “best” sneakers vary among individuals, she adds.
Still, it can be pretty overwhelming to pick out any fitness shoe these days: “This has gotten trickier over the years, largely because nearly every significant shoe company now makes such a variety of shoes [and] there are so many options,” says David Siik, VP of Precision Run and Innovation at Equinox. So, if you’re looking for a few solid recommendations to consider, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for 11 best long distance running shoes, chosen by running coaches and WH editors.
Meet the experts: Elizabeth A. Cody, MD, is a foot and ankle surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery.
David Siik is VP of Precision Run and Innovation at Equinox.
Elizabeth (Corky) Corkum is a Precision Run and marathon coach.
Kara Dudley is a certified running coach, 2:54 marathoner, and Bandit ambassador.
Meg Takacs is a running coach and founder of the Movement and Miles app.
What To Look For In A Long-Distance Running Shoe
Again, the key here is choosing a sneaker that YOU feel comfy in. Dr. Cody adds that your foot and arch should feel supported in the shoe.
Now, if you have a history of foot or toe pain, the advice gets a smidge more specific: “A stiffer-soled sneaker (hard to bend) with a rocker bottom style takes stress off the foot,” Dr. Cody says.
You can also consider whether you have a “flat” or “high” arch, which is something you can typically discover through an analysis at a running store. “If you have a relatively flat arch or you overpronate, it may be helpful for you to find a shoe with built-in arch support or to use arch supports in your sneakers,” Dr. Cody says. “If you have a high arch, you will want the opposite.”
Your best bet is to head to a running store that has a treadmill so you can actually try on a few pairs of sneaks to get a feel for ‘em. Another pro tip: “I always suggest bringing your current shoe with you to the store,” says Precision Run and marathon coach Elizabeth (Corky) Corkum. "Being able to explain and show how you wear down your footwear can help a sales rep guide you," she says.
The Best Long-Distance Running Shoes
Pros
- Cushioned
- Supportive
Cons
- Less "springy" feeling compared to a super shoe
I’ve been testing these out as part of my training for the New York City marathon and have found them to be comfortable and supportive on my long runs. Kara Dudley, a certified running coach, 2:54 marathoner, and Bandit ambassador, also loves these for easy, long runs. “They’re super cushy,” she says.
Pros
- Fast-feeling
- Stylish
Cons
- Best to save for race day wear
“I'll wear these for race day or very sparingly on long run workouts if I feel like I need a little boost and my legs are really tired,” says Dudley, adding that wearing “super shoes” all the time can lead to injury. She suggests testing them first on a shorter run, then again on a longer run, and then stowing them away until race day arrives.
Pros
- Provide more of a "springy" feel
- Good for distance and speed
Cons
- Not recommended for overpronators
“I like these for easy long runs, too,” Dudley says. “They’re a little bit more peppy [and] have a little more bounce to them, so I'll wear [them] if [my workout has] a little bit more speed involved.”
Pros
- Helps you lean into your natural stride
Cons
- Some say toe box is narrow
"These are a super responsive and neutral support shoe," says Meg Takacs, a running coach and founder of the Movement and Miles app. "When it comes to road running, you want to run with the most natural mechanics possible and these shoes, being as simple as they are, let you do just that," she says. "I always order a size or a half size bigger and Nike does tend to run a little more narrow in the toe box."
Pros
- Good cushioning
- Extra supportive
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some models on this list (9.1 oz)
“It has a bit more cushion for the long haul but still feels light, stealthy, and snug enough for me," says Siik, adding that he loves a snug-fitting, fast-feeling shoe over something that is overly supportive or ultra-thick cushion. The Brook Hyperion is another fave of Siik’s that he prefers for race day or mid-length distances.
Pros
- Made with some recycled materials
- Sock-like fit at the ankle
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some models on this list (8.9 oz)
I’ve run 10 marathons and many of them in various iterations of this shoe! Asics made some pretty big changes to this latest model, including a sock-like feel at the ankle, all of which I personally like.
Pros
- Responsive cushioning
- Made with some reimagined plastic waste
Cons
- Hard plastic lace system
One more from me: I’ve also run a couple marathons in the Ultraboost. While I find them supportive enough to go the distance, lately I’ve preferred wearing them for my mid-distance and shorter runs.
Pros
- Good traction on wet and dry surfaces
Cons
- Some reviewers note they're narrow in the toe box
"Another great neutral shoe with a wide, comfortable toe box," Takacs prefers these for long-distance trail running. "They’re really breathable, they have great traction for the trails, and are really light weight for a trail shoe."
Pros
- Versatile
Cons
- Reviewers note they run small
“I have used the Mizuno Wave Rider for the last decade as my go-to trainer,” says Corkum. “It's a neutral shoe, and can be used for anything/everything,” she says, adding that while it’s not a "fast" racing shoe, “I've definitely clocked PRs in it over the years.”
Pros
- Durable
Cons
- Reviewers note the toe box is tight
“While my runs are waaaay shorter these days, my old standbys are still great,” says WH fitness editor Jennifer Nied, adding that she’s trained for and finished two marathons with New Balance 880s. “I came to count on these sneakers for long runs and race day, the laces didn’t untie, the foam cushion remained comfortable mile after mile, and my joints also felt great,” she says. “Even running a marathon in an absolute downpour, my shoes kept up.”
Pros
- Responsive
Cons
- Best to save for race day
“[This is] my current favorite racing shoe, and the only super shoe that I've loved (I haven't tried many),” says Corkum. “I did have to go up an additional half size, which apparently is common in super shoes,” she notes, adding that, similar to Dudley, she uses these for speed workouts, races, and a handful of long runs so that they “feel natural to me for marathon day.”
How Our Team Chose The Best Long-Distance Running Shoes
Women’s Health editors, including Caitlin Carlson and Jennifer Nied, have tested dozens of pairs of sneakers over the years. Our team also consulted several running coaches to narrow down the best ten items for a wide range of needs and preferences.
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