Best Marathon Running Shoes: Our top picks for racing, comfort, value and beginners

[@RaabStephan]

Lovely review, perhaps show the names of the shoes on the screen when you're showing them, feel like that would be helpful to everyone.

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks, and good idea!

[@JasonGreen91]

I trained in the Saucony Triumphs and ASICS Novablast for the marathon. I found the Novablasts much better on effort v energy return but less stable on pavement, so I went with them for the race and got under 4 hours. The Triumphs were unbelievably comfy and stable and I’d recommend if you weren’t going for a particular time.

[@aswathhama]

I find the Triumphs a little too firm for long runs beyond 2 hours.

[@QuasiAmerican]

I do my marathon training long runs in the Novablast 2 and find it super comfortable and great for getting some marathon paced miles in there. I'd definitely run a marathon in them if I wasn't using the Alphafly which is my usual choice.

[@carlosangalang]

The Puma Velocity Nitro v1 feels amazing for just walking around! And a handsome and affordable pair! But I've got too many shoes in my current rotation to work it into my current training block. And it's because I squeezed in a 2nd pair of Saucony Endorphin Speed v1 on sale! First world problems 😅

[@MrRajeshkpy]

I myself has 10 pairs and feel bad when new version is released caused it will take me 5 years to exhaust my current supply

[@majorssh]

Trained for and ran my first marathon in the skechers max road 5. Not frequently talked about in videos such as these, but I loved them. Good value plated shoes with plenty of cushion. Well worth a try for anyone looking for a comfortable ride.

[@VELATRICK]

We want an update!! Please do a video similar to this 😊

[@scott_strool]

Agree about the Velocity Nitro, first run last night and I cant wait to lace it up again,

[@fodder9812]

Running the Birmingham Half Marathon yesterday I say the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 are brilliant

[@garybowes6284]

I got my Speed 2s for £104 from Runningxpert just before Christmas. Getting a marathon outing on Sunday.

[@KellyandDoug]

good luck! I love my speed 2s

[@michaeldominic2070]

Alphafly is still my favorite with the Vaporfly right behind it!

[@hummuswithpitta]

Thanks for adding a non-plated section! I'm staying away from the tech until I've broken 3hrs the old fashioned way. Looks like the Mach 4 will be going up on my list.

[@chris_mcc_]

My pick would be the Adios Pro 2 for the marathon. Much more stable, comfortable and durable than the Next%2 in my opinion. Great video as always Nick & Tom 👍🏻

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks Chris

[@peterkisidaj9329]

Hi Nick, Tom, thank you for a great summary of the best marathon shoes. My half marathon shoe is Alphafly and Next% 2 for a half. But the total winner is Endorphin Speed and Speed 2. This really greatest shoe I've ever run in. Nick you see me on STRAVA and most of my runs Novablast 2 for easy or recovery, slower runs and for tempo, longer runs Endorphin Speed 2. I love Speed 2. I'm just wondering if Speed 2 wouldn't be even better for marathon :). Yesterday I ran intervals 4x (600+400+200) and all was so smooth and nice in Endorphin Speed 2, even to run 3:00 - 3:30/K. Sometimes I'm really thinking if to take Speed 2 for a race too. :) All the Best. Peter from Slovakia

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks Peter! Sounds like you have a solid shoe rotation all round! I am also pretty curious to run a marathon in the Speed 2!

[@aj010139]

Speed 2 is amazing but no trails or unpaved path as the foam is easily damaged. Had to pick up another shoe, the cheapest and best value I could find was the Energy 4. Both shoes are very light which I like.

[@timmyrd9610]

Another shoe for beginners that I loved and is really underrated is the Reebok Symmetros. Similar material to Boost, lighter than the Puma Velocity, and very comfortable with good cushioning. 130USD and often on sale.

[@chris_mcc_]

100% Agree. I used the Symmetros for all my long runs (20+ miles) when marathon training and can’t fault it for that role. I may though try the new Reebok Energy X for the next marathon training block.

[@timmyrd9610]

@@chris_mcc_ I’m intrigued by the Energy X too since I had such good success with the Symmetros. Hope it goes well for you, if you buy a pair!

[@jlhuk52]

Some good options but I'm sold on the puma velocity nitro 2 as I'm not after anything fancy and always go for value over anything!

[@barrelvisor]

Speed 2 and Sky for me!

[@jonathanwendel7480]

Thank you, gentlemen, from Ames, Iowa, USA. I really enjoy and am grateful for your reviews.

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks Jonathan!

[@dielaufsocke7642]

My favourite running shoe for years: Puma Speed Sutamina. Imported from UK to Germany. About 50€ at Bezos store.

[@DesertTriDad]

Mach 4 daily as I don’t like training in plated shoes, Metaspeed sky for racing

[@JohnBirtchetSharpe]

Interesting that you mentioned the adios 6 (as I agree) but even more so the altra Escalante , also small stack, lots of energy return (along the same lines)

[@sahlohken2013]

Can't wait for you guys to get ahold of the Endorphin 3 line!

[@TheRunTesters]

Certainly excited to test those out!

[@i.p2088]

Best comfort marathon shoe is the New Balance RC Elite V2.

[@TheRunTesters]

A good shout!

[@springbok7902]

Excellent and as usual very useful. One shocker for me was your choice of the Hoka Mach 4, jeez never thought this could be a marathon shoe! I have one but will never run it in a marathon 😀. With your previous vid on Puma, that is one to get next as an easy running shoe... once again guys, appreciate your vids, the only one I watch on deciding what shoe to buy, so thanks! You may want to include your training tips too to encourage more views, you all have different thresholds and would be interesting to help us that cannot afford coaches... I do realise you have a specific agenda with this channel 😀

[@marktbarr]

Very helpful. Thanks lads.

[@brandonm4664]

PR'd at LA Marathon with Vaporfly's

[@marceloago9862]

Excellent video!!

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks!

[@ksugaris6941]

Thank you for the great video! Unfortunately as a newbie i was between 1080v12 and endorphin speed 2 but now I have to consider puma velocity nitro 2 also :((

[@BizzeB-nq1jb]

Nice list. I thought for sure the NB Fuelcell RC Elite v2 would’ve been the most comfortable marathon shoe

[@TheRunTesters]

It's a good option for sure, we didn't really think about carbon shoes in that section, but it certainly is comfortable!

[@multisportflash]

Thanks guys. A tad surprised the NB Fuelcells didn’t make the cut. More a half marathoner? Loved them in my Ironman 70.3s

[@anthonygilbert8042]

Which shoes will best carry me around a marathon despite a woeful lack of training and fitness? My fuelling strategy is non-existent (all food makes me sick after 15 miles), so something along the lines of Wile E. Coyote's ACME rocket skates would be wonderful.

[@TheRunTesters]

Haha we've not tested anything from ACME unfortunately, but I'd (Nick) probably say go for something comfortable like the Glycerin. Hope the fuelling starts to feel easier!

[@sakibafnanofficial3103]

Very interesting review.

[@j.stellakelleher8869]

Yeah my first marathon was the 1080v10! No pain/fatigue at all during or after the race. I'm training for my third marathon in October and I'm torn between just using my Novablasts (also my current daily trainer and comfy/fast enough) or maybe buying racing specific shoe.

[@runningben74watts90]

Recently ran the Vienna Marathon in a PB of 3:02:36 in Adidas Adizero Adios pro 2's, can't recommend them enough , my only other Carbon shoe was the Saucony endorphin pro , also a great shoe. Valencia in December...decisions decisions 🤔

[@SELiM__]

Thank you for the video. Where would you pout the rocket 2? Looking for my first carbon plate shoe and I am hesitating between the metaspeed sky and the rocket 2.

[@cheekster777]

Thank you.

[@willwilling4728]

Expensive but I thought the NB Elite v2 might be a good option for someone new to marathon racing or most comfortable.

[@adamrochester896]

I have a marathon PB of 4:22 and half of 1:49. Eyeing up a properly trained bloc for sun 4 at Manchester in April. At 4hr speed is a carbon plate necessary or are other options out there that could be better? Keep up the great videos and insight.

[@nonamemark]

What about runs on unpaved ground? Gravel? trail? Are all these carbon fancy feats still valid for these?

[@nkululekomabaso4273]

Definitely agree regarding the speed 2’s. I didn’t expect the MetaSpeeds; will look into them. Any thoughts on a good Ultra Marathon shoe ? Doing Comrades (90km) in August. Thanks

[@aswathhama]

Yes, I am also looking for comfortable and durable road shoes for ultramarathon training (runs between 2.5 hours to 5 or 6 hours duration). Any suggestions will be really helpful.

[@DA-no7dx]

Great video, like your reviews and perspectives. Do you have a race day recommendation for slower pace (13mil/min)first time marathon runner? I do my long run in glycerin 20, but looking to see if there is any comfortable race day carbon shoes at this pace. Thanks!

[@saurabhkmathur]

Thanks for this great informative video! I have a question. Now when Speed 2 is cheaper than Puma velocity nitro 2, which shoe you will recommend for training and tempo runs?

[@Bunny-ks7fi]

Could anyone give me some input on what would be the best shoe for training and race day? I’m committed to a marathon in this October (2024) and I’m looking to start training soon. Any input is welcome, all I ask is that it’s one pair of shoes for everything ideally!

[@raffyleal]

Talking comfort, what would be better? Vaporfly next %2 or Zoom Alphafly next %?

[@rishoo007]

Hi, Glycerin20 or Glycerin20 GTS? what would you recommend? I have just started brisk walking and intermittent short running. Heavyweight tall here.

[@jinluwang5671]

Do you have to use lots of cushioning when running long distance? I did my half marathon trail run in my day to day CrossFit training shoe and didn’t feel any issue. Looking for one pair for my first marathon in San Francisco. Really not a big fan of lots of cushion.

[@andrewstearns9276]

The Vaporfly just doesn’t fit tight enough around my ankle/Achilles and it drives me crazy how much my heel slips. When I go down a 1/2 size it is too tight in the toe box 😢

[@jennifermcbroom8471]

Curious if you have a favorite for a trail marathon? I’m guessing some of these would work but this is my first marathon and I’d like a good shoe.

[@Maxandshe]

I'm wanting to order the Alphafly online. But not able to try on beforehand. Advice please. My normal shoe size is 5, running shoe size a 5.5. Which shoe size do you recommend since you have an idea of the fitting. 😁 thank you so much. 😁

[@victortran9491]

Are the Metaspeed Sky + Edge duo supposed to be the counterparts for Nike's Vaporfly + Alphafly duo?

[@TheRunTesters]

It's not something that Asics really says (of course they wouldn't though) and we've not tested the Edge yet, so hard to say. We'll try and test both Asics shoes and let you know down the line.

[@briansmyth1502]

want to add another shoe to my rotation of Rocket x and Triumph 19s. Would I go Speed's 2s or Velocity Nitro 2?

[@thibaultszczurko7170]

Hey can’t can’t decide if I need to wear a size 43 EU or 44 for my saucony speed 2. Asics 43,5 feel a bit small and I fit in mizuno size 43. My foot is 26.8cm long, if I follow guiding size I should wear 42 which is way too small… I can’t find them in stores around my area and my only option is to buy them online. Any advice would help me a lot 🙏

[@jungtao]

Question, why did the vaporfly beat out the metaspeed? I’m not saying it shouldn’t just curious what your thoughts were.

[@TheRunTesters]

Speaking for myself (Nick), the Vaporfly just has a bit more speed in it and is more comfortable over the longer distances too.

[@marcedwards2464]

Good video

[@ptlewis2000]

Something must be wrong with my thinking, because the idea of running my marathon 7:30 pace at any distance in size 14 shoes, it would have to be in a tempo/racer type shoe. So seeing Glycerine and Infinity on this list would be like seeing the Kayano (stability). Which I think I’m the problem. Not knowing what to do after the Lunarglide and Lunaracer departure got me all tossed, turned and turvy. But my pick is the endorphin pro 1 or 2. At any price. VaporFly honorable mention depending on my training and form (health). My comfy pick would be Zoom Fly 4. And may still be the fastest over 26.2 for my body. But now that I have successfully tested insoles in the AlphaFly for a fast 13 miles, that may all change after Santa Rosa.

[@tayoidowu11]

could u use the saucony pro for daily use given u have said in other videos that the price difference doesn't seem to match the difference in performance?

[@edmondtan]

What stability racing shoes would you recommend?

[@ajeettv]

Velocity Nitro on top

[@hamoudalnasser]

How would you rate the Saucony Speed 3 as a race day shoe for an intermediate runner? Should I spring for a pro shoe, or will the ES3 serve me well on race day?

[@TheRunTesters]

Both are great shoes. The Pro 3 is definitely better for race day and there is a noticeable difference in how it delivers. But the Speed 3 isn't far off. If you want to spend top dollar, the Pro 3 is worth it, but you still won't go wrong with the Speed 3.

[@adamgore2903]

I thought there may have been a mention of the New Balance RC Elite 2. I haven’t run in it myself but I have seen so many suggests it’s by far the most comfortable race day shoe for the marathon distance. Any thoughts on this shoe? I was thinking of trying it for my next race day shoe.

[@TheRunTesters]

It's a good shoe and one we should have mentioned tbh! It's the most comfortable carbon shoe, but not as fast as the carbon shoes we mentioned, and then in the comfort section we were mainly thinking of non-carbon shoes. But it could and probably should have been mentioned in both sections!

[@adamgore2903]

@@TheRunTesters Thank you. I have tried the VaporFly and AlphaFly, and although the speed may be there, I found them both to be not very comfortable. The Endorphin Speed 2 was a great shoe for me for my last marathon in Manchester so I may step up to the Pro 2/3 or give the RC a Elite a go. I definitely favour comfort with some speed over full on speed that feels wrong on the feet.

[@stevenguo6573]

What's the difference in durability between the Vaporfly/Alphafly vs. the Metaspeed Sky? It seems like Nike has a slight edge for races but I'd be inclined to go with Asics if the shoe can go for some extra miles.

[@TheRunTesters]

I'd (Nick) say the only notable difference is that the Metaspeed Sky has less outsole coverage at the heel so that gets chewed up if you're a heel striker. In terms of midsole longevity we've not noticed much of a difference, I (Nick) don't think the Asics will last longer, I'd probably actually give the edge to the Nikes on that front.

[@paultester8672]

I have over 500km in original 4% and rapidly heading there for Vaporfly and Alphafly. 600k would be a very good return for racing shoes.

[@stevenguo6573]

@@paultester8672 I'd assume that they have lost most of their race "pop"? At what point did you feel like you couldn't race in them or do you still use them during races?

[@youpigirl5731]

Pour moi, meilleure chaussures carbone : Saucony endorphin pro 2, pour la vitesse : Asics novablast et Brooks Hypérion. Pour le confort : toutes les new balance et hoka clifton 8. Je vais arreter Asics, la pire l Asics hyperspeed : trop étroite, trop inconfortabel, trop près du sol (drop 5mm, mais ça n'a rien avoir). Je pense que le modèle en carbon doit être aussi ajusté au pied

[@pradyumnanujella9532]

Is this comfortable for half marathon or a marathon?

[@sieffy91]

For us wide foot folks would either of you recommended the vapor fly or metaspeed sky? I have a hard time finding a carbon plated shoe that will accommodate a 2E foot :(

[@essaalansari9508]

I have the same problem here! Have you find anything yet coz am still looking to ?

[@madmartigan4792]

What Nike shoe does he mention at 8:25

[@johnsmith-me4ff]

i think it's the nike invincible run 2, i have 1 and is very comfy.

[@adrianlovell780]

Which carbon plated shoe is the most stable? Is there such a thing as a stability carbon racer? I can feel my left foot rolling in with the Endorphin Speed v1 when the road is only slightly cambered.

[@DesertTriDad]

Depending on your budget the Metaspeed sky is a very stable carbon race shoe

[@TheRunTesters]

Stable and super shoe don't tend to really go together unfortunately. The Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 (and now 3) is more stable than others, thought a little less super perhaps!

[@DeeGee69]

I know these reviews are subjective but - it'd be interesting to mention the most durable shoes for marathon (e.g. not Nike - horrible quality control and not Asics - not very durable outsole) - no mention of the shoes (Adios Pro 2 ) that won the Boston marathon in 2022 in both men and women categories?

[@TheRunTesters]

It’s sometimes hard to test durability given the amount of shoes to review tbh, but that is one reason we rate the Speed as good value in that it held up well for us with extended use. Interestingly one shoe I (Nick) do rate as very durable is the Nike Infinity! We mention the Adios Pro 2 in the carbon shoe section, though not always best to go by shoes that win races since Adi and Nike tend to sponsor most of the best elites!

[@DeeGee69]

@@TheRunTesters good job on the review anyway ;)

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks :)

[@PedroReyes-hm7mh]

Puma what?

[@dnice362]

Nothing comes close

[@jason5315]

I don't know under armour holds up well

[@user-gg9bs7ie3y]

Klass

[@Ligerpride]

Are you guys brothers?

[@marcedwards2464]

Good video