11 Best Marathon Racing Shoes to Help You Go the Distance

Ever wonder what the best marathon racing shoe is to help you go 26.2 miles?
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👟In just a few short weeks, the best marathon runners from around the world will compete in the Paris Olympic Marathon (Aug. 10-11), and everyone of them will lace up their favorite shoe to go the distance.
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🔥Maybe you're not running a 5-minute-mile pace for 26.2 miles, but you're still looking for an edge to help you go the distance. Yes?
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👇Check out these 11 best marathon racing shoes picked by shoe-expert Hollie S.👇

Gone are the days that people run marathons in lightweight racing flats. Many are now looking toward carbon-plated footwear.
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Not all race day shoes are created equal. Some are meant for 5Ks or half marathons, while others are designed for ultra marathons. It's important to have the best marathon racing shoe for you.
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👉At the end of the day, the best marathon racing shoes are the ones you feel most comfortable in.
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So what should you look for in a marathon racing shoe?
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Here are a few things to keep in mind...
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👟Sizing matters
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I cannot emphasize this enough...

• It's essential to buy the correct size marathon racing shoes. 
• Running long distances requires extra room to accommodate foot swelling. 
• As you run, your feet will expand both in length and width due to the increased blood flow and repetitive impact. Shoes that are too small can cause injuries, black toenails, and general discomfort.

👟Going half a size up from your regular shoe size is often sufficient...

• But sometimes a full size up may be necessary during marathon training. 
• The longer you are on your feet, the more they swell. 

👟How do you know if your marathon racing shoe is too tight? 

• You should be able to wiggle your toes before, during, and after the run. 
• If you can't, it's a sign you need to go up a half or full size. 
• Like jeans, most marathon racing shoes fit slightly differently.

👟If you don't know where to begin, go to a locally owned running store and get fitted.

• They often have a wide selection of marathon racing shoes so you can find the right one that fits and feels good. 
• Plus, they often have great exchange or return policies so you can really test them out and see.

So what are the best marathon racing shoes to help you go the 26.2-mile distance?
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👇Check out my top 11 picks...👇

• Price: $180
• Weight: 7.03 oz
• Drop: 6 mm

😀Full disclosure, the 361 Furious Future 1.5 is one of my favorite racing shoes and one that is most underrated. 

• At $180, it's one of the cheapest options on the list. It feels fast but also very soft with plenty of cushion. 
• I ran the Los Angeles Marathon in the predecessor. It feels similar to the Nike Tempo but more bouncy and responsive. 
• There are not a lot of marathon racing shoes that bouncy, responsive, and cushioned but this fits the bill. 
• Some might find it a bit heavy, but the cushion makes up for it. 

✅The 361 Furious Future 1.5 is flat out a good shoe, but it's probably the best for that price point.

• Price: $250
• Weight: 6.5 oz
• Drop: 6 mm

Did you know the shoe that's won the most marathons is the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro?
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The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a fast carbon-plated racing shoe, featuring:

• A wider base
• More aggressive toe spring, and a...
• Softer feel than previous versions.

Compared to previous versions, the new upper, midsole, and outsole provide a comfortable fit and improved traction. Its midsole features Lightstrike Pro foam and Energyrods 2.0 for a smoother, faster ride. 
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✅Ideal for races and workouts, it's a significant upgrade from previous versions. When we compare other brands to the Nike Vaporfly, this is definitely a top contender.

• Price: $250
• Weight: 6.4 oz
• Drop: 5 mm

You can't talk about one of the Metaspeed Paris shoes without talking about the other. They are both just so good and made for different running styles. 

• Both shoes feature FlyteFoam Turbo+, a Peba-style midsole material that is lightweight and ultra bouncy. 
• The Sky Paris is aimed toward stride-based runners, while the Edge Paris has extra forefoot foam sitting above what looks like a plate shaped as a lever.

This year, the Edge has had a pretty big update and it's awesome.

• It was given an extra 3.5 mm of foam in the midfoot, providing a softer landing than even the Sky Paris. 
• It will depend on your running gait which is best for you, but they are both great options. 
• I will say, the Edge almost feels like a modern-day racing flat. 

✅If you like the ground contact and feel but don't want a traditional racing flat, consider the Edge.

• Price: $115
• Weight: 9.3 oz
• Drop: 6 mm

Atreyu, a lesser-known brand founded by two brothers in Austin, Texas, is praised for its inexpensive, lightweight running shoes and great customer interaction. 
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✅If you're someone who misses the "old days" of racing flats and non-carbon-plated shoes, this is a great option for you. The simplistic brand of Atreyu makes simple, inexpensive but high-quality running shoes.

• Price: $275
• Weight: 9.2 oz (M) / 7.5 oz (W)
• Drop: 7 mm

2024 is the first year Hoka has a marathon racing shoe that can compete with other brands.
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Hoka has maybe the most carbon-plated shoes of any brand.
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The Hoka Cielo X1 offers:

• A unique trampoline effect with its rocker geometry and high stack of Peba foam. 

✅It's easy to run fast, and there is plenty of cushion. Plus, while not wide, it is built on a wider last so it can accommodate wider feet.

• Price: $250
• Weight: 7.6 oz (M) / 6.3 oz (W)
• Drop: 1.5 mm

There is actually a lot that makes the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 unique.

• For starters, the drop is only 1.5 mm. 
• Plus, it's really the only carbon-plated shoe designed for forefoot runners. 
• It also features an Enerzy Lite+ midsole with an aggressive plate structure, providing a quick turnover and snappy feel.

If you "run on your toes," you may really appreciate the feel and ride of the Wave Rebellion Pro 2.

• This is definitely one you want to try on beforehand.

✅The icing on the cake: This shoe has solid outsole grip, which makes it a great option for those rainy races.

• Price: $250
• Weight: 9.3 oz (M) / 7 oz (W)
• Drop: 4 mm

The New Balance SuperComp Elite v4:

• Combines a Peba-based FuelCell midsole with a thinner carbon fiber plate
• Gives you stability and responsiveness
• The plate is not as aggressive as many other carbon-plated options, making it more gentle on the body and suitable for those who are injury-prone. 

✅Similar to the Cielo X1, it's built on a wider last, so it's a great option if you have wider feet. Plus, the wider last makes it more stable (without being a stability shoe).

• Price: $285
• Weight: 7.8 oz (M) / 5.8 oz (W)
• Drop: 8 mm

We couldn't have a best marathon racing shoe post without the Nike Alphafly 3
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🟰 The king of carbon-plated running shoes.
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This year, the shoe offers:

• Better ventilation and a smooth transition. 
• It features a ZoomX midsole and dual Air Zoom units.

✅For the third version, Nike has listened to feedback and made it lighter and smoother than ever.

Price: $260

Weight: 7.2 oz (M) / 5.3 oz (W)

Drop: 8 mm

Did you know the Vaporfly 3 is the most-sold carbon-plated shoe out there?

• It remains a favorite with its ZoomX midsole and carbon fiber Flyplate. 
• Some people have reported the newest version feeling "flatter" than other versions, but it still runs just as fast. 
• The Flyknit upper is breathable and provides excellent foot lockdown so you don't have to worry about sliding around.

• Price: $225
• Weight: 8.3 oz (M)
• Drop: 8 mm

The new-for-2024 Saucony Endorphin Pro 4:

• Combines a PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN HG midsole with a winged carbon fiber plate
• It's designed to give you a faster and more responsive ride
• Many appreciate the lighter weight and lower-to-the-ground feel. 

It's less aggressive than many other carbon-plated shoes, also making it a great option for those who are more injury-prone.

• Price: $276
• Weight: 7.2 oz (M) / 6.5 oz (W)
• Drop: 8 mm

🔥The Saucony Endorphin Elite is the fastest carbon-plated shoe from Saucony.

• Runners will notice the upper is much lighter than the Endorphin Pro. 
• It feels easier to pick up and turn over your feet with less work. 
• Like the Endorphin Pro, the less aggressive carbon plate "feels fast" without putting as much stress on your body. 

✅Runners will find that it feels more like a trainer, but a very fast trainer you can race and PR in.

Choosing the best running shoes for a marathon can make a significant difference in your performance and comfort on race day.
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Whether you prefer a lightweight and responsive shoe or one with extra cushioning and stability, there’s a perfect pair out there for you.
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👟What's your favorite marathon racing shoe?
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Share yours in the comments.