10 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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At the 2025 Chicago Marathon, one marathon racing shoe dominated elite finishes...

• Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) battled for a first-place finish, winning the race in 2:02:23. 
• Conner Mantz (USA) crushed the 23-year-old men's marathon record finishing 4th in 2:04:43
• Kiplimo wore the Nike Alphafly 3, and Mantz wore a next-generation Nike Alphafly prototype.

In just a few short weeks, an estimated 23,000 people will run the Marine Corps Marathon, and about 50,000 will run the New York City Marathon.
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And every single runner will lace up their favorite marathon racing shoe to take on the 26.2-mile distance.
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🔥Maybe you're not running a sub-5-minute-mile pace for 26.2 miles like Kiplimo and Mantz, but you're still looking for an edge to help you go the distance. Yes?
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If the Nike Alphafly isn't your shoe, there are plenty of other choices to help you run your next marathon.
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👇Check out these 10 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 10 picks...👇

• Price: $220
• Weight: 7.05 oz
• Drop: 6 mm

😀Full disclosure, the 361 Furious Future 2.0 is one of my favorite racing shoes and one that is most underrated. 

• At $220, it's still 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, and recently tested out the 2.0. 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 2.0 is flat out a good shoe, but it's probably the best for that price point.

• Price: $250
• Weight: 7.05 oz
• Drop: 6 mm

Did you know the shoe that won the most marathons in 2024 is the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro?
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And earlier this year Hawi Feysa (Ethiopia) ran the Tokyo Marathon in 2:17:00 wearing the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4.
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The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 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: $270
• Weight: 5.6 oz
• Drop: 5 mm

You can't talk about one of the Metaspeed Tokyo 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 Tokyo is aimed toward stride-based runners, while the Edge Tokyo has extra forefoot foam sitting above what looks like a plate shaped as a lever.

Asics made an already great marathon racing shoe even better

• The Edge is designed with extra foam in the midfoot, providing a softer landing than even the Sky Tokyo. 
• Edge or Sky? 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: $275
• Weight: 8.1 oz
• Drop: 7 mm

Fun fact. Alex Masai (Kenya) wore the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 (prototype) at the Chicago Marathon, finishing 3rd overall in 2:04:37.
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The HOKA Cielo X1 offers:

• A unique-cushioned 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: 7.9 oz
• Drop: 4 mm

There is actually a lot that makes the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 unique.

• For starters, the drop is only 4 mm, slightly up from the 1.5 mm drop of the 2.0. 
• 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: $265
• Weight: 7.6 oz
• Drop: 8 mm

The New Balance SuperComp Elite v5:

• 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: $295
• 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. And Conner Mantz tested it out, setting a new American men's marathon record!

Price: $260

Weight: 6.7 oz

Drop: 6 mm

Did you know the Vaporfly 4 is the most-sold carbon-plated shoe out there?

• It remains a favorite with its ZoomX midsole and carbon fiber Flyplate. 
• The Flyknit upper is breathable and provides excellent foot lockdown so you don't have to worry about sliding around.
• Fun fact: Megertu Alemu (Ethiopia) finished in the top 10 at the Chicago Marathon wearing the Nike Vaporfly 4 in 2:17:18.

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

The 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: $290
• Weight: 7.0 oz
• 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, or Create a WeeView and tell us more about your favorite marathon racing shoe.