The 21 best running shoes for marathons

With the start of the year and new resolutions, many runners have in mind to run their first marathon. But running a marathon is a big deal, even when you're an experienced runner. That's why we're taking advantage of these lines to get strong in our core, and present you with the 21 best running shoes for running a marathon.

Of course, running a marathon with the idea of finishing it is not the same as running it with the aim of improving personal bests. The good thing is that, whatever your goal to overcome in the marathon, there is a running shoe for you and that will help you in that firm purpose of showing your marathon side.

At RUNNEA we know that there is no doubt that a good choice of running shoes can make the difference between the success of being a finisher, or the bittersweet taste of being doomed to abandon the challenge before crossing the finish line. Therefore we are certain that the running shoes you choose will become your greatest allies, in addition to your physical and mental preparation and your own race strategy, this choice is something that will lead you to bring out your best version on the asphalt, being very clear about the goals you are pursuing in the marathon.

That's why we're talking about times and paces, and you should look at what kind of runner profile each model of the RUNNEA staff's particular selection, updated with the best on the market, is aimed at. Some models dazzled in the final sprint of 2024 and are still going strong in 2025. Others, however, have yet to hit the shelves but rest assured that as new models and renovations come to light, we'll be here to update you with all the details. So as they say... They are not all there is, but they are all there are. Which one are you missing?

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Best running shoes for running a marathon

1. New Balance Supercomp Elite v4
2. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14
3. Nike Alphafly 3
4. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
5. Nike Vaporfly 3
6. Brooks Glycerin 22
7. Adidas Adizero Boston 12
8. Joma R5000
9. ASICS Nimbus 27
10. ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris
11. HOKA Bondi 9
12. Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3
13. HOKA Cielo X1
14. Mizuno Wave Rider 28
15. On Cloudmonster 2
16. Under Armour Infinite Elite
17. Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
18. Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
19. Saucony Triumph 22
20. Adidas Ultraboost 5
21. Puma Deviate Nitro 3

New Balance Supercomp Elite v4

The New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Elite v4 is the best rated racing shoe from the American brand, and this mew version is better able adapt to the needs of the most demanding and fast athletes. Its improvements are significant in areas as important as cushioning and design. But it is not only about improving performance: this new model also offers an enhanced running experience, adding greater comfort and safety.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14

Talking about the latest version of the iconic New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 we can say that they are able to redefine comfort in everyday running, fusing superior cushioning with innovative design. Its Fresh Foam X midsole, now with higher sidewalls, offers improved stability without compromising the series' signature softness. The strategically reinforced outsole promises durability in high-wear areas, while the optimized forefoot provides a more energetic boost with every stride. The new mesh upper combines great breathability with a precise fit, adapting to the demands of all types of runners. Whether for intense training or everyday use, these shoes from New Balance are the ultimate choice for those looking for the perfect balance of performance and lasting comfort.

Nike Alphafly 3

The Nike Alphafly 3 are a fantastic pair of shoes for a marathon and are often found in the Best Of lists- although it has to be said, they are pricey. Kelvin Kiptum had a pair of Alphafly on his feet when he became the fastest marathon runner on the planet. Sadly Kiptum passed away in a traffic accident in February 2024, though he will be remembered for his 2.00:35 marathon. The third version of Alphafly are the lightest ever. They feature a wider carbon fibre plate for increased stability, ZoomX foam for smoother and faster transitions, and the Atomknit upper, redesigned to improve breathability and multi-directional movement.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 are running shoes that are intended exclusively for competition. Therefore, we are talking about a model for which it is really crucial to have a great running technique in order to get the most out of them. They have a Lightstrike Pro midsole, a material known for its shock absorption capacity and lightness. In addition, the Lightlock upper, made of a lightweight, stretchy mesh, offers a firm, secure fit, essential for maintaining control at high speeds. The Light Traxion outsole and its weight of just 200 grams (172 grams in the women's version) make it perfect for flying over the road.

Nike Vaporfly 3

The Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 is Nike Running marathon racing shoe par excellence, featuring a new update with a revamped upper and midsole that includes the brand's lightest and most reactive foam , ZoomX, but with a completely new layout to be fast and efficient. You'll run sub 4:30 min/km and distances between 10k and marathon.

Brooks Glycerin 22

This season we could not forget the Brooks Glycerin 22, one of the latest high quality models from Brooks. This 22nd iteration stands out for its DNA Tuned midsole, a foam of unparalleled comfort and dynamism, never seen before in the brand. In addition, the upper comes with a design based on a breathable and flexible mesh with more than 60% recycled materials. All this in a model of about 280 grams that increases the height of its geometry by 2 millimeters, and with a drop of 10 millimeters. As if that were not enough, it incorporates the new RoadTrack compound outsole.

Adidas Adizero Boston 12

The new adidas Adizero Boston 12 is a mixed running shoe, ideal for fast paces in a marathon since it incorporates some of the most outstanding technologies of the brand to offer great dynamism, speed and cushioning throughout the race.

Joma R5000

The new Joma R5000 is one of the latest launches of the brand from Portillo de Toledo and it represents a real revolution in the Joma running shoes catalog. The new version is presented with important improvements and with the incorporation of the carbon fiber plate, designed to mark your best times.

ASICS Nimbus 27

The ASICS Nimbus 27 continue to be the perfect running shoes for long distances thanks to their maximum cushioning philosophy. We are talking about a long-lived line within the brand, which arrives in its new edition with comfort and footprint control. In addition, they do not change what works, keeping that FF Blast+ Eco foam in the midsole that offers a perfect balance between softness and dynamism. All this in a model that weighs around 300 grams and retains its characteristic 8-millimeter drop.

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris

As the name suggests, the revamped ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris is designed to make a difference in the Olympic marathon at the Olympic Games in the French capital next summer. The carbon plate super running shoe features the Japanese brand's most advanced and cutting-edge technologies. The inclusion of the new FlyteFoam Blast Turbo Plus foam in the midsole redefines cushioning, because it is able to offer superior rebound capacity, and also a smoother ride. Aside from being lighter than previous versions, it also features a full-length carbon plate for improved efficiency and speed.

HOKA Bondi 9

The HOKA Bondi 9 is back, refreshed to bring you more softness, more support and more durability for your daily workouts. In this ninth version, the American brand introduces a new premium foam made with supercritical EVA, which means the cellular structure of the foam has been modified to make it lighter, more resilient. On the other hand, the updated geometries include a refined MetaRocker and a rearfoot-centered Active Foot Frame to provide more support and footstrike control. In addition, they incorporate a Durabrasion rubber compound in high-impact areas, maintaining the 5 mm drop and weighing just 263 grams in the women's version and 297 grams in the men's version.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3

The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is a running shoe in which the brand's commitment to innovation and, as we mentioned before, quality technologies, to provide maximum benefits to the fastest runners. In the new version some of the key points are found in the combination of Smooth Speed Assist and Mizuno Enerzy XP technologies. Two systems that provide a totally fluid, reactive and dynamic stride to help you maintain comfort while you speed through your most demanding workouts or competitions. As if that were not enough, the upper will stand out for its lightness and breathability while maintaining that optimal fit that will allow us to run fast and comfortable in those workouts and longer distance competitions. In short, a racing running shoe that, despite not incorporating a carbon fiber plate to use, will maintain that Enerzy XP compound that will perfectly combine energy return, lightness and comfort. All this with just 225 grams of weight.

HOKA Cielo X1

The HOKA Cielo X1 is a redefinition of the concept of speed in long-distance running. Innovative and fast, but also comfortable and safe. Its dual density midsole, great lightness, its dynamic cuts and its propulsion level make it ready for record-breaking performance.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28

The Mizuno Wave Rider is one of the Japanese brand's most iconic and popular running shoes. Thanks to the addition of the innovative MIZUNO ENERZY NXT foam in the heel area, the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 is not only lighter than its predecessor, but also offers superior energy recovery with every stride. Together with Mizunos iconic Wave platform, it creates an incredibly soft and well-cushioned ride, without sacrificing any responsiveness. They have also chosen to include a seamless jacquard Air mesh fabric, extremely lightweight and breathable, which reduces the weight of the shoe by 10 grams compared to the previous model. The X10 carbon rubber in the heel provides exceptional grip on a variety of surfaces.

On Cloudmonster 2

The On Cloudmonster 2 is the Swiss brand's commitment to maximalism and the great cushioning it provides during our daily running workouts. This second version is renewed to provide a great combination of cushioning and reactivity.

Under Armour Infinite Elite

The Under Armour Infinite Elite are running shoes for your most intense workouts thanks to their great reactivity and comfort.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4, together with the Endorphin Elite, are the fastest shoes from the brand that incorporate a carbon fibre plate. This new version includes significant improvements to solidify its position as a top-tier training shoe.

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4

The Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 stands out from other fast shoes thanks to the combination of its midsole, with an evolved DNA Flash v2 foam, and its corresponding carbon plate. It brings a new fit, but perhaps more importantly, this model is able to offer 10% more energy return than the previous version.

Saucony Triumph 22

The new Saucony Triumph 22 are the running shoes par excellence of the American brand to run comfortably and with great cushioning during our daily running workouts. It is a shoe that fits perfectly, thanks to its versatility, with all types of runners.

Adidas Ultraboost 5

The new adidas Ultraboost 5 is a running shoe that brings us innovation and performance during our daily running workouts. It is a shoe that stands out for its versatility and dynamism and that in this fifth version promises to exceed all expectations.

Puma Deviate Nitro 3

The PUMA Deviate Nitro 3 is a running shoe for neutral runners that includes a carbon plate and is designed to offer exceptional versatility in both high tempo runs and longer training sessions. From RUNNEA we assure you that this new revision of PUMA's Deviate Nitro 3 will make you fall in love again because they incorporate a high level of rebound to accelerate your pace with ease, providing that extra boost when you need it most. Not only has the cushioning been improved, but the weight of the shoe has been reduced, making for an even more comfortable and agile run. A perfect combination to cope with long distances, without losing running speed. All this combined with an outsole that ensures great traction on different surfaces to run with total confidence and security. We are talking about a shoe that meets the demands of any type of training and / or race.