The 21 best marathon running shoes in 2024

Running a marathon is a big deal, even if you're an experienced runner. That's why we're taking advantage of these lines to strengthen our core, and we present you the 21 best running shoes for 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 that will help you to show 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 meta 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 talk about times and paces, and you should look at what type of runner profile each model is aimed at in the particular selection of RUNNEA staff , updated with the latest market news. Not all of them are here, but most of them are here. Which one do you miss?

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Best running shoes for marathon running

1. New Balance Supercomp Elite v4
2. Nike Alphafly 3
3. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
4. Nike Vaporfly 3
5. Brooks Glycerin 21
6. Adidas Adizero Boston 12
7. Joma R5000
8. ASICS Nimbus 26
9. ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris
10. HOKA Clifton 9
11. HOKA Cielo X1
12. Mizuno Wave Rider 28
13. On Cloudmonster 2
14. Under Armour Infinite Elite
15. Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
16. Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
17. Saucony Triumph 22
18. Adidas Ultraboost 5
19. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14
20. Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3
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.

• Surface: Road
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 4 mm
• Pace: High

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.

• Surface: Road
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Racing
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: High

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3

The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3.0, the new edition of the most successful running shoes of the German company, lands in the market with the same essence but with some improvements in its structure, such as the incorporation of two layers of foam in its midsole and the optimization of the carbon plate in order to achieve a greater energy return in each stride. The drop reduction is another note worthy aspect, giving more height to the forefoot area.

• Surface: Road
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Racing
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6,5
• Pace: High
• Weight: 215 gr

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.

• Surface: Road
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Racing
• Cushion: Neutral, High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: High
• Weight: 200 gr

Brooks Glycerin 21

The new version of the Brooks Glycerin 21 come out in 2024. The new model will incorporate significant modifications with respect to previous versions, without losing the essence of the shoe that have become so popular for so many seasons, offering maximum comfort and cushioning in each of our strides.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral, Supination
• Drop: 10 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium
• Weight: 277,8

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.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 7 mm
• Pace: High

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.

• Surface: Road
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6 mm
• Pace: High

ASICS Nimbus 26

The ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 is an ideal daily training shoe for heavyweight runners because of its maximalist approach and great cushioning. The new version maintains the essence of the series, characterised by icomfort and protection.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium

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.

• Surface: Road
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Racing
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 5 mm
• Pace: High

HOKA Clifton 9

The HOKA Clifton 9 is a daily training shoe that combines cushioning, lightness and softness. We are talking about a model of medium build and neutral stride with 5 millimeters of drop and around 250 grams of weight that will provide a fluid and comfortable run. A perfect model for runners weighing up to 85 kilos looking for a model to complete all kinds of distances at a pace of up to 4:30 min/km.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral, High
• Running gait: Neutral, Supination
• Drop: 5 mm
• Pace: Medium, High
• Weight: 250 gr

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.

• Surface: Road
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 7 mm
• Pace: High
• Weight: 210 gr

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.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 12 mm
• Pace: Low, Medium
• Weight: 280 gr

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.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6 mm
• Pace: Low

Under Armour Infinite Elite

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

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: Medium, High
• Weight: 358 gr

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.

• Surface: Road
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: High
• Weight: 212 gr

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.

• Surface: Road
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: High
• Weight: 221 gr

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.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 10 mm
• Pace: Medium

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.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 10mm (39 mm-29 mm)
• Pace: Low, Medium
• Weight: 292 gr

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.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Training
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6 mm
• Pace: Medium

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.

• Surface: Road
• Use: Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Pace: High
• Weight: 225 gr

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.

• Surface: Road
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Mixed
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 10 mm
• Pace: Low
• Weight: 265 gr