How to choose a shoe to run a marathon in:
It’s important to note, that every runner is slightly different, and the shoe you do your long runs in won’t necessarily work for your running partner. When finding a marathon shoe, look at what you are currently running in and what your goals are for your 42 km.
It’s a good idea to think about any injuries you’ve suffered from and have your gait checked in a running store before picking a shoe. Read our guide to choosing a running shoe for more information on the different types of shoe out there.
Whilst we can’t say which shoe is best for your marathon goals, we can talk to running shop owners to work out the most popular long distance running shoes on the market right now, which we’ve divided into neutral, stability and speed below.
How many miles should you have done in your marathon shoe?
It’s advised that you get to the marathon start line in a pair of shoes with less than 160 km in it, to ensure the cushioning has not broken down. This means you’ll often need to buy a new pair of shoes about a month before race day. It’s advised that you buy a second pair of the shoes you’ve been training in, or stick to the same brand if you do want to change to a lighter shoe.
The most popular marathon shoes on the market right now:
Nike Zoom VaporFly 4%
Nike Zoom VaporFly 4%
Neutral running shoe
$229.95
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This shoe is hard to get for a reason. The carbon fiber plate wrapped with React foam propels you forward from the first mile, to the 26th. There’s a reason why Kipchoge wore them for his world record run in Berlin.
Nike Pegasus Turbo
Nike Pegasus Turbo
Neutral running shoe
$174.99
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Nike’s ZoomX midsole cushioning is seriously light with massive energy return, and the aerodynamic design inspires fast training.
Brooks Glycerin 16
Brooks Glycerin 16
Neutral running shoe
$179.95
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The Glycerin, in its sixteenth iteration, is Brooks’ top-of-the-line cushioned shoe. A new midsole compound (Brooks’ DNA LOFT) combines with a 3D Mesh Print upper for overall plushness.
Brooks Ghost 11
Brooks Ghost 11
Neutral running shoe
$159.95
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If you’ve been training in the Glycerin, you might like racing in the ghost, which is a bit lighter. Brooks’ BioMoGo combines with DNA Loft in the midsole, and engineered mesh upper envelopes feet.
On Running Cloud
On Running Cloud
Neutral running shoe
$199.99
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“This shoe tends to have a narrower fit, and works for people looking for more of a traditional racing shoe fit with a little more under the foot,” says Mick Gieskes of San Diego’s Milestone Running. On’s unique midsole (called CloudTec) features individual pods.
Hoka One One Clifton 6
Hoka One One Clifton 6
Neutral running shoe
$229.95
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This shoe is the perfect combination of soft and light. This version of the Clifton is a smoother ride and more comfortable fit, with embroidery features on the upper to improve lockdown of the foot. The Clifton features the signature soft, full compression EVA cushioning for which Hoka One One are renowned. The combination of an early stage Meta-Rocker and moderate heel bevel makes for a super smooth transition from foot strike to toe-off.
Adrenaline GTS 20
Adrenaline GTS 20
Neutral running shoe
$229.95
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This latest version of the Adrenaline, one of our longtime favourite stability shoes, uses guide rails to prevent pronation without hampering neutral runners. We recommend it as a shoe for the flat-footed simply because it’s a shoe that works for lots of different types of runners, largely due to firm but not-too-firm cushioning through the midsole and a smooth ride.
