Best Marathon Running Shoes: Our top picks for racing, comfort, value and beginners

Спорт

The Run Testers have racked up a lot of marathons between them and when we test shoes one thing that’s often at the back of our mind is how it would fare over 42.2km, whether that’s as a racing shoe or a comfortable option for completing the distance.
In this video we’ve put our heads together to select our top marathon running shoes for different runners, whether you’re looking to blow the doors of your PB or just trying to survive the event.
Head to the Precision Fuel and Hydration website to use their Quick Carb Calculator work out what you need to support your training runs, and use the code RT15 to get 15% off the entire range.
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JUMP STRAIGHT IN:
00:00​​​​ - Intro
00:11 - How To Fuel Your Marathon
01:22 - Marathon Shoes Categories
02:49 - Best Carbon Racing Shoes
06:25 - Most Comfortable Marathon Shoes
08:42 - Best Marathon Shoes For Beginners
11:52 - Best Value Marathon Shoes
14:37 - Best Non-Plated Marathon Shoes
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Some other videos you might find useful:
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Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 2 vs Alphafly NEXT%: • Nike Air Zoom Alphafly...
Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2 vs Nike Vaporfly NEXT% 2: • Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2 ...
Best Carbon Plate Running Shoes 2021: • Best Carbon Plate Runn...
The Best Running Shoes 2021: Our complete list of the 29 shoes worth buying at the moment: • The Best Running Shoes...
Puma Velocity Nitro 2 First Run Review: • Puma Velocity Nitro 2 ...
Hoka Mach 4 Review: • Hoka Mach 4 Review: A ... ​
Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Review: • Saucony Endorphin Spee...

Пікірлер: 104

  • @RaabStephan
    @RaabStephan Жыл бұрын

    Lovely review, perhaps show the names of the shoes on the screen when you're showing them, feel like that would be helpful to everyone.

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks, and good idea!

  • @QuasiAmerican
    @QuasiAmerican2 жыл бұрын

    I do my marathon training long runs in the Novablast 2 and find it super comfortable and great for getting some marathon paced miles in there. I'd definitely run a marathon in them if I wasn't using the Alphafly which is my usual choice.

  • @scott_strool
    @scott_strool2 жыл бұрын

    Agree about the Velocity Nitro, first run last night and I cant wait to lace it up again,

  • @springbok7902
    @springbok79022 жыл бұрын

    Excellent and as usual very useful. One shocker for me was your choice of the Hoka Mach 4, jeez never thought this could be a marathon shoe! I have one but will never run it in a marathon 😀. With your previous vid on Puma, that is one to get next as an easy running shoe... once again guys, appreciate your vids, the only one I watch on deciding what shoe to buy, so thanks! You may want to include your training tips too to encourage more views, you all have different thresholds and would be interesting to help us that cannot afford coaches... I do realise you have a specific agenda with this channel 😀

  • @majorssh
    @majorssh2 жыл бұрын

    Trained for and ran my first marathon in the skechers max road 5. Not frequently talked about in videos such as these, but I loved them. Good value plated shoes with plenty of cushion. Well worth a try for anyone looking for a comfortable ride.

  • @marktbarr
    @marktbarr10 ай бұрын

    Very helpful. Thanks lads.

  • @jonathanwendel7480
    @jonathanwendel74802 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, gentlemen, from Ames, Iowa, USA. I really enjoy and am grateful for your reviews.

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jonathan!

  • @JasonGreen91
    @JasonGreen912 жыл бұрын

    I trained in the Saucony Triumphs and ASICS Novablast for the marathon. I found the Novablasts much better on effort v energy return but less stable on pavement, so I went with them for the race and got under 4 hours. The Triumphs were unbelievably comfy and stable and I’d recommend if you weren’t going for a particular time.

  • @aswathhama

    @aswathhama

    Жыл бұрын

    I find the Triumphs a little too firm for long runs beyond 2 hours.

  • @aj010139
    @aj0101392 жыл бұрын

    Speed 2 is amazing but no trails or unpaved path as the foam is easily damaged. Had to pick up another shoe, the cheapest and best value I could find was the Energy 4. Both shoes are very light which I like.

  • @michaeldominic2070
    @michaeldominic20702 жыл бұрын

    Alphafly is still my favorite with the Vaporfly right behind it!

  • @fodder9812
    @fodder98122 жыл бұрын

    Running the Birmingham Half Marathon yesterday I say the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 are brilliant

  • @hummuswithpitta
    @hummuswithpitta2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for adding a non-plated section! I'm staying away from the tech until I've broken 3hrs the old fashioned way. Looks like the Mach 4 will be going up on my list.

  • @j.stellakelleher8869
    @j.stellakelleher88692 жыл бұрын

    Yeah my first marathon was the 1080v10! No pain/fatigue at all during or after the race. I'm training for my third marathon in October and I'm torn between just using my Novablasts (also my current daily trainer and comfy/fast enough) or maybe buying racing specific shoe.

  • @carlosangalang
    @carlosangalang2 жыл бұрын

    The Puma Velocity Nitro v1 feels amazing for just walking around! And a handsome and affordable pair! But I've got too many shoes in my current rotation to work it into my current training block. And it's because I squeezed in a 2nd pair of Saucony Endorphin Speed v1 on sale! First world problems 😅

  • @MrRajeshkpy

    @MrRajeshkpy

    11 ай бұрын

    I myself has 10 pairs and feel bad when new version is released caused it will take me 5 years to exhaust my current supply

  • @sahlohken2013
    @sahlohken20132 жыл бұрын

    Can't wait for you guys to get ahold of the Endorphin 3 line!

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    2 жыл бұрын

    Certainly excited to test those out!

  • @sakibafnanofficial3103
    @sakibafnanofficial31032 жыл бұрын

    Very interesting review.

  • @dielaufsocke7642
    @dielaufsocke764210 ай бұрын

    My favourite running shoe for years: Puma Speed Sutamina. Imported from UK to Germany. About 50€ at Bezos store.

  • @jlhuk52
    @jlhuk522 жыл бұрын

    Some good options but I'm sold on the puma velocity nitro 2 as I'm not after anything fancy and always go for value over anything!

  • @barrelvisor
    @barrelvisor2 жыл бұрын

    Speed 2 and Sky for me!

  • @chris_mcc_
    @chris_mcc_2 жыл бұрын

    My pick would be the Adios Pro 2 for the marathon. Much more stable, comfortable and durable than the Next%2 in my opinion. Great video as always Nick & Tom 👍🏻

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Chris

  • @marceloago9862
    @marceloago98622 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video!!

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @JohnBirtchetSharpe
    @JohnBirtchetSharpe2 жыл бұрын

    Interesting that you mentioned the adios 6 (as I agree) but even more so the altra Escalante , also small stack, lots of energy return (along the same lines)

  • @ksugaris6941
    @ksugaris6941 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the great video! Unfortunately as a newbie i was between 1080v12 and endorphin speed 2 but now I have to consider puma velocity nitro 2 also :((

  • @saurabhkmathur
    @saurabhkmathur Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this great informative video! I have a question. Now when Speed 2 is cheaper than Puma velocity nitro 2, which shoe you will recommend for training and tempo runs?

  • @VELATRICK
    @VELATRICK Жыл бұрын

    We want an update!! Please do a video similar to this 😊

  • @timmyrd9610
    @timmyrd96102 жыл бұрын

    Another shoe for beginners that I loved and is really underrated is the Reebok Symmetros. Similar material to Boost, lighter than the Puma Velocity, and very comfortable with good cushioning. 130USD and often on sale.

  • @chris_mcc_

    @chris_mcc_

    2 жыл бұрын

    100% Agree. I used the Symmetros for all my long runs (20+ miles) when marathon training and can’t fault it for that role. I may though try the new Reebok Energy X for the next marathon training block.

  • @timmyrd9610

    @timmyrd9610

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@chris_mcc_ I’m intrigued by the Energy X too since I had such good success with the Symmetros. Hope it goes well for you, if you buy a pair!

  • @multisportflash
    @multisportflash2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks guys. A tad surprised the NB Fuelcells didn’t make the cut. More a half marathoner? Loved them in my Ironman 70.3s

  • @DA-no7dx
    @DA-no7dx Жыл бұрын

    Great video, like your reviews and perspectives. Do you have a race day recommendation for slower pace (13mil/min)first time marathon runner? I do my long run in glycerin 20, but looking to see if there is any comfortable race day carbon shoes at this pace. Thanks!

  • @peterkisidaj9329
    @peterkisidaj93292 жыл бұрын

    Hi Nick, Tom, thank you for a great summary of the best marathon shoes. My half marathon shoe is Alphafly and Next% 2 for a half. But the total winner is Endorphin Speed and Speed 2. This really greatest shoe I've ever run in. Nick you see me on STRAVA and most of my runs Novablast 2 for easy or recovery, slower runs and for tempo, longer runs Endorphin Speed 2. I love Speed 2. I'm just wondering if Speed 2 wouldn't be even better for marathon :). Yesterday I ran intervals 4x (600+400+200) and all was so smooth and nice in Endorphin Speed 2, even to run 3:00 - 3:30/K. Sometimes I'm really thinking if to take Speed 2 for a race too. :) All the Best. Peter from Slovakia

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Peter! Sounds like you have a solid shoe rotation all round! I am also pretty curious to run a marathon in the Speed 2!

  • @adamrochester896
    @adamrochester896 Жыл бұрын

    I have a marathon PB of 4:22 and half of 1:49. Eyeing up a properly trained bloc for sun 4 at Manchester in April. At 4hr speed is a carbon plate necessary or are other options out there that could be better? Keep up the great videos and insight.

  • @cheekster777
    @cheekster7772 жыл бұрын

    Thank you.

  • @SELiM__
    @SELiM__5 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the video. Where would you pout the rocket 2? Looking for my first carbon plate shoe and I am hesitating between the metaspeed sky and the rocket 2.

  • @garybowes6284
    @garybowes62842 жыл бұрын

    I got my Speed 2s for £104 from Runningxpert just before Christmas. Getting a marathon outing on Sunday.

  • @KellyandDoug

    @KellyandDoug

    2 жыл бұрын

    good luck! I love my speed 2s

  • @BizzeB-nq1jb
    @BizzeB-nq1jb2 жыл бұрын

    Nice list. I thought for sure the NB Fuelcell RC Elite v2 would’ve been the most comfortable marathon shoe

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    2 жыл бұрын

    It's a good option for sure, we didn't really think about carbon shoes in that section, but it certainly is comfortable!

  • @DesertTriDad
    @DesertTriDad2 жыл бұрын

    Mach 4 daily as I don’t like training in plated shoes, Metaspeed sky for racing

  • @nkululekomabaso4273
    @nkululekomabaso42732 жыл бұрын

    Definitely agree regarding the speed 2’s. I didn’t expect the MetaSpeeds; will look into them. Any thoughts on a good Ultra Marathon shoe ? Doing Comrades (90km) in August. Thanks

  • @aswathhama

    @aswathhama

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes, I am also looking for comfortable and durable road shoes for ultramarathon training (runs between 2.5 hours to 5 or 6 hours duration). Any suggestions will be really helpful.

  • @marcedwards2464
    @marcedwards2464 Жыл бұрын

    Good video

  • @jennifermcbroom8471
    @jennifermcbroom84712 жыл бұрын

    Curious if you have a favorite for a trail marathon? I’m guessing some of these would work but this is my first marathon and I’d like a good shoe.

  • @Maxandshe
    @Maxandshe Жыл бұрын

    I'm wanting to order the Alphafly online. But not able to try on beforehand. Advice please. My normal shoe size is 5, running shoe size a 5.5. Which shoe size do you recommend since you have an idea of the fitting. 😁 thank you so much. 😁

  • @tayoidowu11
    @tayoidowu112 жыл бұрын

    could u use the saucony pro for daily use given u have said in other videos that the price difference doesn't seem to match the difference in performance?

  • @brandonm4664
    @brandonm46642 жыл бұрын

    PR'd at LA Marathon with Vaporfly's

  • @rishoo007
    @rishoo007 Жыл бұрын

    Hi, Glycerin20 or Glycerin20 GTS? what would you recommend? I have just started brisk walking and intermittent short running. Heavyweight tall here.

  • @briansmyth1502
    @briansmyth15022 жыл бұрын

    want to add another shoe to my rotation of Rocket x and Triumph 19s. Would I go Speed's 2s or Velocity Nitro 2?

  • @andrewstearns9276
    @andrewstearns92762 жыл бұрын

    The Vaporfly just doesn’t fit tight enough around my ankle/Achilles and it drives me crazy how much my heel slips. When I go down a 1/2 size it is too tight in the toe box 😢

  • @thibaultszczurko7170
    @thibaultszczurko71702 жыл бұрын

    Hey can’t can’t decide if I need to wear a size 43 EU or 44 for my saucony speed 2. Asics 43,5 feel a bit small and I fit in mizuno size 43. My foot is 26.8cm long, if I follow guiding size I should wear 42 which is way too small… I can’t find them in stores around my area and my only option is to buy them online. Any advice would help me a lot 🙏

  • @jinluwang5671
    @jinluwang56716 ай бұрын

    Do you have to use lots of cushioning when running long distance? I did my half marathon trail run in my day to day CrossFit training shoe and didn’t feel any issue. Looking for one pair for my first marathon in San Francisco. Really not a big fan of lots of cushion.

  • @i.p2088
    @i.p20882 жыл бұрын

    Best comfort marathon shoe is the New Balance RC Elite V2.

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    2 жыл бұрын

    A good shout!

  • @anthonygilbert8042
    @anthonygilbert80422 жыл бұрын

    Which shoes will best carry me around a marathon despite a woeful lack of training and fitness? My fuelling strategy is non-existent (all food makes me sick after 15 miles), so something along the lines of Wile E. Coyote's ACME rocket skates would be wonderful.

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    2 жыл бұрын

    Haha we've not tested anything from ACME unfortunately, but I'd (Nick) probably say go for something comfortable like the Glycerin. Hope the fuelling starts to feel easier!

  • @willwilling4728
    @willwilling47282 жыл бұрын

    Expensive but I thought the NB Elite v2 might be a good option for someone new to marathon racing or most comfortable.

  • @raffyleal
    @raffyleal Жыл бұрын

    Talking comfort, what would be better? Vaporfly next %2 or Zoom Alphafly next %?

  • @Bunny-ks7fi
    @Bunny-ks7fi5 ай бұрын

    Could anyone give me some input on what would be the best shoe for training and race day? I’m committed to a marathon in this October (2024) and I’m looking to start training soon. Any input is welcome, all I ask is that it’s one pair of shoes for everything ideally!

  • @sieffy91
    @sieffy912 жыл бұрын

    For us wide foot folks would either of you recommended the vapor fly or metaspeed sky? I have a hard time finding a carbon plated shoe that will accommodate a 2E foot :(

  • @essaalansari9508

    @essaalansari9508

    Жыл бұрын

    I have the same problem here! Have you find anything yet coz am still looking to ?

  • @edmondtan
    @edmondtan Жыл бұрын

    What stability racing shoes would you recommend?

  • @adamgore2903
    @adamgore29032 жыл бұрын

    I thought there may have been a mention of the New Balance RC Elite 2. I haven’t run in it myself but I have seen so many suggests it’s by far the most comfortable race day shoe for the marathon distance. Any thoughts on this shoe? I was thinking of trying it for my next race day shoe.

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    2 жыл бұрын

    It's a good shoe and one we should have mentioned tbh! It's the most comfortable carbon shoe, but not as fast as the carbon shoes we mentioned, and then in the comfort section we were mainly thinking of non-carbon shoes. But it could and probably should have been mentioned in both sections!

  • @adamgore2903

    @adamgore2903

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TheRunTesters Thank you. I have tried the VaporFly and AlphaFly, and although the speed may be there, I found them both to be not very comfortable. The Endorphin Speed 2 was a great shoe for me for my last marathon in Manchester so I may step up to the Pro 2/3 or give the RC a Elite a go. I definitely favour comfort with some speed over full on speed that feels wrong on the feet.

  • @jungtao
    @jungtao2 жыл бұрын

    Question, why did the vaporfly beat out the metaspeed? I’m not saying it shouldn’t just curious what your thoughts were.

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    2 жыл бұрын

    Speaking for myself (Nick), the Vaporfly just has a bit more speed in it and is more comfortable over the longer distances too.

  • @hamoudalnasser
    @hamoudalnasser Жыл бұрын

    How would you rate the Saucony Speed 3 as a race day shoe for an intermediate runner? Should I spring for a pro shoe, or will the ES3 serve me well on race day?

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    Жыл бұрын

    Both are great shoes. The Pro 3 is definitely better for race day and there is a noticeable difference in how it delivers. But the Speed 3 isn't far off. If you want to spend top dollar, the Pro 3 is worth it, but you still won't go wrong with the Speed 3.

  • @nonamemark
    @nonamemark6 ай бұрын

    What about runs on unpaved ground? Gravel? trail? Are all these carbon fancy feats still valid for these?

  • @victortran9491
    @victortran94912 жыл бұрын

    Are the Metaspeed Sky + Edge duo supposed to be the counterparts for Nike's Vaporfly + Alphafly duo?

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    2 жыл бұрын

    It's not something that Asics really says (of course they wouldn't though) and we've not tested the Edge yet, so hard to say. We'll try and test both Asics shoes and let you know down the line.

  • @stevenguo6573
    @stevenguo65732 жыл бұрын

    What's the difference in durability between the Vaporfly/Alphafly vs. the Metaspeed Sky? It seems like Nike has a slight edge for races but I'd be inclined to go with Asics if the shoe can go for some extra miles.

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'd (Nick) say the only notable difference is that the Metaspeed Sky has less outsole coverage at the heel so that gets chewed up if you're a heel striker. In terms of midsole longevity we've not noticed much of a difference, I (Nick) don't think the Asics will last longer, I'd probably actually give the edge to the Nikes on that front.

  • @paultester8672

    @paultester8672

    2 жыл бұрын

    I have over 500km in original 4% and rapidly heading there for Vaporfly and Alphafly. 600k would be a very good return for racing shoes.

  • @stevenguo6573

    @stevenguo6573

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@paultester8672 I'd assume that they have lost most of their race "pop"? At what point did you feel like you couldn't race in them or do you still use them during races?

  • @runningben74watts90
    @runningben74watts902 жыл бұрын

    Recently ran the Vienna Marathon in a PB of 3:02:36 in Adidas Adizero Adios pro 2's, can't recommend them enough , my only other Carbon shoe was the Saucony endorphin pro , also a great shoe. Valencia in December...decisions decisions 🤔

  • @ajeettv
    @ajeettv2 жыл бұрын

    Velocity Nitro on top

  • @ptlewis2000
    @ptlewis20002 жыл бұрын

    Something must be wrong with my thinking, because the idea of running my marathon 7:30 pace at any distance in size 14 shoes, it would have to be in a tempo/racer type shoe. So seeing Glycerine and Infinity on this list would be like seeing the Kayano (stability). Which I think I’m the problem. Not knowing what to do after the Lunarglide and Lunaracer departure got me all tossed, turned and turvy. But my pick is the endorphin pro 1 or 2. At any price. VaporFly honorable mention depending on my training and form (health). My comfy pick would be Zoom Fly 4. And may still be the fastest over 26.2 for my body. But now that I have successfully tested insoles in the AlphaFly for a fast 13 miles, that may all change after Santa Rosa.

  • @pradyumnanujella9532
    @pradyumnanujella9532 Жыл бұрын

    Is this comfortable for half marathon or a marathon?

  • @adrianlovell780
    @adrianlovell7802 жыл бұрын

    Which carbon plated shoe is the most stable? Is there such a thing as a stability carbon racer? I can feel my left foot rolling in with the Endorphin Speed v1 when the road is only slightly cambered.

  • @DesertTriDad

    @DesertTriDad

    2 жыл бұрын

    Depending on your budget the Metaspeed sky is a very stable carbon race shoe

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    2 жыл бұрын

    Stable and super shoe don't tend to really go together unfortunately. The Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 (and now 3) is more stable than others, thought a little less super perhaps!

  • @youpigirl5731
    @youpigirl57312 жыл бұрын

    Pour moi, meilleure chaussures carbone : Saucony endorphin pro 2, pour la vitesse : Asics novablast et Brooks Hypérion. Pour le confort : toutes les new balance et hoka clifton 8. Je vais arreter Asics, la pire l Asics hyperspeed : trop étroite, trop inconfortabel, trop près du sol (drop 5mm, mais ça n'a rien avoir). Je pense que le modèle en carbon doit être aussi ajusté au pied

  • @madmartigan4792
    @madmartigan4792 Жыл бұрын

    What Nike shoe does he mention at 8:25

  • @johnsmith-me4ff

    @johnsmith-me4ff

    Жыл бұрын

    i think it's the nike invincible run 2, i have 1 and is very comfy.

  • @DeeGee69
    @DeeGee692 жыл бұрын

    I know these reviews are subjective but - it'd be interesting to mention the most durable shoes for marathon (e.g. not Nike - horrible quality control and not Asics - not very durable outsole) - no mention of the shoes (Adios Pro 2 ) that won the Boston marathon in 2022 in both men and women categories?

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    2 жыл бұрын

    It’s sometimes hard to test durability given the amount of shoes to review tbh, but that is one reason we rate the Speed as good value in that it held up well for us with extended use. Interestingly one shoe I (Nick) do rate as very durable is the Nike Infinity! We mention the Adios Pro 2 in the carbon shoe section, though not always best to go by shoes that win races since Adi and Nike tend to sponsor most of the best elites!

  • @DeeGee69

    @DeeGee69

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TheRunTesters good job on the review anyway ;)

  • @TheRunTesters

    @TheRunTesters

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks :)

  • @dnice362
    @dnice3622 жыл бұрын

    Nothing comes close

  • @PedroReyes-hm7mh
    @PedroReyes-hm7mh Жыл бұрын

    Puma what?

  • @jason5315
    @jason53154 ай бұрын

    I don't know under armour holds up well

  • @user-gg9bs7ie3y
    @user-gg9bs7ie3y2 жыл бұрын

    Klass

  • @Ligerpride
    @Ligerpride2 жыл бұрын

    Are you guys brothers?

  • @marcedwards2464
    @marcedwards2464 Жыл бұрын

    Good video

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