The Best Half Marathon Shoes for 2023

Over the years, marathon and half marathon shoes have improved by miles (pun intended) in technology, performance, and comfort.

With so many amazing running shoes, how do you choose which is the best for you?

Whether you’re a half marathon newbie or veteran, selecting a pair of shoes for your event can be a tough task.

It can be overwhelming to choose from all the options as a beginner. Likewise, when your favorite style suddenly isn’t available or changes it can be tough to find a new model that meets your needs.

Our group of runners and reviewers is here to help. They’ve gone out to the market to road-test some of the best half marathon shoes for 2022 – and here’s their pick.

Let’s look at what you should be searching for in a half marathon shoe and share with you our recommendations for the best half marathon running shoes!

Let’s lace up and see…

What Key features should you Look For In

Half–Marathon Running Shoes?

As detailed in How To Choose Running Shoes, the number one factor when trying out running shoes is simply comfort. 

Yes, it is simple, but it’s true.

Any shoe you don’t find comfortable when trying on is not going to get any more comfortable once you’re out running with them.

And sometimes you can only discover that a pair of shoes are uncomfortable after running around in them.

Many local running shoe stores will luckily let you run in your shoes for a few weeks before you fully commit, so always start there.

Here are some more pointers for what to look for when picking your half-marathon shoes:

• You want a thumbspace between the longest toe and the shoes end.  This avoids the repetitive motion of the toe hitting the toebox which can lead to sore toes and lost toenails.  At the same time, if the shoe is too big your foot will move inside it and your toes will strike the toebox anyway.
  • Advice Pearl: you want to be able to “play piano” with your toes but not be swimming in them

• Seek advice from a reputable running store. Avoid stores where the assistants aren’t runners themselves.

• Stick to what has worked.  If you have a brand or model you’re familiar with, there’s often no need to even change your half-marathon training shoe. Only change if the new model has drastically changed and is no longer comfortable, most of the time changes are negligible.

• If you’re used to using insoles, take your running insoles to the store with you and try them out in your new shoes.
• You do NOT want shoe that twist and bend, you want a shoe with some structure to it so it helps offload your muscles and absorb shock.
• Lastly, pick shoes that suit the terrain of the half marathon.  Trail races have very different underfoot conditions to city races.   (And don’t forget to train in the same environment as you are running! 

Related: What To Wear When Running

How Long Should You Try Out a Pair of Half Marathon Shoes?

Two to four weeks is plenty of time to train in a half marathon shoe to discover any issues or complaints.

In this day in age, running shoes do NOT have as long of a break-in period thanks to their new innovative materials.   

However, it sometimes takes a few 5+ mile runs to figure out that you don’t actually like a pair of shoes!

So pay attention to how your body feels and adjusts. If you have noticeable niggles or blisters pop-up then that model may not be for you; try another it’s okay!

How Many Pairs of Half Marathon Shoes Should You Buy?

If you’re in training mode for a half marathon, consider buying 2 (or even 3) pairs of the same shoe. (Only do this once you’re confident you’ve found the shoe).

Why?

Running shoes gradually lose their support and ‘bounce’ as you wear them because the materials flatten out from the impact.

You should look to change out a pair of running shoes every 300 – 500 miles.

Additionally, having multiple shoes in your line-up allows your shoes to recover after you wear them. It can take 24hours for the foams to rebound, so rotating models is KEY!

At the same time, running shoes have a short break-in period.   A brand-new pair of running shoes need a few miles on them before they are race-ready even with advancements in materials.

When it comes to half marathon preparation, here’s a classic way to do line up your shoes:

Buy two identical pairs of running shoes.

Then wear the first pair for almost all your training – by the time the race comes, they are a little worn and dull.

As for the second pair, these are the ‘race shoes.’Save these until around 3 to 4 weeks before the race, then introduce them into the mix. Alternate the 2 pairs until the race shoes have around 50 miles in them; then they’re ready.

Some individuals, especially with series shoes like the Saucony lineup, will have easy day shoes, speed shoes, and race shoes.

This is just another way to handle training and will depend on individual preference.

With this system, easy day shoes would account for 60-75% of miles then speed shoes would be added for 15-20% of training on workout days and long tempos.

The race shoe would only be worn a few times before race day on some light speed days and sometimes some long tempos.

Both are equally good options, it just depends on your individual goals and needs.  

Related article: How To Run With Your Phone: The Best Options For Carrying Your Phone While Running

Best Half Marathon Shoes for 2022

Here are some of the top half marathon training and running shoes available this season:

Other shoes that could have made the top list include: Hoka Rincon 3, Saucony Hurricane 23 (ST), New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11, Mizuno WaveRider 25, Altra Paradigm 6 (ST), Saucony Endorphin Shift 2, & Brooks Glycerin 19 .

There are so many models on the market that it can be easy to get lost in all the details, but remember that you want to be comfortable with your trainer on a daily basis.

So, we recommend checking out your local running store to be fit for shoes and do not be afraid to go through several models before you find the right one for you!

If any of these top models of 2022 stick out to you, check them out here!

We hope this article helped you narrow your choices and make the process easier for you amidst your training cycle.

Shopping for the runner in your life? Check out our 12 gift ideas for trail runners!

**ST refers to being a stability shoe