Our group of runners and reviewers have gone out to the market and road-tested the best marathon running shoes for the 2021 running season – and here’s their pick.
Whether you’re a marathon virgin or a veteran, selecting a pair of shoes for your marathon training and event can be a tough task.
Sometimes you have a favorite style which suddenly isn’t available, or sometimes you need to upgrade your old kickers.
Let’s look at what you should be looking for in marathon shoes – and share with you our recommendations for the best marathon shoes!
What I Look For In Marathon Running Shoes
As I detailed in my article How To Choose Running Shoes, the number one factor when trying out marathon running shoes is simply comfort.
It almost sounds too 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.
Here are some more pointers for what to look for to find the best marathon shoes for you:
- You want a thumb space between the longest toe and the shoe box. This avoids the repetitive motion of the toe hitting the toebox, which leads to sore toes/runner’s toe. At the same time, if the shoe is too big your foot will move inside it and your toes will strike the toebox anyway.
- Pick shoes that suit the terrain of the marathon. Trail marathons have very different underfoot conditions to city marathons. (And don’t forget to train in the same environment as you are running!
- 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 marathon training shoe.
Confused by the different types of running shoes available? Check out our Guide to Running Shoes: Running Shoes Types, Explained.
How Long Should You Trial a Pair of Marathon Shoes For?
Two months gives me plenty of time to train in my marathon shoes, ‘kick the tires’, and discover any small complaints.
It sometimes takes a few 12 mile + runs to figure out that you don’t actually like a pair of shoes!
How Many Pairs of Marathon Shoes Should You Buy?
If you’re in training mode for a full marathon, consider buying 2 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’. You should look to change out a pair of running shoes every 300 – 500 miles.
At the same time, running shoes need to be broken in. A brand-new pair of running shoes need a few miles on them before they are race-ready.
So for your marathon shoes, you want to be like Goldilocks – don’t run in brand new shoes, but don’t use old, tired shoes either.
When it comes to marathon preparation, here’s how I like to do it:
I buy two identical pairs of running shoes.
Then I wear my first pair for almost all of my training – by the time the marathon comes, they are a little worn and dull.
As for the second pair (my ‘marathon shoes’), I save them until around 4 to 5 weeks before the marathon, then introduce them into the mix. I’ll alternate the 2 pairs until the marathon shoes have around 50 miles in them. Then they’re ready.
Best Marathon Shoes for Men
Here are a selection of my top marathon training and running shoes for the guys for this season:
ASICS Nimbus Gel 22
– Great for rookie runners
– Rates high for comfort
The Asics Nimbus line has been a favorite of aspiring marathon runners for decades now. Many runners are Nimbus loyalists, buying every new model as it’s released – and the 22 is regarded as one of the best in the line.
This well-supported, well-cushioned shoe is very forgiving – which can be advantageous as you increase the mileage. The Gel 22 model is slightly narrower than previous models.
If you want a shoe that is very reliable and gives total comfort, this is the one for you.
Saucony Freedom ISO 2
The Saucony Freedom ISO 2 is my shoe of choice for marathon training and racing this season. I’ve run marathons and a couple of ultramarathons in this shoe, and I love it!
The Freedom ISO 2 is lightweight, super-comfortable, and fits like a (very breathable) glove. The shoe well-regarded for distance running – it is known for its comfort, flexibility and reasonable price.
It is designed as a neutral shoe, and the mesh exterior gives a lot of breathability.
Overall, a great shoe that can carry you through all your marathon training.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 16
The Mizuno is a great shoe that offers a ton of support and cushioning – which may be too much for some people.
It includes a 12mm drop (the difference in height between the toe and the heel) which is quite pronounced.
The Wave Inspire 16 offer a lot of stability, and the mesh upper makes the shoe breathable.
NIKE Air Zoom Pegasus 36
I’m continually impressed by how well Nike manages to make shoes that are both ‘lifestyle’ everyday shoes and great distance running footwear.
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 is the shoe which is currently my top pick of the Nike running range!
It’s durable, super-light, and comfortable to boot. Last year I clocked up most of my miles in their predecessor, the 35 model.
Best Marathon Shoes for Women
And here’s my pick of the top marathon training and running shoes for the ladies:
Asics Gel Venture 7
Offering support and a firm sole, the Gel Venture 7 is rugged enough to be used on either the road or the trails.
It includes a lot of support, including the long heel collar – making it very versatile.
If you’re used to running in lightweight shoes however, you may find this one a tad clunky.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20
With an engineered 3D mesh upper, and forgiving cushioning, the Adrenaline GTS 20 is well-suited for runners looking to increase the mileage.
The guide-rails structure are designed to protect the knees from over-use injuries.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36
The Zoom Pegasus 36 offers a great distance running trainer.
It’s lightweight, it’s comfortable without drowning your feet in cushioning, and its responsive. The flymesh upper is awesome too.
The Nike range are known for being great running shoes that also look good and are comfortable enough you find yourself wearing them all the time!
Asics Gel Kayano 27
This shoe gives a very stable run – it provides plenty of support where you need it.
It’s also comfortable and versatile enough that you’ll find yourself wearing it to the gym.
The Kayano 27 features a wider toe box, which allows your toes to splay out naturally – good if you have big toes!
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V3
NB’s Fresh Foam range is all about combining tons of cushioning with lightweight – two features that haven’t traditionally gone together.
The result is this dynamic range of versatile shoes, that look good whether you’re out for a half marathon, or in the gym!
Jim McCauley says
What are your thoughts on Nike ZoomX vaporfly next%?
Thanks!
Thomas Watson says
look awesome but
– expensive
– the carbon fiber plate seems to give you a springy boost which is gonna speed you up
– however, you wouldn’t want to get used to running in them all the time. Running with that carbon fiber plate all the time would make you more dependent on it. So if you’re an advanced runner looking to shave 5 minutes of a PR, consider getting a pair and training in them sporadically.
Hope this helps!
ta da (@triathlete415) says
What about Altra shoes with the wide toe box and 0 drop?
Vicki m says
Just purchased a pair of woman’s Asics GT-2000 9 .. will let you know how they work out. Most comfortable after trying several pairs at a running store. I bought a pair of wide, they were the best for me and end of big toes, and the back of my heels.
Wouldn’t have recognized the name if hadn’t read your article above.
Thomas Watson says
Hey Vicki,
Great to hear! Let me know how they go for sure!
Thanks,
Thomas
Charles Matzke says
Have you tried the adidas adizero boston 9? I’ve heard it compares nicely to the Pegasus and is better in some areas.
Thomas Watson says
Hey Charles!
I’ve seen them around but yet to try them out – they’re clearly a marathon shoe. If I get my hands on a pair I’ll get back to you!
Thomas