2024 was a FAST year for the marathon.
With a new women’s world record of 2:09:56 by Ruth Chepngetich at the 2024 Chicago Marathon and a 5th fastest time in history by Sebastian Sawe in his debut Marathon at the 2024 Valencia Marathon, the questions we all have on our minds is…which shoes won the year?
We’ve compiled a list of all the super shoes that made the 2024 World Marathon Majors podiums and the Paris Olympic Marathon podiums.
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The Deets: Tech Specs For The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3
MSRP: $230 USDRelease date: June 17Stack height: 40mm Weight: 6.84 oz (men’s size 10)Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
$230 from Running Warehouse
Key Features:
Lightweight Design : At under 7 ounces, it’s one of the lightest racing shoes available.Versatility : Suitable for distances from 5K to marathons.Midfoot Runner Friendly : Designed to provide comfort without forcing runners onto their toes.
Potential Drawbacks:
Price : Positioned at the higher end of the price spectrum.Chafing : Minor chafing on longer runs for sensitive feet.Cushioning : Not ideal for those seeking maximum support and cushioning.
$230 from Running Warehouse
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The Deets: Tech Specs For The Anta C10 Pro
MSRP: $200 USDRelease date: March 2024Stack height: 40mm heelWeight: 6.9 oz (195g, men’s size 9)Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
Key Features:
Carbon Plate Design: The embedded plate delivers exceptional propulsion, rivaling more established brands in the super shoe space.Value for Money: At $200, it’s one of the most affordable super shoes without compromising on quality.
Potential Drawbacks:
Brand Recognition: As a less familiar brand in Western markets, it lacks the trust and widespread adoption of competitors like Nike and Adidas.Limited Colorways: The shoe’s release will be limited in style and options, reducing its appeal to some runners.
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The Deets: Tech Specs For The Under Armour Velociti Elite 2
MSRP: $250 USDRelease date: August 2024Stack height: 39mm heelWeight: 7.4 oz (210g, men’s size 9)Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
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Key Features:
Pebax Midsole Foam: Provides a bouncy and responsive feel that enhances propulsion during runs.Warp 2.0 Upper: This new iteration improves lockdown while ensuring breathability, keeping your foot secure and cool during big workouts or races.
Potential Drawbacks:
Heavier Weight: At 7.4 ounces, it’s heavier than some of its competitors, which might be noticeable during longer distances.Limited Availability: The shoe is not widely available in all regions, making it difficult to purchase in certain markets.
Buy from Amazon
Watch our editor’s picks for our five best super shoes:
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The Deets: Tech Specs For The On Cloudboom Strike
MSRP: $270 USDRelease date: May 2024Stack height: 33mm heel / 23mm forefootWeight: 6.5 oz (185g, men’s size 9)Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
$280 from Running Warehouse
Key Features:
Dynamic Speedboard: Propels the foot forward for a quick turnover and efficient energy use.Minimalist Design: The thin upper and outsole make it a sleek, lightweight option for racing.
Potential Drawbacks:
Limited Cushioning: Some report that the support needed for longer races isn’t ideal, making it better suited for 5Ks and 10Ks.High Price Point: Offers less versatility for its cost compared to other options.
$280 from Running Warehouse
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The Deets: Tech Specs For The Adidas Adios Pro 3
MSRP: $200 USD
Release date: June 2022
Stack height: 39.5mm
Weight: 7.58 oz (men’s size 10)
Heel-to-toe drop: 8.5mm
The Adidas Adios Pro 3, often overshadowed by its more hyped sibling, the Pro EVO 1, is a sleeper hit among racing shoes. It combines lightweight construction with a highly responsive carbon plate design, making it a top choice for many elite runners.
Key Features:
Efficient Design : Lighter than the Alphafly 3, with a close-to-the-ground feel.Responsive Carbon Plate : Three metatarsal fangs enhance responsiveness.Pro Runner Approved : Used by top athletes like Joyciline Jepkosgei and Rosemary Wanjiru in major marathons.
Potential Drawbacks:
Hard Feel : Less cushioning, which might not suit everyone.Aggressiveness : Feels awkward at speeds slower than race pace.
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The Deets: Tech Specs For The On Cloudboom Strike LS
MSRP: $280 USDRelease date: October 2024Stack height: 35mm heel / 25mm forefootWeight: 6.7 oz (190g, unisex size 9)Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
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Key Features:
Helion Foam : Combines shock absorption and responsiveness, offering a comfortable yet springy ride.Lightspray Technology : Essentially super light, super responsive spray-on shoes. The shoe itself is slipper-like, with no laces, and appears as one continuous creation.
Potential Drawbacks:
Rigid Ride: The carbon-infused Speedboard can feel stiff, especially for runners accustomed to softer foam.Outsole Traction: Performs well on dry roads but lacks grip in wet conditions.
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The Deets: Tech Specs For The Asics Metaspeed Paris
MSRP: $250 USDRelease date: June 2024Stack height: 39mm heel / 34mm forefootWeight: 6.7 oz (190g, men’s size 9)Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm
Key Features:
Dual Options: Whether you increase stride length (Sky) or cadence (Edge), Asics has a model optimized for your running style.FF Blast Turbo Foam: Delivers a unique balance of cushioning and propulsion, ensuring a springy, energized ride.
Potential Drawbacks:
Fit Concerns: Like other Asics racing shoes, these can run narrow, causing discomfort for wider feet.
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The Deets: Tech Specs For The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
MSRP: $275 USDRelease date: December 2024 (anticipated)Stack height: 39.5mmWeight: ~7.5 oz (213g, men’s size 9)Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
Key Features:
ENERGYRODS 2.0: Redesigned for a smoother, more natural energy transfer, the carbon rods mirror the anatomy of your foot’s metatarsals.Durable Mesh Upper: Adds reinforcement to high-wear areas while maintaining breathability and low weight.
Potential Drawbacks:
Weight Increase: A slightly heavier build compared to the Pro 3 might deter weight-conscious runners.Higher Price Tag: At $275, it’s pricier than the Pro 3 without drastic changes.
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The Deets: Tech Specs For The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3
MSRP: $260 USDRelease date: March 2024Stack height: 40mm heelWeight: 6.9 oz (195g, men’s size 9)Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
Key Features:
ZoomX Foam: This lightweight, responsive foam provides unmatched energy return, propelling you forward with each stride.Refined Mesh Upper: Improved comfort and breathability compared to the first iteration, keeping feet cool on race day.
Potential Drawbacks:
Durability: The ZoomX foam compresses over time, making this shoe unsuitable for heavy mileage beyond race day.Grip in Wet Conditions: While improved, the outsole can still be slippery on wet roads, posing a challenge in bad weather.
Shop Nike Vaporfly 3 On Amazon
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The Deets: Tech Specs For The Nike Alphafly 3
MSRP: $285 USDRelease date: October 2023Stack height: 40mmWeight: 7.4 oz (210g, men’s size 9)Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
$285 from Running Warehouse
Key Features:
Dual Zoom Air Pods: Redesigned for even greater propulsion, these pods enhance the shoe’s energy return and responsiveness at faster paces.Atomknit 2.0 Upper: A lightweight, breathable material that molds to your foot for a secure yet barely-there feel.
Potential Drawbacks:
Price: At $300, it’s a significant investment for casual runners or those new to marathons.Narrow Fit: While improved from the Alphafly 2, the fit can still feel tight for runners with wide feet, potentially causing discomfort.
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The Deets: Tech Specs For The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo
MSRP: $500 USDRelease date: September 2023Stack height: 39mm heel / 33mm forefootWeight: 4.87 oz (138g, unisex size 9)Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
$500 from Running Warehouse
Key Features:
Featherweight Build: At just 4.87 ounces, this shoe is lighter than most competitors, reducing fatigue during long races.ENERGYRODS Technology: Embedded carbon rods deliver a responsive and smooth ride, helping conserve energy with each step.Lightstrike Pro Foam: Maximizes propulsion and comfort while keeping the shoe incredibly lightweight.
Potential Drawbacks:
Durability: Built for race-day performance, the shoe may not last beyond one or two marathons, making it a poor choice for everyday training.Price: At $500, it’s among the most expensive racing shoes on the market, limiting accessibility to most runners.
$500 from Running Warehouse
Which Shoes Won Each Major Marathon 2024 Tokyo Marathon MEN WOMEN 1st Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo Nike Vaporfly 3 2nd Nike Alphafly 3 Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 3rd ASICS Metaspeed Paris Sky Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo
2024 Boston Marathon MEN WOMEN 1st Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo On Cloudboom Strike LS 2nd Nike Alphafly 3 Under Armour Velociti Elite 2 3rd Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 3
2024 London Marathon MEN WOMEN 1st Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2nd Anta C10 Pro Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3rd Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo Adidas Adios Pro 3
2024 Berlin Marathon MEN WOMEN 1st Nike Vaporfly 3 Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2nd Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 ASICS Metaspeed Paris Sky 3rd Nike Alphafly 3 Nike Vaporfly Next%2
2024 Chicago Marathon MEN WOMEN 1st ASICS Metaspeed Paris Sky Nike Alphafly 3 2nd Nike Alphafly 3 ON Cloudboom Strike 3rd Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Nike Alphafly 3
2024 New York City Marathon MEN WOMEN 1st Nike Alphafly 3 Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 2nd Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 On Cloudboom Strike LS 3rd Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 3
2024 Paris Olympic Games Marathon MEN WOMEN 1st Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo Nike Alphafly 3 2nd ASICS Metaspeed Paris Edge Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3rd adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo On Cloudboom Strike LS
