What is the best marathon shoe, considering the constant advancements in running shoe technology and the need for apparel and footwear to improve the marathon experience from start to finish?
How to Choose Marathon Running Shoes
Weight
Having light running shoes is beneficial for marathon runners because of the long distances they cover. Lighter shoes can help prevent energy depletion during longer runs, enabling runners to save their energy for the final stages. It is recommended to choose marathon shoes that weigh between 7-9 ounces, ensuring they provide enough stability and support without becoming heavy once the distance reaches double digits.
Upper Materials
When choosing marathon shoes, it is important to remember that the uppers are usually thinner compared to your regular trainers. This is done to reduce the overall weight of the shoes, so it is possible that the top layer may be somewhat see-through. However, it is also essential to consider the breathability and durability of the shoes before making a purchase. It wouldn’t make sense to select a racing silhouette if your feet will end up sweaty and uncomfortable by the time you reach the finish line.
Cushioning and Responsiveness
When selecting a sneaker for race day, it is important to consider both comfort and speed. The goal is to achieve your best time without experiencing discomfort while running the entire 26.2-mile course. Many of the leading marathon running shoe designs, which are featured in this collection, effectively combine cushioning and energy return through the use of high-quality foam materials and the addition of a carbon fiber plate to provide extra bounce.
Comfort
If you’re planning to sign up for a marathon, it is important to consider the distance of 26.2 miles. Therefore, ensure that your shoes offer comfort to prevent any issues. When it comes to marathon shoes, the midsole and upper lockdown should prioritize your comfort. Additionally, take note of any known areas of discomfort on your feet and select shoes that cater to those needs. Moreover, marathon shoes often have a narrower fit to enhance the aesthetics, so it is advisable to find a shoe profile that best suits your foot shape for a more comfortable and enjoyable race experience.
When Should You Wear Marathon Running Shoes?
When considering marathon running shoes, it is important to understand when they can be used, aside from wearing them on race day. To ensure comfort, it is recommended to have one or two long-distance runs in your marathon shoes before the event, along with some tempo workouts or post-run strides to familiarize yourself with the footwear.
There are various reasons why simply training in your new sneakers might not be the best strategy for getting the best feel. Your race shoes have a different geometry and typically include a carbon plate, making them slightly different from your regular trainers. Running continuously in your marathon shoes could alter your natural running style, which could limit your performance and slow down your times. Furthermore, the foams and materials used in marathon shoes are specifically designed for racing, so using them extensively could result in unnecessary damage and deterioration.
If you want an analogy, consider yourself as a race car driver. Your shoes should not be any different from your race day vehicle, as it is separate from your everyday driver.
Can You Run a Marathon in Everyday Running Shoes?
Running is highly popular due to the minimal gear requirements and the versatility of being able to run in any type of attire. For instance, you could participate in a marathon wearing hunting boots if you wanted to. However, despite the possibility, the experience would not be enjoyable.
Marathon shoes, despite being more expensive due to their advanced technologies and features, are specifically designed for racing. If running a marathon is a one-time occurrence, a well-cushioned pair of specialized runners that suit your step will suffice. However, for serious racers, investing in the appropriate gear will undoubtedly enhance the overall experience.
The best running shoes for 2023
On Cloudsurfer
Traditionally, On shoes were known for their firm ride compared to other shoes. However, the newest version of the Cloudsurfer breaks that trend entirely – you can instantly feel the soft, cushioned comfort. The Swiss brand has reimagined the midsole of the previous model, eliminating the Speedboard plate and introducing CloudTec Phase. The hollow pods are now located inside the Helion foam midsole instead of underneath it, arranged in different angles ranging from diagonal to horizontal, resembling a line of cascading dominoes.
The indication of the cushioning future can be seen in the ease with which the midsole can be compressed by hand. While running, this results in a delightfully comfortable experience. The Cloudsurfer provides a feeling of lightness and bounce, thanks to the rocker profile of the sole, which guarantees a seamless shift from landing to pushing off. In general, this is an exceptional shoe that can handle a variety of activities. It provides enough cushioning for relaxed long-distance runs, yet it is also lightweight and responsive enough for faster tempo runs and races longer than 10K.
Nike Vaporfly Next% 3
Although Eliud Kipchoge might have chosen to wear the Alphafly, which has even more advanced specifications, in order to surpass the two-hour mark, it is evident from the top performers in various marathons that the Vaporfly is a popular choice among many competitive runners. Fortunately, the latest version remains equally dynamic and rapid in comparison to its predecessors.
Nike has completely revamped the Vaporfly, starting from scratch to make it as light as possible. They focused on reducing weight in the midsole by removing foam from unnecessary areas. Additionally, they replaced the solid rubber under the forefoot with a grid-like pattern of diamond-shaped lugs. Our testers noted that the shoes felt secure on dry surfaces, and this new design eliminated the loud and slappy feeling commonly found in most new high-performance shoes. However, it is worth mentioning that the Flyknit upper is incredibly thin and breathable, but it lacks stretch, so be cautious not to tie the laces too tightly.
Nike Invincible 3
Nike’s highly cushioned trainer has made a comeback with a fresh look and the same enjoyable bounce. The latest version features thicker layers of ZoomX foam in the midsole, the same material used in the Vaporfly and Alphafly racing shoes, surpassing any other footwear. This foam is not only lighter but also softer and more responsive compared to other materials, giving back about 70% of energy with every stride. The previous bulky and warm Flyknit upper has been replaced with a sleeker design that offers better breathability. Additionally, the excessive padding that lined the collar in the previous models has been removed. Our testing team adored these shoes for recovery runs and leisurely jogs – the type of running that should make up the majority of your training.
Hoka Arahi 6
Hoka’s Arahi 6 may not be considered a trendy or flashy shoe, as it lacks excessive bounce or speed. However, it excels at its intended purpose: providing runners who over-pronate with the necessary structure and support to comfortably run long distances without any discomfort or annoyance. The most recent iteration of the Arahi incorporates the same J-frame technology as its predecessor. Essentially, this technology involves a firmer piece of foam that extends from the inner side of the shoe and wraps around the heel to the outer side. Combined with the thick cushioning in the midsole, this design ensures a stable and secure ride that effectively absorbs shocks and impacts when running. Overall, this shoe offers an excellent combination of stability and cushioning, making it ideal for long and leisurely runs.
At the beginning, an organized heel counter and a comfortable heel collar provide additional safeguard and assistance. Weighing 216g, the Arahi is considerably lighter compared to stability shoes of similar kind, resulting in a pleasurable experience during extended runs. Our only complaint is that they have a tendency to run small, so we suggest going up by half a size.
Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite
Under Armour is introducing itself as a strong competitor in the super-shoe market. The notable feature is the lightweight rubberless sole, made from UA’s resilient Flow foam infused with olefin. Despite the lack of an outsole, the Velociti Elite provides good traction on slippery surfaces and gives the feeling of a track spike combined with the support of a cushioned trainer. The midsole of the shoe is made from a lighter Flow compound than that of the Flow Velociti Wind 2, infused with nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It also includes a full-length thermoset plate with an angular scoop to promote an easy roll-off. In addition, UA’s designers reduced the upper of the shoe, called Warp 2.0, by replacing the base mesh with a thin monomesh.
An exoskeleton is formed on your foot by vertical and horizontal tape lines, ensuring its stability. One tester likened the Velociti Elite’s agility on the road to sprinting on the track, while another complimented its comfort and the fact that, unlike other high-performance shoes, it does not have a heavily contoured or shaped feel that forces the foot to conform to the shoe.
