Best Marathon Running Shoes 2025: Top Picks for Every Kind of Runner

Introduction

Picking a marathon shoe in 2025 means choosing between six very different jobs. All-out carbon-plated racers are the fastest shoes on the planet, but they are expensive, not particularly durable and not stable enough for everyone. Meanwhile, cushioned trainers, value picks and versatile plateless shoes can all get you through 42.2 km comfortably and, in some cases, quickly.

This guide breaks the field into six categories: best carbon-plated racers, best shoes for beginners, most comfortable picks, best value shoes, the best non-plated options, and the best single shoe for both training and racing. Each category has a top pick plus solid alternatives, so whatever kind of marathoner you are, there should be something here that fits.

Best Carbon Plate Racing Shoes

These are the shoes you reach for when you want a personal best. They are fast, bouncy and built with race-day performance in mind, but they come with trade-offs: they are not that durable, they are not that stable, and they are very expensive. They will not suit every runner, but for chasing a marathon PB they remain the best tool for the job.

Adidas Metaspeed Sky Paris

Our top pick in this category, and the shoe in which two of our testers set their marathon PBs. It exemplifies everything a modern carbon racer should be: a full-length carbon plate, a high stack of bouncy FF Turbo Plus foam with 40 mm at the heel, and a weight under 200 g in a UK men’s 9. Despite the generous cushioning, it is a genuinely lightweight package that delivers speed over every distance, and one tester’s pair has covered well over 250 km while still holding up well.

Adidas Metaspeed Edge Paris

The other carbon-plated racer in the Adidas line, and a very good shoe in its own right. Across our testing team, though, the Sky Paris is the preferred option, so that is the one we recommend first.

Hoka Mach X1

A long-standing favorite here, even though it is not the lightest carbon shoe available. What you get is a really bouncy ride that is also quite stable, and a lot of fun to run in. It has proven durable too: one pair has covered 350 km and still performs well. That extra weight is counteracted by the sheer bounce, and its more cushioned, comfortable character makes it a slightly more democratic choice than the Metaspeed, likely working for a wider range of runners. Worth noting that a successor version is on the way with a more aggressive, less stable setup, so the original may appear in deals.

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3

The best value carbon-plated racer, especially in the UK where it comes in under £200. It has a big stack of foam, is very lightweight and offers a snappy, responsive ride that stays comfortable over any distance. Grip is a standout: on wet or even icy roads, this is the carbon shoe we would choose. It may not be quite as springy or responsive as the very fastest racers, but it is a top-class shoe on the level of them in pure performance, and it might simply suit your personal taste better.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

Early impressions are very positive. It sounds softer and bouncier than previous versions of the shoe, which should make it really good for long distances. One tester did experience some fit trouble around the toenails, so it is worth checking the fit carefully, but this is a very fast shoe.

Nike Alphafly 3

The shoe in which both the men’s and women’s world marathon records have been set. It is arguably the best Alphafly yet, with a really fast heel-to-toe transition that still feels bouncy and soft at the heel. The characteristic spring of Nike ZoomX foam combines with a full-length plate over Air Zoom pods in the forefoot, adding a little more pop than its predecessor. For elite results and fast amateur racing alike, it is a serious option.

Best Marathon Shoes for Beginners

If you are new to the marathon distance, a few things matter more than outright speed. Value comes first: you do not need to spend hundreds on a racing shoe. Versatility matters too, because you want something that works for training and race day across a mixture of paces. And comfort, protection and stability are crucial, especially in the later miles when your legs tire and your form starts to fade.

Asics Novablast 5

Our top beginner pick, and a shoe you can use for all of your training and on race day itself. The fit is snug, easy to get on and off, and roomy and accommodating overall, with a wider fit option available in one colorway. The ride is naturally broad and stable, with foam that is not overly soft or plush but offers just enough protection for long runs and the marathon distance. A reduced heel bevel compared to the previous version and a gentle, mild rocker help you roll through the miles, and the outsole has enough rubber to handle lightly trails while offering good durability and grip.

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14

A pricier alternative that shares the Novablast’s versatility. It is a max cushion shoe focused on protection and comfort, yet it is notably lighter than most of the max cushion competition, which improves its range. It can handle long runs plus moderate and uptempo paces, though not your all-out fastest running. A gentle midsole rocker and that lighter weight help you maintain pace over the marathon with a controlled, stable and very protective feel underfoot.

Brooks Ghost 16

Priced the same as the Novablast 5, and while its ride is less memorable it still has all the qualities of a good beginner marathon shoe. Width and fit options are more plentiful than most other brands, the upper is well padded and snug from heel collar to toe box, and the outsole carries plenty of rubber for a long lifespan and a stable feel. The updated DNA Loft v3 midsole is not hugely lively but delivers smooth, consistent comfort and protection, which is exactly what you want on the roads leading into race day.

Saucony Ride 18

Also at the same price point as the Novablast 5 and Ghost 16, and a little more versatile than both if you want to handle some tempo running. The fit is roomy and accommodating, particularly in the toe box, with a wider fit option available. PWRRUN+ cushioning is soft without being overly plush, with a responsive edge that makes slightly faster paces feel comfortable, and the outsole has enough rubber for strong grip and a good lifespan across all your training and race day.

Most Comfortable Marathon Shoes

Not everyone running a marathon is chasing a fast time. If your goal is simply to cross the finish line comfortably, run consistently and enjoy the day, you do not need a very expensive carbon racer. What you need is cushioning, stability and a ride that will not sap your energy deep into the race, when your body is losing form and every bit of support counts.

Brooks Glycerin Max

The shoe that came up most often in our discussions for this category. Brooks generally makes fairly stable shoes, and the Glycerin Max pairs that stability with a really big stack of midsole foam, so it is very cushioned and comfortable but with a nice turnover. One tester used it heavily for marathon training, including 30 km runs that left legs feeling fresh, while it helped hold a consistent pace throughout. It is not the softest shoe available, which means it does not sap your energy, and the transition is lovely and smooth. It is quite pricey, so it makes most sense if you plan to do all of your training and racing in the same shoe rather than adding it to a large rotation.

Saucony Hurricane 24

A stability shoe by design, but one that does not ride like one: even if you do not need stability support, it remains a great, really comfortable option. The transition is lovely and smooth, and the midsole is nicely balanced, neither too soft nor too firm. It is an all-around solid shoe that ticks the boxes for a comfortable marathon, and a touch of stability is genuinely useful in the late miles when your form starts to go. It is still quite pricey, but it has been out for a while and can usually be found noticeably cheaper online in the UK than the Glycerin Max.

New Balance More v5

A favorite range for easy days, recovery runs and long runs, and the latest version is by far the best of them. You get a really big stack of midsole foam that is not sloppy: it is nicely balanced and does not sink into the ground, which helps over long distances while remaining a very comfortable cushioned ride. If you want all-out comfort without a shoe that saps your energy over 42.2 km, this is a great option, it is fairly stable, and it is a bit cheaper than the other picks in this category.

Best Value Marathon Shoes

Running shoes keep getting more expensive, and carbon racers especially so. Value is tricky to judge, so rather than simply picking the cheapest options, we balanced price and performance. That gave us two winners: a cushioned shoe that works for daily training, race day and a wide range of runners, and a faster intermediate option for runners chasing a quick time without spending big.

Puma Velocity Nitro 3

One of our favorite shoes overall when it comes to value, and it is nearly always in sales. The Velocity Nitro 2 is also worth a look in deals, as the two are quite similar. This is a neutral cushioned shoe with a fairly high 10 mm drop, yet it is snappy and, as one heel striker found, has a surprisingly smooth ride for a high-drop shoe. A dual-density midsole pairs a responsive nitrogen-infused top layer with comfort underneath, the outsole is great for durability and grip, and there is enough speed to carry you around the marathon, with the option to kick on if you decide to push the pace.

Adidas Adizero Evo SL

Our value pick for runners who want to race fast on a budget. This is a lightweight, plateless shoe with a big stack of Lightstrike Pro foam that delivers a lot of bounce while staying very comfortable. It has impressed across many kinds of runs, and you can run fast and sustain quick paces in it even without a plate, which is part of why it avoids the price bump that plates tend to bring. At £130 in the UK it is far cheaper than plated super trainers or even plateless alternatives like the Superblast. It may lack some of the stability and support needed for four-hour-plus marathons, which is why we pitch it at intermediate runners going for a fast time.

Best Non-Plated Marathon Shoes

There is a tendency to assume carbon-plated racers are the only sensible marathon choice, but their stripped-back uppers, minimal heel collars and narrower, less stable platforms can leave you exposed if things go wrong deep into the race. A plateless shoe that balances a lively, efficient ride with comfort, stability and cushioning can be a smarter bet for mile 20 and beyond.

Asics Superblast 2

Our top pick here, and no surprise given how much we rate it. It packs a massive, wide dual-foam midsole combining FF Blast Plus Eco foam with FF Turbo Plus, and while it is a big shoe it is surprisingly light for its bulk. The ride is big-cushioned comfort that is soft and bouncy without being soggy, and the wide platform is reliable and protective while still serving up good energy at most paces. In a solo marathon test, the standout was how consistent it felt from start to finish on both fresh and tired legs. Padded heel collars, a roomy toe box and a slightly padded tongue add comfort and confidence, and it is versatile enough to cover an entire training and racing block, essentially replacing much of a rotation. The price is high, but the versatility makes it good value in practice.

New Balance Rebel v4

A versatile non-plated option with a PEBA midsole that blends comfort and performance, delivering a lively ride without a plate while still offering genuine comfort for the long haul. It suits runners targeting four hours or more over the marathon, and runners who want or need a bit more protection coming up from the road.

Best Marathon Shoes for Training and Racing

This category is for the one-shoe runner: someone who wants to fly on race day and set a PB, but does not want to spend big on a carbon racer they cannot use for everyday training. Carbon shoes are not durable enough to train in constantly, while durable cushioned trainers lack race-day speed. Super trainers, with a more flexible plate and a balance of foams, split the difference, offering responsiveness closer to a carbon racer with more durability and stability.

Hoka Mach X2

Our top pick, and one of our favorite shoes of the past year. The dual-density midsole has a PEBA foam top layer for pop, with a PEBA plate that adds snap without being as harsh as carbon, and a more stable EVA-based bottom layer under a really high stack. The upper is lightweight and racy, which helps the speed, though it is not the most comfortable fit and the heel can be a bit fiddly and rubby for some runners. The performance, though, is genuinely close to a carbon-plated racer, with the versatility for plenty of training alongside.

Nike Zoom Fly 6

A really comfortable super trainer with a much more padded upper than the Mach X2. The midsole pairs a ZoomX foam top layer with a stable carrier foam underneath, and the carbon plate is fairly flexible. This is a shoe you can use for every run: comfortable on easy days, great for long runs, with enough responsiveness and pop for fast sessions. It is not quite as speedy as the Mach X2 for shorter efforts, but for the marathon it should work really well as a stable, supportive shoe with extra punch from the plate.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

A nimbler, lighter and very fast option, though not quite as supportive and cushioned as the Hoka or Nike. The ride is quite natural and stable, with PEBA-based midsole foam and a nylon plate providing plenty of pop. A long-standing favorite here, and the nice rocker helps you maintain speed late into hard runs and even races.

Mizuno Neo Vista

Another nylon-plated trainer with a big stack of very bouncy foam. It is so comfortable and so much fun to run in that it should excel throughout months of marathon training, while still having the speed for fast sessions and the bounce to carry you merrily through a long race like a marathon.

Buying Advice

If you are chasing a PB and the budget allows, start with the Adidas Metaspeed Sky Paris or Nike Alphafly 3. If you want carbon speed with more comfort and durability, the Hoka Mach X1 and Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 are excellent, with the Puma the better value and better grip in the wet. Beginners should feel confident in the Asics Novablast 5, while runners prioritizing comfort over pace should look hard at the Brooks Glycerin Max or New Balance More v5. For one shoe to do everything, the Asics Superblast 2 and Hoka Mach X2 are the standout all-rounders, and if budget is the deciding factor, the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 and Adidas Adizero Evo SL deliver remarkable performance for the money.

Conclusion

The best marathon shoe is the one that matches your goal, your pace and your training. Carbon racers earn their price on race day, but super trainers, cushioned cruisers and value picks can all get you to the finish line happily. Match the shoe to the job you need it to do, and 42.2 km becomes a lot more manageable.