Running is a popular and ever-growing sport. With the increasing number of marathons and long-distance races, it’s essential to have the best running race shoes for a successful and comfortable experience.
The right pair of shoes can help improve your performance, reduce the risk of injury, and ensure that your feet are protected and supported throughout the race.
The shoes discussed today are race focused. At their increased cost and sacrificed comfort, they may not be what you take out for speed work and long runs.
It can be challenging to choose the best pair of running race shoes, especially for marathon runners. We’re here to help you narrow down the options as to what might be best for your running style.
State of Running Race Shoes in 2023
The running shoe market is constantly evolving, with new technologies and designs being introduced every year. In 2023, the market continues to prioritize comfort, support, and performance for runners.
With an emphasis on lightweight and responsive materials, many of the top running race shoes in 2023 feature innovative designs that aim to improve performance and reduce energy loss.
The popularity of long-distance running and marathons has resulted in a surge in demand for high-performance running shoes. This has led to a growing number of specialized shoes designed specifically for this type of running.
In terms of popular brands, Adidas, Nike, Saucony, Brooks, New Balance, HOKA ONE ONE, and ASICS continue to be leaders in the running shoe market. That does not mean the other shoe companies don’t have amazing, result producing shoes. We are going to focus on the leaders of the endurance running shoe market today.
The purpose of this article is to provide an updated and comprehensive list of the best running race shoes for marathon runners in 2023. This article aims to make that process easier by highlighting the factors such as comfort, support, performance, and sustainability.
This article will provide you with the information you need to find the best shoes for your needs.
Top Factors to Consider When Choosing Running Shoes for Marathons
When choosing running race shoes for marathons, it is essential to consider several key factors that will impact your performance and comfort. These factors include:
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit are essential when choosing running shoes, as you will be wearing them for extended periods of time during your runs. It is crucial to find shoes that fit well and provide good support, without feeling too tight or causing discomfort. Try different shoes and find the one that feels the most comfortable, as this will help ensure that you’re able to perform at your best during your runs.
Running Experience and Distance
The type of running you do and the distance you cover will also play a role in determining the best shoes for you. If you’re a beginner, we suggest focusing on shoes that provide good support and comfort.
Foot Type and Arch
The shape and structure of your feet play a crucial role in determining the type of running race shoes that will work best for you. If you have flat feet, you may need shoes with more support and stability. If you have high arches, you may need shoes with more cushioning to provide comfort and shock absorption. Understanding your foot type and arch is the first step in choosing the right pair of shoes for your feet.
Running Gait and Foot Strike
We suggest checking out this video on supination and pronation to get a better idea about gait and foot strike. Your running gait and foot strike refer to the way you run and how your feet hit the ground. When you have a neutral gait, you may be able to wear a wide range of running shoes. If you have a supinator gait, you may need shoes with more cushioning and support. With an over-pronator gait, you may need shoes with more stability and motion control. Understanding your gait and foot strike will help you choose the right shoes for your specific needs.
*For determining your foot structure, gait and strike, it’s best to visit your local running stores. Often they have new technology like foot scans to determine your current foot structure, gait, and strike. Then you can determine the proper shoes in a more scientific manner.
These are the key factors you should consider when choosing running shoes for marathons and half marathons. By taking into account these factors, you’ll afford yourself the best shot at having a great race day.
Tips for Understanding the 2023 Running Race shoe Market
It’s good to have an understanding of the intent of running race shoes before diving into the details.
- Not Your Everyday Shoe | Gone are the days where we would buy one shoe for everything. We would wear it for every single training run, and then on race day. Today, we have a track shoe, tempo day shoe, long run shoe, and most importantly, race day shoe. Do you need all of those shoes? No, but the running community has come around to at least having a race dedicated shoe. Race day shoes are not usually worn on your easy 6 miler. They have a build, structure and support focusing on performance for a single race. As you read through the following shoes, these details are race focused.
- Comfort to an Extent | Yes, most of these shoes are still comfortable. However, they are not going to be as comfortable as your normal long run shoe or daily trainer. Why? Typically, weight and material. They often weigh significantly less, but with that comes less cushion around the collar and upper. That is to reduce the overall weight. You want to make sure the shoe is comfortable, but accept that it is not intended to be a comfortable shoe for 250+ miles of training. It’s to help you excel at threshold paces on race day.
Finding the right gear is crucial for intermediate runners and elite’s alike.
Knowing that your running race day shoe is intended to be different, the benefits and drawbacks as to why they are different, and the approach to picking the proper race day shoe will ensure you get to the starting line with the right shoe for you.
Top Running Race Shoes for Marathon Runners in 2023
Jump to:
- Nike Vaporfly 2
- Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
- Saucony Endorphin Elite
- Brooks Hyperion Elite 3
- New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3
- HOKA ONE ONE Carbon X
- ASICS Metaspeed Sky+
Nike Vaporfly 2
Pros:
- Lightweight: The Nike Vaporfly 2 is a highly responsive and lightweight shoe, designed to help runners perform at their best.
- Energy Return: The shoe features a ZoomX foam midsole that provides excellent energy return, helping to reduce fatigue and improve performance.
- Responsive Cushioning: The Vaporfly 2 features a highly responsive cushioning system that provides a comfortable and supportive ride.
- Durable Outsole: The outsole of the Vaporfly 2 is made of a durable rubber compound, providing excellent traction and durability.
- Unique Design: The design of the Vaporfly 2 is unique and eye-catching. This makes it a popular choice among runners who want a stylish shoe.
Cons:
- Cost: The Nike Vaporfly 2 is a premium running shoe and therefore comes at a higher cost compared to other running shoes on the market.
- Limited Availability: The Vaporfly 2 is a highly sought-after shoe. Sometimes it’s difficult to find available stock in certain sizes.
- Narrow Fit: Some runners have reported that the Vaporfly 2 has a narrow fit. Definitely felt for those of us used to much wider toe boxes. Personally, I accept the bit of discomfort for race day.
- No Arch Support: The Vaporfly 2 does not provide much arch support. This may be problematic for runners with flat feet or high arches.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
Pros:
- Lightweight: At just 7.8 ounces, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a highly responsive and lightweight shoe.
- Supportive: The shoe features a Torsion System that provides support for the midfoot and a secure fit. This unique design provides significant stability.
- Responsive Cushioning: The Adizero Adios Pro 3 features a Boost midsole that provides excellent shock absorption and energy return.
- Breathable Upper: The shoe features a breathable mesh upper that helps to keep your feet cool and dry.
- Durable Outsole: The outsole is made of Continental rubber, providing excellent traction and durability, making it ideal for long-distance runs.
Cons:
- Cost: The Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a premium running shoe and therefore comes at a higher cost.
- Narrow Fit: Some runners have reported that the Adizero Adios Pro 3 has a narrow fit.
- Not Ideal for Overpronators: The Adizero Adios Pro 3 is designed for neutral runners and may not provide enough support and stability for overpronators.
Saucony Endorphin Elite
Pros:
- Lightweight: The Saucony Endorphin Elite is a highly responsive and lightweight shoe, designed to help runners perform at their best.
- Supportive: The shoe features a PWRRUN PB midsole that provides excellent cushioning and support.
- Energy Return: The Endorphin Elite provides excellent energy return, helping to reduce fatigue and improve performance.
- Durable Outsole: The outsole of the Endorphin Elite is made of a durable rubber compound, providing excellent traction and durability, making it ideal for long-distance runs.
- Comfortable Fit: The Endorphin Elite is designed with a comfortable fit in mind, with a breathable mesh upper and an ergonomic design that helps to reduce discomfort.
Cons:
- Cost: The Saucony Endorphin Elite is a premium running shoe and therefore comes at a higher cost compared to other running shoes on the market.
- Limited Colors: The Endorphin Elite is only available in a limited number of colors, which may not suit everyone’s taste.
- Narrow Fit: Endorphin Elite has a narrow fit, which may not be suitable for all foot shapes.
- No Arch Support: The Endorphin Elite does not provide much arch support. This may be problematic for runners with flat feet or high arches.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 3
Pros:
- Lightweight: The Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 is a highly responsive and lightweight shoe, designed to help runners perform at their best.
- Cushioned: The shoe features a DNA FLASH midsole that provides excellent cushioning.
- Supportive: The Hyperion Elite 3 provides excellent support, helping to reduce fatigue and improve performance.
- Durable Outsole: The outsole of the shoe is made of a durable rubber compound, providing excellent traction and durability.
- Comfortable Fit: The Hyperion Elite 3 is designed with a comfortable fit in mind, with a breathable mesh upper and an ergonomic design that helps to reduce discomfort.
Cons:
- Cost: The Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 is a premium running shoe and therefore comes at a higher cost compared to other running shoes on the market.
- Narrow Fit: Some runners have reported that the Hyperion Elite 3 has a narrow fit, which may not be suitable for all foot shapes.
- No Arch Support: The Hyperion Elite 3 does not provide much arch support, which may be problematic for runners with flat feet or high arches.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3
Pros:
- Lightweight: The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3 is a lightweight shoe, designed to help runners perform at their best during races.
- Responsive: The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3 features a FuelCell midsole that provides excellent energy return.
- Durable Outsole: The outsole of the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3 is made of a durable rubber compound, providing excellent traction and durability, making it ideal for long-distance runs.
- Comfortable Fit: It is designed with a comfortable fit in mind, with a breathable mesh upper and an ergonomic design that helps to reduce discomfort.
- Wide Availability: The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3 is widely available in a range of sizes and colors, making it easy for runners to find the perfect fit for their needs.
Cons:
- Cost: The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3 is a premium running shoe and therefore comes at a higher cost compared to other running shoes on the market.
- No Arch Support: The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3 does not provide much arch support, which may be problematic for runners with flat feet or high arches.
- Not Ideal for All Foot Types: Some runners have reported that the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3 may not be suitable for all foot types, especially those with wider feet.
HOKA ONE ONE Carbon X 2
Pros:
- Lightweight: The Hoka Carbon X is a lightweight running shoe, designed to help runners perform at their best during races.
- Responsive: The Carbon X features a carbon fiber plate in the midsole, providing excellent energy return.
- Cushioned: The Carbon X is known for its cushioned midsole, which provides excellent shock absorption, helping to reduce the impact on your feet during your runs.
- Durable Outsole: The outsole of the Carbon X is made of a durable rubber compound, providing excellent durability.
- Wide Availability: The Carbon X is widely available in a range of sizes and colors, making it easy for runners to find the perfect fit for their needs.
Cons:
- Cost: The Hoka Carbon X is a premium running shoe and therefore comes at a higher cost compared to other running shoes on the market.
- No Arch Support: The Carbon X does not provide much arch support, which may be problematic for runners with flat feet or high arches.
- Narrow Fit: Some runners have reported that the Carbon X has a narrow fit, which may not be suitable for all foot shapes.
- Break-In Period: The Carbon X may require a break-in period for some runners, as the cushioned midsole may take some time to get used to.
ASICS Metaspeed Sky+
Pros:
- Lightweight: The ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ is a lightweight running shoe, designed to help runners perform at their best during races.
- Responsive: This shoe features a responsive midsole, providing excellent energy return.
- Cushioned: The Metaspeed Sky+ is known for its cushioned midsole. This provides excellent shock absorption, helping to reduce the impact on your feet during your runs.
- Durable Outsole: The outsole of the Metaspeed Sky+ is made of a durable rubber compound, providing excellent traction and durability.
- Wide Availability: The Metaspeed Sky+ is widely available in a range of sizes and colors.
Cons:
- Cost: The ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ is a premium running shoe and therefore comes at a higher cost compared to other running shoes on the market.
- No Arch Support: It doesn’t provide much arch support. This may be problematic for runners with flat feet or high arches.
- Not Ideal for All Foot Types: Some runners report it may not be suitable for wide feet.
- Break-In Period: This shoe requires a break-in period for some runners.
Running Race Shoe Theme
As you’ll note throughout those race day shoe details, there are similarities between the majority of them.
After Nike launched the original Nike Next%, carbon plated, tall cushioned race day shoes became the norm. Today, there are at least 10 race day shoes that you could wear for performance purposes. With those shoes, other runners would understand why you’re racing in that shoe.
For a long time, it was the Nike Next% or nothing. In just a few years, that is no longer the case.
Whether you’re looking at the cost, stack height, foam type, or something else, there’s a race day shoe for you.
The Importance of the Right Shoe in 2023
In conclusion, choosing the right running shoe is a crucial decision for any distance runner, especially those preparing for a marathon.
It’s essential to consider your foot type, running gait, and distance when selecting a running shoe.
That doesn’t mean any of these are right for you. Using the research providing here and across the internet, research before buying the right race day shoe.
Each of these shoes has its pros and cons. It’s important to weigh them carefully to find the one that works best for your needs.
Whether you’re an experienced runner or a beginner, the right running shoe can make all the difference in helping you achieve your running goals.
