With Comrades right around the corner, you’re probably in the market for a pair of running shoes that can help you secure a new PB. Or, if it’s your maiden voyage, trainers that’ll keep you comfortable for every kilometre. But with hundreds of different options to choose from, settling on the perfect pair can often feel like an impossible ask.
READ MORE: Hate Running? These Tips Could Change Your Mind
No stress; we’re here to speed up your search with our selection of long-distance-ready runners that’ll take you from training to the big day (and beyond).
Marathon Running Shoes: What to Look For
Breathability
As you run, your feet will get hot and swell as you rack up mileage. As such, you’ll want to find running shoes that are well-ventilated to avoid those dreaded hotspots that will otherwise make you feel uncomfortable and could even lead to blisters.
Cushioning and Responsiveness
Striking a balance between cushioning and responsiveness will ensure that you’re comfortable from start to finish but will give you enough feedback to pick up the pace when it’s time to floor the accelerator. Best way to find that sweet spot is to visit your closet sports shop and try on a few options. Just avoid rocking something brand new on race day.
Sizing
A cramped shoe will seriously cramp your style. It can also put pressure on your feet resulting in blister-causing friction. As such, you’ll often want to grab a pair of marathon shoes with a bit of wiggle room. Some suggest going about a half size up from your daily fit.
Our Top Marathon Running Shoe Picks in 2024
1. adidas ADIZERO ADIOS Pro 3
Built with and for athletes to achieve unbelievable feats, these trainers represent the pinnacle of adidas’ racing foot locker. The focus here is on optimising running efficiency, so you’ll find innovations throughout that maximise energy return, responsiveness and comfort.
Namely, a set of carbon-infused ENERGYRODS 2.0 provide lightweight stiffness for a snappy, efficient stride while ultralight LIGHTSTRIKE PRO cushions every step with adidas’ most resilient foam yet to help you maintain energy even over the longest distances. It all rides on a thin layer of textile rubber outsole for extraordinary traction in both wet and dry conditions.
2. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v13
All-white Fresh Foams are the stompers of choice for stylish Cape Town types, but these shoes can rack up serious mileage beyond farm markets and hole-in-the-wall cafes. Under the hood, you’ll find a high-performance running engine with a versatile chassis that’s ready to tackle anything from 5K capers to rigorous races. Their secret tech? The Fresh Foam X midsole cushioning has been finetuned for slick transitions, putting a spring in your step on push-offs and landings.
READ MORE: Can Running Actually Help You Lose Weight?
On the tarmac, we liked the feel of the breathable mesh upper which kept even longer slogs feeling breezy. This pair is also built to last, sporting New Balance’s Ndurance rubber outsole to max out durability in high-wear areas to ensure you’re not losing traction even after logging your 200th kilometre. And, yes, you can rock these casually, too—skinny jeans not included.
3. Brooks Ghost 15
The Ghost has been a go-to in the Brooks foot locker for years, and the latest iteration is one of our top picks. It’s a versatile cushioned trainer that’ll please Parkrun test pilots, marathon masters and every type of runner in between. These are firm underfoot, giving you a tactile ground feel with the cushioning stepping in to serve up spongy support. Sure, it might not be the most plush shoe available, but it still feels great in motion.
READ MORE:
The design does an admirable job of soaking up impact forces, ultimately giving you the sort of support that you want from a daily training shoe. We’re big fans of the precision-engineered upper which has been spun from a breathable mesh for every-lap ventilation. (These also fit slightly wider than most—great if other shoes tend to feel constricting.) Ultimately, at this price point, you’re snapping up an incredibly competent shoe that can take you from your first kilometres to fulfilling your marathon ambitions.
4. adidas Boston 12
Not ready for the full marathon? These shoes are perfect its smaller counterparts. A half-marathon is a race, but it’s also a goal—so you’ll need a pair of shoes that can rise to the occasion whether you’re clocking training laps or lining up for the big day.
These trainers are engineered for mid- to long-distance running, bringing a race-day feel to your practice sessions with a propulsive feel thanks to their glass fibre-infused ENERGYRODS 2.0 that’ll help limit energy loss underfoot. But it’s not all speed and no strength—a midsole that combines layers of ultra-light LIGHTSTRIKE PRO and LIGHTSTRIKE 2.0 EVA will give you durability, comfort and support.
5. PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
Building on the massive success of its predecessor, the second iteration of this high-performance runner will put a serious spring in your step come race day. It sports maximum cushioning without sacrificing on responsive, straddling that all important comfort-slash-firepower line that’s crucial to conquering a marathon.
READ MORE: Tips You Didn’t Know About Cardio From Groundbreaking Studies
We like the reworked collar that’ll keep heel slip to a bare minimum on long runs. The lighter, asymmetrical base is also incredibly versatile, serving you loyally across training runs, marathons and even ultra distances.
The mesh upper is incredibly breathable, so you can trust that you’ll toes will stay well-ventilated on race day. Underneath you’ll find the super durable PUMAGRIP for multi-surface traction.
6. Salomon DRX Bliss
Salomon is a name that’s synonymous with rugged trails, but their running pedigree isn’t just reserved for the wilds. The DRX Bliss is a new entry into their roster of road shoes and represents an impressive next step into casual running territory for the company.
The Bliss is armed with an Active Chassis System engineered to enable smooth and stable running. As a result, it almost feels like this pair is guiding your strides, helping you strike the ground with precision. In tandem with the EnergyFoam in the midsole (and responsive cushioning), you get a bouncy feel with oh-so-satisfying energy return.
We’re big fans of the fit; especially the plush collar which felt snug and not suffocating. And Salomon hasn’t left their commitment to try-tested traction behind on the trail; this pair features their Contragrip rubber which will keep you upright and on target wherever your marathon pursuits take you.
