You’ve put in the training, marathon day is getting closer and there’s probably a long list of things you still need to sort. Race day shoes should be pretty high up that list.
The right pair can make a big difference over 26.2 miles, particularly when you reach those later stages and your legs are starting to feel the distance. But there’s no single shoe that works for every runner. What matters is finding something that feels comfortable, suits your running style and gives you what you need on race day.
In partnership with SportsShoes, we’ve rounded up seven marathon shoes worth knowing about, from carbon-plated racers built with speed in mind to non-plated options that can still give you a responsive, energetic ride.
There’s plenty of running shoe technology out there, and it can get a bit overwhelming. But when you’re choosing a marathon shoe, there are a few things that are worth paying attention to.
You’re going to be spending a long time in your shoes, so comfort matters.
It’s not just about having plenty of cushioning underfoot, either. A comfortable marathon shoe should feel good around your whole foot, with a secure fit, a breathable upper and no obvious pressure points or rubbing.
It’s also worth getting some proper miles in them before race day. A shoe might feel great for a few miles, but you want to know how it feels when you’re several hours into a long run.
Your feet can swell as the miles add up, so having enough room around your toes is particularly important for marathon day.
You want a secure fit around the heel and midfoot, while still giving your toes enough room to move freely. If you’re trying a new pair, give yourself plenty of time to work out whether the fit is right before you commit to running a marathon in them.
You might have noticed that many modern marathon shoes have a curved or ‘rockered’ shape through the sole.
This geometry is designed to help your foot move smoothly from heel to toe, creating a more rolling and sometimes more propulsive feeling as you run.
The amount of rocker varies between shoes. Some have a relatively subtle curve, while others, such as the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro, have a much more noticeable forward-rolling sensation.
Carbon-plated shoes have become a common sight on marathon start lines, particularly among runners chasing faster times.
The combination of a rigid plate, lightweight construction and responsive foam is designed to improve running efficiency and help you maintain your pace over longer distances. They can be a great option if you’re comfortable running at faster paces and want to make the most of your race-day effort.
But you don't need a carbon plate to run a good marathon.
Non-plated shoes can still offer plenty of bounce and responsiveness, often with a more forgiving and natural-feeling ride. For some runners, particularly those taking on their first marathon or prioritising comfort and consistency, they may be the better choice.
In partnership with SportsShoes, we’re taking a look at seven marathon shoes they recommend for training and racing, from carbon-plated racers built for speed to non-plated options offering a more versatile ride. They’re not ranked, so think of this as a starting point when you’re looking for your next pair.
The Nike Alphafly is firmly in the super shoe category, built with marathon racing and fast times in mind.
It combines responsive cushioning with a carbon-fibre plate to create a highly efficient, propulsive ride. The idea is to help you maintain your pace while using less energy, making it a popular choice for runners chasing a marathon PB.
It’s best suited to runners who are comfortable running at faster paces and like a shoe that gives plenty back with every stride.
Best for: Maximum efficiency over the marathon distance
Not every carbon-plated shoe has to feel aggressive.
The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite combines soft, bouncy cushioning with a noticeable sense of forward propulsion, while keeping the ride relatively controlled. That makes it an interesting option if you’re stepping into carbon-plated shoes for the first time or simply want a race-day shoe where speed and comfort are both high on the list.
It’s designed to feel particularly at home over longer distances, when that extra responsiveness can come into its own.
Best for: Runners who want race-day speed without an overly aggressive feel
You’ll know the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro when you see it. Its pronounced rocker gives the shoe a very distinctive shape and an equally distinctive feel.
The aggressive geometry is designed to encourage a quick, rolling stride and help runners maintain their pace efficiently. It’s a shoe aimed more towards experienced, efficient runners who are comfortable running at speed and like a strong sense of forward movement.
If you prefer a more traditional, flexible-feeling shoe, this probably isn’t the one. If you like an aggressive ride, it’s a very different proposition.
Best for: Efficient runners who like an aggressive ride
The ASICS METASPEED range is designed around runners who naturally increase their stride length as they speed up.
The lightweight construction and responsive ride are built to help you maintain speed over longer distances, making it a strong option if you’re looking for a race-day shoe that can help you stay efficient from the start line to the finish.
Best for: Stride-based runners looking to maximise efficiency
You don’t need a carbon plate to get a lightweight, fast-feeling marathon shoe.
The adidas Adizero EVO SL takes inspiration from adidas’ elite racing shoes, bringing some of that performance-focused technology into a non-plated model. The result is a lightweight shoe with a more natural ride, making it a good alternative if you want something responsive without the stiffness of a carbon plate.
It also makes a useful option for runners who want to keep things simple and have a shoe that can work for both racing and faster training sessions.
Best for: Lightweight, stripped-back speed without a plate
The Saucony Endorphin Speed sits somewhere between a traditional training shoe and a full-blown race-day super shoe.
It uses a nylon plate rather than a carbon plate, helping provide some of that responsive, propulsive feeling without being quite as rigid. That balance makes it a versatile option for both training and racing, particularly if you want a shoe that feels fast but is still forgiving over longer distances.
It’s a good choice if you want one pair that can handle faster sessions during your training block and still feel ready for race day.
Best for: Race-day feel without full carbon-plate stiffness
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel is a lightweight and flexible option, with plenty of cushioning without feeling overly built-up underfoot.
The lower-profile design gives it a more natural feel, while the responsive foam keeps things lively when you pick up the pace. It’s a good option if you want something quick and nimble but don’t like the stiffness or aggressive feel of a carbon-plated shoe.
Best for: Lightweight, natural-feeling speed
Whether you’re chasing a PB or getting ready to take on your first marathon, there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to race-day shoes.
The important thing is finding a pair that suits your feet, your running style and what you want from your marathon. Then give them plenty of time on the road before race day so you know exactly what to expect when those miles start to get tough.
Ready to find your next pair? Head to realbuzz Rewards and save on your next running shoe purchase. Go on, treat your feet.