Training for a marathon is a huge commitment - months of early mornings, long runs, and gradual progress. Choosing the right marathon shoes can make all that hard work feel smoother on race day.
There’s no single “best” marathon shoe. The right choice depends on your experience, goals, and how you want to feel at mile 20.
Cushioned marathon shoes – comfort & protection
Many runners prioritise comfort over speed, especially for their first marathon. Cushioned shoes help reduce fatigue by absorbing impact and protecting tired legs over long distances.
Best cushioned marathon shoes:
- Saucony Triumph 23 - Soft, protective cushioning for long miles (shop mens | shop womens)
- Brooks Glycerin 23 - Smooth, plush, and exceptionally comfortable (shop mens | shop womens)
- ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28 - Cloud-like cushioning with excellent shock absorption (shop mens | shop womens)
These shoes are ideal if your goal is to finish strong and enjoy the experience.
Cushioned stability marathon shoes
If you benefit from added support, stability shoes can be a brilliant marathon option, helping maintain form late in the race. Top stability marathon shoes:
- ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 (shop mens | shop womens)
- Saucony Hurricane 25 (shop mens | shop womens)
- Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 (shop mens | shop womens)
They offer plush cushioning with subtle guidance to keep your stride efficient when fatigue sets in.
Carbon plate shoes – speed & efficiency
Carbon shoes are lighter and more responsive, helping some runners run faster with less energy. They’re best suited to experienced runners who’ve trained consistently in them. Top carbon marathon shoes for 2026:
- New Balance SC Elite v5 (shop mens | shop womens)
- Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 (shop mens | shop womens)
Top Tip from the Running Bear Team
Whichever shoe you use, they should always be worn in training before race day. Never run on race day in new shoes.