The Best marathon running shoes for 2021
The Best marathon running shoes for 2021
The question that I get asked the most about running gear is “what is the best running shoe for the distance that I would like to run?”
My answer is always really disappointing to people because it is so simple: The best shoe for you is the most comfortable one for YOU.
Then I say to them, “ask me why”, and the disappointed soon changes to enlightenment when they hear my answer.
There are so many variables that come into play when choosing a running shoe. Your weight, your height, the surface that you are running on, your age, your experience etc. It really comes down to personal preference and how the shoe feels on your foot.
The ultimate goal of your running shoe is to go unnoticed. It should be so comfortable that the shoe doesn’t cross your mind when you are training and you can just focus on your running. There should be no niggles, nothing too tight here or too loose there.
The more experienced you are, the more the shoe specifications will matter to you, but if you are just starting out and training for your first half marathon, aim for COMFORT.
How do I make sure that I am optimizing comfort?
1. The running shoe shouldn’t be too big or too small.
The running shoe should be slightly too big for your foot- usually, a thumb’s width should fit between the top of your big toe and the tip of the shoe (known as the shoe box). For example, I wear a size 5 (UK) shoe for work but my running shoe is a size 6 (UK)
The extra space in the shoe will allow your foot to move comfortably in the shoe when you are running. You want to avoid your toes rubbing on the tip of the shoe causing blisters and loss of toenails which will happen if your shoe is too small or too big for you.
2. Your heel-to-toe drop becomes important if you have a tendency to have lower leg injuries.
The heel to toe (HTT) drop is the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the toe. This describes how much cushioning the shoe has and ranges from 0mm to 12 mm.
When you are barefoot there is a 0 mm drop. The higher the cushioning at the heel, the lower the drop number.
3. Stick to what works for you.
If you have a brand that you know works for you, then there is no need to change things up too much, stick to that brand.
If running a half marathon is a new challenge for you and you are not too sure where to start, this is what I recommend that you do:
Try 4-5 different brands of running shoes on both feet. Don’t worry about what they look like or anything else like that. Be guided by comfort. There will be at least 2 of those shoes that stand out straight away as the most comfortable.
4. Get advice from a proper running shoe store.
5. Finally, choose the running shoe according to the terrain of your half marathon race.
If your half marathon is a road race, then buy a road running shoe. If your half marathon is a trail run, then buy a trail running shoe.
The type of shoe you run in makes a huge difference to comfort.
You’ve now chosen a comfortable shoe, and now it is time to think about the half marathon training ahead of you.
SHOE TACTICS:
1.Break the shoe in, make sure that you are happy with it. You should know after 6 weeks of running that the shoe works for you.
A word of warning: there is no perfect shoe and you might have to do a bit of trial and error until you get things right!
If you are happy with the shoes, then I always advise people to buy two of the same identical shoes.
You are increasing the number of miles that you are covering for your half marathon and you want to have the same cushioning under your foot throughout your training plan. There are 2 ways to use the 2 pairs of shoes that you buy.
2.Rotate the shoes every week. You have pair 1 and pair 2 and use them alternatively each week until race day. (Write 1 and 2 on the inside of each pair to keep track)
3.Wear one pair for all of your training before the race and then introduce new pair of shoes about 6 weeks before the race. The new pair should have about 40 miles (64 Km) on them before race day.
Here is my selection of the best marathon running shoes for men:
SPECIFICATIONS: Neutral, Drop:8 mm, Weight 11.1 ounces
Saucony PWRRUN+ foam makes the shoe springy and comfortable. Its rubber outsole provides traction and durability. The Triumph 18 is a great, comfortable shoe for training for your first marathon that’s also fast enough for you to fly on race day and beyond.
Specifications: Neutral Drop: 4, Stack height (heel to toe) 39/35, Weight: 7.4 ounces
The Alfafly has Air Zoom pods in the forefoot, making it a bit more responsive than the Vaporfly. If you are looking to improve your marathon PB then these are the shoes for you. The Alpfafly will help push you through to finish strong at the end of the marathon.
SPECIFICATIONS: Neutral, Drop:8, Stack Height 35.3/22.5 mm (heel to toe), Weight: 6.3 ounces.
The key to the shoe’s success is the Speedroll technology in the midsole. The combination of elevated cushioning and a stiff forefoot create an instantly responsive ride that propels you forward. Saucony’s PWRRUN PB foam is also soft and lightweight, while the carbon plate in the midsole helps to improve your running economy. This is a hugely popular shoe for those looking to run a speeding marathon.
SPECIFICATIONS: Neutra, Drop: 10 mm, Weight: 8 ounces
The New Balance shoe provides such a fun and bouncy ride, even at slower paces, and has added performance thanks to the carbon plate. The shoe is wrapped in a breathable knit for comfort and has a rubber outsole to improve traction.
SPECIFICATION: Stability, Drop: 10 mm, Weight, 10.7
What’s special about this shoe? The GuideRails technology helps keep your body in a natural running motion while reducing excess movement. You are in for a soft, stable and smooth ride.
Women
And here’s my pick of the top marathon training and running shoes for the ladies:
SPECIFICATIONS: Weight: 8.4 oz ; Drop: 5 mm
The Carbon x2 has a carbon-fiber plate integrated into the midsole which springs you forward with each stride. The Meta-Rocker in the midsole encourages a quicker cadence resulting in faster times. The shoe is super light but has a strong rubberized EVA outsole. This One’s for you if your marathon race time is important to you.
SPECIFICATIONS: Neutral, Drop:13 mm, Weight:9.2 ounces
ASICS has designed a lightweight mesh that is made from 20 % recycled material. This multi dimensional mesh provides excellent vertilation and breathability. The Gel -Nimbus 23 is known for its Gel that serves as a shock absorber which protects your joints. You’ll be able to cover your marathon training distances in comfort with these shoes.
SPECIFICATIONS: Neutral, Drop: 10, Stack height 24/14 (heel to toe), Weight: 8.28 ounces
The Pegasus 38 is built with the React foam which is well known for its springy ride AS WELL AS the Zoom AIR unit in the forefoot. This shoe gives “spring in your step” a whole new meaning. The wider toe box is also a big bonus, keeping you comfortable when you start adding those miles up. If your looking for durable shoes that deliver high performance, the Pegasus 38 ticks those boxes.
SPECIFICATIONS: Support, Drop: 12mm, Weight: 9.1.
Brooks Adrenaline puts 3 components together in a really effective way:
DNA Loft cushioning throughout the midsole, Air Mesh 3D Fit Print technology for a comfortable fit and Guide Rails to promote natural running motion. This shoe will provide you with balance, support and comfort.
SPECIFICATIONS: Neutral, Drop: 8mm, Weight: 7 ounces
The Saucony Endorphon Speed 2 is different because of its nylon plate which is the more flexible, less aggressive version of the carbon plate. These are responsive, light, speedy shoes that are comfortable and that make the ideal race day shoes.
That’s our pick of the bunch!
What is your favorite shoe?
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HI Gritty Runners, I’m Caroline!
I am SO excited that you’re here! I’m super passionate about helping people to run far and having lots of fun along the way. I specialize in teaching others how to have a running body and a running mind to help them go the distance. My mission is to build your resilience so that you can be marathon ready. I pool together my knowledge from sport science, physical therapy and wellness coaching to keep you running stronger for longer.
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