Marathon season has hit. Prepping for your first? Or are you a seasoned pro about to hit double figures? Either way, it’s an exciting time.
But what are the best shoes for running a marathon?
With stacks of options from endless brands all offering different kinds of tech, it can be overwhelming. It’s hard to know which is the perfect pair for you and your goal.
Don’t sweat it, though. That’s where we come in.
From the biggest names in the game, here are the best running trainers you can buy right now for marathon season. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it below.
See something you like? Tap the images to shop.
What are the best Nike running shoes?
Let’s start with the Swoosh.
Nike has been in the running game for over half a century now. Always innovating. Tinkering. Looking to improve. Running is in its DNA.
It knows what it’s doing when it comes to sport shoes.
For a marathon? The Vomero Plus is leading the way right now.
The best marathon shoes are soft, springy and ultra-cushioned to keep you going over long distances. And the Vomero Plus deliver.
With a chunky ZoomX foam midsole, they bring Nike’s highest energy return to the tarmac.
The mesh upper is light and breathable, while the grippy rubber tread stops you slipping. Lace these up and that record time is getting smashed.
What are the best adidas running shoes?
When Adi Dassler first started out, his aim was to revolutionise athletic performance and make a lasting impact on sport.
Safe to say, he succeeded and then some.
For over 70 years, adidas has been one of the leaders in sporting performance, producing high-quality gear used by the world’s best athletes.
The best running shoes for marathon season? It’s got to be the Adizero Evo SL.
With a light and breathable mesh upper, they’re equipped with LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam in the midsole for extra bounce.
The rubber outsole works with a Continental Rubber forefoot patch for firm grip. Looking to go far but fast? These are for you.
What are the best HOKA running shoes?
Bursting onto the scene in the last few years, HOKA is making big moves in the running space.
Catching the eye with chunky midsoles that deliver maximum cushioning, its shoes were originally designed for speed on downhill slopes and favoured by ultra-marathon runners.
Now, HOKA produces road running trainers for everyone, no matter their ability.
Our pick for running a marathon has to be the Bondi 9.
Cushioning like nothing that’s come before, these will get you through mile after mile when the going gets tough.
With an increased stack height and all-new premium foam midsole, every step returns maximum energy for a springy boost. Not only that, the MetaRocker ensures a smooth transition from front to back, while Durabrasion rubber brings ultra-firm traction.
What are the best On running shoes?
When On Running first set out, its goal was to create a running shoe with a totally different feel. Something new and fresh that had never been done before.
Through experimentation and innovation, it achieved just that. Swiss engineering at its finest.
On Running trainers truly are unique. There really is nothing like them out there.
If you’ve got a marathon on the horizon, opt for the Cloudswift Amp.
Light and breathable with a secure cage construction, these will keep you supported from start to finish.
CloudTec cushioning works with dual-density Helion foam for bounce and spring. A nylon-blend Speedboard keeps things balanced.
Need a boost when you’re digging deep? On’s Cloudswift Amp have your back.
What are the best Saucony running shoes?
Technically brilliant with an unbeatable look. Saucony’s signature blend of performance and style make it a serious competitor in the running space.
Our pick for a marathon? It’s got to be the Endorphin Azura. They’re light, breathable and ultra-supportive.
Underfoot, PWRRUN PB foam is soft and springy for extra bounce. SpeedRoll tech offers smoother transitions. Durable XT-900 rubber keeps you gripped.
Mile after mile, they’re coming through when you need it most.
What are the best New Balance running shoes?
With running roots that date back to the 1960s and the ‘Trackster’, its first training shoe, New Balance is a master of its craft.
Making serious waves this marathon season is the Ellipse, the latest in the brand’s running shoe evolution.
The Ellipse celebrate running as a deeply personal experience, away from technology, statistics and leaderboards. Just you, the road and the freedom to go anywhere.
The upper is crafted from ultra-light and breathable mesh. Underfoot, the chunky Fresh Foam X midsole brings bounce and spring without adding weight.
A grippy rubber outsole delivers firm traction.
Go the distance. But enjoy the moment. Lace up in the New Balance Ellipse this season.
To buy online, just tap the images to shop. Or if you’d rather try them on for yourself to make sure they’re right, head in-store and our team will help you out.
You can check out our whole range of running shoes for men, women and kids’ here.
See you at the finish line.
