With the London Marathon looming and the race calender starting to take shape it’s definitely time to make sure that you have the correct shoes on your feet come the big day.
In our latest test we take a look at suitable shoes for running the marathon. These range from everyday running shoes to specifically designed marathon racing shoes. Just a quick word of forewarning, if you are not already used to wearing racing shoes it’s too late to consider wearing them for the London Marathon but if you have a later deadline then they are certainly worth giving a try.
The marathon distance does not suffer fools. Whereas over 5km or 10km you can “get away” with wearing ill fitting shoes the marathon distance will not allow such mistakes! And after the hours of preparation, blood, sweat and inevitable tears you don’t want your shoes to ruin you big day.
First and foremost you must identify what running shoes you need. To do this your best option is to visit a specialist running shop, alternatively you can use our running shoe selection guide.
Marathon Racing Shoes
These are simply lighter or more responsive versions of everyday running shoes. Usually built on a semicurved or curved last, they’re for fast-paced training or racing. They usually have less cushioning than a normal running shoe, for light weight and responsiveness. Some are relatively stable; others are not.
You should buy these if: you’re a quick, efficient runner or you want a racing shoe, but want more support and cushioning than you’d get from one of the pure, superlight racers.
Brooks Launch – RRP £70.00. Currently available from £66.94
Recently voted Editors Choice by Running Fitness Magazine the Brooks Launch is an extremely versatile running shoe and a strong favorite amongst our viewers. It is a “just enough” shoe i.e. it provides just enough cushioning without being soft and just enough support without being restrictive. For such a lightweight shoe it provides ample guidance and support to help you through 26.2 miles.
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Nike LunarElite+ – RRP £85.00. Currently available from £76.50
Lighter than the LunarGlide+, the LunarElite+ provides a faster and more responsive ride. However this comes at the detriment of support and protection. In our experience this shoe is strictly for neutral runners and should be considered as a Tempo trainer. The Flywire on the upper helps lock your foot down and they are extremely comfortable. If you want to find out more about the shoe check out this video.
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adidas adizero Tempo - RRP £70.00. Currently available from £63.00
This is the go-to racing shoe for many runners and rightly so! Over the years it has built a reputation as being a fast performer with sufficient protection for most runners. If you are an over-pronator then you should be taking a look at the adizero Tempo. Although it is one of the lightest shoes in its class the ground-adapting FORMOTION and TORSION SYSTEM provide a smooth ride. Pure and simple in appearance and function, it gives you everything you need, with nothing you don’t!
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Brooks Racer ST 4 - RRP £60.00. Currently available from £44.00
Our blogger and regular racer; Carol, is a huge fan of the ST 4 and she knows her shoes! Designed to work with mild to moderate over- pronation, the Racer ST 4 has enough backbone to conquer the marathon but are light enough for tempo sessions.
The heel cushioning is ample for heavier heel strikers. Given the price and the guidance features the Brooks Racer ST 4 is an excellent choice for first time racers.
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ASICS Gel DS Trainer 15 - RRP £90.00. Currently available from £74.99
You don’t become ASICS’ most popular racing shoe without a good reason. The DS Trainer 15 punches above its mere 281g in weight to provide plenty of cushioning.
Slight modifications have been made to the Gel DS 15 Trainer, including better breath-ability and a slightly more open toe-box. Don’t worry! You’ll recognize the same race-ready, cushioned platform you loved in the previous DS Trainer.
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Everyday Running Shoes
These shoes are for people that want to tackle a multitude of distances, ranging from 5k to marathons. They provide more protection, support and stability than racing shoes and are designed to help you last the distance rather than shave seconds off your time!
Nike LunarGlide+ – RRP £80.00. Currently available from £66.94
On the run, the Nike LunarGlide+ is extremely cushioned (in a soft, bouncy way) especially in the heel. It is a pleasurable feeling, especially if you are used to harder support shoes – but some runners might not like it. As for the support, our testing felt the shoe delivered some support, but we don’t believe it’s enough to support a serious over pronator over the marathon distance. They suited for neutral runners that wish to tackle the marathon.
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Mizuno Wave Rider 13 - RRP £90.00. Currently available from £64.00
The Wave Rider 13 just gets better with age. The latest version of the iconic Wave Rider is fitted with Dynamotion, essentially a series of stretch panels throughout the shoe, which move with the foot to reduce impact forces.
Recommended for runners who want a lightweight, flexible shoe with a fantastic heel-to-toe transition the Wave Rider 13 combines cushioning with a silky smooth ride making it ideal for the marathon distance.
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ASICS GEL Kayano 16 - RRP £120. Currently available from £80.00
Expect to see a lot of Kayano 16′s on your marathon route. The Asics Gel Kayano 16 remains one of the best structured cushioning shoes available making it perfect for the marathon distance. It is suited for heavier runner expecting to run 3.30hrs+ for the marathon.
The fit has been improved, the weight reduced and the cushioning increased. It may be expensive but it’s worth it! If you are after a cheaper option take a look at the ASICS GT 2150 or the brilliant ASICS GT 1150.
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New Balance 1064 – RRP £95.00. Currently available from £71.99
This is a snug shoe, offering great breath-ability and excellent heel cushioning. However the transition from heel to toe is a little stiff and this may irritate during long runs.
Be warned if you liked the 1063 you will find this a different proposition. New Balance appear to have had all the right intentions but unfortunately 1064 comes up short of the high standards set by the 1063.
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Saucony ProGrid Paramount 2 – RRP £110. Currently available from £98.90
Ideal for moderate over-pronators this somewhat expensive offering from Saucony is a plush performer. The Saucony ProGrid Paramount 2 features Saucony’s latest impact deflection technology, ProGrid, which runs the full length of the shoe to absorb impact, dissipate shock and provide a seamless transition from heel to forefoot. This smooth transition, secure fit and breathable upper make the Paramount 2 a great choice.
I’ve just brought a pair of Brook Launch so I’m chuffed to see that they are on your list! I did my first 20 miler at the weekend and they were faultless. Great review.
Ive just started to wear racing flats. I suppose I was inspired by all the talk of barefoot running but didnt want to go that far. Anyway, ive found that they make a huge difference. I always thought that because im heavy that I needed more cushioning but the adidas Tempos have made me run more on my toes and as a result i run with far less impact. Over 5km Ive now shaved 30sec off my pb and over 1/2M just under 2mins! Im not saying they will work for everyone but they are definitely worth a try.
Did my first 20 miler yesterday and my legs are really sore. Can’t fault the asics kayano’s though. A friend persuaded me to buy them and Im glad I did.