Our research team knows how important it is for a runner to find the perfect professional running shoes, which are able to give just the right amount of stability, cushioning, and support, without sacrificing durability and traction, especially for long-distance races – marathons and half marathons. That’s why we decided to find out what modern shoe brands are the best for long-distance running, and which of the recently released models we can recommend to our readers with a clear conscience.
Running long distance is one of the most rewarding forms of exercise that there is. Putting your running shoes on, heading out the door and being alone with your thoughts as you push your body further than you ever have before is an incredible feeling. What you will find though is that long distance running tends to identify weaknesses in your shoes and magnify them as the journey goes on.
Your cheap running shoes that have served you so well while playing basketball or walking around town reveal small flaws when taken to such extreme distances. The traction isn’t right, they slip slightly as you run down hill, or maybe your feet just aren’t breathing properly. That’s why finding the best long distance running shoes is so important.
In this article we are going to look at five of the best long distance running shoes that you can find online at the moment. We will review them on cost, durability, comfort, and aesthetics (how cool they look while you run). Each shoe will suit somebody different, so don’t just jump at the one with the highest score! Some shoes will benefit people who want to run fast, some will benefit people who want to run in comfort, and some will benefit runners who want to travel in style.
Best Long Distance Running Shoes #1 Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34
Which Nike shoes are the best for running? Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 is the answer! Indeed, all Pegasus line is one of Nike’s most popular ones, and its 34th iteration is probably the best professional running shoe ever. Besides, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 is an ideal option for beginners who strive to win marathons in the near future.
Why and how does Pegasus stand on the market during such a long time? They just work! They’re able to cope with long distances, half marathons, and daily workouts on roads, treadmills, and concrete, they are very lightweight yet durable, reduce sweating and heat buildup when running, providing the runner with maximum comfort and support without blistering and irritation.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 features a fresh breaking external design: the upper is made of FLYMESH material, which seamlessly wraps the foot, improves moisture management, without weighing a runner down. The Nike’s FLYWIRE cables on the sides integrate with the lace-up closure, giving a fluid ride and an adaptive fit.
The midsole is nearly identical to the previous version of the shoe, it’s a blend of full-length CUSHLON foam, which produces a higher level of bounce and responsiveness, ZOOM AIR bags in the forefoot and heel areas, which double the cush effect and the removable anatomically shaped Fitsole insole on the inside. All that stands on the DURALON outsole, that makes Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 super durable and flexible for the longest distances.
Best Long Distance Running Shoes #2 ASICS Gel Kayano 24
ASICS Gel Kayano has been a leading sneaker for men and women in the marathon running shoe community for many years. Moreover, it’s known as a great resolution for people with different feet and knees issues, who wanna run long distances.
ASICS Gel Kayano 24 is deservingly in the top of our list, as it’s literally stuffed with numerous modern technologies, which make this sneaker perfect: ASICS FluidFit Upper guarantees a truly customized glove-like fit, Dynamic DuoMax System (a new version of a traditional DuoMax), MetaClutch external heel counter for improved heel support, Guidance Trusstic System and Guidance Line Technology enhance gait efficiency.
As for cushioning, it’s upgraded by means of several know-hows: FlyteFoam Technology for exceptional bounce back and responsiveness without packing out, GEL Cushioning in the rearfoot and forefoot for smooth transitions through the gait cycle, FluidRide Technology invests into cushioning properties of the shoe and also reduces the overall weight, and the Ortholite X-40 insole adds extra cushioning from the inside.
With ASICS Gel Kayano 24, you’ll feel a huge difference in terms of comfort and support, cushioning and stability immediately since you put them on. Yes, these long-distance runners are rather pricey, however, they definitely worth that money.
Best Long Distance Running Shoes #3 Newton Running Motion VI
Newton Running is a shoe company from Boulder, Colorado that was established in 2007. They may not be a well known company, but they have a dedicated following, and are known among runners for creating comfortable and effective running shoes. We’re looking at their Motion VI long distance running shoes today, and we’re very impressed.
While the Motion V is quite an expensive shoe compared to some others on this list, they benefit from being incredibly comfortable. They are also light weight enough to allow you to run fast in them. There are lots of clever little details that help this shoe stand out from the crowd.
For example, the shoes use a 4-way stretch mesh metatarsal panel, this is to support and protect the small bones in your foot (just before the toes). As this is where a lot of shock is absorbed, the shoes will really help reduce discomfort on long runs. The tongue has a radial band and foam surrounding it to help improve cushioning and prevent pressure around the top of the foot.
The cushioning is made from a patented “Newtonian Cushioning System” which is responsive to your running style. This allows the shoe to be stable while avoiding a loss of speed while racing. The upper is light and breathable thanks to a seamless mesh which will help keep your feet ventilated throughout the run.
The design of this shoe is very good but the only letdown is the aesthetics, the bright colours clash horribly on the blue/orange combination, and you could not wear these shoes for any occasion other than a run. It’s odd that shoe companies keep going for colour schemes such as blue and orange, who likes that? Still, these are some fantastic long distance running shoes, which you should absolutely consider buying.
Best Long Distance Running Shoes #4 Nike Flyknit Racer
Nike Flyknit Racer is known not only as the best Nike running shoes but also as the model, which works ideally both for women and for men. These unisex runners are so popular throughout the world that they hardly need any introduction.
The Flyknit Racer offers a damn good external design: available in a countless variety of colorways from classic and monotonous to bright mixes of vibrant color schemes, it’s made of super breathable, stretchable and supportive Flyknit material, which looks and feels like a soft knitted sock. The Flywire technology helps to reduce the weight of the shoe, providing the adaptive, secure fit, and targeted support.
The full-length Phylon midsole, made of compression-molded EVA foam make the cushioning ultra-responsive, and the forefoot Nike Zoom Air unit ensures a plush feel while still keeping the shoe light and speedy. So, you can be sure that the Nike Flyknit Racer will absorb all the shock and give a little response back to make you the winner of the race.
Best Long Distance Running Shoes #5 Adidas Ultra Boost
You will never go wrong with the Adidas Ultra Boost, as it is a perfect shoe for a perfect run – properly cushioned, lightweight, stable, and secure – what else do you need to do your best at a race? Especially since the style and fashion are also on point! Available in a huge variety of colorways and prints for any taste, the Adidas Ultra Boost deservingly is the best long distance running shoe for women.
The upper of the sneaker is made of highly breathable and stretchable Primeknit material, which is covered with three-stripe overlays on the sides for a more stable fit, also, there’s a heel cage for improved rearfoot security. To reinforce moisture-managing abilities of the upper, on the inside, there’s mesh lining and a moisture-wicking insole.
The unique full-length BOOST technology is probably the main reason to pick these running shoes. The midsole is comprised of 3,000 energy capsules (20% more than any other shoe), which keep every step charged with an endless supply of light, fast energy. Besides, it’s also incredibly stylish and super lightweight.
Adidas’ famous TORSION system allows the forefoot and rearfoot to move independently and adapt to running surfaces, so the heel-to-toe transition is extremely smooth. The Adidas Ultra Boost is an ideal companion for women, who wanna be the first both in the race and in the fashion top!
