7 Best running shoes for marathons in 2024

The best running shoes for marathons are those that enhance agility and energy return. These shoes feature supportive midsoles and securely placed heel counters. A marathon runner requires shoes that facilitate controlled motion, soft foot strikes, joint flexion, and foot strength.

Running shoes for grueling sports like marathons should not require time to break in—the feet should feel snug and secure on the first try. With the range of footwear in the market, selecting the best running shoes for marathons might be daunting. Hence, here is a careful curation of the bestselling and most popular running shoes. These silhouettes come with positive reviews from athletes and experts.

---

7 Best running shoes for marathons in 2024

• Puma Deviate Nitro 2
• Nike Vaporfly 3 Premium
• Brooks Ghost Max Cushion Neutral
• Nike Pegasus 40
• Hoka Tecton X 2 Shoe
• Asics Metaspeed Edge
• On Cloudeclipse Shoes

1. Puma Deviate Nitro 2

The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 (Image via Puma)

The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 is one of the brand's best-selling running shoes. Crafted from synthetic, textile, and rubber materials, this pair comes in a black-and-white colorway.

According to the brand's description, these shoes feature a low-top silhouette, engineered carbon plates for energy return, Puma grip multi-terrain rubber for traction, and Nitro Elite cushioning. The pair also comes with a black breathable mesh upper, reflective design elements, a white midsole, and a black outsole.

This pair sells for $160 on Puma's online store.

---

2. Nike Vaporfly 3 Premium

The Nike Vaporfly 3 Premium (Image via Nike)

According to Nike, the Vaporfly 3 Premium was re-engineered for running marathons. The shoes are dressed in burnt orange, blue, and white. The pair features a low-cut design and old-school graphics.

The full-length carbon fiber plates, Nike ZoomX cushioning, responsive foam, Flyknit yarns, and thin rubber outsoles enhance controlled motion and foot strength. The pair also has a new waffle pattern for multi-surface traction, light padding on the tongue, and an offset heel seam.

The shoes sell for $270 on Nike's online store.

---

3. Brooks Ghost Max Cushion Neutral

The Brooks Ghost Max Cushion Neutral (Image via Amazon)

The Brooks Ghost Max is Amazon's choice in men's road running shoes. Crafted from synthetic, rubber, and textile materials, this pair is draped in black. The shoes reportedly feature a high stack of DNA Loft v2 cushioning and GlideRoll Rocker transition technology.

According to the brand's description, this pair is best suited for those who want maximized cushioning and protection while having an effortless heel-toe transition.

This pair sells for $149.95 on Amazon.

---

4. Nike Pegasus 40

The Nike Pegasus 40 (Image via Nike)

This Pegasus 40 silhouette is presented in black, green, and navy blue. The pair features a low-cut design, Zoom Air units, and React foam plus. The shoes also reportedly come with breathable engineered mesh uppers, padded collar tongues, redesigned midfoot, and waffle-inspired rubber outsoles that boost traction and flexibility.

According to the brand's description, the combination of Zoom Air units and React foam ensures a super comfortable fit, making your long run comfortable. This pair sells for $77.97 on the brand's online store.

---

5. Hoka Tecton X 2 Shoe

The Hoka Tecton X 2 Shoe (Image via Backcountry)

The Hoka Tecton X 2 is crafted from Matryx and rubber materials and comes in blue, yellow, and orange. The shoes reportedly feature an engineered mesh upper, dual carbon fiber plates, lightweight midsoles, and Vibram rubber.

According to the brand's description, this pair of Hoka shoes is light and breathable. It boasts a hydrophobic Matryx upper that ensures the feet stay light and dry. This pair sells for $224.95 on the Backcountry online store.

---

6. Asics Metaspeed Edge

The Asics Metaspeed Edge (Image via Asics)

The Asics Metaspeed Edge is crafted from textile and rubber and comes in a yellow and orange colorway. The pair reportedly features an engineered mesh upper, FF Blast Turbo cushioning, and a curved sole design that helps conserve energy.

According to the brand, the carbon plates and ASICSGRIP outsole rubber propel the feet forward and improve grip and traction. This pair sells for $325 on the Asics online store.

---

7. On Cloudeclipse Shoes

The On Cloudeclipse Shoes (Image via On)

These shoes are draped in an ash grey and white colorway. The pair features an elevated platform, low-cut silhouette, built-in tongue connects, engineered mesh upper, ultra-thick midsole, and Speedboard. Also, the bottom unit is made with Helion perform.

According to the brand's description, this pair uses Double CloudTec Phase, which takes comfort to the next level by providing cushioning in sequence to absorb impact. It sells for $179.99 on the brand's online store.

---

Some of these running shoes have been equipped with Carbon plate technology, making them suitable for running marathons.