The Best Running Shoes for a Marathon 2026
You’ve put in the training, and marathon day is just around the corner, but have you got your race day shoes sorted?
Get this right early, and it can make all the difference. You’ve probably heard the saying “nothing new on race day”; well, this applies to everything, from clothing and fueling to, most importantly, your shoes.
We’re here to help you make the right choice for your goals, so you can train comfortably right up to the start line. Whether you’ve got your sights set on a new marathon PB or you’re simply aiming to cross the finish line with a smile on your face, this guide will help you find the right shoes to keep you going strong deep into those later miles.
We’ll cover the best marathon running shoes, starting with carbon-plated super shoes built for pure speed and a range of non-plated alternatives that still deliver a responsive, efficient ride.
What features to look for in marathon running shoes
Comfort
When runners think of comfort, they often jump straight to cushioning, that soft, plush feeling underfoot. But for marathon training and racing, comfort goes far beyond that.
The goal is to minimise distractions over 26.2 miles. That’s why many marathon shoes use ultra-lightweight, seamless uppers designed to reduce friction and irritation. From the way the laces sit across your foot to the breathability of the upper, every detail can make a difference on race day.
Because of this, it’s important to cover some miles in your marathon shoes during training. The more familiar they feel in training, the more confident you’ll feel when it matters most.
Sizing and fit
As with most running shoes, it’s often recommended to go up between half and one full size. This is particularly crucial over the 26.2 miles as the feet begin to swell over distance.
Keep in mind your shoe should still feel secure. Look for a snug fit around the heel and midfoot, with enough room in the front for your toes to move freely.
Geometry
Many marathon trainers feature what’s known as a ‘rocker’ profile or geometry, which is particularly common in carbon-plated ‘super shoes’. This design helps improve heel-to-toe transitions, creating a smoother and more propulsive ride.
You will see below that some of the marathon shoes in this guide have a more aggressive rocker than others. For example, models like the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro provide a very pronounced forward-rolling sensation underfoot.
Propulsion, responsiveness, and carbon plates
Alongside an exaggerated rocker, many performance-focused marathon shoes also feature carbon plates, designed to improve running efficiency and energy return, helping you maintain pace over longer distances.
That said, these shoes are best suited to runners with strong running economy who can apply consistent force through each stride. For that reason, they’re typically favoured by runners . chasing faster marathon times with their sights set on a PB.
We appreciate that not everyone lining up for a marathon has their sights set on PB, and not everyone wants, needs, or has the budget for a pair of carbon-plated shoes.
However, all runners want to feel comfortable, supported, and confident all the way to the finish line. The good news is you can still achieve that responsive ride without a plate. Which can often be a much smarter and forgiving choice for some runners. These include models like the Asics Super Blast or Adidas EVO SL, which use high-rebound foam to deliver bounce without the stiffness of a plate.
Below, we’ve broken down our recommended marathon shoes into two categories: carbon-plated marathon shoes and plateless alternatives. Both have their place on the start line; the key is understanding what works best for your running style and race-day goals.
Check out our top 9 marathon shoe recommendations for 2026 below; *Please note: The following shoes are not listed in rank order
Carbon-Plated Marathon Running Shoes
Nike Alphafly Next% 3
The Nike Alphafly is the carbon-plated shoe that redefined marathon racing, paving the way for the next generation of marathon shoes. Built for chasing PBs, with some of the most advanced technology.
If they were good enough for Kelvin Kiptum to break the Marathon World Record time in, then they should be good enough for you.
The Alphafly 3 is all about efficiency, helping you maintain pace with less energy spent. A shoe that gives back with every stride. Suited to those who are comfortable running at faster paces.
| Weight | Men's 218g / Women's 174g |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Best For | Maximum efficiency over the marathon distance |
New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v5
Not all carbon-plated shoes feel aggressive. The SC Elite v5 is designed for marathon moments, where seconds really do count, providing you with the propulsive feel you expect from a race-day shoe, with a more controlled, predictable underfoot feel. A great choice for runners stepping into carbon shoes for the first time, and looking for a fast, efficient ride. Or marathon racers looking for strong performances, where speed and comfort play equal parts. It combines a soft, bouncy foam with a very noticeable forward propulsion that really comes into its own over longer distances.
| Weight | Men's 217g / Women's 170g |
| Drop | 4mm |
| Best For | Runners who want race-day speed without an overly aggressive feel |
Wave rebellion pro
At first glance, you can see this is a unique marathon shoe, thanks to its extremely pronounced rocker shape. This aggressive setup is designed for those who are confident at pace, seeking a fast sub 2.5 hour marathon time. The Wave Rebellion Pro 3 features a Mizuno SMOOTH SPEED ASSIST , to help you achieve the ideal gait, it encourages a quick, rolling stride that can help maintain your pace efficiently and feel incredibly fast.
| Weight | Men's 255g |
| Drop | 4mm |
| Best For | Efficient runners who like an aggressive ride |
ASICS METASPEED™ PARIS
This shoe is designed for runners who naturally increase their stride length as they speed up.
It delivers a lightweight, responsive ride with a strong focus on helping you maintain speed over long distances. A great option if you’re aiming to run consistently fast from start to finish.
| Weight | 170g. |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Best For | Stride-based runners looking to maximise efficiency |
Non-Carbon-Plated Marathon Running Shoes
adidas Adizero EVO SL
adidas has taken what they know to be good in their elite marathon shoes and let some of the tech trickle down into this model to give you a great, lightweight, non-carbon plate alternative, ideal for those looking for a more natural ride in their race-day shoe. Considering the performance it offers, it also sits at a great price point.
| Weight | Men's 224g / Women's 188g |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Best For | Lightweight, stripped-back speed without a plate |
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
The Rebel v5 is a flexible, fast shoe with ample cushioning to keep your feet happy while still remaining lightweight. Not everyone wants max stacked foams . The lower profile encourages a natural running style, while the lightweight feel makes it a great choice for runners chasing quicker times.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
It's worth noting that the Saucony Endorphin Speed had a nylon plate, unlike a typical carbon plate, which can sometimes feel harsh and rigid. The Endorphin balances propulsion and comfort, making it a popular choice for both training and racing, especially for runners who want a “fast” shoe that still feels forgiving over long distances.
| Weight | Men's 237g / Women's 229g |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Best For | Race-day feel without full carbon-plate stiffness |
| Weight | 227g |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Best For | Lightweight, natural-feeling speed |
FAQs about the best running shoes for marathon running
Want to find out more? We've been busy collecting all the latest tips & expert advice for marathon training and race days. Our Marathon category lets you experience real in-the-moment stories as we dive deeper into Q&A with athletes, kit reviews, nutritional advice and so much more!
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We've been busy collecting all the latest tips & expert advice for marathon training and race days. Our exclusive guide lets you experience real in-the-moment stories as we dive deeper into Q&A with top brands, exclusive SportsShoes reviews, nutrition advice and so much more!