What should you look for in a marathon running shoe?

All sorts of people take part in marathons, from pros to first-timers, and each runner will need to be equipped with suitable sports shoes.

But with so many on the market to choose from, how do you decide which pair are best for you? Below are some marathon trainer tips.

Comfort and durability are primary considerations, but more recent technological innovations such as carbon-plating are increasingly influential deciders too. Marathon runners will want to balance cushioning comfort with firmness and responsiveness.

Breathability is another aspect to think about, especially when feet heat up and swell during exercise. Similarly, size is fundamental, and running shoes should be treated differently to ordinary shoes, allowing an extra half-size to factor in foot expansion and avoiding tightness and continuous friction.

When selecting footwear, marathon beginners should consider prioritising comfort and using the same shoes as during training. Runners with higher aspirations than simply finishing the course may also want to consider carbon plated race shoes that offer a high energy return with propulsive midsole foams.

Brands offering this functionality include the Asics Superblast 2 and New Balance Rebel 4. There are also ‘super shoes’, which are thought to improve oxygen running economy by an average of 4%. Numerous brands claim to offer these advantages, including the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4, Salomon S/Lab Spectur, Adidas Adios Pro 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite.

At Maximum Mileage Coaching, we offer marathon training schedules that are bespoke to you, along with tailored tips on the best shoes to train in. Contact us today for details.