Best Long Distance Running Shoes
High-mileage runners need something soft enough that is capable of providing cushioning against the unforgiving pavements. They also look for shoes that are firm as well as burly enough to handle long-distance running.
At the same time, long-distance running shoes should be light enough to not make your feet tired easily as well as durable.
Besides all of that, there is also comfort that shouldn’t be ignored as these runners will spending long hours wearing long-distance running shoes.
The 5 Top-Rated Long Distance Running Shoes
Above all, comfort is very important when choosing long-distance running shoes, runners spend a whole lot of time in their running shoes.
Be it for training or just walking around in the shoes for the fun of it, and making sure they will still be comfortable after 5,10,15 miles.
Long-distance and marathon runs require a lot out of shoes. And hence, the long-distance runners are very demanding in the type of shoes they want as well as the features they need.
Best Long Distance Running Shoes Must-Haves
When buying running shoes, there is no one type that fits all needs, but we’ll look at what you need to consider to get the best long-distance running shoes.
Fit and Comfort
For most runners, after running some distance the feet tend to swell so it’s safe to go a half size when buying running shoes.
That’s not to say it’s the done thing, some runners prefer snug-fitting shoes. There is no right or wrong here, go with what’s right for you, but it’s safer to go a half size larger.
If you’re unsure what works best for you, you could buy cheap pairs to test things out. We have an earlier post where we covered different pairs of cheap running shoes here.
Distance And Surface
Even long-distance runners do have short races, running surfaces too are not always the same. For this reason, you`ll need to consider the right running shoes depending on the surface and the running pace.
Racing Shoes or Training shoes
As a runner, you need more than one pair of shoes for different runs. Most runners have training shoes that have enough cushioning then there are RACE shoes, these are responsive and lighter shoes.
You still have to break in your racing shoes, train in them before a race so they fit your feet, and to be sure they are comfortable and will not cause blisters or injury during a race.
According to people.com, even the Queen has someone break in her shoes before wearing them. You can read more here.
Listed below are some of the best long-distance running shoes that offer all the above features:
Note that the list is not in any specific order as it will be unjust to put top ranking or whatever at the top, so I enter everything randomly, this way, you can read the whole post before making an informed decision.
The Best Long Distance Running Shoes
You can find the Vaporfly NEXT% everywhere. This is one of the most popular running shoes and of course, coming from Nike there is no surprise.
From beginners to professional runners, this Nike shoe is the favorite of them all.
One o the many things that makes this running shoe so popular is its easy availability.
It still keeps going steady even after numerous new running shoes coming in the market due to the significant amount of headstart it has had in this arena.
You`ll find more about Nike Zoom Vaporfly NEXT% in an earlier post covering the best Nike running shoes here.
Very few running shoes can really match the HOKA Clifton 7 in terms of combination cushioning as well as weight.
This makes it another one amongst the best long-distance running shoes available in the market.
It is full of EVA foam which continues to stand for unrivaled cushioning ability.
Soft landings as well as smooth transitions are only possible due to this cushioning which makes for a comfortable ride.
In running for long-distances, comfort cannot be overlooked as feet comfort and wellbeing is almost everything.
This shoe features a light and streamlined upper that helps in maintaining the low weight of the shoe. It also has an accommodating fit.
Mizuno Wave Rider 24
Mizuno Wave Rider 24 can be counted for being a dependable running shoe. Wave Rider 24 is one of the best-selling Mizuno shoes of all time. It further has an addition of a new component to the mix that improves the ride.
It is a new foam known as Enerzy which gives a plush underfoot and makes it bouncier than ever before.
Wave Plate technology is a plastic plate that is sandwiched in the midsole that helps in dispersing the impact from the landing and convert it into a smooth transition from its heel to toe.
Kayano provides optimum stability to your feet while running which is important during the last leg of your running journey.
This latest running shoe ASICS model is as smooth and stable as ever.
ASICS utilizes its two-fold stability technologies in this running shoe. Namely, Kayano 27: Dynamic DuoMax as well as the Trusstic system.
The Dynamic DuoMax creates a more stable platform, especially for overpronators. The Trusstic system helps in reducing the twisting.
If you read our past blog, you`ll remember this is one of our top choices of running shoes for bunions, missed the post? you can read it here.
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4
This HOKA running shoe has been named after one of the most prolific as well as decorated ultrarunners, Karl “The Speedgoat” Meltzer.
With this name comes a lot of very high expectations. Surprisingly, HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 comes though in regards to all these expectations.
It shouldn’t be surprising as the shoe was developed after plenty of testing as well as feedback from the person the shoe was named after himself.
It features a big and soft bed of HOKA foam that provides a substantial cushioning to every step of the runner. The toe box is widened slightly to give more room so as to allow the feet to splay and balance.
The Vibram MegaGrip outsole has been left unchanged which offers the traction and grip required for unpredictable running trail conditions.
The updated version of Glycerin exhibits luxury with its silky fabric covering on the cushioned heel collar as well as a padded tongue that swaddles the foot in comfort.
There is even an internal bootie that wraps the midfoot in a welcome hug.
These premium amenities have been built above a full-length DNA Loft midsole. It is the softest foam composed by Brooks which is worth it.
This running shoe is capable of soaking up the continuous pounding imparted by running.
Very few running shoes are capable of delivering a soft underfoot feel along with an all-around comfort that the Glycerin 18 offers.
Best Value Long Distance Running shoes
Skechers GOrun 7+
The Skechers GOrun 7 with HyperBurst foam is light and bouncy(but not too squishy). The responsiveness in these shoes is worth mentioning, rounded toe reassures enough room and added comfort.
The shoes are for all who need midsole cushioning with a durable outsole for increased stability and support.No worry of blisters at the back of your ankles either.
Good for training if you do not want to spend too much on training shoes. Just because they are simple and affordable does not mean a compromise in quality.
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, we did not want to arrange the running shoes in a particular order. The best shoes for long-distance running will always depend on your specific needs.
Since you kept reading, we will make an exception and rank just one shoe and the ranking will be price-wise(that’s not to say the quality is not great).
But remember that none of the best long-distance running shoes above we did not mention any prices. So that`s what makes this one different.
Conclusion On The Best Long Distance Running Shoes
Long-distance running shoes should be able to stave off the discomfort of logging big miles.
The best long-distance running shoes for you are the ones that fit your weight, style of your running, your preferences as well as your goals.
You will not find a single best long-distance running shoe pair for everyone. However, you can find the right pair for an individual as per their needs and requirements.
If you find this article helpful, do write to us about your preference for long-distance running shoes. Share it using the social media icons linked below.
If you have any questions please leave a message and we`ll surely get back to you. If you want to purchase any of the products mentioned above, just click on the product name and you`ll be taken to the best vendor.
Want to check other running shoes? Check an earlier post where we cover different running shoes.
I was unaware that one had to go up a half a size when buying running shoes, as I always thought that they had to be a tight fit due to the fact that if your feet rub too much on the shoe it would cause blisters. But you are right, as the feet do swell when they get hot.
Love the different shades of orange in that sneaker and I am sure nobody will miss you running in those.
Thanks Michel
For walking shoes, a snug fit it great, for running marathons, the shoes need to have space enough for when your feet start to swell and believe me they will.
But having said that, I`ve seen marathon runners loose a shoe when running and believe me, you don`t want to bend down and tie shoes when running a marathon either.
Thank you for writing this article. I had been wondering about this. I have just started running and I did not know that I would need to buy different types of running shoes, so this has been very useful. I like the sound of the Asics Gel and the Skechers GoRun with the foam inside, that sounds comfy. Thanks again for the useful information.
thanks Natalie
People who run just for fun don`t need those big brand name running shoes, cheaper alternatives can be just as good.
great post!
I always thought that running shoes should be tight fitted.
thanks for providing these valuable tips!
Hello Hari
Tight-fitting running shoes are ok, they just should not be too tight fitting, snug is what I prefer to go for because if the shoes are tight, as you run more, your feet swells and tight fitting shoes will get uncomfortable.
Thanks for a great and informative article on running shoes. You covered tons of information. There are so many things to consider when purchasing a good running shoe. Style, looks, comfort, durability, size (I was not aware that the feet actually swell when running). You covered all the angles. I use to run often but since I have had some medical issues, I do more walking, (power walking). It would be good for me to get a shoe one half size larger to account for the swelling while power walking. Good rating system and very well written!
Thanks John
For my buying shoes the most important thing that I must have is comfort because, without comfort, no shoe is good enough.
You can`t power walk with tight-fitting shoes for long as it will be uncomfortable and not good for your feet in the long run so always look for the right fit.
Thanks for a great and informative article on running shoes. You covered tons of information. There are so many things to consider when purchasing a good running shoe. Style, looks, comfort, durability, size (I was not aware that the feet actually swell when running). You covered all the angles. I use to run often but since I have had some medical issues, I do more walking, (power walking). It would be good for me to get a shoe one half size larger to account for the swelling while power walking. Good rating system and very well written!
Hi John
Your feet takes you to so many places, I`ve never understood people owning so much clothes and so few shoes. I love being active and it will be impossible with uncomfortable shoes so to me, comfortable affordable sports shoes, be they tennis shoes, running shoes, or just walking shoes are a must-have.
I think it helps that I only put on sneakers, I can really not walk in heeled shoes, I just find myself waddling so instead of spending money on some uncomfortable shoes that leave me walking like a duck, I do spend money on good sneakers.
Thanks for stopping by.