The pandemic took away contact sports for all of us, so we all had to find ways of staying in shape and feeding the competitive fire. Running, in general, has become very popular and long distance running is particularly well suited for those extra competitive types. So, the best long distance running shoes are important, especially for those less experienced runners that are just getting into the sport.
It’s actually more difficult than you may think to find a shoe that will last you many, many miles. There are so many boxes to check. Is the upper durable and comfortable? Does the midsole maintain cushioning over the long haul? Does the outsole grip in all conditions and last longer when running on hard surfaces?
Our testers here at WearTesters have put in many miles and hours in these shoes. They do it, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing a shoe and then not liking it. We’ve collected all those findings in one place, our list of the best long distance running shoes.
Updated: 07.17.2024
10+ Best Long Distance Running Shoes
Best Long Distance Running Shoes for Everyday Use:
Asics Superblast 2
The Asics Superblast 2 is an all around improvement from last year’s cult classic. It’s versatile enough to handle anything a runner needs to do including easy runs, tempo runs, speed work, and race days. It’s wide foot friendly with an accommodating engineered woven mesh upper that molds to your feet. The traction, stability, durability, and breathability are all top notch. And the great upper sits on top of a soft yet bouncy FF Turbo+/FF Blast Plus Eco midsole that delivers a fantastic ride. The Superblast 2 doesn’t have any glaring negatives (a rare occurrence in the shoe reviewing business). It’s one of the best shoes on the market. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $200
Hoka Mach 6
The Hoka Mach 6 is the best the Hoka Mach series has ever been. The Mach 6 and its bouncy super critical EVA midsole can do daily miles, speed sessions, and long runs while providing very good durability and fantastic impact protection.
If you’re a wide footer you’ll need to choose the wide version but otherwise the upper and its gully gusseted tongue is comfortable. The Durabrasion rubber outsole is both great in all conditions and durable. The Mach 6 is a shoe that does everything well and is well worth it’s $140 price. tag. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $140
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is New Balance’s most versatile and useful daily running shoe despite not featuring a higher end stack height. The Peba/EVA blend of FuelCell is bouncy and makes it easy to pick the pace (maybe too easy). The upper is accommodating and breathable. The Rebel v4 is also lightweight and stable with durable traction. It’s more shoe than previous Rebels but that makes it accessible to more foot types, and ultimately, more people. It’s one of 2024’s best all around running shoes. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $140
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 continues to be the best shoe in Saucony’s line despite a full aesthetic overhaul. There’s something about the way the TPU plate, Saucony’s Speedroll rocker, and the PWRRUN PB work together. It’s magic on speed days and really earns the Speed name. Despite a more narrow toebox, the Endorphin Speed 4 is one of the most versatile shoes on the market. And, if you don’t like carbon-plated shoes, the Speed 4 is a great option for race day. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price $170
Asics Novablast 4
The Asics Novablast 4 improves almost everything from the awesome Novablast 3 (now on sale) but pulls back a bit on the fun factor in order to give the shoe more mass appeal. It’s more comfortable with improved stability and better traction. It still picks up speed nicely but isn’t as energetic as the original. At $140, it’s a high value do-everything shoe. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $140
Hoka Clifton 9
The Hoka Clifton 9 is the best, most versatile Clifton to date. It’s the same great neutral cushioned shoe with added bounce and elasticity in the midsole and increased durability in the outsole. The upper is, as usual, super comfy and the fit is accommodating. There’s also a wide version for those that need it. Improved arch support will excite flat footers, but some may find it a bit distracting. It’s a great shoe for everyone from beginners to seasoned vets and can handle jogging, easy running, recovery runs, and long runs. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $145
Puma Deviate Nitro 2
The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 is a great all-around running shoe with the only concern being a narrower fit (though we hear a wide version might be coming soon). The Deviate Nitro 2 doesn’t feel great in terms of the initial step-in squish but feels amazing the more you run, and the faster you run. It feels great for long distances.
The Deviate Nitro 2 is a smooth ride with a cushion/plate combo that feels great during workouts and helps the legs recover quicker. The upper is extremely breathable and very comfortable. The outsole uses Puma Grip, the best rubber outsole compound currently available. The Deviate Nitro 2 is one shoe that can do it all and can tackle any long distance training runs or races. See the full review.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160
Hoka Skyward X
The Hoka Skyward X is easily Hoka’s most cushioned running shoe and feels like a bouncy, poofy marshmallow underfoot. It offers maximum impact protection with two types of high end foams and a suspension bridge-like carbon plate. True, it’s chunky, weighty, not great for wide footers, and has a slippy tongue; but it’ll add two inches of pure cushioning power to your runs. If you prioritize large amounts of soft, cushy foam in your running shoes then the Skyward X is your stairway to cushioning heaven. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $225
New Balance SC Trainer v2
The New Balance SC Trainer v2 isn’t groundbreaking like the original but it’s an extremely well-cushioned, bouncy, and comfortable, leg-saving running machine. It’s perfect for high-mileage runners and long run days because it’ll protect your legs. The SC Trainer v2 will feel a bit heavy to some but the trade-off is worth it. Plus, it’s built on an accommodating, stable platform. The build plus all that cushion and comfort will make the SC Trainer v2 worth the price as you rack up the miles. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $180
Nike Vomero 17
The Nike Vomero 17 lost a forefoot Zoom Air unit and instead opted for a ZoomX and Cushlon 3.0 midsole. Nike took a risk but it worked out as the Vomero 17 is comfortable and well-cushioned for long distances while picking up speed nicely. It’s Nike’s top daily trainer in terms of versatility and midsole tech implementation. One of our testers had heel lockdown issues so keep an eye on that when trying them on. The Vomero 17 fits true to size lengthwise and is available in a wide version. To top it off, the price point is right in line with other high-performing daily trainers. Read the full review. Price: $160
New Balance 1080v13
The New Balance 1080v13 is a big departure from previous 1080 models with the squishiness and bounciness of Fresh Foam X midsole reaching new levels. The fit is great for most people and in true New Balance form there’s a wide version available for wide footers. It’s also a versatile and fun ride that can go fast or slow as needed. The only issue is the price point is higher than most daily trainers. But that said, the 1080v13 is easy to recommend if you’re not too price-sensitive. Read the full review. Price: $165
Best Long Distance Running Shoes for Race Day:
Asics Metaspeed Sky/Edge Paris
The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris and Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris are Asics’ best road racing shoes to date offering a fantastic combination of great fit, comfort, breathability, stability, improved midsole foam, and an impressively low weight.
Which one of the two shoes you’ll prefer isn’t clear, but if you can figure that out, you’ll end up with a high performing shoe that’s trustworthy for road races of any distance. Read the review.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $250
Salomon S/Lab Spectur
The Salomon S/Lab Spectur is aimed at runners with marathon times above three hours. It does that by adding extra stability and comfort for runners who will be on the course a bit longer. And it works. Salomon effectively created a marathon shoe that still offers great bounce but a better build to withstand all the issues (like form breakdown) inherent with so much time on feet. At $220, it’s a great value and delivers a better experience for the majority of marathon runners. Read the review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $220
Saucony Endorphin Elite
The Saucony Endorphin Elite is the first shoe to feature Saucony’s next PWRRUN HG foam. It’s a little firmer than the PWRRUN PB in the Endorphin Pro 3 but it’s also bouncier. The carbon plate is segmented at the toe for a little more flexibility but it and the midsole curves up sharply for added toe spring. You sit inside the midsole a bit to keep you on the footbed while the midsole also flares outward resulting in one of the more stable modern marathon shoes on the market.
The outsole has no rubber at the rear so if you’re a heel striker, you may not get great durability…but midfoot and forefoot strikers should be ok. The Endorphin Elite is also one of the most breathable shoes on the market making it a great fit for warmer races. The biggest drawback is the $275 price point…but just like the Alphafly, if you’re a shoe nerd and heavy into marathons, this shoe will deliver value to match. See full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $275
Nike Alphafly 3
The Nike Alphafly 3 is the best Alphafly to date and its super bouncy nature makes it easy to maintain marathon pace. It’s more accommodating and comfortable than previous models and includes a less pronounced arch (but it’s still ever-present). It’s still not a very stable shoe around corners and a lot of the heel material is cut away so hard heel strikers will have better options. The price is high, but if you miss the original Alphafly magic, you’ll get most of it back by wearing the Alphafly 3. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $285
Nike Vaporfly 3
The Nike Vaporfly 3 is the most cushioned, comfortable, and stable Vaporfly to date thus making it also the best Vaporfly to date. It’s a great update. Stability, breathability, and comfort all improved while the Vaporfly line stayed bouncy, plush, and lightweight. Durability still needs work and the tongue is weirdly tall and wide but neither is a dealbreaker. The Vaporfly 3 is going to be many people’s racing shoe of choice. It puts Nike back in the upper echelon of marathon racing shoes for those (like us) who weren’t all that enthused with the Vaporfly 2 and Alphafly 2. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $250
TYR Valkyrie Elite Carbon Runner
The TYR Valkyrie Elite Carbon Runner is TYR’s first high end performance running shoe. It’s got an accommodating fit, top of class stability, impressive durability, and a fit that will work for most people and allows good toe splay. The beaded Peba LaunchPX midsole is bouncy with a stiff carbon plate that provides an extra flick on toe off. It’s a little heavier than other racers but the trade offs are a well-built upper and superior stability. It’s not built like other marathon racing shoes but it’s battle ready and easily one of the better race day picks for larger runners. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $250
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2
The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2 is one of the least expensive shoes on this list, but that doesn’t change its performance. It’s the perfect race day complement to the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 in that it offers the same feel, just lighter and bouncier. It’s rare that a brand’s speed training shoe and race day option are so in sync.
The Puma Grip traction is some of the best available on the market making this one of the if not the best bad weather race day option. The light and minimal upper still features achilles pillows and a comfy tongue. Stability is A+ thanks to the midsole sidewalls rising at the front of the heel to help keep the foot on the footbed no matter what crazy obstacles you encounter.
And while the Nitro Elite midsole isn’t the bounciest among marathon shoes, its above-average support, awesome traction, and lower-than-average price make it a great option for any long distance run.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $200
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a smooth-riding and bouncy long-distance race day shoe. The rocker is improved from previous versions with a sharper toe angle and improved carbon fiber energy rods that make the shoe feel faster and bouncier. Breathability is top-notch, the outsole grips everything, and, due to a widened base, stability is great for a race day shoe. You’ll want to wear thicker socks to avoid issues with the problematic Achilles stitching but that’s the only real issue in a shoe that’s one of the best long distance racing shoes on the market. See the full review.
Fit: Typical adidas, Drop: 6.5mm, Price: $250
Now on Sale – Best Long Distance Running Shoes for Everyday Use:
Brooks Glycerin 20
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a comfortable, breathable, and versatile daily running shoe. The DNA Loft v3 midsole is plush and can easily handle long runs. The ride is super smooth and easy on the legs. It eats up miles and never bothers you in terms of fit or feel. The traction is durable and doesn’t slip in any conditions. Just don’t get the StealthFit version because the upper on the regular version is much better fitting and more comfortable. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price $160
Now on Sale – Best Long Distance Running Shoes for Race Day
None currently but we’re always checking prices and moving shoes to this section when applicable.
Best Long Distance Running Shoes – Coming Soon
If we test any great upcoming long distance running shoes that may make the list, we’ll put them here.
Got any suggestions for shoes we should add to our best long distance running shoes list? Comment below or message us on Twitter or Instagram with your suggestions.
