What are the best running shoes for long-distance marathons?
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Size (US Men's / Women's) ⇅ | Weight (oz) ⇅ | Cushioning (mm) ⇅ | Drop (mm) ⇅ | Stack Height (mm) ⇅ | Midsole Material ⇅ | Outsole Material ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Nike Alphafly 3
US
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£213.52 ≈ | — | 218 g (Men's US 10) | ZoomX foam with forefoot Zoom Air units | 8 mm | Heel 38.1 mm; Forefoot 29.6 mm | ZoomX foam with full-length carbon fiber plate | Rubber |
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The Alphafly 3 is a marathon-focused racing shoe combining ZoomX foam, forefoot Zoom Air units and a full-length carbon fiber plate for strong energy return and propulsion. It suits runners chasing marathon speed and PBs who want a highly cushioned, race-day performance shoe. |
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HOKA Cielo X1 3.0
US
|
£205.99 ≈ | — | 7.52 oz | Dual-layer PEBA superfoam | 7 mm | Heel 38 mm; Forefoot 31 mm | PEBA foam with full-length carbon fiber plate | Compression-molded polyurethane |
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The Cielo X1 3.0 is a lightweight, carbon-plated marathon racing shoe with a highly rockered geometry and bouncy PEBA midsole designed for fast long-distance efforts. It suits competitive runners seeking a responsive, propulsive race-day shoe.
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Saucony Endorphin Pro 5
US
|
£179.77 ≈ | — | 7.3 oz (M) / 6.3 oz (W) | Dual-layer PWRRUN HG (top) + PWRRUN PB (bottom) | 8 mm | 39.5 mm heel / 31.5 mm forefoot | PWRRUN HG and PWRRUN PB | PWRTRAC rubber |
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The Endorphin Pro 5 is a carbon-plated road racing shoe with a dual-layer superfoam midsole and an updated slotted carbon plate for a snappy, stable ride. It suits runners seeking a race-day super shoe that balances energy return, stability, and traction for distances from 5K to marathon.
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ASICS Superblast 3
US
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£157.29 ≈ | — | 239 g | FF LEAP / FF BLAST PLUS | 8 mm | 46.5 mm heel / 38.5 mm forefoot | FF LEAP and FF BLAST PLUS | FF ASICSGRIP and RF AHAR LO |
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The ASICS Superblast 3 is a high-stack, highly cushioned unisex trainer using a two-layer FF LEAP / FF BLAST PLUS midsole for a bouncy, responsive ride. It suits runners seeking maximal cushioning and energy return for long runs and uptempo training while remaining relatively lightweight.
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