The 10 Best Long Distance Running Shoes

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Last Updated on October 2, 2022 by Mandy Schmitz

No two runners are the same. While one shoe suits one runner, the same might not fit well with the others. Therefore, picking the best long distance running shoes can be tough, whether you’re a veteran or a marathon neophyte. Sometimes, you might need to upgrade your old shoes, or your favorite style isn’t available.

We put together a group of reviewers and runners to road-test the best shoes for 2022, and these are our best picks. So, we are delighted to share with you these recommendations for the best long distance running shoes and the qualities you should be looking for in those shoes.

Read on to know more.

What are the Best Long Distance Running Shoes?

As mentioned before, we have scoured the market for thousands of running shoes. Many of these models could have made this list, but only a few made it to our list. So, we encourage you to pick one or two models from this list to have a comfortable and stable experience with your long-distance runs.

Here is our selection of the best long-distance running shoes:

1. Under Armour Charged Pursuit 2 – Best Long Distance Running Shoes for Comfort

Overview

The Under Armour Charged Pursuit 2 offers superior versatility and cushioning for experienced runners or long-distance runners looking for flexibility and maximum cushioning. It is designed with an EVA midsole to keep you feeling supportive and secured mile after mile, and the engineered mesh upper gets you covered for support and lightweight breathability where you need it most. The compression-molded foam from the Charged Cushioning midsole is perfect for durability and responsiveness. You also get support comfort at heel-strike through the hell padding and sock liner molds.

Highlights

Pricing

Under Armour Men’s Pursuit 2 costs $48.71 to $70.00, and Under Armour Women’s Pursuit 2 is $59.95 and $76.36.

Bottom Line

Under Armour Charged Pursuit 2 offers great performance with the breathable upper mesh and comfortable mid and outer sole.

Buy your Under Armour Men’s Pursuit 2 and Women’s Pursuit 2 today.

2. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 – Best Long Distance Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Overview

Soft feel, exquisite comfort, and excellent moderate arch support are some of the qualities that set Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 apart from most running shoes. The model has an impressively stable, supportive feel that delivers great comfort through your long-distance runs. It is a rigid trainer with greater arch support and a 12-millimeter heel-to-toe drop. The model also feels speedy when you increase your pace with denser cushioning that enhances its rigidity.

Highlights

Pricing

Brooks Men’s Adrenaline 21 costs $84.91 to $320.19, and Brooks Women’s Adrenaline is $83.90 to $312.00.

Bottom Line

Brooks Adrenaline 21 offers the best stability and support through the GuideRail technology for lateral stiffness through the heel.

Get your Brooks Men’s Adrenaline 21 and Brooks Women’s Adrenaline 21 today.

3. ASICS Gel Kayano 27 – Best Long Distance Running Shoes for Shin Splints

Overview

Asics Gel Kayano 27 gives you a cushioned and bounceback feel through the Asics FlyteFoam Technology in the midsole. While the insole is cushioned and can be replaced, the trainer offers a removable EVA sock liner. It is suitable for any long run and is an excellent all-rounder with the rear shock absorbent qualities of the Gel. The flexible outsole promotes a more natural roll through your gait cycle, and the revamped mesh upper helps keep your feet cool. Kayano 27 also utilizes the Asics Dynamic DuoMax System for support and stability making it the most cushioned running shoe.

Highlights

Pricing

Asics Men’s Kayano 27 is $92.47 to $275.63, and Women’s Kayano 27 costs $85.00 to $275.63.

Bottom Line

The Kayano 27 is a stability shoe with soft cushioning that will take you for a long run without worrying about ending up with achy or tired feet.

Get your Men’s Kayano 27 and Women’s Kanayo 27 today.

4. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 – Best Long Distance Running Shoes from Nike

Overview

Nike designed the Pegasus 36 to be a streamlined, fast running shoe and customized it to fit that goal. One of these achievements is using a seamless engineered mesh upper to wrap the whole running shoe. Pegasus is a versatile running shoe that provides a snug feel around the midfoot with the midsole foam since Nike sewed the tongue inside into a mesh bootie. With that, the tongue stays stable when you’re running. There’s also an extra eyelet at the top of Pegasus 36, so you can attempt the marathon lacing technique.

Highlights

Pricing

Nike Men’s Pegasus 36 costs $60.00 to $265.93, and Nike Women’s Pegasus 36 is $53.00 to $269.14.

Bottom Line

Nike outshines the competition with the lighter and leaner Pegasus 36 with a more responsive sole perfect for all-terrain.

Get your Nike Men’s Pegasus 36 and Women’s Pegasus 36 today.

5. ASICS Gel Cumulus 23 – Best Long Distance Running Shoes for Low-Light Conditions

Overview

Asics revamped the Gel Cumulus 23 with a more holistic approach that suits any runner’s anatomy in motion through the trainer’s midsole foam and upper formation. The neutral training shoe has a superior engineered mesh upper that improves breathability while adding strategic support to targeted parts. In addition, the mesh upper provides a smoother ride from toe-off to footstrike as it collaborates with the midsole’s movement. The 3D Space Construction enhances flexibility and cushioning and offers more compression in a particular area without reducing stability or durability.

Highlights

Pricing

Asics Men’s Cumulus 23 is $93.77 to $199.10, and Asics Women’s Cumulus 23 costs $69.90 to $199.10.

Bottom Line

Asics Gel Cumulus 23 creates a more supportive and smoother ride through the FLYTEFOAM midsole and an improved cushioning with a softer GEL technology unit.

Buy your Asics Men’s Cumulus 23 and Women’s Cumulus 23 today.

6. Brooks Glycerin 19 – Best Long Distance Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Overview

Get into your softest run ever! The Brooks Glycerin 18 boasts plenty of super-soft DNA LOFT cushioning underfoot, providing superior comfort for many miles. It is a long-distance running shoe with a durable outsole that makes it much easier to roll through the gait cycle from heel to toe. The trainer is the perfect option for you if soft, neutral, and high cushioned shoes are your priority. It boasts of 3D Fit Print overlays and multi-layer mesh on the midfoot. Thus, those with wider feet or bunions or long-distance runners won’t find the seamless upper irritating. The OrthoLite sock liner improves the comfort, while the plush interior liner and the upper cover the foot quite well.

Highlights

Pricing

Brooks Men’s Glycerin 19 costs $119.94 to $357.00, and Brooks Women’s Glycerin 19 is $117.00 to $358.00.

Bottom Line

The Brooks Glycerin 19’s smooth and comfortable cushioning makes it an excellent trainer for long distances.

Buy your Brooks Men’s Glycerin 19 and Women’s Glycerin 19 today.

7. ASICS Gel-Contend 5 – Best Affordable Long Distance Running Shoes

Overview

Asics Gel Contend 5 will propel you to go further than ever through its stability and energized cushioning. You can clock up those extra miles as your feet remain comfortable and cushioned every step of the way with its AMPLIFOAM midsole and the internal heel counter that provides a supportive fit. As you take on new challenges, you can rely on this trainer’s removable Ortholite sock liner and athletic mesh to help you stay fresher for longer. It also has a high level of durability, thanks to a solid rubber outsole.

Highlights

Pricing

Men’s Gel-Contend 5 costs $49.95 to $144.85, and Women’s Gel-Content 5 is $54.00 to $134.95.

Bottom Line

You can reliably add more kilometers to your counter with the Gel-Contend 5’s enhanced stability and comfort.

Buy you Men’s Gel-Contend 5 and Women’s Gel-Contend 5 today.

8. Adidas Ultraboost 20 – Best Long Distance Running Shoes for All-Day Wear

Overview

Adidas Ultraboost 20 can handle a wide range of runs as a versatile, stylish, and comfortable shoe. The Boost midsole offers maximum cushioning suitable for daily training, and the full-length Continental outsole provides incredible durability. The Primeknit upper and the entire midfoot cage is designed with Tailor Fiber Placements for a more secure fit. These dynamic stitched-in reinforcements eliminate side-to-side movement inside the shoe. Runners can also expect a revamped lockdown from the new padded heel collar.

Highlights

Pricing

Adidas Men’s Ultraboost 20 costs $64.94 to $375.32 and Women’s Ultraboost 20 is $179.90 to $256.50.

Bottom Line

Adidas Ultraboost 20 is an incredibly cushioned neutral running shoe that gets you covered for many miles on steady runs.

Buy your Adidas Men’s Ultraboost 20 and Women’s Ultraboost 20 today.

9. Brooks Ghost 13 – Best Lightweight Long-Distance Running Shoes

Overview

Brooks Ghost 13 is more breathable with the improved 3D Print Upper. From the soft upper to the DNA Loft cushioning, Ghost 13 will make you feel comfortable from the moment you step into it and throughout your runs. The premium cushioning material makes the shoe durable, lightweight, and soft to reduce and absorb shock when the foot contacts the ground. The enhanced engineered mesh upper provides more breathability and comfort. It also features the Omega Flex Grooves that offer optimized forefoot flexibility. Any runner will be impressed with the shoe’s durability and rigidity without feeling sluggish or overbuilt.

Highlights

Pricing

Brooks Men’s Ghost 13 is $84.94 to $287.42, and Brooks Women’s Ghost 13 costs $81.74 to $269.99.

Bottom Line

The Brooks Ghost 13 boasts an excellent cushioning system for beginners, seasoned runners, and walkers.

Buy your Brooks Men’s Ghost 13 and Women’s Ghost 13 today.

10. ASICS Gel Nimbus 23 – Best Breathable Long-Distance Running Shoes

Overview

Asics has upgraded the new Nimbus 23 to provide a better style, a gusseted tongue, an improved cushion, and a slightly roomier toe box. The cushion is the major critical part of the Nimbus 23 as it offers pure comfort for running. Asics uses the FLYFOAM to create a feeling of flying and Asics Gel Technology for creating long-haul comfort to deliver a soft landing pad feeling and reduce the shock effect on the body. These two layers provide a comfortable, soft, and plush landing pad through the midsole and under the heel.

Highlights

Pricing

Asics Men’s Gel-Nimbus 23 costs $113.49 to $228.51, and Asics Women’s Gel-Nimbus 23 is $111.00 to $309.86.

Bottom Line

The Asics Gel Nimbus 23 is a comfortable and durable running shoe that can take you through countless miles.

Get your Asics Men’s Gel-Nimbus 23 and Women’s Gel-Nimbus 23 today.

These are the best picks if you’re looking for running shoes that combine comfort and stability with cushioning and durability. Feel free to check them out carefully. Remember to read our criteria when choosing your choice.

Before you continue, read our review of the best running shoes for flat feet and shoes for wide feet, if these conditions apply to you. If you have bunions or bad knees, check out the best shoes for bunions and shoes for bad knees.

Also read our review of the best running shoes for high arches and if you supinate, check out our guide on the best running shoes for supination.

How to Choose the Best Long Distance Running Shoes

Before choosing your long-distance or marathon shoes, you must look for comfort. It sounds almost simple, but it’s true.

You won’t get more comfortable with running shoes you don’t find comfort when trying them on. Think of what will happen when running in those running shoes. Essentially, you can find out that a pair of shoes is uncomfortable after wearing them for many miles.

You can use some of these pointers when picking your best running shoes:

1. Balance

The last thing you can expect from your best running shoes is to become loose or fall off when running. That can lead to injury. That’s why cushioned running shoes with an excellent arch and flexibility are ideal. Your feet will fit in perfectly when your shoe has a good arch.

2. Shock Absorption

This is a pretty essential factor. Shock absorption will reduce the weight taken when running. So, you can get a better sock absorption when the cushion in your shoe is bigger. Typically, lighter shoes with more breathability have better shock absorption.

3. Breathability

Feet tend to heat up and feel like they are on fire when running long distances. You want to go for breathable shoes with mesh fabric uppers. In addition, heavier shoes might not breathe better than tighter shoes.

4. Durability

Shock absorption and breathability might not resonate with you. You might want durable shoes regardless of where and how long you run. However, feeling pain when running is the biggest indication that your shoe is failing. What keeps your feet moving are comfort and fit. Check under your shoes if you want a durable pair. The most durable ones are those made with rubber.

5. Value

Value for money is one of the most important factors when choosing a long-distance running shoe. Make sure to get it by knowing how far and how long you will be running. Some shoes are suitable for short-distance runs, while others are designed for long distances. Ensure to get the right type.

6. Comfort

Comfort is huge! It is vital if you will be running in those shoes. Otherwise, you can prepare for pain in your feet. You will achieve significant comfortability in your shoes if you find your arch type, which is low, medium, or high. Also, any injury to your foot can cause discomfort.

Waterproof or Breathable?

Most waterproof running shoes have a liner in the upper or water-repellent membrane with protective overlays to prevent debris. Some models are designed to block out rain and wind since they are water-resistant. They are also breathable to release heat and sweet as your feet warm up.

These waterproof running shoes can be imperfect because they can become a sweat-fest when you have a temperature above 65 degrees. However, the waterproofing can efficiently block rain, wind, and occasional plunge into a deep slush or stream if the muck is below the ankle.

On the other hand, breathable running shoes are designed with materials that allow cooler air from outside to enter the shoe and water vapor and air to escape. With that, sweat won’t accumulate inside the shoe, preventing any risk of foot bacterial or fungal infections.

While both waterproof and breathable shoes are suitable for long-distance runs, you must look for some features highlighted above when choosing one. Look for comfortable, breathable, lightweight shoes that can withstand the long haul.

The Best Long Distance Running Shoes for You

Our best pick for the best long distance running shoes is the Under Armour Charged Pursuit 2 because it offers you strategic support where you want it. It is also incredibly breathable and lightweight, making it very comfortable to wear with a minimal break-in period. The added benefit is that the shoe is waterproof and quite sturdy. If you have a close buddy who is a beginner runner, you can point them to this review of the best shoes for beginners.

FAQs

1. What Shoes Do Marathon Runners Use?

Most marathon runners use shoes like Under Armour Charged Pursuit 2, ASICS Nimbus Gel 23, Saucony Endorphin Speed 2, and Brooks Glycerin 19. Other great options are ASICS Gel Cumulus 23 and Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36. What defines a suitable marathon running shoe differs from one runner to another. But the best shoes are those they have used to train for at least a month. Even with that, there are variations in shoe models that significantly differ in their feeling and how these shoes work with their conditions, running style, and feet.

2. What is the Most Popular Shoe for Marathon Runners?

While most bloggers recommend the Nike Pegasus 36 and Saucony Endorphin Speed 2, we believe Under Armour Charged Pursuit 2 is the most popular among them. Another popular shoe for marathon runners is Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 for its snug feel and versatility.

3. What Counts as Long-Distance Running?

What counts as long-distance running is between 3,000 meters to 30,000 meters. Also, races that cover more than 3 kilometers are considered long-distance running in the world of athletics. American racing epitomizes the marathon as the be-all-end-all running goal. In that context, many see the 5K and 10K as beginners’ stepping stones to develop their endurance and train for the marathon.

Therefore, anything beyond 5K is still considered a long distance. Nevertheless, runners refer to the distances differently since the racing spectrum range is between 5K and marathon, instead of 100m to 10K. Most road runners consider the half-marathon and full marathon as long-distance races, and 5K to 10K as short distances.

4. How Do I Increase My Stamina for Long-Distance Running?

You can increase your stamina by being consistent with your training, training on a slight incline, focusing on running economy, and increasing running volume. Also, practice plyometrics, incorporate tempo runs, and get a great pair of running shoes. Before setting out on the road, engage in a warm-up.

Stretching exercise will enhance blood flow and increase muscle temperature to prevent injury. Try to improve your running stamina by checking your breathing techniques as you hit the road and get into running. Your muscle will only work better and hard when you breathe out more carbon dioxide and take in more oxygen. Ultimately, practice walking since it can improve stamina and build endurance.

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