7 Best Long Distance Running Shoes, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
Going for anything longer than a 10K calls for the most reliable, comfortable, and durable running shoe. As the stress on your body increases, so do the demands from a pair of running shoes.
We have taken over 100 shoes on a long-haul run to find out which ones will stand the test. They also went through our lab tests before making it to the top selection.
You might be after a faster shoe, or a max-cushioned marathon shoe, or an extra protective trail shoe for a 100K ultra. We’ve got our top picks in various categories to help you choose the one that fits your needs.
How we test running shoes
No need to read 1500+ shoe reviews when you’re at RunRepeat. It is our mission to test every single long-distance shoe on the market and let you know about the best options.
We’ve been in the running shoe game since 2014 and are now equipped with our own shoe testing lab to put every new release through the wringer. Here is our process:
- Buy a shoe with our own funds to avoid bias
- Run 30-50 miles in each pair
- Cut the shoe open and take it into pieces (literally)
- Mease over 30 parameters that contribute to the shoe’s performance
- Consider all available feedback from runners, shoe experts, and regular users
- Summarize it all into comparable data
In the end, each shoe receives a CoreScore. It is a number from 0 to 100 that indicates how good this shoe is against all others.
Best long distance running shoes overall
CoreScore
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 2% in PUMA running shoes
- Top 5% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Great all-rounder
- Super-smooth and responsive ride
- Plush cushioning
- Comfy upper
- Grippy outsole
- Above average durability
- Fairly priced
Cons
- Heavier than other similar shoes
- Not many colors available
Verdict
Best long distance running shoes for race
CoreScore
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 2% in Adidas running shoes
Pros
- Breathable
- Responsive
- Carbon rods
- Soft midsole
- Laces stay tight
- Price
Cons
- Runs narrow
- Unstable at slow speeds
Verdict
Best long distance running shoes for ultra
CoreScore
- Top 2% in road running shoes
- Top 2% in ASICS running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Super bouncy
- Cushy feel for miles
- Breathable
- Light AF
- Ready for cornering
- Locks you in
- Tongue stays in place
- Grippy outsole
- Mad durable
- Sets the bar for a do-it-all shoe
Cons
- A tad too long
- More expensive by $10
Verdict
Best road long distance running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 3% in road running shoes
- Top 7% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- All about comfort!
- True to size
- Lots of padding
- Smooth ride
- Really stable, even on light trails
- Breathable
- Great out of the box
- Built for longevity (500 miles, easily)
- Great grip
Cons
- Lacks breathability for hot summer days
- Not the best for long distances
Verdict
Best long distance running shoes for flat feet
CoreScore
- Top 5% in road running shoes
- Top 7% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Promising durability
- Stability for all directions
- Improved aesthetics
- Phenomenal grip
- A firmer, faster midsole
- Consistent in all conditions
- Reliable daily runner
Cons
- Very heavy
- High price point for stability aimed at beginners
- Midsole is too hard for some
Verdict
Best value
CoreScore
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 3% in Mizuno running shoes
- Top 16% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Support that's not harsh
- Impact-absorbing
- Gives your stride a boost
- Very comfy for recovery runs
- Stable when cornering
- Breathable
- Keeps the foot in place
- Grip that sticks
Cons
- Long break-in period
- Comes with a hefty tag
Verdict
Most popular long distance running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 9% in road running shoes
- Top 9% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Comfy, comfy comfy
- Fits true to size
- Smooth rockered ride
- Great durability
- Grippy outsole
- Lightweight for a daily trainer
- Great lockdown
Cons
- Runs warm
- Doesn’t love to go fast
Verdict
How to get the right pair of long-distance running shoes
Either you are doing a 10K race or ultra-marathon, there is no one perfect shoe that fits everybody’s feet. Depending on the distance, the preferences will change. The shoe you wear for a 10K race will not work efficiently when used for ultra-running.
Here are some tips that will help you find the best long-distance shoes:
|
10K
|
Not as cushioned as marathon shoes. It can even be a race flat for experienced runners. For beginners, a light speed trainer is the best choice. |
Example: Hoka Mach 4 (a lightweight speedster for 5-10K)
|
Half-Marathon /Marathon
|
Cushioned shoes are preferred. For forefoot/midfoot strikers, look for shoes with added forefoot support and lower drop. For heel strikers, wear a shoe with extra heel padding. For competitive marathoners, consider high-end shoes with innovative technologies, like a carbon plate (aka “super shoes”). |
Example: Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 (an elite carbon-plated racer with a super-light, responsive foam)
|
Ultra running
|
Get a shoe with a durable outsole (opt for solid rubber than blown rubber). For rough, uneven terrain, a good grip is necessary. Cushioned shoes will keep you comfortable. For rocky off-trail runs, wear shoes with a rock plate. If you plan to swap shoes along the way, get a bigger size (1.5-2 sizes up) to accommodate the swelling. |
Make sure you get a tried-and-tested pair of ultra running shoes.
As you can see, the number of required features grows with the distance. The longer the race, the more equipped you need to be:
Arch support in long-distance running shoes
Having the right kind of support is crucial when you go the distance. Your feet will be exposed to constant ground impact for a long period of time.
Start by checking your arch type and pronation with the chart below:
If you are not sure, go with a neutral running shoe (has no added arch support).
- For mild to moderate overpronation, choose stability shoes
- For severe overpronation, select from motion control shoes
To learn more about the kind of support that would work best for you, see our guide on pronation.
neutral shoe (left) vs. stability shoe (center) vs. motion control shoe (right)
Breathability or waterproofing?
Unfortunately, a good compromise is rare. Depending on the conditions of your upcoming race, you have to decide which one is the priority.
For dry and warm weather, always pick a well-ventilated shoe. We made sure to check which long-distance shoes stay breathable on the run.
For wet, rainy, and muddy conditions, consider shoes with a Gore-Tex membrane for full protection. Or slightly more breathable shoes with water-repellent uppers.
