The Best Running Shoes for a Marathon 2025

Got your sights set on a new Marathon PB this season? 

If you’re building up towards 26.2 miles, then choosing the right shoes is really important. Get this right early on and it will make all the difference for training and race day.

Check out our top 9 marathon shoe recommendations for 2025 below;

*Please note: The following shoes are not listed in rank order*

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1. Nike Alphafly Next% 3 

FAST JUST GOT FASTER!

We take a look at Kelvin Kiptum’s World Marathon Record-Breaking Shoe, the Nike Alphafly Next% 3!

Fine-tuned for marathon speed, the Nike Alphafly Next% 3 helps push you beyond what you thought possible.

Three innovative technologies power your run: A double dose of Air Zoom units helps launch you into your next step; a full-length carbon fibre plate helps propel you forward with ease; and a heel-to-toe ZoomX foam midsole helps keep you fresh from start to 26.2. Time to leave your old personal records in the dust.

Click here to find out more

2. New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v4

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a race day shoe designed for the moments when seconds really do count. The propulsive feeling of FuelCell is combined with a thinner carbon fibre plate, offering superior energy return in a lightweight package that can be used at all levels of competition.

Click here to find out more

3. Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3

A revolutionary shoe built for elite runners targeting sub 2.5 hour marathon times and those looking for ultimate speed on the road between 5k – marathon distance.

The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 features SMOOTH SPEED ASSIST to help you achieve the ideal gait, plus a G3 sole for great grip at a low weight. A double-layer of MIZUNO ENERZY XP foam in the midsole supports fast running and enhances softness at a low weight.

This limited edition colourway, specifically made for the Osaka marathon, incorporates a unique asymmetrical design, featuring the "Blue Demon" who calmly keeps pace and the "Red Demon" who pushes themself to the limits with passion.

Click here to read our detailed shoe review

4. HOKA Rocket X 2

The ultimate road racing shoe, designed to take you further in pinnacle competitions, the HOKA Rocket X 2 is the newest addition to the Rocket family. World Athletic approved, the Rocket X 2 has been amplified with a hyper-focused on construction for the best possible ride.

Click here to find out more

5. ASICS METASPEED™ SKY PARIS

The ASICS METASPEED™ SKY PARIS racing shoes are designed for stride-style runners who are looking to start fast and finish faster. Runners wearing these shoes will be able to take longer strides while conserving energy with each step. ​Thanks to an energetic midsole foam and a propulsive carbon plate, runners wearing these shoes will be able to conserve more energy while maintaining their pace at the later stages of the race.​

The METASPEED Racing Shoes are designed for runners who are looking for PB's in anything from 5k's to full marathons. The METASPEED™ SKY PARIS is ASICS' elite carbon-plated racing shoe, updated for 2025.

Click here to find out more

6. ON Cloudboom Echo 3

A statement of innovation, the Cloudboom Echo 3 has been developed with the fastest athletes and the latest sports science.

On's fastest race day shoe is all about maximizing running efficiency.

Click here to find out more

7. adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is the pinnacle of Adizero Racing products. Built with and for athletes to achieve unbelievable feats, these adidas running shoes are made to optimize running efficiency. Designed to break records for half and full marathons - no matter if you go for a new personal best or even a WR.

The successor of the world-record-breaking Adios Pro 3 is built to empower runners to achieve new heights.

Find out more about the adidas ADIZERO range here.

8. Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

Targeted at the elite runner looking for a carbon plated race day shoe for distances from 5k to marathon and beyond - train in a Triumph 21, race in a Pro 4.
Features a full carbon fibre plate for propulsion sandwiched between layers of Powerrun PB and HG midsole foam for super light energy return.

Click here to find out more

9. Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB

The Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB are designed to help you chase down PB's in distances from the 5k to the marathon. This running shoe offers a competitive edge for racing and features innovative 100% PEBA DNA GOLD cushioning alongside a carbon fibre-tuned propulsion plate. A new upper delivers breathability and a snug fit. Combined, these elements work together to deliver a smooth, ultralight ride to get you from start to finish in record time.

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Want to find out more? We've been busy collecting all the latest tips & expert advice for marathon training and race days. Our Marathon category lets you experience real in-the-moment stories as we dive deeper into Q&A with athletes, kit reviews, nutritional advice and so much more!