The Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest annual marathon ranking as one of the world’s best-known road racing events is approaching soon (15 Apr 2024, Monday) . It is one of six World Marathon Majors. The current official distance of 26 miles, 385 yards (42.195 km) was adopted by the IAAF in 1921, and it is assumed to derive from the 1908 Summer Olympics in London.

The Boston Marathon, a legendary race steeped in history, or any marathon for that matter, demands top performance from both runners and their footwear. With its challenging course and emphasis on speed, choosing the right shoes is crucial for success. But navigating the vast selection of running shoes available can be overwhelming.

Finding the perfect marathon running pair hinges on several key factors

• Fit: A snug, comfortable fit that locks your heel in place is essential. Shoes shouldn’t pinch or rub, and your toes should have wiggle room.

• Cushioning: For long training runs and marathon distances, ample cushioning and shock absorbance absorb impact and reduce fatigue.

• Durability: Marathon training puts a lot of miles on your shoes. Choose shoes built to last with durable materials and construction.

This guide will help you conquer your Boston Marathon journey by categorizing the best running shoes for men and women based on these factors.

Best Marathon Shoes for Men

Delivers a plush ride with Hoka One One’s midsole, breathable upper, and responsive foam, perfect for long training sessions.

Features a lightweight Flyknit upper, ZoomX foam for unparalleled energy return, and a carbon fiber plate for forward propulsion. Note the weight regulations for supershoes in some races.

A versatile, lightweight racer with a breathable upper and Lightstrike Pro midsole, offering a responsive and locked-in feel.

With On’s thickest midsole packing Helion super-foam and double CloudTec layers, it’s designed for maximum comfort, albeit with a firmer ride than other max-cushioned shoes.

Offers the thickest stacks of ZoomX foam for an extremely soft and responsive ride, ideal for recovery runs and easy jogs.

Known for its stable and comfortably cushioned ride, this shoe is a solid choice for a variety of mileage and conditions.

Features new Dreamstrike+ foam for comfort-focused, responsive cushioning, making it versatile for different run types.

Provides a slightly firmer ride with a highly-cushioned experience, making it more versatile for long runs with tempo efforts.

The Asics Novablast 4 continues to excel as a versatile neutral trainer, offering out-of-the-box comfort, enhanced bounce with FF Blast Plus Eco foam, and a secure fit, ideal for both fast sessions and longer runs.

The New Balance SC Elite v4 elevates speed with its new 100% PEBA foam. The carbon fiber plate and a streamlined FantomFit upper offer a lightweight, responsive ride without sacrificing comfort ideal for fast sessions and race day.

Best Running Shoes for Women

The following recommendations consider the specific needs of female runners. Note that some models mentioned above are also excellent choices for women.

Offers soft midsole cushioning and a grippy outsole for comfort and traction on rugged trails.

The Puma Deviate Nitro, atmos’ limited edition of 300 pairs, blends lifestyle sneaker appeal with performance functionality, featuring phosphorescent and reflective animal patterns from Harajuku’s sneaker trendsetter.

The ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 excels in long-distance runs, offering supportive cushioning and a seamless ride perfect for extended distances.

The HOKA Clifton 9, a neutral road shoe, strikes a perfect balance between comfort and responsiveness, leaning towards comfort, making it ideal for everyday running, especially for those training for a 10K or half marathon and accumulating road miles.

The New Balance 1080, designed for a wide array of runners, offers a premium experience with its plush Fresh Foam X, ensuring a soft, energetic run with excellent energy return.

These versatile running shoes combine lightweight build and pillow-like cushioning with supportive no-sew overlays for comfort in any activity.

The FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2, featuring the new Energy Arc technology and a carbon fiber plate, delivers race-day energy return in a high-mileage training shoe, combining dual layers of FuelCell cushioning for propulsion and a breathable, supportive knit upper.

Experience unparalleled comfort on your daily runs with maximum cushioning and the new ReactX foam, featuring a soft, rocker-shaped platform, snug collar and tongue, and a water-resistant membrane to keep you dry.

Enjoy a regular fit, secure lace closure, and the breathable comfort of an adidas PRIMEKNIT upper, complemented by a BOOST midsole and Linear Energy Push system for enhanced performance.

Experience the ultimate bounce and energy return with CloudTec® cushioning and Helion™ superfoam for super-soft landings, complemented by a powerful Speedboard® for massive energy return, ideal for everyday running and recreational runners seeking effortless momentum.

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As you lace up for the historic Boston Marathon, remember that the right shoes are your allies on every step of this legendary 26.2-mile journey. Whether you’re seeking the perfect fit, demanding unparalleled cushioning for those long runs, or need a pair that promises to go the distance with you, this guide has curated the top choices tailored for both men and women marathoners.

Don’t let the vast sea of options overwhelm you; focus on these key aspects to find your ideal marathon companion and step confidently towards the starting line of one of the world’s most prestigious road races.

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