The Best Running Shoes for Your First Marathon

If you've signed up for your first marathon, there's probably a million different thoughts running through your mind like, "Why am I doing this to myself? How am I going to run 26.2 miles? Am I sure this isn't refundable?" These questions are all understandable and expected, but at some point, the critical question to this guide will need to be answered: What shoes should you wear for your first marathon? We cannot stress the importance of finding the right pair of running shoes to get you through a marathon. After all, the shoes we wear during a marathon can not only make or break your day, but it could affect your desire to run another marathon in the future.

So what is a "marathon" shoe exactly? Let us be clear, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to what shoes you wear for the marathon. There is not a "marathon only" running shoe category. With that being said, there are shoes that have been specifically designed and engineered to excel in race distances such as the marathon. These types of shoes are different from other running shoes in several ways. First, they contain a high stack of specialised foams that have been formulated to be as lightweight and responsive as possible. Next, they contain a thin carbon-fibre embedded in the midsole of the shoe that acts as a lever to propel you forward and get your leg turnover going. These two technologies combine to deliver a smooth, fast, and most importantly, an efficient running experience. In other words, these types of shoes allows runners to run faster and longer without expending as much energy as they would in shoes without these technologies.

With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out what shoes are best to run a marathon in. We believe that the best marathon shoe for beginners is the running shoe that works best for YOU. Just because your running friends are talking up the newest carbon-plated super shoe, don't feel pressured to follow suit. While carbon-plated and max cushioned super shoes are the standard for a lot of marathoners, they are not necessarily the best option for every runner, especially for first time marathoners. With that in mind, we have set out to give you all the information you need to choose the perfect marathon race day shoes for your first marathon.

Let your goals be your guide. Before deciding on your race day shoe, you need to have an honest conversation with yourself and assess what your race day goals are. If running a marathon is on your bucket list and your only goal is to cross the finish line on your feet rather than on your hands and knees, then finding the most comfortable running shoe should be at the top of your priority list. And when we say comfortable, we mean a shoe that has your feet feeling at home from the moment you try it on all the way through the end of your run––from a nice fitting upper to a well cushioned midsole, it should feel like the shoe was tailor made for you. Trust us, there comes a point in every marathon where your body screams out, "no more!" Therefore, it is crucial to have a comfortably fitting shoe with enough cushioning to keep your legs moving even when they are begging you to stop.

If you're planning to go full send and nab the fastest time possible, then you should consider a carbon-plated racing shoe that is specifically designed for marathon racing. Although these types of shoes are designed to take your race day performance to another level, there are a few potential drawbacks to be aware of. First, the top options cost anywhere between $250 and $400. Second, these shoes are designed for race day use, sacrificing durability for low weight and performance, so you would need to have a different running shoe to do the bulk of your training in. Finally, they are less durable than non-race day shoes so don't expect to get the same 600+ kilometres out of them that you would in other running shoes.

How do we know if a shoe is good for a first marathon? Our expert testers have been there! Whether they were just looking to finish or had a specific time goal they were racing toward, each has experienced the challenge, uncertainty, and satisfaction of completing those 26.2 miles. After extensively testing and researching each shoe, we have compiled a list of our favourite options for every type of marathoner.

From elite racers to first-time marathon finishers, underfoot protection has become a must-have feature when covering longer distances. One of the originals in the max stack height category, the HOKA Bondi 9 continues to be a top choice when it comes to having a highly cushioned buffer underfoot. The Bondi 9 packs HOKA's wildly respected Supercritical EVA foam in the midsole, which provides that sought-after protective experience that beginner marathon runners will appreciate during their run.

Even though this shoe has a brawny silhouette, the HOKA Bondi still weighs in at a respectable 306 grams. Additionally, the MetaRocker geometry of the Bondi gives this shoe an added efficiency benefit that allows beginners to roll through their stride smoothly.

Overall, for novice marathon runners, the HOKA Bondi 9 is a well-rounded option and a top choice for getting to the finish line in one piece.

For first time marathoners who overpronate and need some extra guidance through their stride, the Brooks Adrenaline 24 is an excellent choice to help tackle those 26.2 miles. Featuring GuideRails that stabalise your natural motion path, the Adrenaline offers a secure running experience and a comfortable fit. The DNA LOFT v3 cushioning in the midsole is lightweight and offers a smooth, responsive ride with an energetic rebound, which is every marathon runner's dream. Meanwhile, the RoadTack rubber outsole delivers the durability to get you through all of your training miles in addition to race day. The stability aspects of this shoe aid tired legs at the end of marathons and will give you the extra push to make it to the finish line.

There was a time when finding the most lightweight running shoe came at the cost of cushioning. That sacrifice can be too great for a lot of first time marathoners as having enough cushion to make it the 26.2 miles is essential. Enter the New Balance Balos, a shoe that brings the best of both worlds. Coming in at only 244 grams (Men's US 9) with an eye-popping 42mm of foam stacked in the heel, the Balos is unlike any shoe we've had the pleasure of running in.

The midsole cushioning setup contains a stack of the lightweight and highly responsive Fresh Foam X PEBA/EVA blend foam that offers plush yet resilient cushioning. This design delivers an effortless and protective ride from the first mile to the last.

Combine that midsole with its lightweight frame and you've got yourself one of the best, non-plated marathon racing options.

For an elite-level racing option with a more accommodating fit, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is the perfect choice. Runners of all experience levels will enjoy the electric ride of the Endorphin Pro 4, courtesy of the PWRRUN PB midsole that's paired with a snappy carbon-fibre plate. Throw in the SPEEDROLL geometry for effortless strides and you've got yourself a tool to help you crack the marathon code.