The Best Long Distance Running Shoes, According to Fitness Editors

The Gel-Nimbus 25 has almost everything you could want in a long-distance running shoe: plenty of cushioning, breathability, stability, and comfort. I’m also a big fan of the durability this shoe offers. Even after logging quite a few miles in these, the rubber outsole didn’t appear any worse for wear. Score!

Additionally, the knit upper is very breathable and allows the heat from your toasty toes to escape. If I’m planning to run more than five miles (on a non-race day), these are the shoes I’ll almost always reach for. They’re extremely versatile and comfortable. In fact, they’re the type of running shoes that you almost forget you’re wearing.

However, if you’re someone with a wide foot (or who prefers a wide toe box), you may be thrown off by how narrow these shoes are in the toe box. For me, I feel like my toes aren’t crunched (more so hugged, which I like), but my wider feet friends may feel differently. Wide foot or not, I recommend sizing up in the Gel-Nimbus 25 at least a half size.

Read more: Best Asics Running Shoes

Calling all folks with wide feet: The On Cloud Cloudstratus are wide enough in the toe box for your toes to splay comfortably, even during a long run. Plus, they’re also on the wider side through the midfoot–I have average width feet and have to lace my pair pretty tightly.

And for a brand that isn’t the traditional Asics or Brooks, On repeatedly delivers comfortable shoes with surprisingly good cushioning (without overdoing it). If you’re tired of the max-cushioned shoes flooding the market, you’ll appreciate this firm, Goldilocks-level cushioning–just right, but not too much (or too little).

These shoes are also stylish enough to go from a long-distance run to running errands without skipping a beat. I frequently wear them with athleisure for weekend activities and find that even after a long day of standing, my feet still feel good.

Read more: Best On Running Shoes

The Craft CTM Ultra 3 is the shoe you want to wear when you’re trying to run long-distance, but do it as fast as possible. This shoe is 9.3 ounces, and features firm cushioning that is responsive. When I tried this shoe, I felt like it helped me pick up my pace more and almost run with better form (probably due to more frequent foot turnover).

And if you’re someone who enjoys trails or other off-road paths while running, you’ll appreciate the durable outsole with large treads. Besides the breathable mesh upper, this shoe’s laces help your feet stay comfortable, thanks to its new system designed to combat foot pressure.

I’m gonna say it: This shoe may fit well, but it isn’t much to look at. The two colorways available are pretty boring. And we’d love to see Craft expand its size range. Men’s sizes 8 to 13 is not enough!

Pros

• Built like a tank
• Breathable upper
• Made with eco-friendly materials
• Flexible

Durability is always a consideration when choosing running shoes, and the Mizuno Wave Rider 25s deliver big time on this front. These shoes have been a staple amongst neutral cushioning lovers for years, and the carbon rubber outsole is built like a tank.

Additionally, the mesh upper is breathable, which is something the 25’s have improved upon in this edition. I also like that this shoe is made with mostly eco-friendly materials.

I prefer this shoe for an easy long-distance run because the cushioning is not as plush as it should be for something like marathon racing.

The Nike Pegasus’ hold a special place in my heart, because they were the first real running shoes I wore and loved as an adult. The Nike Pegasus 40’s launched in April of 2023, but have been around since the 1970’s, so they’re not a new shoe. However, the new rendition has only improved a classic and beloved style.

These shoes are firm (as they always have been) and have a durable outsole. Plus, the breathable upper has been redesigned to be one large piece of mesh, so you’ll get maximum ventilation as you sweat.

And if you’re someone with an exceptionally large or small foot, you’ll be pleased to note that the Pegasus 40 comes in a wide range of sizes. Men’s sizing starts at 6 and goes all the way to 18, which may be one of the best size ranges I’ve ever seen for a running shoe.

Read more: Best Nike Shoes

Pros

• Breathable upper
• Bouncy and responsive
• Durable
• Made of recycled materials
• Easy to run in

The Saucony Triumph 21 is the perfect shoe that works on a long-distance run just as much as it does during a HIIT class. With bouncy cushioning, you’ll be ready to stay on your forefoot (both when working out and keeping quick foot turnover during a run). I also like the mesh that goes all the way back to the midfoot to improve overall ventilation.

“I love how comfortable they are,” reviewer EP 1026 said in their 5-star review. “They make my runs feel smoother and less tiring. The cushioning is just right, and the shoes fit my feet perfectly. Even on longer runs, they keep my feet feeling good.”

Hoka Speedgoat 5

Pros

• Excellent traction on trails, in snow, or rocky areas
• Well cushioned

Need a shoe that can go the distance (see what I did there?) on any terrain? The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is the running shoe for the job. The outsole has thick treads to help you get an excellent grip on snow, wood-lined trails, or just a rocky path. And your feet certainly won’t be suffering–the cushioning in the Speedgoat 5 is akin to Hoka’s other popular shoes (like the Clifton).

“My third pair of Speedgoats and many positives,” reviewer Hoss explained. “Uppers hold up really well. Never had a tear or seam break despite daily trail use. Break-in takes only 1-2 runs. Best part is the comfortable fit. Like a glove. The most comfortable interior I have had in 50 years of running.”

Read more: Best Hoka Running Shoes

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is the stable dream of both supinators and overpronators everywhere (myself included). I love the GuideRails technology that, well, guides your midfoot and ensures it doesn’t cave in or out, even when the mileage starts to stack. The cushioning is pretty neutral. You don’t feel like you’re hitting the ground barefoot, but you also don’t feel like you’re running on clouds.

If you want durability, the Adrenaline GTS 22s deliver. The outsole handles anything you throw at it—trail, pavement, or treadmill—with ease. I’ve never felt like I was about to slip in these shoes, even when it’s wet outside.

However, these shoes definitely take time to break in. At first, you may feel like they’re too stiff through the midsole, but with time (and mileage), they’ll loosen up comfortably.

Don’t have hundreds to drop on a pair of running shoes? No worries! The Adidas Duramo Speed is a budget-friendly option I’d recommend for most people. These shoes fit true to size and are shockingly durable for the price.

The Duramo Speed doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s a basic shoe that is fairly responsive during a run, but still firm underfoot. It won’t correct your over pronation, or give you max cushioning–But it doesn’t claim to, either. I like these shoes for slow, easy long runs.

I will say, if you’re someone who sweats an insane amount from their feet, these are not the shoes for you. The upper isn’t perforated or made of breathable knit, so heat gets trapped (and it can get uncomfortable).

Read more: Best Adidas Shoes

I wore the Asics Metaspeed Sky+ during a marathon relay, and they did not disappoint. Although the $250 price tag may cause a little sticker shock, you’ll quickly forget about the cost when you slip these puppies on.

The cushioning is thick yet responsive, delivering a comfortable ride that gives great energy return. As I fatigued during the race, I almost felt like these shoes helped propel me along (instead of weighing me down).

Additionally, the upper and the tongue are incredibly thin and breathable, which helps trapped heat escape. I like that the base is stable and wide for increased stability.

However, if you have genuinely wide feet, you may find this shoe uncomfortable. It tends to run both narrow and small, so I recommend sizing up if possible.

Not sure how to find your next pair of long-distance running shoes? Here are the top things to keep in mind before purchasing anything:

Breathability

Let’s be honest. No one wants sweaty feet, especially when you’re on mile 10 of 15. Look for running shoes with a breathable upper (knit or regular perforated works). This will help the trapped heat from your feet escape and increase overall comfort.

Durability

With long-distance running shoes, durability is key since you’ll be logging lots of miles. And since you’ll want to get maximum performance for the life of your shoe, choosing a durable pair is an especially important consideration. Check out the materials used to make the shoe and the overall construction to determine if a shoe is durable.

Outsole

Depending on the type of terrain you typically run on, you’ll want to ensure your outsole is prepared for the job. For tail runners, choose a rugged outsole with plenty of traction to help you scale muddy or snowy hills with ease. Even those who typically run long distances on treadmills or pavement will want to ensure their new running shoes have a durable outsole.

Support

If you’re planning to run long distances, you’ll want to ensure your new shoe has adequate support. Unsurprisingly, racking up the miles can put a strain on your feet, ankles, and knees. And if you have a supportive running shoe, it can spread out the impact to make it more tolerable for your joints. Additionally, support (like built-in guide rails) can help keep proper positioning, which keeps your feet from overpronation or supination.

How do you tell when your running shoes are worn out?

As a general rule, you should be replacing your running shoes every 300 to 400 miles to avoid unneeded injury. However, there are a few ways to tell if your running shoes are worn out. One, if you flip your running shoe over and notice the treads have worn smooth, it’s time to buy a new pair. And if your running shoes have soft foam at the midsole and you notice heavy creasing, it’s also a sign to part ways.

Do expensive shoes last longer?

The answer is it depends. The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is often true because more expensive shoes are typically made with higher quality materials, which in turn, last longer. However, you should be replacing your running shoes every 300-400 miles, so if you run frequently, you’ll still need to purchase new shoes at a regular pace (regardless of how expensive your shoes were).

Do you need a separate shoe for long-distance runs?

Yes. If you run both short and long distances (or long races and short sprint sessions), you’ll need more than one pair of running shoes. Running shoes are all designed for different things. Some are best for marathons because of the rockered style or weight, but wouldn’t do well on trails or bumpy terrain.

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