The 9 Best Long-Distance Running Shoes to Try in 2024
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Long-distance running is not about speed but endurance. Runners must maintain a steady pace as they long miles and spend a long time on their feet. Building up endurance requires regular and long-term training too.
“Running longer distances takes time and patience, so it’s best to approach it gradually in order to avoid overuse injuries,” certified personal trainer Christine Luff said.
To ensure safe and comfortable runs over very long distances, you will need a fantastic running app, proper hydration and the best long-distance running shoes. Your choice of footwear plays a crucial role in long-distance running because you can only maximize performance if your feet are comfortable.
Durability and comfort are the two most important things to look for in these shoes. If you will be running at least three kilometers (1.9 miles) a day, at least three days a week for training and on different types of terrain—your shoes should be able to handle the wear and tear.
Your long-distance running shoes must have durable yet comfortable soles that support your feet, joints and muscles and protect them from injury. You also want a breathable pair for maximum comfort.
Check out our comprehensive list of the top long-distance running shoes you can purchase in 2024.
Our Picks for the Best Long-Distance Running Shoes of 2024:
- Best Overall Long-Distance Running Shoes: adidas Solarboost 5
- Best Long-Distance Running Shoes for Stability: NoBull Ripstop Runner
- Best Versatile Long-Distance Running Shoes: Allbirds Tree Flyer 2
- Best Long-Distance Running Shoes for Women: Nike InfinityRN 4
- Best Long-Distance Running Shoes for Flat Feet: Kuru Flux
- Best Lightweight Long-Distance Running Shoes: adidas Adizero Adios 8
- Best Long-Distance Running Shoes for Speed: Nike Pegasus 40
- Best Long-Distance Trail Running Shoes: adidas Agravic Flow 2 Trail
- Best Budget Long-Distance Running Shoes: Reebok Floatride Energy 5
Best Overall Long-Distance Running Shoes: adidas Solarboost 5
adidas
Key features:
- Price: $180
- Weight: 280 grams (size 9)
- Available in two colors
- Boost midsole for lightweight support
The adidas Solarboost 5 is changing the running game with its high-quality design built for high-mileage runners. It features the newest and lightest version of adidas’ signature Boost midsole that provides optimal comfort and support for your longest runs without making your feet feel heavy.
It is also equipped with the adidas LEP 2.0 (linear energy push technology). The LEP 2.0 is fitted to the outsole and bridges the forefoot with the rear foot of the shoe to keep your foot stable and propel you forward as you run.
Although the price is on the expensive side, the Solarboost 5 is a comfortable running shoe made to last and support your feet through the wear, tear and impact of long-distance runs.
Pros:
- Boost midsole for lightweight cushioning
- Designed for any distance
- Continental Rubber outsole that’s made to last
Cons:
- On the expensive side
- Some reviewers say it can be a little stiff
Best Long-Distance Running Shoes for Stability: NoBull Ripstop Runner
NoBull
Key features:
- Price: $139
- Weight: 292 grams
- Available in eight colors
If you’re looking for a running shoe that will feel stable and secure, check out NoBull Ripstop Runner. It’s our pick for the best long-distance running shoes for stability thanks to the design and fit. NoBull classifies these as stability running shoes, which are often used by runners who suffer from flat feet to help reduce the risk of injury. These running shoes are built with a medial post, meaning a firmer midsole to combat overpronation. Its midsole, which is important to consider when looking for a stability running shoe, is made of thick cushioning. The more dense a midsole, the more your foot will resist motion in your shoe. We like that these running shoes are durable and breathable so you can take them from a cross training session in the gym to your long runs on the road.
Pros
- Stability running shoe
- Medial post helps fight overpronation
- Durable
Cons
- No wide options
Best Versatile Long-Distance Running Shoes: Allbirds Tree Flyer 2
Allbirds
Key features:
- Price: $160
- Weight: 232.3 grams
- Available in eight color combinations
Need a running shoe that can take you on your long runs, hold up through your most intense cross-training session and support you during a fitness class? The Allbirds Tree Flyer 2 is for you. These slip-on sneakers are our pick for the most versatile long-distance running shoe because it offers traction, stability and support making it perfect for many activities. The Tree Flyers are lightweight and easy to slip on and off thanks to the front pull tab. The knit upper is designed to secure your foot in place, while still providing stretch and breathability. We love the added traction on the bottom of these shoes so you can wear them rain or shine.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Pull tab makes for easy on and off
- Added traction to lets you tackle runs in wet weather
Cons
- Pricer than some other options on our list
Best Long-Distance Running Shoes for Women: Nike InfinityRN 4
Nike
Key features:
- Price: $160
- Weight: 281 grams (women’s size 8)
- Available in eight colors, plus custom options
Studies show there are many health benefits of running for women including improved heart health, weight control and increased bone density. If you’re looking for a shoe that will help you go the distance, check out the Nike InfinityRN. The updated fourth version of the InfinityRN now boasts added cushioning to keep your stride feeling bouncy mile after mile. Nike says its ReactX foam provides more energy return than previous models. The water repellent liner keeps your toes dry and the added rubber outsole provides traction even if the weather turns wet. We love the vibrant color combinations like Jade Ice and Lemon Twist that offer both style and visibility.
Averaging 4.5/5 stars on Nike’s website, this shoe is a fan favorite. Users rave about how comfortable their Infinity RNs are. One reviewer wrote, “I love this pair! As soon as I started walking, I could feel the bouncy feeling from the feet, which I love.” However, several customers say the shoes are very snug, and Nike urges runners to purchase a half size up.
Related Post: The Best Walking Shoes for Women
Pros
- Rubber outsole provides additional traction
- Water-repellent liner
- Offers high support and cushioning
Cons
- Customers complain of snug fit
Best Long-Distance Running Shoes for Flat Feet: Kuru Flux
Kuru
Key features:
- Price: $150
- Weight: 263 grams
- Available in five colors
People with flat feet have very low arches which can be painful when you run or walk. If you have flat feet you should look for a running shoe that provides stabilization and motion control to fight overpronation, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. Kuru Flux is our pick for the best long distance running shoe for flat feet because it offers support and is designed to provide pain relief. This high-performance shoe was created with runners and walkers in mind with heel-hugging technology that Kuru says flexes as you step to support your arches. We love that they come with a reflective strip creating extra visibility for those night time jogs and have a slip-on design.
On the Kuru website, the Flux earns 4.2/5 stars with users praising how lightweight and supportive these shoes are. One reviewer wrote “it feels like a good running shoe. Well made, good cushioning & comfortable right away.”
For more options, check out The 10 Best Shoes for Flat Feet.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reflective strip
- Designed to provide support and comfort
Cons
- Customers complain that because there is no tongue, the upper bunches when put on
Best Lightweight Long-Distance Running Shoes: adidas Adizero Adios 8
adidas
Key features:
- Price: $130
- Weight: 198 grams (size 9)
- Available in two colors
- Partly made from recycled materials
To start, 50 percent of the adidas Adizero Adios 8’s upper is made from recycled materials, which is great. It is incredibly light at just 7 ounces grams, a drop of nearly an ounce from its predecessor. The lightweight mesh upper helped with the weight drop but reduced durability in that area. The rest of the Adios 8 is durable with a rubber outsole and light cushioning.
Pros:
- Increased force transfer
- Ultra lightweight
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- Lightweight mesh upper isn’t very durable
- Unremarkable design
Best Long-Distance Running Shoes for Speed: Nike Pegasus 40
Nike
Key features:
- Price: $130
- Weight: 288 grams
- Available in 13 colors, plus custom options
- Two Zoom Air units
No best running shoe list is complete without Nike running shoes. Long-distance running is not about speed, but with the Nike Pegasus 40, it could be. Nike Pegasus 40 are our pick as the best long-distance running shoes for speed because of their comfortable fit and lightweight engineering. These shoes have two Zoom Air units, or Nike’s built-in cushioning system. This underfoot cushioning is designed to enhance your speed and agility. We also love the improved traction of the Pegasus 40 compared to previous models thanks to enhanced landing space in the heel and rubber outsole so you feel confident on any road, track or terrain.
The Pegasus 40 earned 4.7/5 stars from more 250 reviews on Nike's website, with multiple customers saying they used them as their marathon shoes. One reviewer wrote, "it's got great support and cushioning, too. The sole is flexible enough that it won't cause a problem distance."
Pros
- Supportive underfoot cushioning
- Breathable and lightweight shoe design
- Secure fit increases stability
- Responsive foam offers more energy return
Cons
- Runs small
Best Long-Distance Trail Running Shoes: adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2 Trail
adidas
Key features:
- Price: $140
- Weight: 320 grams
- Available in five colors
- Full-length pro-moderator foil for rocky trails
The adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2 Trail is designed for running on all-terrain trails. The full-length pro-moderator foil and versatile lug pattern protect your feet from uneven and rocky ground. It makes for a great pair of hiking shoes, too.
It has lightweight cushioning, although it is a heavy pair of shoes that weigh 320 grams. To be fair, weight is important when running on rugged trails. It’s still a comfortable pair of shoes with a breathable, abrasion-resistant engineered mesh upper. And because it’s adidas, 50 percent of the upper is made from recycled materials.
However, it is best to pair these shoes with thick socks because the stiff heels will likely result in blistering during the break-in period.
Pros
- Protective outsoles with versatile lug pattern
- Beautiful design and colors
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- Very heavy
- Heel is quite stiff, which may cause blisters
Best Budget Long-Distance Running Shoes: Reebok Floatride Energy 5
Reebok
Key features:
- Price: $110
- Weight: 266 grams
- Available in three colors
- Floatride Energy midsole for responsiveness
Reebok Floatride Energy 5 is affordable and highly functional. It provides top-notch support through the Floatride Energy midsole, which feels light and has the perfect responsiveness needed in long-distance running shoes. There is some firmness too, which is great for protecting your legs during slow, endurance runs. It has a sleek design, which makes it a fantastic footwear option for casual settings.
One of its downsides is that the added firmness isn’t great for sprints and runs. However, the pill-shaped lugs make this a great trail running shoe, for more support on uneven terrain and dirt roads.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Good lug design for running on forest trails
- Sleek design
Cons
- Too firm for fast runs
Why Buy Long-Distance Running Shoes?
Running shoes are not created equal. There are also different ways to run—there is jogging, sprinting and long-distance running, among others. These activities demand different qualities from the shoes we wear. For example, long-distance running entails much higher mileage and more time spent running, so you need shoes that can perform well through the wear and tear.
Long-distance running shoes are designed to absorb impact for long periods. They have extra-sturdy outsoles for the needed versatility to handle different surfaces. Shoes for long-distance running should also have comfortable midsoles and insoles to protect the feet even after hours or miles of running.
What to Look for When Choosing Long-Distance Running Shoes
Durability
Long-distance running shoes will be exposed to heavy wear and tear from hours of running multiple times a week. You need shoes that will endure such use if you don’t want to buy a new pair every few months.
Comfort
You must find comfortable shoes with a soft cushion to protect your feet from heavy impact. There’s also more to comfort than just plush insoles and midsoles. The fit is also important to prevent blistering and other issues.
Sturdy outsoles
The outsoles take the brunt of the impact on different types of surfaces, which means they must be very sturdy. You also need the appropriate lug design based on the terrain you prefer to run on. Some lugs provide a better grip on trails or dirt roads.
Breathability of upper
Long-distance running means your feet will be trapped in the shoes for hours at a time. You need shoes with a breathable upper to prevent constriction and maximize comfort.
Value for money
It may be tempting to just buy the cheapest pair of running shoes you can find, but this is not an advisable way to evaluate the options available. To truly make the most of your money, you must be practical. Look for shoes that aren’t too expensive but are highly durable and comfortable.
It’s about value for money and not the lowest price; after all, dirt-cheap shoes are not likely to last long.
Style
This is not the most important factor when choosing long-distance running shoes. However, there is also nothing wrong with choosing gorgeous shoes that you will be happy to show off and wear even in casual settings.
Long-Distance Running Shoes FAQs
How long should a pair of running shoes last?
According to experts, you should change your running shoes after 300 to 500 miles. This roughly equals to four to six months if you run 20 miles each week. After taking the shoes through the wringer, they will change shape and affect your posture and gait. You need to switch out your shoes before they lead to injuries.
Do long-distance runners wear spikes?
Track runners wear spikes for the needed grip on the terrain. Long-distance runners require heavier spikes compared to on-track short-distance runners.
Which running shoes should I buy for marathons?
The best shoes for marathons are training shoes that fit well, are durable and are comfortable. Training shoes got their name because they are the everyday shoes that marathoners use for training.
What is considered a long-distance run?
Long-distance runs cover at least three kilometers of continuous running. Marathons are the most popular type of long-distance runs at 42 kilometers.
Final Thoughts
Long-distance runners should be meticulous about their choice of footwear. They must ensure they have the best long-distance running shoes that are comfortable and durable for a safe and enjoyable run during training and actual races.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
