The 5 Best Long-Distance Running Shoes - Spring 2025

The PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 is the best long-distance running shoe for racing. As a high-performance carbon-plated super shoe, it delivers a fast, efficient ride perfect for marathon efforts. Its bouncy midsole and aggressive rocker provide a super propulsive toe-off that helps you maintain momentum deep into the race. Despite stripping back weight, the shoe still offers excellent underfoot cushion. The lightweight upper and energetic midsole work together to make it feel efficient and dynamic, especially for forefoot strikers who can tap into its natural forward roll.

That said, this shoe isn't the most stable option—especially for heel strikers or those who struggle to maintain good form when fatigued. And while it's made to go fast, it simply doesn't come alive at anything slower than marathon pace. But for runners who can keep their stride dialed in, it's a standout pick for chasing personal bests on marathon day.

The Diadora Gara Carbon 2 is a premium carbon-plated racer that balances comfort, stability, and race-day performance. Its PEBA-based midsole feels softly cushioned, and the plate placement creates a smooth, natural-feeling transition. The geometry is less aggressive than many modern super shoes like the PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3, making it a more approachable and forgiving option that can still pick up the pace when needed. Combined with a wider platform, it delivers a more stable, consistent ride that's well-suited to marathons and even longer races.

That said, while the Gara Carbon 2's stability and geometry will work well for a broader range of runners, the PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3's lower weight and more energetic midsole make it the better choice for those who can hold form and want maximum efficiency. Still, if you're chasing comfort and a stable ride that still packs performance-level punch, the Gara Carbon 2 is a superbly crafted Italian take on the modern marathon racer.

The ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 is a versatile trainer that's cushioned and lively without the need for a carbon plate. Its dual-layer midsole—combining a plush PEBA-based foam on top with a firmer, more stable layer beneath—delivers a protective ride that feels very smooth. While it excels primarily for steady-paced long runs, it has a good pop and is lightweight enough to pick up the pace when you feel like pushing harder, making it a solid race-day option for those not chasing the podium.

This natural-feeling versatility is a big part of the appeal. For runners who find plated super shoes a bit too stiff and harsh underfoot, this offers a smooth, all-in-one solution for both training and racing across long distances. It's especially good for those weekend long runs when you're dialing in marathon effort—and it's stable enough to keep your form locked in through to the last miles.

The adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG is a super trainer built to turn your longest training runs into a cushioned joyride. It pairs a massive stack of responsive midsole foam with a carbon plate that doubles down at the forefoot. The shoe feels bouncy yet very forgiving, perfect for those endless long runs where comfort and fun matter as much as pace. However, all that extra tech comes with added weight, so it feels cumbersome for intervals faster than aerobic pace. Unlike true racing super shoes like the PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3, this heavy build also means it's not the most efficient option to lace up on race morning. Instead, it offers solid value for those who want maximum stack, pop, and protection in their longest workouts and a playful ride when the miles add up.

If you want a similar steady, long-run focus but with a softer underfoot feel, the HOKA Mach X 2 is a great alternative. It's still a very high-stack trainer, but with a Nylon plate, it absorbs more energy, giving it a plush ride that many runners will find easier on the legs. It's also a bit lighter and has a more traditional geometry than the Prime X 2, though the upper isn't very well padded. Also, the HOKA's midsole doesn't offer the same energetic ride as the adidas, but it's lighter and very efficient around marathon pace. Therefore, it's better for those who prioritize a soft, cushioned ride and want something more nimble to handle many paces and distances.

The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is our top pick for daily training when comfort, protection, and a smooth ride matter most. Its plush midsole absorbs impact well and delivers a consistent, comfortable feel that's easy on the legs over extended efforts. The shoe's geometry is better suited for slower, steadier paces, offering a stable, forgiving platform that makes it a great match for those easy-going weekend long runs.

Compared to the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2, which has a more pronounced rocker for quicker transitions, this shoe prioritizes softness and impact absorption over pure speed. The SUPERBLAST 2's firmer heel foam and snappier feel give it the edge for faster-paced workouts, while the NOVABLAST 5 shines for runners who want a reliable, well-cushioned option to carry them comfortably through longer, easier-paced efforts.