Best marathon shoes UK 2023: I tried 10 pairs of running trainers during my preparation for the London Marathon
AS the days get warmer and longer, lacing up and hitting the pavement in a pair of the best marathon shoes might just start to make an appearance on your list of ‘fun things to do’.
After all, if you’re anything like me, nothing quite beats the feeling of mental clarity that transpires after half an hour of striding the streets. Plus, running offers a big release of feel-good endorphins, helps maintain a healthy heart and lungs and it’s great for overall fitness.
But a key part of a healthy, happy, comfortable run, is footwear. After all, you wouldn’t go hiking in a pair of flip-flops, so why go running in anything other than a decent pair of running trainers?
So whether you’re training for a marathon, working on a couch-to-5k, or simply want to rack up a few miles on the treadmill, protect your feet and joints while ensuring you stay comfortable with a pair of these top trainers.
Best marathon shoes, at a glance:
- Best sustainable option – On Cloudsurfer
- Best high-end option – New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3
- Best lightweight marathon shoes – Under Armour Women’s UA Charged Impulse 3 Running Shoes
- Best affordable option: Asics Jolt 3
- Best for injury-prone runners – TYR RD-1 Runner
On Cloudsurfer
- Cloudsurfer, £150 from On Running – buy here
Pros: Versatile, bouncy, secure, sustainable, look great
Cons: Expensive
On has made serious waves on the running scene.
On’s latest shoe, the Cloudsurfer, suits all runners, whether you’re a regular at the local Park Run or training for a marathon. The shoe contains brand-new technology, the CloudTec Phase, which apparently allows for a smoother run and softer transition from heel to toe as your foot hits the ground.
On describes the little holes that run along the soles of its shoes as clouds and, I can confirm that these shoes really are very much like running on a cloud; the bounce is incredible!
From the get-go, my run was comfortable and I had a real spring in my step. It’s not surprising really as the sole is pretty chunky.
These also look good; I wore the light green pair which are perfect as spring kicks in. There’s also light orange, black and white to choose from.
The On Cloudsurfers also tick the sustainability boxes as they’ve been made using a dope-dyeing method for colouring the upper which apparently saves 95% of water compared to conventional dyeing methods.
The price point of these is high; they’re not likely to be a pair of trainers that you buy unless you’re a regular runner. However, they fit like a glove, they’re secure, my feet and ankles felt stable and I really do feel like I ran a little quicker than usual. Or should I say, I ‘bounced’ quicker than usual!
New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3
- FuelCell SC Elite v3, £220 from New Balance – buy here
Pros: Extremely comfortable, bouncy, no blisters
Cons: Very expensive
New Balance is the current sponsor of the London Marathon, and for good reason.
Its trainers are genuinely the best running trainers I’ve worn (and I don’t say that lightly), and the brand’s latest drop, the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3, is no exception.
These are so comfortable that I actually didn’t think about my feet at all while running; no pain, plenty of bounce and the shoes wrapped around my feet like a glove.
The FuelCell midsole of these trainers contains carbon fibre Energy Arc pairs, offering more energy return when you run.
Plus, because the back of the shoe isn’t solid — instead, fitting more like a sock — there’s less chance of rubbing or blisters. My feet were totally intact post-run. This is a rarity in the long-distance running world, I assure you!
The design of the shoe is sleek and streamlined, although the NB logo takes up the majority of the upper shoe which might not be to everyone’s tastes. The logo is certainly not subtle, but when I was running, this didn’t cross my mind at all.
The BIG (and it is big) flaw of these trainers is the eye-watering price point. I genuinely don’t know many people who could justify this price right now; however, you have my word that these offer a seamless run.
So much so, that I chose them to be my running trainers on the day of the London Marathon itself.
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Hoka Clifton 9
- Clifton 9, £130 from Hoka – buy here
Pros: Bouncy, comfortable, supportive, lots of colourways
Cons: None
A big name in the running game — and one that shows no sign of slowing down — is Hoka. I’ve not tried the brand before, and I’m ashamed to say it’s because I’m stubbornly loyal to my Nikes, Adidas and New Balance.
On first impressions, the Clifton 9 trainer looks as though it would offer a lot of bounce, thanks to a seriously chunky heel. This impression is correct; it does offer good bounce and running on the road (which these trainers have been made for) feels really good.
For reassurance, these Hoka trainers have been approved by The Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod), which recognises products that have been found beneficial to foot health. So, you won’t have to worry too much about your feet ending up in a state after a run.
The shoes are comfortable and there’s plenty of support. There are also MANY colourways, so there’ll definitely be a style to suit you.
Am I converted? I believe I am, yes.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4
- Fresh Foam X More v4, £130 from New Balance – buy here
Pros: Bouncy, supportive
Cons: Bulky, we noticed some initial rubbing
Spice Girls-esque platforms meet running trainers with this chunky pair of shoes.
Fresh Foam is New Balance’s cushioning system, found in the majority of the band’s running trainers. This pair contains the most Fresh Foam used in any of its shoes to date, so I was expecting a pretty bouncy run.
The Fresh Foam is distributed evenly across the length of the shoe which was evident as I took to the treadmill for a 10 km jog; every time my foot hit the tread I felt light.
Overall, these feel good to run in and my feet were fully supported throughout. I did notice some rubbing at the back which became quite uncomfortable, however, new shoes can often rub so I reckon over time this would pass.
Looks-wise, these are pretty bulky. Personally, I would keep them purely for running, rather than wearing them out and about. With a range of colourways though, New Balance has made it easy to find a shade that suits.
Under Armour Women’s UA Charged Impulse 3
- Women’s UA Charged Impulse 3 Running Shoes,
£62£42.97 from Under Armour – buy here
Pros: Extremely lightweight, affordable, breathable, look good
Cons: Best-suited for shorter runs
The first thing that struck me about these trainers is how light they are. If you’re constrained by a small weight allowance on an upcoming trip, then definitely consider these.
Anyway, on to the run itself. In my opinion, Under Armour has always been more of a gym-training brand, producing quality kit that works for more functional-style workouts rather than running. But, Under Armour’s range of running trainers is actually pretty impressive.
This pair are not only more affordable than many other running shoes on the market, but they offer a comfortable and supportive run. Would I run a marathon in them? No, probably not. But for your shorter runs — say, 5km — then these are great.
The mesh upper is breathable and my feet didn’t feel too hot or stuffy. The Under Armour Charged Cushioning offers just the right amount of bounce too; it’s actually firmer in the heel and softer nearer the front of the foot, so every stride is supported.
Because these trainers are pretty neutral, with no wacky soles or loud colours, they work well as general day-wear trainers too, for walking and running errands.
Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Flyknit
- Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Flyknit Womens Running Shoes, £169.99 from Sports Direct – buy here
Pros: Look chic, spongy, supportive
Cons: Expensive, sizing can be a lottery
For the price, I was expecting a pretty slick pair of trainers as I unpacked these from their shoebox. The trainers look and feel chic and the sole is spongy; ideal for pavement pounding.
What I like is that the spongy sole isn’t too in-your-face; some trainers really do go OTT on their thick soles which can be off-putting. It’s a bit like donning a pair of platforms.
Anyway, Nike says these have been designed to reduce injury and keep you running, thanks to the thick (but not too thick) cushioning, so as someone who seems to consistently attract injuries, I was excited to try these.
I went for a steady 12km run and definitely felt supported throughout. The shoes have good bounce, and there was no rubbing or sore feet at any point. I did still feel pain in my knee, however, but I guess a pair of trainers is unlikely to fix that any time soon!
I do wish I had tried a couple of sizes before settling on 6.5; there was a slight bit of movement around my ankle which did annoy me slightly, but after a few kilometres, I stopped noticing.
Overall, these are a decent, comfortable and hard-wearing trainer that didn’t cause me any foot pain, despite me running a fair distance straight off the bat, without wearing them in.
Worth the hefty price tag? I’m not sure. I think you can find cheaper trainers that are probably on par, but these definitely do offer a fair bit of competition.
Asics Jolt 3
- Asics Jolt 3, £32 from Sports Direct – buy here
Pros: Very affordable, sturdy
Cons: Very hard soles
These days, a pair of decent running trainers for under £50 is a rarity, but I was pleasantly surprised with this Asics pair.
I’ve never been an Asics girl myself, but I was keen to see what the fuss is all about. After all, the brand is ranked pretty highly in the running-shoe stakes.
This pair were comfortable, sturdy and supportive and didn’t rub or irritate me at all as I went off on my 10km run.
However, the sole was a lot harder than I would have liked; if it’s bouncy heels you’re after, then don’t opt for these. I ran on a treadmill, which naturally has a little more bounce than hard pavement, so I didn’t notice it too much, but they definitely felt more solid than other trainers I’ve tried.
For £32 though, these are great and I reckon they’d last a good while too. It’s a big thumbs up from me.
NoBull Runner+
- White Runner+, £165 from NoBull – buy here
Pros: Feel and look good, foamy and bouncy sole, breathable, lightweight
Cons: Expensive
NoBull has typically been associated with functional fitness trainers, weights, jumps and swinging on monkey bars.
So I’ll be honest; I was sceptical when it came to trying their running shoes, especially as the price tag is a hefty £165.
They’re easy to get on, feel good and look good too. It turns out, these are actually a very impressive pair of runners (although I would hope so considering the price).
As soon as I put these trainers on, I noticed the foamy sole. It has plenty of bounce, plus, a full-length nylon plate built into the shoe, supposedly provides a more flexible springboard for improved energy return as you run.
I definitely noticed a solid spring in these shoes, though I will say that the sole of the shoe did feel a little like polystyrene. I almost thought it should be wrapped in something to disguise it slightly, but I guess it didn’t impact my running, so that’s the main thing.
I wore these trainers outside and on a treadmill, and they worked well for both types of runs.
The fit of the trainers is brilliant, and the mesh upper is really breathable, which is essential to stop feet from overheating.
I also found these to be really lightweight. Heavy trainers can feel like a bit of a drag when running, so it was nice to wear shoes that almost felt naked.
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
- Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 Running Shoes In Black and Gold,
£145£82 from WIT – buy here
Pros: Look great, good amount of cushioning, not bulky
Cons: None
These LOOK great; the black and gold colourway is so slick and stylish. But do they perform?
In short, it’s a big YES from me.
There’s a good amount of cushioning in these trainers and because the shoe is shaped a little like a rocker, there’s support throughout every stride, and at every point your foot touches the ground.
I like the fact the heel isn’t incredibly thick; these trainers also suit being worn for other workouts as they’re not super bulky.
I also noticed how my feet felt secure and extremely supported in these shoes; the cushioning around the ankle is tight without being uncomfortable. Just be sure to wear thick running socks with these shoes to avoid any potential rubbing.
The one thing I will flag is that from wearing previous Nike Flyknits, the upper can wear quicker than other trainers. My big toe started busting through an old pair of Flyknits that I once owned.
However, Nike says that these Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 trainers have a refreshed upper, so they are likely stronger now.
TYR RD-1 Runner
- TYR RD-1 Runner in White and Orange,
£119.99£76 from WIT – buy here
Pros: Well-rounded, comfortable, supportive
Cons: Not great if you like a bouncy run, sizing is a bit off
I’d never heard of TYR before, but, with an open mind, I popped a pair on and went for a gentle run around the streets of South London.
I’m fairly loyal to certain brands and always cynical of trainer brands that I haven’t heard of, but Californian brand TYR has actually produced a very decent running trainer.
This is a well-rounded shoe that ticks the boxes when it comes to comfort and support; however, if you’re after that super bounce, this isn’t the pair for you. The sole is pretty solid and durable and unlike other trainers, running in these isn’t like running on clouds.
However, did you know that there is research to suggest that ‘bouncy’ trainers can often lead to more injuries? So if you’re injury prone, this TYR pair might be your new go-to.
The laces stayed done up throughout my run, and there wasn’t an ounce of rubbing or pain.
One thing I will note about these is that it’s worth playing around with sizing a little. I’m a size 6 but they were far too small for me, so I had to go up to a 6.5.
How long does it take to break in running shoes before a marathon?
It’s tempting to buy a swanky new pair of trainers for a marathon, but it’s important to remember that you’ll need to break them in; you don’t want to be blistering on the big day.
It’s recommended that you wear new trainers for between three weeks and a month before a marathon, starting off with shorter runs of around 20-30 minutes to see how they feel.
Where to buy marathon shoes
There’s a miles-long list of brands that sell running shoes nowadays, from the traditional brands that we all know and love to newer disruptors.
You can also choose whether to buy shoes directly through a brand’s website, or through a sports retailer.
Some options include:
How much do Marathon Shoes cost?
As you can see from this roundup, there’s a pair of marathon shoes for every budget.
Brands such as Asics sell more affordable pairs that will cost you less than £50, but if you want to get a top-of-the-line pair of New Balance or Hokas, you can expect to pay north of £100, or even over £200.