First choice
Reasons to buy
- Aggressive sole setup
- Comfortable upper
- Good stability
“The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite is a uniquely designed super shoe which is best suited to races up to the half-marathon, intervals and short threshold runs. It has an aggressive sole design which encourages fast heel-to-toe transitions but its firm EVA heel makes transitions feel disjointed at slow paces. The Fast-R Nitro Elite isn’t as versatile or durable as the Deviate Nitro Elite 2 however it does feel faster during short bursts. ”
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Also consider
Reasons to buy
- More cushioned than V1
- Improved upper comfort
- More premium laces
“The ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ is still one of the top-tier marathon racers. It has a great combination of propulsion, cushioning, efficiency and stability. The Sky+ has more midsole foam, especially in the forefoot which increases the cushioning but it has a flatter carbon plate profile which makes it feel slower. The Sky+ is better for long distances at slower paces compared to the original Sky which provided more propulsion. ”
Recommended for
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-range racing shoe which is highly cushioned, propulsive, and more stable than the Vaporfly, the Metaspeed Sky+ is an excellent choice. The Sky+ can handle slower paces because of its wider base while it has phenomenal upper comfort and enough cushioning for...
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Also consider
Reasons to buy
- Increased forefoot cushioning
- More aggressive toe-spring
- Fit is now true to size
- More stability
“The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a long-distance specialist. Its highly cushioned midsole and its efficient, energy saving ride make it perfect for marathons and beyond. Version 3 has more foam in the forefoot, a wider net base and a more aggressive toe-spring which makes it softer, more stable and more propulsive than the previous version. ”
Recommended for
If you're a runner looking for a marathon super shoe with a forward-tipping sensation that's softer than most, the Adios Pro 3 is an excellent choice. It excels at long-distance runs and at target marathon pace.
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Also consider
Reasons to buy
- Outsole durability has been improved
- Most stable Zoom Fly to date
- Softer than its predecessors
- Excellent upper comfort
“The Nike Zoom Fly 5 is a well-cushioned, carbon-plated training shoe suited to long, slow runs. It has excellent stability and a muted forward-tipping sensation during toe-offs. Version 5 has a more traditional, padded upper, a full-length ZoomX core which provides extra cushioning and a wider midsole base for extra stability. The Zoom Fly 5 is the slowest Zoom Fly version to date but also the most comfortable. ”
Recommended for
If you’re a runner looking for a stiff training shoe for long, slow runs the Zoom Fly 5 is a good option. The Zoom Fly 5 has a rockered midsole geometry which assists with easing transitions, making it feel efficient during long runs.
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Also consider
Reasons to buy
- Super lightweight
- Responsive
- Stable on fast downhill terrain
“The Hoka Tecton X is a fast, lightweight trail race shoe that performs best on smooth, non-technical terrain. ”
Katherine Takai
Long Distance Runner, former Sprinter.