10 Best Shoes for Running a Half Marathon

Running a half marathon or marathon is becoming a new trend around the world. From making the new running records to the sponsored running events organized for supporting different causes, it is getting a huge amount of appreciation. And running a half marathon requires best pair of running shoes for half marathon.

Especially half marathons have achieved a lot more attraction by all ages groups. Being half the distance of marathons i.e, 21.1km(approx.) half marathons come with the features of the late start, early finish, and shortcuts.

A half marathon is a perfect event for young athletes to push their boundaries and build themselves for big events.

To do so one needs to invest in a good pair of running shoes which will not just provide good comfort and protection to your foot but includes basic features like good cushioning, traction, stability, light, breathable and flexibility.

Most of the time brand name is preferred as the main criteria for buying shoes as per the events.

But there are some basic parameters which you need to know before buying a new pair of best shoes for running a half marathon.

Also Read- how to choose rock climbing shoes

Parameters for Buying Best running Shoes for a Half Marathon-Buying Guide

Cushioning:

The basic, as well as the main element that makes a shoe perfect for running a half marathon or long run, is the cushion.

It is made to protect the foot from the sudden shock caused by the hard strike of heels and forefoot on the surface.

Also, a good cushion makes the run both comfier and more energized by returning the energy. While buying shoes one must pick the pair with good midsole cushioning that reduces back, hip and knee injury by absorbing stress from heel, ankle, and toes.

Traction:

Traction is the most important part that makes a shoe good for runners. While providing a strong and firm grip between shoes and surfaces, it helps in moving in the desired direction on time.

Although, you need to choose the appropriate shoe as per the terrain to get the best traction.

Flexibility:

Just like the other body parts, your foot also needs to move. At the time of running your body weight shifts to the foot, which led to flex in toes and stress in other parts of the foot.

For achieving a good run you should buy the shoes that are flexible and bend as per your foot.

Lightweight:

It may be a comfy element to you but if you are looking for long runs and half marathon you must buy the lightweight shoes.

As running puts the extra body weight on your foot, so you need to buy those pair of shoes which can protect your foot as well as be extremely light. It will help you in completing the long miles with ease.

Breathability:

Many times we get uncomfortable after wearing shoes for a longer period of time because they are not breathable.

Yes, you got it right, with the long duration moisture get intact and cause irritation and more sweat in our foot.

To combat this issue, you need to buy the breathable shoes which will allow air to flow in and keep the moisture out.

Stability:

Running leads to excessive stress to the foot which causes stretching and rolling of foot i.e., pronation.

To protect the foot from these pronations and further future injuries, you can pick the pair of stable running shoes.

It depends on the level of pronation and the type of surface you are going to run.

Fitting:

Most of the time shoe size is measured as the right criteria for the fitness of a shoe. But the actual criteria of the fitting is comfortable because every shoe has different components and make is comfortable as per particular customer requirements.

Also, every person has a different structure of the foot and you need to buy the shoe that suits your foot’s shape.  

It may be a little bit confusing for you to find a perfect pair of shoe which will satisfy all these basic parameters while proving comfort.

It totally depends on your own choice and your foot type, that what parameters convince you to give the best result. 

In case you are still confused that how will you judge the best shoes and get the shoes that suit your foot the most.

Don’t worry, we have saved your precious time and effort which you can use in your training for running long miles or running a half marathon.

We have prepared a list of 10 best shoes for running a half marathon.

Best Shoes for Running a Half Marathon

1. ASICS – Gel Nimbus 21 Running Shoes.

 Keeping the cushioning and long-distance at utmost importance, ASICS has used its supreme high cushioning with the special technology that gives amazing gait support.

The Trusstic System is added to Nimbus 21 shoes which gives it great stability. The upper is made using Jacquard Mash with snugly fitting that allows more air to flow, making it more breathable. The Flytefoam Propel technology used in the midsole gives them good bounce and flexibility. 

For the outsole, High Abrasion Resistance Rubber is used that provides better durability and helps in long runs.

Pros:

• Better Cushioning 
• Traction is satisfactory 
• Better durability 
• Great Stability 

Cons:

• Less breathability due to excessive cushioning. 
• Higher in weight as compared to previous versions.
• Not good in wet conditions 

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2. Adidas Ultraboost 19 Running shoes

Reinventing the previous ultraboost gears, Adidas has introduced the more comfy version through Ultraboost 19.

It has Dual-density Boost cushioning provides more support and stability.  With the greater boost, it is bouncier and flexible for the foot.

Adidas has added the Primeknit 360 upper that is at the top of the midsole, acts like a sock and keeps the foot intact at its position.

Along with it, Adidas has used snug mesh around the midsection area that restricts foot from sliding and bending to the upper part.

It is available in different colour combinations with brighter uppers and pure white soles. But the thing that makes it unique is the complete white shoes.

Pros:

• More Comfortable 
• Better Cushioning 
• Gives more energy return 
• Lightweight
• Firm grip and fit 
• Flexible 
• Breathable 

Cons: 

• Cause issues during fast runs.
• Too Costly.
• Holds moisture because of its plastic overlay

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3. Under Armour HOVR Guardian

Maximum protection, classic appearance, and new digital technology, all features are combined in this Under Armours gear. This is made specifically for those people who are pronto too much foot rolling or pronation.

It is designed to provide great stability and extra cushioning. It uses the old medial post chassis that keeps the foot intact at its place and prevents the foot from rolling inwards.

HOVR Guardian appears just like the old fashioned running shoes with the heavy body and rigid heels that give more support at the back part, prevent the foot from slipping.

The thing that makes it more unique is the new technology fitted in the shoes. This digital record sensor technology tracks, analyses and keeps the virtual record of the training done which will further help the runners in improving their performance.

Pros:

• Maximum protection. 
• Perfect for those who face overpronation. 
• Good stability because of Medial Post Chassis. 
• It has Digital Sensor Technology that keeps a virtual record of training.

Cons: 

• It weighs heavier.
• Less flexibility due to rigid heels. 
• These are expensive. 

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4.New Balance FuelCell Rebel

Designed for the wide range of neutral runners,  these shoes are made with good construction and trace fiber upper which keeps the foot intact at its natural position, and gives good stability to them.

These are more lightweight and breathable as compared to its previous version. 

The new balance FuelCell Rebel is made with the new fuel cell technology in the front area which rebels more energy back and propels in running faster.

Apart from the performance, New Balance FuelCell Rebel is designed with a bold look and nice colours which make them fit for gym sessions to marathons.

Pros:

• More Lightweight 
• Good for neutral runners 
• Good Stability 
• More breathable 
• Good looks 

CONS:

•   Not suitable for long runs 

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5. ASICS MetaRide

ASICS has introduced its long-running comfortable shoes with MetaRide. It is designed to give a luxurious experience to its customers.

It is built in a way that the pressure gets released at ankle joints and helps you to move forward, which makes the running more quickly. 

The sole is constructed in a subtle curvature which makes ease in transition whenever you shift your balance head to toe and the cloth counter helps the ankles from movement, hence saves the muscle energy.

For the comfort part, ASICS has used its GEL Cushioning along with Flytefoam Propel Technology at midsole that protects the foot from extreme shocks and distributes the stress effectively.

Pros:

• Good for long runs 
• More Comfortable 
• Easy in head to toe transitions 
• Protects the foot from injuries 

Cons: 

• More Costly 

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6.Brooks Launch 6

The Launch 6 shoes are made for neutral and efficient runners with the plus point of one-piece mesh upper and internal bootie keeping it lightweight that makes them ideal for long runs and marathons.

 BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning and rebounding rubber is added to the midsole area. These are launched as the energizing type of shoes which maybe seemed as less modern looking but are much more light as compared to its previous version. 

The midsole area is designed in a way that it will easily shift the stress from head to toe. It also makes the transition more easy that leads to better long runs. 

Pros:

• More shock absorbing midsole
• Upper is much stronger
• Lightweight 

Cons: 

• Head to toe transitions leads to stiffness in the midsole area. 

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7.Mizuno Wave Rider 23

Made for the highly responsive and cushioned experience, Mizuno has delivered this in Wave Rider 23. The midsole is designed with the dual compound technology of U4ic and U4icX that make its experience more responsive and encourages faster runs.

The gear uses the mesh uppers that make it more breathable and keeps the foot intact at the natural place. It is ideal for both good workout sessions and long runs. 

The outsole carries the same thick carbon rubber at heels and lightweight blown rubber at the forefoot area from its previous version.

This provides the much-needed traction for running on the road in different weather conditions. Along with that, it gives more durability for a run on different terrains. 

Wave Rider 23 is much better in appearance as compared to the previous versions.  It has redesigned its upper and works on its sleek department as well. The laces are flat with the printed eyelets and some other variations. 

Pros:  

• High responsiveness 
• Good fit 
• More comfortable 

Cons: 

• Toebox is slightly narrow 
• Outsole is noisy

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8.Brooks Glycerin 17

Just like Ghost 12, Brooks Glycerin is designed to provide more softness and protection to your foot. It is ideally created to support the long-distance, treadmill and road run. DNA LOFT technology gives supreme softness and nice cushioning to the shoes.

The mesh upper is added in the gear that is not just comfortable for long runs but supports more breathability.

 It’s DNA LOFT transition zone is made in a way that supports smooth transitions and easy stress shift from head to toe.

This is one of the best products for heavier runners who prefer more stiff rides. The laces are changed from comfortable round to flat semi stretched ones.

The firmness given in the midsole area secures the stability in them. Along with that, the segmented midsole provides the required amount of traction.  

Pros: 

• More softness 
• Plush cushioning 
• Good for heavier runners 
• Supports smooth transitions 

Cons: 

•  Heavier in weight 
•  Less flexible 

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9.Hoka One One Clifton 6

Clifton is known for introducing the shoes that are cushioned yet weightless and all kinds of runners. Joining the family of Clifton, Clifton 6 provides a combination of soft and light. It is much lighter since its initial release.

The upper is made with a much softer material which gives more comfort and allows more air to flow in it, thus increasing breathability.

Clifton 6 used softer full compression EVM foam in the midsole area giving extra bounce. Also, it is designed with embroidered midsole instead of the previous heavy one that makes it a more light feel.

For the outsole area, rubber is used with the high-abrasion pattern that protects the shoe from the excessive wear and tear caused in the long run. 

Pros: 

• Plush cushioning 
• Lightweight as compared to its previous versions. 
• Provides more durability 
• Improvised material 

Cons: 

• Causes the problem in rebounding

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10.Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2

Nike is always known for manufacturing shoes that enhance the speed of runners. The Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2  is an absolutely perfect fit for this purpose.

By minimalizing the upper with less padding, Nike has made it more lightweight which helps in running more faster.

Its Midsole is cushioned with two different foams. Nike has added the same Zoom X foam which it uses in Vaporfy in the first layer so that it returns more energy as compared to the other materials.

At the bottom of the midsole, a layer react foam is added which keeps Zoom X foam more stabilized and hence increases its durability.

The outsole uses a lightweight webbed rubber that gives good traction with a nice grip.

Pros: 

• It is lighter in weight 
• It provides better fitting with minimal upper. 
• More Stability. 
• Perfect for long runs and marathons. 

Cons: 

• It is most costly   

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Other important factors for Choosing Half Marathon Shoes

Persons having foot swelling or Itching

 

Long runs like marathons and half marathons require the type of running shoes which accompany the basic parameters like comfort, fitting and stability. Along with that, it must make your overall experience on track more amazing and relaxing.

If you the person who faces the problem of foot swelling or itching due to moisture problems. You can look for the shoe that comes in your shoe size but gives your foot more space in the toe-box area or you can choose the pairs which offer more superior and breathable uppers that allow more air to pass through it.

For beginners

 

Experience is also one of the important factors when it comes to choosing the right type of gear.

The experienced runners like their gear to be lighter in weight with less padding inside it. They like to feel the track and knows the right way to run without getting hurt.

Whereas, if you are a new runner and going to run in half marathons or marathons for the first time. You can go for the gear with much more comfort i.e., the ones that are made with extra padding in front and back.

The good quality material like mesh upper is a must required element as it will help you in running for a long period of time and make you less exhausted. 

Conclusion

Shoes are the most important element for running longer miles on different terrains. It does not just give comfort and protection to your feet but it will help you in achieving more speed and stability for long runs.

While buying the perfect pair of shoes for the events like half marathons you need to choose those shoe which qualifies the basic parameters like better cushioning, perfect transition that gives perfect grip, better flexibility as per the movement of shoe, weights lighter, allows air to flow making it more breathable and gives it the required stability as per your foot. 

Although, these are some basic elements for choosing the right shoes. Along with that, you need to first look for the pair which suits you the most, as some people prefer heavy cushioning whereas some don’t like the feel of too much softness in their shoes.

Also, Stability varies as per the pronation of your feet, if your feet or toes roll inwards frequently with the miles i.e., pronto overpronation then you need to buy the shoes which are much more stable in nature. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How often we need to change our shoes?

A: Every shoe life depends totally on its durability. A good shoe generally made to provide higher durability whereas the shoe which leads to quick wear and tear makes it less durable.

In case, you are facing this problem with your current shoes, its time you need to change to change them. This time try to but the shoes that are more durable.

 Apart from that, you need to properly maintain your shoes by giving them proper rest and allowing more air to pass through them which keeps them moisture-free. Also, try to keep them away from too much heat as heat causes the change in the original shape of shoes and makes them ill-fitted.  

In case of the long runs and events like marathons, you can replace them after 200-300 miles or when it is too much wear and tear. 

 

Q: What are the best type of running shoes for people having flat feet? 

A: The people who have flat feet the frequent problems of overpronation i.e., their foot tend to turn inwards from toes to back. These people are pronto more injuries and heavy pain when they run for a long time. 

If you have the same problem of flat feet, then you need to choose the pair of shoes that offer more stability. As the more stable shoes the foot from moving frequently inward and keeps them intact at its natural position.  

Along with that, you can look for the shoe with good grip that is strong traction and good flexibility so that it moves or flexes as per the movement of toes or foot. It prevents the foot from further problems because foot get the total comfort and flex area.