Did you know that according to the IAAF rules, only shoes that are accessible to everyone and that have been publicly available in stores for at least 4 months may be used in a marathon? Furthermore, the sole thickness is limited to a maximum of 40mm and shoes may not have more than one integrated sole plate - multidimensional carbon structures, springs, etc. are prohibited. This means that "prototypes" that are developed for specific athletes or record attempts are not permitted in official marathon races.
In the following article we will show you what is important when it comes to marathon shoes and introduce you to our most popular models.
Requirements for marathon shoes: Light, dynamic, yet cushioned
A competition shoe for the marathon should not hang like a log on your foot - stable shoes with maximum cushioning and heavy soles are therefore less suitable for fast best times. Nevertheless, a certain degree of cushioning properties makes sense, since both the running dynamics and the resilience of the body's own cushioning systems decrease with increasing load duration and muscular fatigue.
Especially in the last third of the marathon, a more intensive support phase and longer ground contact times manifest themselves with every kilometer. Here individual factors decide on a reasonable degree of cushioning: body weight, running style (heel/midfoot/forefoot ramp), training condition.
Carbon or non-carbon?
"Game changer"! Carbon shoes - now compliant with the rules - have become indispensable in top-class sport. With such a high power density, they make the difference, so clearly the measurable advantage of the new sole technology compared to non-carbon models. For top runners, the average speed advantage is two to four seconds per kilometer . These are worlds when it comes to personal bests.
The principle: a firmly embedded carbon plate in the midsole ensures a significant increase in energy recovery with every step, which is reflected in increased running dynamics and improved running economy. As a result, the runner can more easily implement a high speed and thus keep it upright for longer. However, the effect described only comes about through their special shape and the connection with other properties of the shoe (above all cushioning elements). Therefore, each manufacturer has developed its own concept for its "super shoe".
As already described, these shoes are not only reserved for top international athletes, but also help ambitious amateurs and recreational athletes to achieve new personal bests in (half) marathons. These are the highlights with the corresponding carbon technology (or comparable):
NEW: Saucony Endorphin PRO 3
- "Speedroll technology: S-shaped carbon plate combined with new PWRRUN PB cushioning
Saucony Endorphin SPEED 3
- Also speedroll technology: nylon plate instead of carbon, same functional principle
Asics Magic Speed 2
- Asics Guidesole Technology: Carbon plate in the forefoot area , integrated in the highly reactive FF-Blast sole structure
Mizuno Wave Rebellion
- Glass fiber instead of carbon: continuous, wave-shaped glass fiber midsole ("Wave Plate"), active principle like carbon
The disadvantage of carbon shoes is the durability and duration of this principle. The effect decreases noticeably with increasing mileage: for most models, it ends after around 250-350 kilometers.
non-carbon shoes
But even before the introduction of the carbon-reinforced racers, you could run impressively fast - and of course you can still do it. These are the most popular "Marathon All Time Favorites":
Saucony Kinvara
- Most popular all-rounder for 10/21/42 kilometers. Wonderfully light and dynamic with soft EVA cushioning.
Saucony Fastwitch
- Even lighter than the Kinvara, less cushioning, noticeably more direct, more aggressive. Recommendation for lighter runners with a stable running technique. > reputation
On Cloud 5
- Exceptional comfort thanks to patented Cloud-Tec cushioning made from zero-gravity foam
Brooks Launch 9
- similar to Saucony Kinvara, lightweight all-rounder with reliable cushioning even over the marathon distance
