Did you know your marathon running shoes could make or break your running goals? While this may seem too far-fetched at first, research has found enough evidence that certain shoe technology innovations can make us faster. More on this in today’s blog along with top recommendations for the best marathon running shoes in India.
First, let's discuss the science of marathon running shoes!
For years, the footwear industry has been on the quest to create the best possible running shoes that positively impact marathon performance. Top marathon running shoes are an ideal combination of cushioning and support tech features.
Why is cushioning important? Your bones, joints, and muscles cohesively propel you forward when you run. However, the high-impact activity puts immense stress on the body, putting you at risk of experiencing pain, fatigue, and injuries earlier in the race before you cross the finish line. Cushioning tech works on this problem by providing adequate shock absorption, energy return, and underfoot comfort. With the midsole taking off some of the body's workload, it becomes easier to continue running.
Why is support important? Support in marathon shoes is linked to your arch type. People with medium and high arches can work with neutral shoes designed to support the natural stride. On the flip side, those with low arches tend to overpronate and injure themselves easily. So, they need arch support/stability shoes that feature modified insoles to help flat-foot runners stay in their stride.
Other features to look for in marathon running shoes: breathable upper, grippy outsole, lightweight design, comfortable fit.
Brooks Running cushioning and support technology
At Brooks Running, our team of biomechanics experts, product developers, and insights researchers is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge shoe technology that revolutionizes the running experience worldwide.
Cushioning Shoes
Brooks Running has introduced the running community to the DNA cushioning technology that promises a super lightweight, soft, springy, and durable midsole. How, you ask? By a perfect combination of EVA foam, rubber, air, and nitrogen—all in the proper proportions. At present, most of our best marathon running shoes use DNA LOFT midsoles. However, the fast racing shoes feature the DNA FLASH midsole. Also, do you know why it's called DNA? Because it adapts to everyone's unique stride, delivering a personalized running experience.
Support Shoe
Brooks Running believes in making running comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. Flat-foot runners often injure themselves due to overpronation, hampering their marathon performance and experience. Brooks invented the GuideRails Technology to solve this problem and offer much-needed arch support and stability for individuals with low arches. The system involves two firm pieces of foam attached to either side of the heels in the marathon running shoes. It keeps the feet in place and lower body joints aligned, prevents excessive motion, and offers full body support throughout the marathon.
Brooks marathon shoe recommendations
If you want killer suggestions for marathon running shoes for women and men, Brooks Running has a wide range of offerings designed for different needs and goals.
Glycerin 21: Best cushioned shoes
Brooks Glycerin 21 is hands-down one of the top marathon running shoes. It offers 2mm thicker nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning compared to other models for supreme softness, maximum comfort, and a luxurious feel. This way, you can go mile after mile without breaking a sweat. Runners with high arches would significantly benefit from Brooks Glycerin 21!
Adrenaline GTS 23: Best stability shoes
Flat-foot runners, aka overpronators, looking for reliable marathon shoes that provide arch support and stability can stop their search at Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23. These shoes for men and women feature GuideRails technology, ensuring motion control and whole-body support.
- Bonus stability marathon shoe suggestions: Glycerin GTS 21, Hyperion GTS
Ghost 16: Best training shoes
Do you need a neutral trainer for everyday marathon practice runs? You can easily depend on our latest version of the Brooks Ghost 16 for men and women, which uses the updated DNA LOFT v3 cushioning technology and a Segmented Crash Pad, offering soft landings and smooth transitions.
Hyperion: Best speed work shoes
It is a good idea to have shoes designed explicitly for speed workout days of your marathon training plan, and there's nothing better than Brooks Hyperion for this purpose! A lightweight shoe with a DNA FLASH foam midsole and unique rubber outsole promises powerful toe-offs, fast transitions, and a speedy feel.
Hyperion Elite 4: Best super shoes
Are you looking for a super shoe to smash your PR? Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 is your best bet. It's a top-tier racing shoe built for maximum energy, efficiency, and speed, thanks to the springy DNA FLASH v2 cushioning and Arris SpeedVault Race+Plate carbon-fiber plate for propulsion.
Best marathon running shoes in India—just a click away!
Now that you know how to choose the right marathon shoes, it's time to make space in your shoe rack for a brand-new pair! Browse, order, wear them on your next marathon, smash a goal or two, stay injury-free, and most importantly, enjoy your run.
