14 Best Long Distance Running Shoes 2020

For long distance runners, the right pair of running shoes is essential if you want to avoid injury and to encourage you to push yourself a little harder when you need to.

There are so many different options out there and we know that it is difficult to figure out which are the best long distance running shoes based on you running style, your feet and your budget.

In this guide, not only will we give you some tips about how to choose the right pair, but we’ll also provide you with reviews of 14 pairs that long distance runners know and trust, so read on to see which ones our experts recommend.

Top 14 Long Distance Running Shoes Chart

Image	Name	Gender	Arch Support	Rating (1-5)
Image	Name	Gender	Arch Support	Rating (1-5)
	1. Brooks Women's Glycerin 14 Anthracite/Azalea/Silver Sneaker	Women	Neutral	4.7
	2. Brooks Men's Ghost 9 Running Shoe	Men	Neutral	4.7
	3. On Women's Cloud Sneaker	Women	Any	4.7
	4. Nike Men's Free Rn Flyknit Running Shoe	Men	Neutral	4.7
	5. ASICS Men's Gel-Kayano 23 Lite-Show Running Shoe	Men	Low	4.7
	6. Brooks Women's Adrenaline Gts 17	Women	Low	4.6
	7. Hoka One One Women's Clifton 3 Running Shoe	Women	Neutral	4.6
	8. Under Armour Women's UA Speedform Apollo Vent Running Shoe	Women	Neutral	4.6
	9. Skechers Performance Women's Go Run Ride 5 Running Shoe	Women	High	4.6
	10. Mizuno Men's Wave Hitogami 3 Running Shoe	Men	Neutral	4.6
	11. Brooks Men's Transcend 4	Men	Neutral	4.6
	12. ASICS Men's GEL Venture 5 Trail Running Shoe	Men	Neutral	4.5
	13. New Balance Women's Zantev3 Running Shoe	Women	Neutral	4.4
	14. Saucony Women's Cohesion 9 Running Shoe	Women	Low	4.4

What to Look for to Go the Distance

When trying to find the best long distance running shoes, it can be hard to know where to begin because there are so many options available. Here are some good tips to get you started so you’ll know what to look for.

Comfort and Fit

These are two of the most important things to consider because when you run long distances, you don’t want uncomfortable shoes slowing you down or distracting you as you pound the pavement.

• Comfort – The upper part of the shoe should be snug without compressing your foot too much. A loose shoe lets your foot slide around inside, and that causes blisters. If you’re running shoe is too tight, you could you could risk a bone injury or toenail problems from too much pressure on the top of the foot or the nail bed.

• Fit – Is somewhat adjustable depending on the shoe. Different running shoes have various kinds of lacing technologies that can adjust to different types of feet. Some runners prefer a wide fit while others would rather have a tighter fit. They both have their benefits – a wider fit is a little more comfortable and gives your feet some room to breathe while a tight fit gives you a little more control. This boils down to personal preference and the kind of distance running you’re going to do.

Support

Getting a running shoe with proper support is very important because, without it, you could do serious damage to your foot, knees, and even hips.

Shock absorption is an important part of getting the right amount of support while you run. Running can be difficult on your joints and have the right amount of shock absorption can help to lessen the impact.

Arch support is important, too. Some people are flatfooted while other have high arches so there is no one size fits all way to make sure you’re getting the right amount of support for your foot. A good rule to go by is to make sure that the arch support inside your shoe maintains its shape and doesn’t collapse or break down during periods of high pressure.

Make sure you know what kind of arch you have. Are you flatfooted, or do you have a neutral or high arch? The shape of your arch effects the way your foot hits the ground and it’s important to get a running shoe that has the right insole to avoid any long term damage.

• Those with flat feet should look for a motion control shoe. Flat feet tend to roll inwards and these shoes offer a little more rigidity to prevent the inward motion.

• If you have high arches, find a shoe with a lot of cushioning and arch support to help absorb the extra force. This will keep shin and knee pain under control.

• If you see a shoe described as “neutral,” it simply means that show is designed for people with average arches.

Types of Running Shoes

One reason that there are so many different kinds of long distance running shoes is that they’re made not only to fit different kinds of feet but also to perform in different environments.

If you’re going to be running on forest trails, you need a trail shoe that’s been designed to give you a different kind of support. Trail shoes have better grip, cushioning, and ankle support to help you move over uneven and rough trails. There’s also more cushioning to give your foot more protection.

For long distance racing, look for racing shoes that are designed to be exceptionally lightweight and have a low profile to help keep up your speed. There’s a little less cushioning to cut down on bulk. They’re made for more experienced runners.

14 Best Long Distance Running Shoes Reviewed

1. Brooks Women’s Glycerin 14 Anthracite

• Materials – Synthetic and mesh

• Sole – Rubber

The Glycerin is the Brooks brand’s premium running shoe and is particularly comfortable thanks to its foam midsole. It’s their most cushioned shoe and gives you a solid, smooth run.

The shoe’s upper is made of one piece of moisture wicking mesh and it has an adjustable saddle so you can adjust the laces to get a more personalized fit. Despite the significant cushioning, this shoe breathes well in part because of the placement of the 3D overlays.

In addition to being comfortable, this shoe was made to last. The entire outsole is made of thick durable rubber and will last throughout countless long runs. The plentiful grooves along the soles help the shoe flex and provide additional support.

This is a high-quality shoe that is durable and will last a long time. It’s made for people with neutral arches, though inserts can be used to modify them for different types of runners.

2. Brooks Men’s Ghost 9

• Materials – BioMoGo DNA midsole, no-sew overlays

• Sole – Rubber

The Brooks Ghost 9 Running Shoe is a nicely balanced shoe for a neutral arch. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and control so you can keep your pace but push it when you have to without any foot aches or pains. The BioMoGo DNA midsole distributes pressure evenly over the soles of your feet so you absorb the impact better, leading to less pain and longer runs.

These are a great road shoe with a moderately aggressive sole. They’re not as high as in previous versions of this shoe so you feel close to the road and the Omega Flex Grooves keep your foot placement more consistent.

The upper part of this shoe is very breathable and are designed to hug your feet with airy mesh and overlays. While these are great features to have for long runs, it’s recommended to avoid running in these shoes when it’s raining. They let in a lot of water.

3. On Women’s Cloud Sneaker

• Materials – Mesh, CloudTec cushioning

• Sole – Foam

The On Women’s Cloud Sneaker is a versatile shoe that’s great for the gym but will take you right to the road or the track for a long run. The uppers are made of a breathable mesh with included synthetic overlays for extra support.

The lacing system is simple and easy, just slip on and go. A heel strap adjusts as the foot moves inside the shoe to make sure the fit is always just right. The tongue and inside edge are lightly padded for extra comfort. The sole is made of the brand’s CloudTec cushioning, ultra-light and soft foam with Speedboard technology to add some firmness to the sole and promote energy transfer.

These tend to run narrow and because the soles are so light provide soft landings for your foot and they come in a wide range of bright colors. Because of the CloudTec technology, the brand recommends these shoes to anyway, regardless of arch.

4. Nike Men’s Flyknit Running Shoe

• Materials – Flyknit cloth

• Sole – Rubber sole, Phylite midsole

These running shoes have a sole construction of triangular pods on the soles to give your foot more flexibility. The goal when designing this shoe was to make a running shoe that was so comfortable, it feels almost like you’re barefoot when you put them on.

This is one of the most flexible shoes around. You can fold it, roll it, bend it, and twist it. It feels and moves like a sock thanks to the cool triangle pattern on the soles. The triangles stretch and contract with your foot as it changes on impact.

The FlyKnit uppers form to your feet while staying soft and light, offering support when you need it but not when you don’t. Because the upper is one piece and doesn’t have a traditional tongue or heel, it’s easy to slip on and feels like you’re not wearing anything at all. Nike succeeded in their design goals for this shoe.

5. ASICS Men’s Gel-Kayano 23 Lite-Show

• Materials – Synthetic, mesh

• Sole – Rubber

For a stiffer shoe, try the ASICS Gel-Kayano 23. While it has some flexibility, it’s still known for being stable and the Flyte Foam Insole give it a solid but light feel providing cushioning throughout. It has a significant amount of gel on the outer part of the heel to help control over pronation, which makes them a great choice for flat footed runners.

The tread is good and, though these shoes were designed for the road or track, they can handle a run on a light, low-intensity trail. These shoes are made for slower runs but don’t work well as racing shoes as they’re a stiff, solid shoe.

The fit is a bit narrow, especially in the toe, so this might not be a great choice for someone with wide feet. The material will stretch out a little bit over time.

6. Brooks Women’s Adrenaline

• Materials – Mesh

• Sole – Rubber

The blown rubber outsole gives a cushioned, lightweight feel that is softer, more flexible, and significantly more comfortable than the hard rubber soles found on some running shoes. Brooks also developed a special hard rubber compound called “HPR Plus” that assures that high wear areas stay durable and don’t show wear and tear.

The Adrenaline Gts also has Brooks’ BioMoGo DNA midsole technology for cushioning that adapts to your foot as you move. The upper is breathable and cool but supportive and flexible thanks to the structure applied over the mesh using 3D Fit Print technology.

The extra eyelet allows you to tie your shoes in such a way to anchor your foot in while the cushioned tongue and padded collar prevent it from applying too much pressure. These are overall a very sturdy and durable shoe that should take a lot of wear.

7. Hoka One One Women’s Clifton 3

• Materials – Fabric, mesh

• Sole – Rubber

What’s special and most obvious about the Clifton 3 is the midsole. It is lightweight, foamy, and gives a good amount of cushion while somehow still feeling firm and durable. The lightweight rubber tread is designed for road use but has enough traction to handle light trails.

The upper is made of mesh with large perforations for steady airflow. Overlays are welded on to help the shoe’s flexibility while also keeping it lightweight. These shoes are so comfortable that you don’t really need a break in period. They’re ready to go right out of the box.

While they might look a little less refined and streamlined than most other running shoes, the slightly clunky design was built for function and comfort and in those areas, they definitely deliver. They’re roomy and should give you no problems with rubbing or blisters and the quick and energetic response time can help improve your run time.

8. Under Armour Speedform Apollo Vent

• Materials – Mesh

• Sole – Synthetic

If you’re looking for an urban running shoe, look no further than the Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2. While these are great for a dry run through the neighborhood, these shoes don’t perform well in wet weather, especially mud.

The chunky tread has grooves in order to keep the shoe flexible and support a natural running stance. Dual-cushioning foam insulates the midsole and provides great rebound in impact protection.

To keep the snug but comfortable fit, the upper is made of a cotton-like fabric with wide openings that makes this shoe fit like a sock, avoiding any uncomfortable pressure points. This shoe is so comfortable; you don’t even need to wear socks to run in it. That comfort combined with the overall weight makes this a great racing shoe.

9. Skechers Performance Women’s Go Run Ride

• Materials – Synthetic fabric

• Sole – Rubber

The thing that sets the Go Run 5 apart is the Resalyte compound that Sketchers uses in their Performance running shoes. You’ll see the round circles on the bottom of the tread. These are made of EVA foam and rubber, allowing for more durability, traction, and protection. It provides a slightly more solid run while still providing some cushioning.

Bonded overlays cover the mesh upper, keeping the shoe light and providing support. Inside the shoe is a removable sock liner. If you choose to take it out, just be aware that it will affect the sizing. You’ll need to tweak the laces in order to get the right fit. These shoes also tend to run a little big so you might want to order down a size if you’re planning to remove the sock liner.

This is a nice, solid running shoe that you can usually find for a really affordable price.

10. Mizuno Men’s Wave Hitogami 3

• Materials – Textile, synthetic

• Sole – Rubber, foam

One of the standout features of this shoe is the midsole. It’s designed using a special foam that’s 30% lighter than other foams and it has an insert that helps absorb and displace the shock from impact.

Lightweight mesh keeps the uppers light and airy while still conforming to the foot for a customized, comfortable fit. The lace system is effective and there is added comfort around the ankle; however, this is a narrow shoe and might not be the best choice for someone with wide feet.

Mizuno covered the outside of the Hitogami 3’s sole with durable x10 carbon rubber, drastically improving the lifespan of this shoe. The downside to this coating is that it doesn’t perform especially well in wet weather, so keep that in mind when deciding to run in inclement weather in these shoes.

11. Brooks Men’s Transcend 4

• Materials – Synthetic, mesh

• Sole – Rubber

The Brooks Transcend 4 has a Flextra rubber pressure zone to provide cushioning and absorb impact. The midsole is made of Brooks’ Super DNA which, according to the brand, is 20% more flexible than their BioMoGo DNA that they use with some of their other running shoes. It conforms to your feet and adapts more every time you use it.

This shoe also has Brooks’ Guide Rail system that helps keep your foot in the proper position, preventing it from rolling inward and trying to correct any pronation. If you need help in this area, you might find these shoes very useful. If you don’t, these guide rails will give you extra support.

The breathable uppers are composed of mesh and synthetic overlays that keep the fit tight while still allowing air to circulate. This is a durable, solid shoe that can take a lot of use without showing much wear and tear.

12. ASICS Men’s GEL Venture 5

• Materials – Synthetic, mesh

• Sole – Rubber

For a great trail running option, try the ASICS GEL Venture 5. They’re designed to give you a cushioned run so you can handle rough trails without feeling any rocks or twigs underfoot without weighing the shoe down. The widened platform maximizes surface area and the traction makes them suitable for sand, dirt, and rocky hills while still being a great performer on the road.

These are stylish looking shoes that are available in a wide variety of colors. It’s also made of high abrasion rubber materials and reinforced in areas that take the brunt of the abuse. Even with these reinforcements, it still manages to be one of the more responsive shoes on the market.

Another great thing about these shoes? They’re extremely affordable. If you’re looking for a great shoe that can handle trails and won’t break your budget, the Venture 5 is the way to go.

13. New Balance Women’s Zantev3

• Materials – Textile, synthetic

• Sole – Rubber

The Zante V3 uses a Fresh Foam midsole, a singular plush piece of foam for a more natural run. The shape of this new version has changed a little from the V2, including an upward taper at the toe and more rubber on the sole. Overall, the shoe keeps its high level of responsiveness while being a little firmer and cushioned.

It’s a little less flexible than some other shoes we reviewed but the tradeoff is durability. It’s shaped for a neutral foot so anyone with a particularly low or high arch wouldn’t find this to be the best choice. For a neutral foot, though, this shoe gives a really nice ride.

It keeps a thin profile by providing just enough stability and manages to create a good balance between responsiveness and comfort. It achieves this with an upper that has a saddle of thicker material that not only adds to the shoe’s durability but also helps get a great fit when you adjust the laces.

14. Saucony Women’s Cohesion 9

• Materials – Fabric, synthetic

• Sole – Rubber

Saucony makes affordable running shoes that aren’t flashy but are good performers. If you’re looking for a bargain, the Cohesion 9 is one of the best long distance running shoes that easily fits into any budget.

The upper sole is made of carbon rubber, which not only helps keep your feet sweat free but is also more hygienic. It is high quality rubber that is solid and durable while remaining lightweight and supportive.

The upper is made of breathable mesh that keeps air flowing around your foot. In general, this shoe is made of lightweight materials that contribute to this airy feel plus an advanced cushion integration system that keep your feet comfortable and allow you to run for extended periods. The laces, padded collar, and tongue all work together to provide a great grip that won’t loosen up during your long runs.

Final Thoughts About Long Distance Running Shoes

We’ve given you a lot of great choices here that suit a variety of runners and some good advice on how to make sure you choose the best long distance running shoes for you.

Whether you’re training for a marathon in the city, planning a long distance trail run, or making regular trips pounding the pavement around your neighborhood, the right pair of shoes will help keep you feet, knees, and hips healthy while helping you enjoy your runs even more.