A half-marathon may well be the ideal distance for a running race.
A 5k is mostly just painful (if you’re racing it — a convivial park run is a very different, and altogether more pleasant, experience). A 10k is over relatively quickly. A marathon requires extreme effort — it’s not for no reason that two weeks of no running is recommended afterwards.
Step forward to the half-marathon. It’s in the Goldilocks zone: a considerable distance, enough to feel like a real achievement and event, but not as intimidatingly far as the full monty.
So, once you’ve picked your distance, and worked out your training plan: what about shoes? There is a lot to choose from - almost an intimidating amount. Lots of them do slightly different things and are more suitable for certain types of runs.
Best men’s running shoes for half marathons at a glance:
To get a more expert understanding of what’s needed, we spoke to Nike’s Vice President of Running Footwear, Tony Bignell.
What should you look for when choosing half-marathon trainers?
“If you're looking for racing shoes that'll work with you for longer miles – like a half or full marathon – the main thing to focus on is cushioning”, Bignell says. “Let's face it, running can be tough on your body, and most of us need a little extra protection to get us through those longer runs. At Nike, our mission is to help runners overcome the daily challenges that keep them from lacing up, and having the right shoe for you is a huge part of that. So, what you're looking for is a shoe that provides great cushioning, is lightweight, and has a plate that enhances propulsion – like a rocking chair, helping move your body from the back to the front quicker and more efficiently. This will help you go faster and feel fresher, even on those long, gruelling runs”.
Do I need specific half-marathon trainers for my feet?
“Honestly, I don't think there's a one-size-fits-all answer here. At the Nike Research Sport Lab, we've tested thousands of runners, and what we've found is that there's a direct correlation between what you feel you want and what's best for your body. That's why we offer a range of options in our road running lineup. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, it's all about finding the shoe that feels most natural for you. My advice? Head to a running store, try out a few different options and see which one feels better”.
Do experienced runners and beginners need different types of shoes? If so, why?
“Not necessarily. It's really about personal preference and how you want to feel during your run. Sure, as you gain more experience, your preferences might shift, but that's all part of the journey. What's most important is finding a shoe that works with your unique biomechanics and running style. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, our goal at Nike is to provide the most technologically advanced products to help you reach your greatest potential – and that includes shoes that cater to a range of needs and preferences”.
What is a shoe ‘rotation’ and why might I need it?
“Ah, shoe rotation! It can be a game-changer for keeping your feet conditioned and healthy. Think about it: when you're racing, you want shoes that'll give you every advantage, like our supershoes with carbon plates. But if you wear those same shoes for every training session, you might start to weaken your feet over time. That's where rotation comes in – switching between shoes that allow for more natural movement and strengthening your feet. By incorporating different shoes into your rotation, you'll keep your feet strong, flexible, and ready for whatever your training throws their way.
“But rotation isn't just good for your feet – it's also good for your shoes. When you run in the same shoes every day, the foam and materials can get compressed and fatigued, which can affect their performance and shorten their lifespan. By rotating your shoes, you're giving the foam and materials time to recover, it’s like giving your shoes a rest day, too! This way, you'll get more miles out of each pair, and they'll continue to perform at their best”.
How should a running shoe feel when I’m using it?
“For me, it's all about feeling comfortable, secure, and confident in your shoes. When you're running long distances, you want to be able to focus on the road ahead, not on your shoes. That's why we design our shoes to provide a snug, supportive and cushioned fit that'll keep you going mile after mile. Whether you're racing or training, your shoes should feel like an extension of your foot. And when you feel good, you'll perform at your best”.
Shop the best trainers for half marathons below
Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris
Best for: race day
If you’re seeking a Personal Best, this is the shoe for you. Let’s put aside the question of the Sky/Edge variant till later. Both come equipped with a full-length carbon-fibre plate and Asics’s FF Turbo+ foam. The shoes have a lightweight, racing upper and weigh just 185g.
They’re a firm favourite amongst club runners for a reason: these shoes are rapid with a capital R. The Edge were my pick for a recent half-marathon and didn’t disappoint. They were lightning fast and I felt fresh (well, as fresh as you can after racing hard) at the end of the race - plus they also helped power me to a PB.
The two variants are designed, Asics says, with the two variant styles of running in mind. The Edge are for runners who increase their “high-cadence runners who tend to take more strides as they speed up their run”, while the Sky are for runners “who tend to take longer strides as they speed up their run”. Take your pick, but either shoe is a brilliant example of a high-performance supershoe.
Buy now £220.00, Asics
HOKA Bondi 9
Best for: maximum cushioning
The latest edition of Hoka’s max-cushion Bondi range does what you expect: delivers maximum cushioning. It’s the running equivalent of running on a trampoline – in a good way. It weighs 297g, so it’s not one of the lighter shoes, but for that max cushioned feel it’s hard to beat. You feel very well supported when you step out in these, with a fun, pillowy ride.
The Bondi 9 is particularly enjoyable on days when your legs are feeling sore – it’s steady, soft without being mushy, and a pleasure to run in. It makes a great daily trainer in a rotation and would make for a very comfortable experience across a half-marathon race.
Buy now £160.00, HOKA
Puma Deviate Nitro 3
Best for: road-to-trail
The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is the latest in a sleeper hit shoe amongst runners – and after using it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. It’s peppy and fast, thanks to its carbon plate and nitrogen-injected foam.
What this means when you run is a shoe that’s quick, responsive and comfortable. But what makes it suitable for going from the road to the trail in a run is the very good quality outsole. This gives it fantastic traction. It’s a particularly versatile shoe that works well for daily runs, tempo and speed work, and race day itself. At £150, it’s great value for money also in a crowded and expensive market.
Buy now £150.00, Puma
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Best for: non-carbon plated shoe
This is a special trainer. The combination of PWRRUN foam and nylon plate makes for a shoe that really lives up to its name – it’s as quick as anything. The Endorphin Speed 4 is also extremely versatile. It works as a race day shoe or for speed work, long runs, or even daily runs if you’re feeling particularly rapid. The SpeedRoll technology is a key element in making you feel propelled forward as you run.
At £180, it’s not the cheapest, but it’s a great shoe for those who want the speed of a plate without the intensity of a carbon-fibre one, which can tax your calves and ankles more than a nylon plate.
Buy now £180.00, Saucony
Brooks Glycerin GTS 22
Best for: overpronators
This is the shoe for you if you’ve been told you overpronate – or you need more support when you run. The Glycerin is one of Brooks’s most popular shoes and they offer a plush ride. This comfort plus the stability elements of their GTS (‘Go-To Support’) make the Glycerin 22 GTS an ideal shoe to eat up the miles while still feeling good.
The solid ride feels steady underfoot and even as the distance mounts up they do the job while keeping you comfortable. If you’re looking to nail down a first half marathon then these could even work on race day – otherwise, they’re a very solid daily trainer that will let you focus on the main thing: enjoying your running.
Buy now £165.00, Brooks
Inov8 Roadfly
Best for: value
British brand Inov8 are best known for its tough fell-running shoes, which are designed for scrambling over mountainsides and down perilous valleys. They’ve branched out, though, into road shoes now with the Roadfly.
It’s a unique and very enjoyable shoe. What makes it very different to most other road shoes on the market is the ground feel. Where other shoes insulate you from what you’re running on – giving them a pogo effect – in the Roadfly you really sense the tarmac beneath your feet. This is a great thing. And crucially, they still feel cushioned so you’re comfortable for the whole run.
In fact, it makes you feel quick, with snappy transitions and a general sense of momentum. At £100 it’s a lot cheaper than many other shoes, too. It’s a great deal and a good choice for anyone looking for something very fun, solid and a little different in a half-marathon shoe.
Buy now £100.00, Inov8
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
Best for: speed
If you want to go fast, look no further. This is Adidas’s top racing shoe from its Adizero line (which contains some of their best running trainers). It has the brand’s carbon-infused energy rods, which function just like a carbon plate, and when you pick up the pace you can feel them spring. It’s almost like a turbo-boost, for your feet. There’s a midsole of Lightstrike Pro foam, which keeps you feeling fresh throughout your race or workout. Then there’s the Continental outsole, which has a good grip (as I experienced running over some very slippery smooth wood — it was a relief).
The Adios Pro 4 is a special shoe — which you’d expect at a price point like that — that not only looks the part, but crucially delivers an exceptional and fast ride.
Buy now £220.00, Adidas
New Balance 1080v14
Best for: comfort
The famous Boston shoe company has made a concerted effort to break into the running shoe market in the last few years – and they’re now a go-to brand for many runners. With a shoe like the 1080v14, it’s easy to see why.
Of all the shoes I tested it was right up there with the comfiest – it felt springy and soft, but still quick. A colleague swears by them as the shoes that fit his feet best. They offer a supremely comfortable ride that’s ideal for daily miles, can handle speed work, and would suit half-marathon training – and race day if you’re pacing more gently. They get big points for style too.
Buy now £160.00, New Balance
Nike Zoom Fly 6
Best for: versatility
This trainer from Nike features a carbon plate and is already looking like a big hit in the running community. I took it out on a few speed sessions and was seriously impressed. When I picked up the pace the shoe came into its own – it was fast and responsive while still keeping stable. At lower speeds, it was still comfortable and sharp to run in.
It’s one of those plated trainers that can do it all. Some runners have even called it a supertrainer. The ZoomFly 6 worked for easy miles, shone at speed, and would work well on race day. The range of colourways is also fantastic – an important factor when you’re forking out north of £150 for a running shoe.
Buy now £154.99, Nike
On Running Cloudsurfer Next
Best for: style
Swiss brand On has been making waves in the crowded running market since they were founded in 2010 and the stylish Cloudsurfer Next embodies what’s made them noticed. It looks great and is certain to win you maximum style points if you step out with a run club or fancy hitting the gym too.
The ride is on the firmer side – so if you’re after something snappy and sharp in transitions this could be the shoe for you. It has a 6mm heel-to-toe drop and weighs in at 273g, making it a good fit for faster speed work and a half-marathon where you catch the eye.
Buy now £140.00, Sports Direct
Adidas Adizero Evo SL
This is a shoe that wants to get you going. It’s got a rocker that pushes you forward, while the layer of Adidas’s premium Lightstrike Pro foam is a little piece of magic — the shoe feels soft yet fast (a very rare combination in shoes). The Evo SL works as a daily trainer, is maybe best as a tempo shoe, and would certainly suffice on race day for a half-marathon. At £130 it’s very competitively priced for the kind of ride you get, which is quick and propulsive.
The heel is a touch narrow so it might feel a little unstable for some runners, but it’s an excellent shoe. It’s won legions of plaudits among runners (it really can do it all) and would make a fantastic choice for half-marathon training and racing.
Buy now £130.00, Adidas
Altra FWD VIA
Altra is the big name in US Trail running footwear – and with its new FWD VIA, the brand is firmly placing itself in the road market.
The FWD VIA has Altra’s trademark wide toebox. It’s designed to match how our toes naturally splay when they hit the ground and that roomier feeling pays dividends. If this is the kind of comfort you’re after then the FWD VIA could be the shoe for you. The ride is responsive and well cushioned, making these an ideal pair of trainers for runners wanting comfort, support and a dash of speed for their half-marathon training, or race day itself.
Buy now £145.00, Altra
Asics Gel-Nimbus 27
This is another supremely comfortable shoe. Fittingly for its name, it’s rather like running on little clouds under your feet. I found it was still an enjoyable ride — sometimes cushioned trainers can feel mushy, but the Gel Nimbus is nothing like that.
It’s a very solid choice for a shoe that will keep your legs feeling fresh and minimise the ardour of long training miles thanks to the combination of Pure Gel technology and their FF Blast Plus premium foam. Asics has spent years building up its reputation and expertise and all that effort is on show in a trainer like the Gel-Nimbus. It’s particularly great if you’re just dipping your toes into the waters of running for the first time.
Buy now £180.00, Asics
