Running Shoes for a Marathon: How to Make the Right Choice?

1. Why are shoes a key element in running?

Charles: Shoes are really important depending on our personal goal. If the aim is just to complete the distance, you should prioritize comfort above all, with a well-fitting shoe that has good cushioning. However, if you have a performance goal, it's important to choose another shoe to complement your collection. Go for a shoe with a carbon plate and lightweight foam that can help shave off seconds and achieve a better final performance.

2. What is the difference between running training shoes and competition shoes

Charles: For training shoes, comfort is key. Typically, for recovery or relaxed training runs where you're not going at a fast pace, you want a comfortable shoe that can cover the miles with you. For competition shoes, it's all about performance; you want a light shoe with very bouncy foam and a carbon plate that literally gives you a spring effect. At higher speeds, these shoes help break personal records.

3. How do I choose the right shoes for my foot type (e.g., flat feet, high arches)?

Charles: Usually, with the help of a knowledgeable advisor, we can see if a shoe is stable enough. When we put our foot on the ground during the landing phase, we can see if the foot is unstable, tends to go inward or outward, or stays more centred. Usually, it's about trying to see with an advisor which shoes help maintain a more stable stride during the ground contact phase.

4. Do you have any tips for choosing running shoes online?

Guillaume: If you already know your foot type (flat feet, medium or high arch), it will help you choose a shoe that offers the necessary support. Reading user reviews – from other runners – can provide valuable insights into the performance, comfort, and durability of the shoes you're considering buying. Use size guides as each brand may have slightly different sizes. Choose shoes suited to your type of running (road running, trail running, long distances, speed, etc.) and examine the technologies offered. Different brands offer various technologies like gel, high-rebound foams, or carbon plates. Choose those that meet your specific needs in terms of comfort and performance.

5. What technologies are important for performance shoes for long runs?

Guillaume: In a long-distance running shoe, comfort is the main element sought after. Various technologies have been introduced by different brands using materials like reactive foams, gels, or plates. Depending on the desired performance, shoes equipped with carbon plates can be recommended as this technology improves energy return for the runner, propelling them more efficiently forward.

6. Should you prioritize cushioning, stability or lightness in running shoes?

Charles: I'd go with lightness and stability. I think it's important to have lightness to achieve high performance and save seconds. Having a lightweight shoe is crucial for that but also having a stable shoe because if you're running 21 km or 42 km – whether it's between 1h30 and 4h – if the shoe is unstable you can still develop injuries over time. It's important for me in terms of performance to have something light and stable.

7. What price range are marathon shoes in?

Guillaume: The price of marathon shoes can easily vary and quickly increase depending on the different technologies offered by brands. Some models can retail at $180 and even reach $300. It’s very important to choose your shoes based on your goals and performance but especially on how they feel. A shoe suited to your needs is one you don't have to worry about.

9. Should marathon shoes be tight?

Charles: They shouldn't be tight to the point where it feels like your foot can't breathe. You want good support but also consistent lacing from the bottom of the shoe up to the ankle so it fits snugly without suffocating your foot.

10. What is the ideal heel-to-toe drop for long-distance running shoes?

Charles: It depends on personal physiology. Some people land more on their forefoot while others land more on their heels. It's also normal during a marathon due to fatigue to biomechanically collapse a bit and land more on your heel so it's important to have light and stable shoes that can help when fatigue sets in and your stride becomes less dynamic but modern shoes are adapted for both forefoot strikers and heel strikers.

11. How often should I replace my running shoes?

Charles: Recent technologies have made mileage standards vary between each pair of shoes. I'd say nowadays when you buy a pair they feel very bouncy with great energy return but when they start feeling less responsive and flatten out when you land rather than giving back energy that's when it's time to think about changing them.

12. If you had one piece of advice for someone choosing shoes for their half-marathon, what would it be?

Charles: Regardless of the speed you're aiming for I believe that for a half-marathon or any race since participating itself is special it's an ideal time to give your best effort. I think it's enjoyable and important to have a lighter pair of competition shoes that give you an edge helping shave off some seconds allowing you to push yourself further achieving the best result possible. For a half-marathon treating yourself with lightweight competition shoes is worth it.

If you're just getting into running, make sure you have the right shoes for a comfortable and smooth transition into the sport. Check out our article: How to Choose the Right Running Shoes.

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