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Racing shoes for a fast marathon time

Racing shoes for a fast marathon time

Looking to chase your fastest marathon time yet? The right shoes can give you that extra boost to help you run harder and more efficiently. Especially for runners aiming to pick up the pace, we’ve listed the fastest marathon shoes out there.  Lightweight, explosive, and built to keep you moving at top speed from start to finish.

Ready to attack your PR? These are the models that will help you go full throttle every kilometer.

Nike Vaporfly 4

World-class speed, available to everyone! The Nike Vaporfly 4 delivers race-day performance for every distance on your schedule. Whether you’re leading the pack, pacing someone else to their PR, or chasing your own, the Vaporfly 4 is an absolute favorite. With a full-length carbon plate, flex grooves, and ZoomX foam, it propels you from start to finish with incredible speed.

Weight: M 200 g / W 165 g
Heel drop: 8 mm

Nike Vaporfly 4

World-class speed, available to everyone! The Nike Vaporfly 4 delivers race-day performance for every distance on your schedule. Whether you’re leading the pack, pacing someone else to their PR, or chasing your own, the Vaporfly 4 is an absolute favorite. With a full-length carbon plate, flex grooves, and ZoomX foam, it propels you from start to finish with incredible speed.

Weight: M 200 g / W 165 g
Heel drop: 8 mm

Nike Alphafly 3

A consistent presence on the marathon circuit and a longtime favorite among elite runners. With groundbreaking innovations. Full-length ZoomX foam, a heel-to-toe carbon plate, and dual Zoom Air units. You get maximum speed and efficiency. It’s no surprise this model holds multiple world records.

Weight: M 218 g / W 174 g
Heel drop: 8 mm

adidas ADIZERO Adios Pro 4

The Adios Pro 4 is a next-level racing shoe designed for marathons and long-distance races. ENERGYRODS and dual Lightstrike Pro foam deliver maximum energy return and a smooth transition, while the lightweight Celermesh upper provides breathability. The Continental™ rubber outsole ensures reliable grip and durability. Perfect for runners chasing new personal bests.

Weight: M 205 g / W 183 g
Heel drop: 6 mm

adidas ADIZERO Adios Pro 4

The Adios Pro 4 is a next-level racing shoe designed for marathons and long-distance races. ENERGYRODS and dual Lightstrike Pro foam deliver maximum energy return and a smooth transition, while the lightweight Celermesh upper provides breathability. The Continental™ rubber outsole ensures reliable grip and durability. Perfect for runners chasing new personal bests.

Weight: M 205 g / W 183 g
Heel drop: 6 mm

On Cloudboom Strike

The Cloudboom Strike is a lightweight racing shoe built for marathons and long distances. The carbon Speedboard® and CloudTec® elements create a fast, springy stride. Its breathable upper keeps your feet comfortable, helping you maintain a smooth and efficient run to the finish line.

Weight: M 210 g / W 169 g
Heel drop: 4 mm

HOKA Rocket X 3

The Rocket X 3 is a high-performance racing shoe for runners looking to beat their PR. The carbon plate provides an explosive toe-off, while the lightweight, breathable upper and improved heel design enhance comfort and reduce the risk of blisters. The updated outsole adds extra grip, making it suitable for various race distances.

Weight: M 226 g / W 197 g
Heel drop: 5 mm

HOKA Rocket X 3

The Rocket X 3 is a high-performance racing shoe for runners looking to beat their PR. The carbon plate provides an explosive toe-off, while the lightweight, breathable upper and improved heel design enhance comfort and reduce the risk of blisters. The updated outsole adds extra grip, making it suitable for various race distances.

Weight: M 226 g / W 197 g
Heel drop: 5 mm

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

The Endorphin PRO 4 is a lightweight racing shoe designed for marathon and long-distance runners. SPEEDROLL technology and a stiff carbon plate ensure a propulsive, efficient stride, while PWRRUN cushioning delivers explosive energy and comfort. A responsive insole, soft heel, and secure fit make this shoe reliable from start to finish.

Weight: M 212 g / W 185 g
Heel drop: 8 mm

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3

The Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is a high-performance racing shoe for marathons and long distances. Enerzy XP foam and a carbon plate provide maximum energy return and smooth transitions, while Smooth Speed Assist helps maintain a natural running flow. The lightweight upper and minimalist outsole make every stride faster and lighter, giving you the confidence to chase your PR.

Weight: 225 g
Heel drop: 4 mm

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3

The Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is a high-performance racing shoe for marathons and long distances. Enerzy XP foam and a carbon plate provide maximum energy return and smooth transitions, while Smooth Speed Assist helps maintain a natural running flow. The lightweight upper and minimalist outsole make every stride faster and lighter, giving you the confidence to chase your PR.

Weight: 225 g
Heel drop: 4 mm

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5

The SuperComp FuelCell Elite v5 is a lightweight marathon racing shoe. FuelCell foam and a full-length carbon plate combine for maximum energy return and an efficient stride. The snug upper and balanced outsole offer both comfort and traction, helping you maintain speed throughout the entire race.

Weight: M 214 g / W 165 g
Heel drop: 4 mm

Ready for Raceday

Carbon infused

The Perfect Marathon Shoe

It doesn’t exist. Not because the models above aren’t good enough, but because every runner has different needs when it comes to tackling 42.1 km at full effort. Still, most fast racing shoes share a few key traits:

  1. Minimal weight: Less is more — nobody ever got faster with extra weight on their feet.
  2. A carbon plate for propulsion: The secret weapon that launches you from stride to stride.
  3. Enough room in the toe box: A must for long distances, as your feet will swell during the race.
  4. A breathable mesh upper: Keeps your feet cool and helps prevent blisters.

Tip: Many brands label their fastest racing shoes with names like Pro, Elite, X, or Fly.

Training in Racing Shoes?

Using your racing shoes for daily training is a no-go. They’re built for peak performance, those moments when you go all-in. For daily use, they simply don’t offer enough support or comfort, and their lifespan is too short. It’s best to get a pair of faster training shoes for your prep phase and save your racing shoes for the big day.

Tip: Test your racing shoes a few times before race day to get used to how they feel.

Racing Shoes for the Dedicated Runner

Not chasing a sub-3 marathon (yet) but still aiming to crush your PR? There are plenty of race-ready options for ambitious runners targeting a sub-4 or faster. Think of models like the Saucony Endorphin series, HOKA Mach, adidas Boston, and Nike Invincible.