TOP-7 models of running shoes developed specifically for long distances and achieving new records. Above all else, this review will be interesting for ambitious nonprofessionals that have a year of running experience and weight up to 85 kg (187 lbs.).
The season of highway running events is well under way. It is time to choose a new pair of running shoes that can help you achieve a record in the desired race. It is important to choose the shoes for long distances wisely. They should be lightweight, ideally up to 300 g or 0.66 lbs., and comfortable to wear.
Our review includes:
Adidas Adizero Adios 3
The key advantage of this model is its flexibility. These shoes suit for running long distances from 5 km (3.1 miles) to a marathon. There were cases of ultra running in them. After all, Dennis Kimetto has made a current marathon record of 2:02.57 wearing Adidas Adizero Adios 3.
- Weight: 224 g (0.49 lbs.)
- Drop: 10 mm (0.39 in)
- Pronation: normal (neutral)
Suitable for
Despite the light weight, this model has a great absorption. The runners with high-trained feet can deprive the best profit from the Boost technology.
Advantages
- Wear proof sole Continental Rubber will remain untouched by time and long distances.
- Hard heel and wide shoe in the area of the metatarsal bone create a feeling of lightness and freedom. You will barely feel them while wearing.
- A well-ventilated fabric on the top named Open Mesh along with the Coolever Mesh Lining allows feeling comfortable even without socks.
On Cloudflyer
The young Swiss brand makes unique sole constructions. This model fits for short training sessions. At first, it is necessary to get used to its unusual absorption, but as soon as you acquire the taste, you will never give it up for something else.
- Weight: 255/210 g (0.56/0.46 lb.)
- Drop: 7 mm (0.28 in)
- Pronation: normal, hyper pronation
Suitable for
The On Cloudflyer shoes are recommended for beginners, as they combine great absorption with lightweight and stability. This model is also good for the runners that weight up to 100 kg (220 lbs.) and have wide feet, as these shoes are high impact.
Advantages
- It is quite wide and has an excellent fit.
- Star-like lacing provides a perfect fit of the top on the foot.
- CloudTec cells provide an extra longitudinal absorption that knows no equals by other brands. Other running shoes at the market have only vertical absorption. This technology gives a runner extra energy and saves his strength by suppressing longitudinal impulses during long runs.
- Different foam density on the inside and outside part of the sole provides high stability.
Asics DynaFlyte 2
The renewed model of semi-marathon shoes by ASICS has a different upper part that is more breathable and elastic. The snug fit to the foot and light weight make you understand and experience the motto of the brand “Don’t run, fly!” during the first run.
- Weight: 225 g (0.5 lbs.)
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pronation: normal (neutral)
Suitable for
The model is cross-functional. It can be used for both highly intensive pace running and competitions for distances from 10 km (6.21 miles) to a marathon. They are perfect for middle-weight sportsmen with a neutral pronation and rather narrow feet.
Advantages
- Thanks to the FlyteFoam sole technology, these running shoes zip through the vertical pressure and suppress the shock pulse softly.
- The absence of the outer bumper in the forepart of the shoes made them looser while keeping the snug fit.
- The new durable Armoured Mesh net provides a good ventilation. It also reduced the weight of the shoes, so they could approach models for competitions.
- Flat laces contribute to a firm foot position in a fast run.
Mizuno Wave Rider 21
The Mizuno shoes for runners are famous for their lasting qualities. If you are eager to find a pair of durable running shoes for long races, you should definitely set eyes to Mizuno Wave Rider 21. These shoes have the highest drop in this review. It allows the sole to distribute the weight efficiently even with the heel-first landing.
- Weight: 225 g (0.5 lbs.)
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pronation: normal (neutral)
Suitable for
This model is perfect for running on solid grounds, for example, on the pavement or dry hard soil. You should choose these running shoes, if you are aimed at covering a semi-marathon distance ever more rapidly. They will take care of your feet and help run against your record time.
Advantages
- The Wave technology suppresses the load efficiently and makes the sole more elastic. It reduces the time of the contact with the ground, which means increase in speed.
- Starting from the 20th model, the shoes became much softer than their ancestors.
- The Jacquard Mesh net has an original design. It provides durability of the most pressure-bearing spots and good ventilation where needed.
- As usual, Muzino made very soft insoles that envelop feet and add to their comfort.
Saucony Guide ISO
This is the only model of the review with the pronounced foot support. The elaborated top construction allowed improving the foot position. If the stability and comfort of the shoes are more important than their weight for you, you should opt for this pair. Moreover, these shoes are the widest.
- Weight: 292/258 g (0.64/0.57 lbs.)
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pronation: normal, hyper pronation
Suitable for
Perfect for semi-marathons and marathons. Recommended for heavy and average weight sportsmen with normal or hyper pronation.
Advantages
- The ISOFit technology firmly fixes the middle of the foot and provides full movement control.
- The elastic sole suppresses shock impulses efficiently and gives the energy back with a take-off.
Hoka Cavu Niagara
When you see these awkward cumbersome running shoes, it is hard to believe that they can be fast. However, as soon as you put them on, the feeling of freedom and lightness eliminates all the prejudice. This model is developed for nonprofessionals that do not want to sacrifice comfort for the sake of increase in speed.
- Weight: 231 g (0.51 lbs.)
- Drop: 4 mm
- Pronation: normal (neutral)
Suitable for
These shoes are perfect for average weight sportsmen with normal feet. For professional runners with higher results this model can come useful in training and covering long distances.
Advantages
- The mesh top is scarcely felt on the foot. It provides the feeling of lightness and comfort.
- The deep fit of the foot provides stability and gives confidence in every step.
- The RMAT sole with different foam density in the areas of the heel and toe increases the responsiveness while landing and taking-off.
- The lightest model by Hoka One One for highway running.
- These shoes are more durable, soft and quick that other racing models by different brands.
Asics GEL-451
The fastest model in the review. It weights very little and has wonderful elastic behavior. The new model was name as a tribute to the famous novel “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. This way, the manufacturer gives a tip that the ground will burn under these fast running shoes.
- Weight: 205 g (0.45 lbs.)
- Drop: 6 mm
- Pronation: normal, hyper pronation
Suitable for
The model was developed for triathletes, but its wearing comfort and lightness made it popular among runners that cover distances from 5 km (3.11 miles) to marathons. It fits for sportsmen with neutral and under pronation that are eager to achieve maximum results.
Advantages
- The ventilated Magic Sole improves air circulation and copes up with excessive humidity.
- The internal built-in heel grip securely fixes the heel and helps you keep the right direction of the foot when running fast.
- The BOA fast lacing system saves time, adapts to any shape of the foot. It does not loosen while running, and your shoelace will never come undone.
- The sole surface is made from the durable rubber compound that provides a good ground contact and minimizes slipping.