It’s important to choose the right shoes for ultra marathons in order to maximize comfort, and performance, and avoid injuries. Ultra marathons need shoes that provide superior support, durability, and cushioning because of their long lengths and diverse terrain. Here are some of the best choices as of 2024, as suggested by professionals and athletes.
Product Guide
What are the best shoes for ultra marathons?
Hoka One One Speedgoat 5
- Pros: Exceptional cushioning, excellent grip, and durable construction.
- Cons: Slightly heavy for some runners.
- Best For: Varied terrains with technical trails.
Altra Lone Peak 7
- Pros: Wide toe box, zero-drop for natural running feel, good traction.
- Cons: Zero-drop might require adaptation.
- Best For Trails with a natural running feel.
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Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3
- Pros: Superior grip, precise fit, breathable.
- Cons: Higher price point.
- Best For: Technical and mountainous trails.
La Sportiva Akasha II
- Pros: Robust protection, durable, good for long distances.
- Cons: Slightly heavier.
- Best For Rocky and technical trails.
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Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 8
- Pros: Lightweight, responsive cushioning, excellent traction.
- Cons: Limited underfoot protection for very rough terrains.
- Best For: Smoother, faster trail runs.
For Road Ultra Marathons
Hoka One One Bondi 7
- Pros: Maximum cushioning, comfortable for long distances.
- Cons: Heavier and bulkier.
- Best For: Road ultras with long stretches on pavement.
Brooks Glycerin 20
- Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
- Pros: Excellent cushioning, comfortable fit, reliable.
- Cons: Slightly heavy.
- Best For: Long-distance road running.
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Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
- Pros: Extremely lightweight, highly responsive, and efficient.
- Cons: High price, less durable.
- Best For: Competitive road ultras where speed is crucial.
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All-Terrain Options
Saucony Peregrine 13
- Pros: Good traction, versatile, reliable performance.
- Cons: Moderate cushioning.
- Best For: Mixed terrains, road-to-trail transitions.
Inov-8 TerraUltra G 270
- Pros: Excellent grip with graphene-enhanced outsole, lightweight.
- Cons: Less cushioning.
- Best For: Hard-packed trails and mixed surfaces.
A Look at Some Factors for Selecting Ultra Marathon Shoes
- Terrain: Make sure the shoe is appropriate for the ultra marathon’s main terrain. Road shoes and trail shoes are made of different materials and have distinct tread patterns.
- Cushioning: To support extended jogging sessions and lessen joint stress, look for sufficient cushioning.
- Fit and Comfort: Since feet might expand over extended periods of time, make sure there is enough space for toe splay.
- Durability: Choose shoes that are resilient to the demands of various weather and long-distance running.
- Weight: For speed, lighter shoes are better, but make sure they have adequate cushioning and support to last the distance.
- Personal Preference: Experiment to find the solution that best suits your motion, foot type, and running style.
Conclusion
In the end, the ideal ultra marathon shoe will rely on personal tastes, the particular ultra marathon you’re preparing for, and the weather. During training, it’s a good idea to try a few models to see which one best suits your demands in terms of performance.
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