The long run is a crucial part of training for many, so it's essential to have the right running shoes for covering many miles in a row, providing your body with the best comfort and making long runs a pleasure rather than a chore to endure.
The article is divided into three sections, so you can easily find the shoe that suits you:
- Neutral running shoes for long runs
- Running shoes with stability for long runs
- Running shoes for those who prioritize speed on long runs
Neutral running shoes for long runs
Here you'll find our picks for the best neutral running shoes for long runs. Generally, shoes in this category are softer and more forgiving than the stability shoes further down in the article.
Nike Vomero Plus is Nike's take on the ultimate shoe for long runs, with ample ZoomX foam underfoot and a wider platform than the classic Vomero. The result is a rare combination in such a soft and tall shoe: a sense of stability. The upper is breathable and securely wraps the foot. The shoe performs impeccably at moderate pace but also impresses when you pick up the speed. If you need extra energy return on days with heavy legs without compromising the ability to change gears along the way, Vomero Plus is an obvious choice.
Weight: 273 g. (US 9 / men), 230 g. (US 7.5 / women)
Heel drop: 10 mm
Saucony Triumph 23 cements what the series should be: a reliable, comfortable mileage training shoe you can count on mile after mile. The midsole is a lighter version of PWRRUN PB than its predecessor, and Saucony has also made the platform wider. A modern trick that provides stability without adding unnecessary weight. The upper wraps the foot in soft materials from laces to heel padding, and the fit in the forefoot is slightly more spacious than before. Triumph 23 is not a speed shoe. It's the training partner you reach for again and again on the easy and long days.
Weight: 278 g. (US 9 / men), 240 g. (US 7.5 / women)
Heel drop: 10 mm
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is 10% lighter than its predecessor, which is remarkable because the comfort remains intact. The weight is primarily saved on the outsole, where ASICS has strategically reduced rubber where runners wear it least. The midsole combines FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam with PureGEL in the heel. This provides cushioning that is neither too soft nor too firm. You get softness at landing and a smooth transition to the next step. The adaptive upper hugs the foot without creating pressure points, and the updated Hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole provides good grip on both dry and wet surfaces. A faithful long-distance companion that just works.
Weight: 281 g. (US 9 / men), 242 g. (US 7.5 / women)
Heel drop: 8 mm
New Balance 1080 v15 marks a paradigm shift in the series: Fresh Foam is out, and the new INFINION supercritical foam is in. By injecting nitrogen into the foam process, New Balance has created a material that is more resilient than its predecessor and retains its bounce and energetic feel much longer than previous versions of 1080. This means the shoe is not only suitable for easy long runs but can also handle a bit of extra speed along the way. The upper fits well with ample room in the toe box, and the weight is reduced without compromising comfort. If you want the most versatile 1080 to date, v15 is the answer.
Weight: 256 g. (US 9 / men), 216 g. (US 7.5 / women)
Heel drop: 6 mm
Running shoes with stability for long runs
Here you'll find the best running shoes for long runs for runners seeking extra support. Stability shoes are generally a bit firmer than the shoes above, but the latest models are also softer and more comfortable than ever.
Nike Structure 26 proves that stability shoes don't have to be boring. The midsole is now made entirely of ReactX, which, along with Nike's Midfoot Support System, keeps the foot centered throughout the stride without making the shoe stiff or restrictive. With a stack height of 38 mm in the heel and 28 mm in the forefoot, you get a shoe that strikes a successful balance between comfort and support. The upper is comfortably padded and wraps the foot well, and overall, the shoe feels both solid and uncomplicated on runs where you just need to log miles. An obvious choice for long easy runs, for commuting to and from interval training, and for days between hard sessions.
Weight: 302 g. (US 9 / men), 254 g. (US 7.5 / women)
Heel drop: 10 mm
Saucony Hurricane 25 is a major improvement from its predecessor, and that's no small feat, as Hurricane 24 was already one of Saucony's most praised shoes. The midsole combines PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN in two layers, where PWRRUN forms the stable foundation and PWRRUN PB delivers the energetic and fun element on top. Stability comes from Centerpath Technology, which centers the foot strike in a natural and controlled manner. The rocker geometry is improved, the upper is breathable with a semi-gusseted tongue, and the shoe is balanced in a way that makes it ideal for long, easy Sunday runs.
Weight: 285 g. (US 9 / men), 252 g. (US 7.5 / women)
Heel drop: 6 mm
ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 looks almost identical to its predecessor, but upon closer inspection, you'll find a significant update. The new FFBlast+ ECO foam formula is lighter and slightly firmer than before, enhancing the shoe's key feature: stability. The total amount of foam is actually increased. The drop has changed from 10 mm to 8 mm with a stack height of 40–32 mm, providing a smoother transition in each step. The upper is engineered mesh with the familiar soft padding around the heel, and the outsole is Hybrid ASICSGRIP, combining durability and grip. GEL-Kayano 32 isa shoe you can rely on.
Weight: 306 g. (US 9 / men), 254 g. (US 7.5 / women)
Heel drop: 8 mm
HOKA Gaviota 6 combines HOKA's signature max-cushion experience with active support elements that guide the foot. The PROFLY foam in the midsole is soft on landing and firmer on take-off, and the characteristic rocker geometry ensures a natural and smooth stride that eases both knees and hips over long distances. The support elements are discreetly integrated into the sole's construction, so the shoe doesn't feel stiff, yet the foot is guided through the stride. A strong candidate if you're looking for a soft and supportive long-distance shoe in one.
Weight: 292 g. (US 9 / men), 248 g. (US 7.5 / women)
Heel drop: 6 mm
Shoes for those who prioritize speed on long runs
These shoes aren't racing shoes, but they're not classic mileage trainers either. They're built for those who want an extra gear on long runs and want to train in fast shoes without using your racing shoes' limited miles on long runs. Common to them is a responsive midsole and a lighter construction than a typical long-distance shoe.
Nike Zoom Fly 6 is a major improvement over its predecessor and now one of the most versatile fast trainers on the market. The midsole combines ZoomX foam on top with a firmer SR-02 foam at the bottom and a carbon FlyPlate in between. It's a combination that provides a shoe that is comfortable and protective on the easy parts of the run, but snappy and forward when the pace increases. The rocker geometry rolls you smoothly forward, and with a stack height of 40 mm in the heel, there's good protection even on long runs.
Weight: 252 g. (US 9 / men), 210 g. (US 7.5 / women)
Heel drop: 8 mm
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 maintains its position as one of the market's best all-round fast trainers – and version 5 is the most balanced edition yet. The new upper is thinner, more breathable, and provides more room in the forefoot than its predecessor. The midsole is fine-tuned with a wider tread and a more flexible nylon plate, offering a more natural stride than before. Without losing the energetic feel PWRRUN PB foam is known for. Speedroll technology rolls you smoothly forward, and the shoe is light enough to imagine it for a half marathon. A shoe that's more fun to run in the faster you go.
Weight: 242 g. (US 9 / men), 214 g. (US 7.5 / women)
Heel drop: 8 mm
ASICS Sonicblast is one of the most surprising shoes in ASICS' lineup. It's a model suitable for far more runners than one might initially think. The midsole is dual-layered: FF TURBO2 super foam on top delivers a significant pop at take-off, while FF BLAST MAX foam underneath ensures comfort and protection mile after mile. Additionally, there's a PEBAX plate, which can be described as a milder solution than classic carbon plates. It contributes to stability and propulsion without making the shoe too aggressive. The ASICSGRIP outsole holds firm, even on wet leaves and slick asphalt. Sonicblast is unusually versatile and works for hill intervals, tempo runs, and long runs.
Weight: 256 g. (US 9 / men), 223 g. (US 7.5 / women)
Heel drop: 8 mm
Need anything else for your run?
Need running clothes for the long run, you'll find a wide selection for both
and
. You can also take a closer look at our
which are often necessary on long runs. If you'd rather read our article on shoes with maximum cushioning, you can find it
.
