In this article, find the market's fastest running shoes. Here you get the lightest weight, the best bounce, and the fastest push-off. Common for all shoes in the category is the use of the respective brands' latest speed technologies. The shoes are all made for competition and ensure you perform your very best.
A fast running shoe – whether with carbon or not – will give you an excellent feel. It will feel easier to run fast, and there is broad agreement that the shoes make you run faster.
There are plenty of different types of fast running shoes. We have tried to categorize them for an overview so you can find the type that suits you.
For long distances:
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
is an innovative, ultra-soft, and extremely fast race shoe. It's equipped with the brand-new incrediRun foam in the midsole, making it both explosive and comfortable – perfect for a wild boost on race day.
The shoe's futuristic upper is not just eye-catching but also surprisingly comfortable. The combination of high speed and distance support makes the Endorphin Elite 2 a top-class shoe.
Read the review: Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
Weight: 199g. (size 42)
Heel drop: 8mm
Nike Alphafly 3
If you're looking for the safe choice on race day, look no further than . It's the preferred choice for most elite marathon runners, and the shoe is optimized to guide you through the race in the most energy-saving way.
The foam is the well-known ZoomX, and together with two Air Zoom units and a carbon plate, you get an amazing pop every time you lift off the ground.
The Atomknit upper holds the foot well, while being among the most breathable on the market.
Read the review: Nike Alphafly 3
Weight: 204g. (size 42)
Heel drop: 8.5mm
New Balance FC SuperComp Elite v5
is New Balance's fastest shoe for race day. This fifth edition comes with significant updates. The upper remains the FantomFit type but has been upgraded for more comfort: New heel and tongue hug your foot. SuperComp Elite v5 is a fast shoe without compromising comfort. A shoe that lasts the distance - even on long days.
Weight: 210 g. (size 42)
Heel drop: 8 mm (Men/Women)
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0
is synonymous with a smooth and lightning-fast run. The updated version features a new upper and significantly lower weight.
The midsole consists of two layers of PEBA foam, like a sandwich, encasing a carbon plate – a combination that always works wonders when you need to run both fast and far.
If you're looking for a wild shoe that combines speed with an aggressive rocker, then Cielo X1 2.0 is just for you.
Weight: 204g. (size 42)
Heel drop: 8.5mm
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
is a significant update to the Adios Pro series, long considered a marathon classic. With this update, adidas has truly taken a step forward.
The shoe has a completely new midsole that gives the feeling of running with two soft trampolines underfoot. While Adios Pro 3 was known for being a bit firmer and more stable than competitors, Adios Pro 4 now has a softer construction, increasing comfort on long distances.
At the same time, weight is further reduced, and the upper retains the well-known thin and firm design characterizing adidas' super shoes. If you want a shoe that feels both soft and light all the way to the finish line, then adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is an obvious choice.
Read the review: adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
Weight: 200g
Heel drop: 6mm
For shorter distances:
Nike Vaporfly 4
Don't overlook the original supershoe from Nike – . With a now significantly lower weight than its big brother, Alphafly 3, Vaporfly 4 offers an insanely fast running experience, and the shoe now stands out in a new and dramatically positive way.
You won't find race shoes with similar mileage in the same weight class, and Nike has with the fourth generation managed to renew the Vaporfly series, which in a coupleyear was overshadowed by big brother Alphafly.
Weight: 166g
Heel drop: 6mm
adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 11
If you're looking for a fast, lightweight, and dynamic running shoe with a classic feel, then is a great choice.
A new, lighter Lightstrike Pro midsole combined with Energy Rods 2.0 provides an explosive take-off. The take-off combined with the new LightLock upper makes the shoe ideal for road races with sharp turns, intervals, or generally when you want to run as fast as possible – without compromising stability and performance.
Weight: 188g
Heel drop: 6mm
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer v2
Where Pacer v1 was a very firm and extremely fast running shoe primarily for short distances, has received a significant upgrade. With a higher, softer midsole, it's now a more versatile choice for runs up to 10 km – and maybe even half-marathons.
If you find the most cushioned marathon shoes too soft and unstable, SuperComp Pacer v2 is the perfect choice. It still gives you the soft and energy-filled foam while maintaining good ground feel.
So if you want a fast and light running shoe with New Balance's iconic design, suitable for short distances and intervals, SuperComp Pacer v2 is for you.
Weight: 214g
Heel drop: 8mm
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3
is a lightning-fast race shoe combining modern foam with a classic running feel. NITROFOAM™ ELITE foam in the midsole is slightly firmer than many other top models, which means you may feel you need to push a bit more to run fast. However, looking at your watch after the run, you'll see that Deviate Nitro Elite 3 offers an extremely efficient run, allowing faster speeds with a lower heart rate.
The firmer midsole means many would choose a softer shoe for a full marathon. However, it offers maximum efficiency on short distances and a good and stable take-off for those who also consider ankle stability on race day.
Weight: 202g
Heel drop: 8mm
Trail:
Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 10
With its React midsole, provides a unique responsive feel for your trail runs. The shoe is excellent for running where the surface changes: From asphalt to technical terrain.
The outsole is made with VIBRAM, making it slip-resistant in all weather, and the segmented Rock Plate keeps unpleasant stones away from the foot.
Weight: 266g
Heel drop: 5mm
Grip: 3.5
adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
While Hoka Tecton X3 wins on comfort and grip, excels in speed and race feel. The faster Lightstrike Pro midsole gives an extremely efficient and responsive running experience, while the streamlined upper ensures a stable grip on the foot.
Therefore, Agravic Speed Ultra is the obvious choice when you want to run more efficiently over longer distances. The shoe is developed for the big ultra races like Western States 100, but it also impresses on shorter, fast runs in varied terrain.
Read the review: adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
Weight: 268g (US9)
Heel drop: 8mm
Grip: 3mm
Merrell MTL Skyfire 2
is a minimalist running shoe, with low stack height and weight: It's perfect for those who want a shoe that can take them quickly through technical terrain. The shoes have a plastic plate, which Merrell calls FlexPlate and the shoe remains quite flexible.
The outsole is of the Vibram Megagrib type. The shoes grip the terrain excellently, but the low weight compromises comfort slightly. The shoe is made for speed.
Weight: 204g (US9)
Heel drop: 6mm
Grip: 5mm
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail
Another fast trail shoe can be found in . The shoe uses a firm version of New Balance's FuelCell foam material, providing ground feel. The soft upper ensures the foot stays in place, even in technical terrain.
The grip is not aggressive, but the carbon plate in the midsole compensates. The shoe is fast and this is reflected in the weight as well.
Weight: 210g (US9)
Heel Drop: 10mm
Grip: 4mm
ASICS FUJISPEED 4
With its higher midsole, the still targets speed but also focuses on distance and comfort. The midsole is made of FF BLAST+ foam combined with a PEBAX plate, providing a comfortable feel for maintaining high speed over long distances. A cruiser shoe perfect for technical and long races.
Weight: 240g (US9)
Heel Drop: 5mm
Grip: 3.5mm
More inspiration?
Find more articles in our inspiration universe right here:
Inspiration and articles - click here
Didn't find a favorite?
See the full range of running shoes here:
