10 Best Half Marathon Shoes For 2021: According To A Running Coach
Our team of runners and reviewers went out and road-tested the finest half-marathon shoes on the market right now, for both men and women, and here's what they found. Choosing a pair of shoes for your half marathon, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, may be a difficult job.
Author:Stefano MclaughlinReviewer:Karan EmerySep 06, 2021152.2K Shares2.3M Views
Our team of runners and reviewers went out and road-tested the finest half-marathon shoes on the market right now, for both men and women, and here's what they found. Choosing a pair of shoes for your half marathon, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, may be a difficult job.
When you're just starting out, finding the perfect pair may be difficult. Similarly, you may have a preferred style that is no longer available, or you may need to replace your old kicks. Many times in life, it's a good idea to look for the cheapest alternative.
One of them is buying shoes to train for and run a marathon in. Even novice runners will likely go over 300 kilometers in total when training for a marathon, while more experienced runners may run over 1,000 kilometers, so choosing a cheap shoe that feels terrible and breaks apart after 150 kilometers is hardly one's notion of smart buying.
Because what constitutes a great marathon shoe varies from runner to runner, we've included a variety of shoes in our round-up to cater to all types of runners. Whether you're an experienced runner with a few pairs of shoes and want the quickest choice on race day, or a novice runner looking for a comfortable pair to wear for every run leading up to and including the marathon, we've got you covered.
We've recognized the truly exceptional shoes with the Editor's Choice badge or an award, since we've run so many miles in so many shoes and want to bring your attention to them.
Here Is A List Of The 10 Best Half Marathon Shoes For 2021
The BEST Running Shoes 2021 | Feat Nike, ASICS, adidas, New Balance, Brooks, Saucony
Fresh Foam 1080v11 – Best Marathon Shoe
The Fresh Foam 1080v11 is a shoe designed for comfort, which is critical if you intend on running your first marathon in them. It will manage the numerous kilometers of training and the race itself, assisting in the (slightly) protection of your body from all of the impact.
It's more than simply a relaxing cruiser, however. The 1080v11 is surprisingly light, and the sole includes a spring to help you speed up the pace in races and quicker training sessions.
NEW BALANCE 1080v11 Honest Review! STILL the BEST all ROUNDER?
Saucony Endorphin Speed
Because it provides an outstanding mix of distance-friendly cushioning and speed, this is Solereview's go-to running shoe for long-distance training and marathons. It is light on the foot and weighs less than 8 ounces, making it ideal for high-mileage workouts. Its $160 MSRP (which should be lower now than the V2 is out) makes it a better deal than the Pro version.
The Pwrrun PB is a long-distance running shoe with a springy response. The ‘PB' in Pwrrun PB refers to PEBA, a lightweight cushioning foam that has quickly become the preferred midsole material for running shoes. Inside its lightweight cushiness, there's also a nylon plate.
It blends in well with the springy midsole, and its incorporation feels seamless – one of the two reasons we favor the E-Speed over the Carbon-plated Pro (the other being the more supportive upper). The soft top is comfortable and breathable, with adequate room for minor variations in foot volume throughout a marathon.
During runs, the foot is supported by an internal heel counter. Because the midsole lacks rearfoot stability, the E-Speed and Pro aren't suggested for track workouts or runs that include sprinting into tight bends. On damp terrain, the outsole grip is also lacking.
Saucony Endorphin Speed Review After 300 Miles
Adidas 4d Fwd
The Adidas 4D FWD isn't the cheapest running shoe, and the first release's restricted availability won't help it become the go-to shoe for most runners. Nonetheless, if you have the opportunity, we strongly advise you to get a pair, since the 4D FWD marks the next stage in running shoe development.
In addition, the 4DFWD is a good option for ecologically concerned runners, since it is in keeping with Adidas' initiatives to minimize plastic waste. Don't get me wrong: purchasing a new pair of running shoes isn't going to save the world, but if you have to purchase new running shoes, you may as well get them from a company that cares about the environment.
Adidas, at the very least, is attempting to make a difference, which is commendable. Overall, the Adidas 4D FWD are excellent running shoes, and are currently the finest Adidas running shoes for runners seeking something a little more serious than the Ultraboost 21 but less athletic than the Adizero Adios Pro. That's the bulk of the runners, according to the normal distribution curve.
Adidas 4DFWD Review: How does Adidas’s new 3D-printed shoe perform on the run?
Hoka One One Mach 4 – Best Value Marathon Running Shoe
The Mach 4 is an excellent all-around running shoe with a ride that is a good mix of softness and speed. You may wear the shoe for all of your long and easy runs, including your marathon, knowing that your body will be well-protected from impact while still being able to pick up the pace if needed due to the Mach 4's lightweight design.
If you have a few pairs in your rotation, they also work well as a training companion for a carbon plate racer.
HOKA ONE ONE Mach 4 Review | Best Versatile Running Shoe?
Nike Vaporfly Next % V2
The original Vaporfly was the running shoe that propelled the whole racing shoe industry away from gloomy racing flats and toward carbon plates and PEBA midsoles. The Vaporfly Next percent was a development of the 4 percent, with a revamped ZoomX (PEBA foam) midsole housing a carbon plate for that springy sensation we've all grown to love.
The V2 isn't all that different from the V1, since it has the same midsole and outsole as the V1. The low-profile, high-volume midsole serves as a deep cushioning reservoir, making marathons less taxing and more pleasant — at least in theory.
Marathons aren't supposed to be fun unless you're superhuman. The plate performs its job well, with a pleasant rearfoot snap and quick forefoot transitions. The Vaporfly Next percent V2 does this by combining extremely sensitive cushioning with a speed-friendly design. The basics of the upper fit aren't changed by Nike.
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 Review: Best Nike Running Shoe 2021
Brooks Glycerin 19
We suggest the Glycerin 19 if you aren't concerned about finishing times and just want a shoe that is enjoyable to run in over any distance. The DNA Loft cushioning from Brooks is delightfully soft, and the padded collar and tongue further add to the lavish comfort.
The 19th edition of the sneaker offers more cushioning than ever before, but Brooks has also discovered a way to make it a little lighter. While it will never be appropriate for running at high speeds, the latest Glycerin has made progress in that regard, but the attraction is in the soft feel.
Brooks Glycerin 19 Review: Still one of the best cushioned running shoes?
Asics Novablast
Since its debut on the Dynaflyte and Metaride, Asics' Flytefoam cushioning has progressed significantly. From a hard, fiber-infused midsole foam to today's Flytefoam, which comes in a variety of cushioning options. It's the 'Flytefoam Blast' in the Asics Novablast, for instance, a new entrant that has immediately become a popular favorite.
Of course, the Novablast isn't a novel concept. Here, there's a lot of Hoka-ness to see and feel. Because the thick midsole has a prominent rocker form, the ride is both cushioned and efficient.
This new foam isn't mushy, yet it provides enough cushioning for lengthy runs and marathons. Simultaneously, the midsole's high toe-spring (rocker) aids the foot in rolling through the gait cycles more quickly.
Asics Novablast Review | How to Choose Your Running Shoes
On The Cloudflow
The Helion sole technology has been included in Cloudflow in the most recent update. Regardless of the climate, On's' superfoam 'provides a soft but responsive running experience, offering you the same dynamics all year.
As you land, the Helion works hard to minimize impact force, while the cloud components up front help you rise off the ground more quickly and effortlessly. Is this a viable combination? It does, and it does it wonderfully.
The upper is made of a low-profile mesh that keeps your foot in place and feels high-quality. Not to mention the shoes' design: you don't see such an eye-catching design in full-fledged running shoes very frequently.
The Cloudflow's most serious flaw is its appearance: you won't want to get it filthy or run about in puddles for fear of losing the shoe's brand-new appearance.
On | Cloudflow - the lightweight & ultra-responsive running shoe
Puma Velocity Nitro
Puma launched a brand-new line of running shoes in 2021 that caters to a wide variety of runners. The Deviate Nitro and Deviate Elite are both carbon shoes, but the plate-less Velocity Nitro is the one we're suggesting here simply because of its great price.
The shoe's midsole is made of Puma's Nitro foam, which is a lightweight, nitrogen-infused EVA that is soft enough for long runs yet responsive enough for rapid training and racing. With a substantial layer of PUMAGRIP rubber that grips effectively in all situations, the outsole is also designed to endure.
The Velocity Nitro is an excellent all-around choice for marathon training and racing, and the cheap price is the icing on the cake.
Puma Velocity Nitro | Running Shoe Review
Reebok Forever Floatride Energy 3
The Floatride Energy 3 is the third installment of the 2019 sleeper hit. The midsole is made of tried-and-true expanded polyurethane foam, which has proven to be a tough and dependable worker.
It's used by Adidas in the form of Boost, and by Saucony in the form of Pwr Run+ on the Triumph and Hurricane. The Floatride by Reebok hits the sweet spot between distance-friendly comfort and low-profile cushioning, making it a flexible everyday trainer.
These characteristics also make it a marathon-worthy shoe if you're willing to forgo the trendy, heavily cushioned midsole. It's a cross between the New Balance Tempo (or adidas Boston 9) and a normal neutral trainer like the Brooks Ghost or Asics Cumulus.
The selling proposition of Floatride Energy is its unique posture-comfortable enough for a long haul, yet nimble enough when needed. The V3 offers a lot of additional features, but it's still very similar to the V1 and V2. On the V2, asymmetric lacing was adopted, and we see it again here. It helps to alleviate the tightness in the forefoot that was present in the first model.
REEBOK FLOATRIDE ENERGY 3: full review (of 2021’s best running shoe?)
Stefano Mclaughlin
Author
Stefano Mclaughlin is a Psychologist focused on mental health, emotional well-being, and healthcare policy. He studied Psychology and Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, gaining a deep understanding of the intersection between mental health and public policy.
Stefano's mission is clear: he aims to destigmatize mental health discussions, improve access to mental healthcare, and promote emotional well-being for all. Drawing from personal experiences with anxiety and depression, Stefano shares real stories to make mental health topics more relatable and less intimidating.
In addition to his advocacy work, Stefano enjoys delving into books, experimenting in the kitchen, and embarking on new adventures. These hobbies fuel his creativity and inspire fresh perspectives for his advocacy work.
Karan Emery
Reviewer
Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field.
With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community.
Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks.
Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
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