The Best Running Shoes for Long Distance in 2023

1. Brooks Ghost 15

The Brooks Ghost 15 is an ideal neutral trainer for runners who want a high-mileage shoe that balances cushioning and support in a lightweight design. It’s also one of our favorite Brooks running shoes.

The comfortable fit of the seamless, engineered mesh forefoot makes the shoe breathable, hugging your forefoot, but flexing as needed. It feels great as soon as you put your foot in it.

In the midsole, Brooks uses their patented BioMoGo and DNA Loft foam. This incredibly comfortable foam combo gives you great energy dispersion as well as rebound. There are also structured midsole supports included, which help stabilize your gait while on the road.

The outsole has a full-length Segmented Crash Pad, which keeps you stable on distance runs when form tends to break down. The tread is more aggressive than other road shoes, making this a good option is you incorporate any dirt trails into your runs.

2. Adidas Energy Boost

The Adidas Energy Boost is engineered with maximum energy rebound in mind. This shoe has a high amount of boost cushioning which provides great energy return and more consistent cushioning in a variety of temperatures. Boost foam also lasts longer than traditional EVA foam, meaning your run will feel good throughout the full distance.

Although the TechFit technology does give it a sock-like feel, with a snug fit, the hard plastic of the mid-foot cage and overlays are what make the upper somewhat inflexible. Some say it doesn’t really feel like a high-performance running shoe. It may also feel too snug for those with wider feet.

Boost technology makes the shoe cushioned and propels you forward for a more efficient stride. It also is tough and durable and stays consistent regardless of external temperatures.

The outsole’s Adiwear technology is meant to cut down on wear and tear. But the tread has been known to wear down faster than comparable trainers.

3. Hoka One One Bondi 8

The Bondi 8 is Hoka One One’s flagship running shoe. It’s a lightweight trainer and probably Hoka’s most cushioned running shoe. Ideally for long distances especially on pavement and other hard surfaces.

Very lightweight at only 10 ounces, and with an upper designed of engineered mesh, this shoe has incredible breathability. A roomy toe box gives your toes plenty of room to spread out for comfort. One of the only drawbacks is that the upper tends to show wear and tear easily.

Hoka One One has added maximum cushioning to their Bondi 8, making for a very smooth ride. This cushioning makes it ideal for both long runs and recovery runs. Although it takes a little getting used to, the rocker built into the sole provides a smooth transition while running.

The lug pattern of the outsole has been updated for improved traction. With the Zonal Rubber Placement on the heel and forefoot, the durability has been improved as well.

4. Nike Air Zoom Vomero 14

The Nike Zoom Vomero 14 is a highly cushioned neutral running shoe with enough snap to make it a great short distance or race shoe as well. There are two layers of cushioning for maximum energy return. This is a soft, comfortable shoe all the way from the upper to the midsole.

The upper is snug, with a ¾ length interior bootie. The collar is padded, and it is laced with FlyWire cables to ensure a comfortable fit, regardless of foot shape. The Vomero does have a somewhat narrow toe box, although the entire shoe is wider than most Nike running shoes, which tend to be fairly narrow.

The dual cushioning in the midsole of the Nike Zoom Vomero has been engineered for maximum responsiveness. The soft Lunar core smooths out the heel-toe transitions, while the firm cushion carrier adds responsiveness and durability.

BRS-1000 rubber near the heel gives this shoe great traction, while the Dura-DS rubber in the mid-foot and forefoot areas gives it a light and bouncy responsive feel. Between the treads are anatomical flex grooves, making the shoe more flexible and agile while aiding the foot’s natural roll.

5. Saucony Triumph 19

The Saucony Triumph 19 is a cushioned running shoe that hugs your foot and features PWRRUN foam to keep you comfortable during long runs. It’s an ideal shoe for both newer runners and long-distance runners.

Saucony stopped using ISOFIT lacing system for this shoe and has instead embraced the new FORMFIT. Featuring a more traditional upper, stretchy material means that you can really dial in a custom fit.

PWRRUN foam in the midsole adds springy durability to the shoe, while also reducing the overall weight. It helps in giving the Triumph the plush, cushy-ness it’s known for.

The outsole uses vertical breaks to ensure lateral flexibility in your run. The Triumph 19 features much more flexibility for a smoother run. Additionally, the shoe comes in much lighter than prior versions of the Triumph.

6. Asics Gel-Kayano 30

A stable, supportive trainer that provides you with a plush, cushioned ride, the Asics Gel-Kayano 30 uses some of Asics’ most advanced technologies to make for a great long-distance running shoe.

FluidFit technology is used to make this upper fit like a glove, while the lacing system is designed to distribute the pressure evenly across the top of the foot. Your heel is kept in place by an external heel cup, which helps to stabilize the entire foot throughout your run.

The midsole is stable and well-cushioned, giving you a speedy, yet stable stride. Asics’ I.G.S. (Impact Guidance System) helps smooth out the heel-to-toe transitions. Flytefoam lightens up the shoe without sacrificing cushioning.

Asics’ rear foot gel cushioning ensures that the heel doesn’t receive too much jarring impact, while the High-Abrasion Rubber helps create a solid grip, regardless of the surface. With gel in the heel and DuoMax cushioning, the outsole helps reduce overpronation, while protecting your foot during long runs.

With the Kayano 30, Asics updated the shoe with a new upper and the latest FlyteFoam cushioning for a lightweight, responsive shoe. The upper is sleek and clean, with much improved colors than v26.

7. Saucony Guide 16

The Saucony Guide 16 has a soft, comfortable fit while maintaining a supportive, cushioned ride. The Guide 16 features FORMFIT, which is Saucony’s custom fit system that provides a snug fit, sock-like fit on the upper and insole.

Also new in the Guide is PWRRUN foam in the midsole. This new foam provides a soft ride with less weight. Gone is the EVERUN midsole layer, instead, Saucony has opted for a lighter, sleeker shoe.

The Guide features a tri-flex outsole pattern provides a natural running feel. For overpronators, the stability of this design will also help with runners who need extra support.

8. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

Brooks’ GTS stands for “Go To Shoe,” and they’ve done a remarkable job providing a well-balanced shoe that can be for short runs to long runs to races.

This shoe’s sleek, engineered mesh upper gives it a streamlined look and it is available in a wide variety of colors. The toe area is a nice size compromise, not leaving you swimming in them, but never too tight. Compared to prior models, the upper on version 23 is soft and comfortable.

Version 23 has guide rails that provide stability in place of medial posts found in most shoes. Guide rails act like a bumper in a bowling lane and provide support only when you need it. Bowl a strike (i.e. keep your foot neutrally aligned) and you won’t receive support. Roll a gutter ball (i.e. overpronate) and the Adrenaline realigns your foot as you run.

The sole provides soft cushioning with good flexibility. It has a high heel drop at 12mm, but is very lightweight for a stability shoe. Small trenches in the outsole, known as Omni Grooves, keep the shoe flexible.

9. Asics GT-2000 11

The Asics GT-2000 11 is a durable, well-made workhorse of a shoe that gives the runner stable support as well as comfort to last on long-distance runs.

Ventilation holes have been added to the middle part of the upper, which allows air to flow freely, a must for long runs. The upper has also been made lighter than previous versions, allowing runners more speed. The front of the shoe has been opened up across the top, providing more room for the toes to wiggle, but not too much to feel oversized.

Where the sole is concerned, Asics has added Flytefoam to provide for more durability. Asics also uses their patented Guidance Trusstic system to add stability.

As Asics wearers know, there are pockets of gel in the heel and forefoot, which provides shock absorption. The vertical Guidance Line helps to smooth out the transition from heel to forefoot.

10. Asics Gel-Nimbus 25

The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 is a plush, well-cushioned shoe with a long lifespan. It’s a classic ASICS running shoe featuring loads of gel for a plush, soft ride.

The upper is made of breathable, gradient mesh to keep the foot cool and dry. The toe box does taper some, so those runners with wider feet should beware. The heel collar, heel cup, and tongue are quite plush, making for a comfortable run.

The midsole has been outfitted with Asics proprietary Flytefoam for great cushioning with less weight than older models. Asics Guidance Trusstic system reduces torsion in the mid-foot, making this a supportive shoe for overpronators.

The vertical Guidance Line helps to guide the foot through the transition from heel to forefoot, while gel cushioning pods provide responsiveness throughout the sole.