Running long distance is one of the most rewarding forms of exercise that there is. Putting your running shoes on, heading out the door and being alone with your thoughts as you push your body further than you ever have before is an incredible feeling. What you will find though is that long distance running tends to identify weaknesses in your shoes and magnify them as the journey goes on.

Your cheap running shoes that have served you so well while playing basketball or walking around town reveal small flaws when taken to such extreme distances. The traction isn’t right, they slip slightly as you run down hill, or maybe your feet just aren’t breathing properly. That’s why finding the best long distance running shoes is so important.

In this article we are going to look at five of the best long distance running shoes that you can find online at the moment. We will review them on cost, durability, comfort, and aesthetics (how cool they look while you run). Each shoe will suit somebody different, so don’t just jump at the one with the highest score! Some shoes will benefit people who want to run fast, some will benefit people who want to run in comfort, and some will benefit runners who want to travel in style.

Best Long Distance Running Shoes

Best Long Distance Running Shoes #1: Asics DynaFlyte 2

The DynaFlyte 2s are a really good pair of running shoes, they seem to have a bit of something for everyone. They’re a little on the expensive side, but they are very durable, very comfortable, and they look beautiful. The shoes use FlyteFoam technology for the midsole which really helps improve the cushioning. There is also a 45 degree SpevaFoam 45 which also improves comfort, and will help with running technique.

The shoes contain a quick drying sock liner which is removable. This will help reduce perspiration while you run long distances. Combined with the breathable mesh upper, your feet will stay dry and ventilated throughout your run. The DynaFlyte 2 is a much lighter shoe than the previous iteration, which will help runners who want to race at faster speeds.

Aesthetically, the DynaFlyte 2 is incredible. It looks stunning. Whatever colour scheme you choose will look great, but the cherry tomato, black white carbon, and the black island blue and Limoges combinations look particularly nice.

Best Long Distance Running Shoes #2: Newton Running Motion VI

Newton Running is a shoe company from Boulder, Colorado that was established in 2007. They may not be a well known company, but they have a dedicated following, and are known among runners for creating comfortable and effective running shoes. We’re looking at their Motion VI long distance running shoes today, and we’re very impressed.

While the Motion V is quite an expensive shoe compared to some others on this list, they benefit from being incredibly comfortable. They are also light weight enough to allow you to run fast in them. There are lots of clever little details that help this shoe stand out from the crowd.

For example, the shoes use a 4-way stretch mesh metatarsal panel, this is to support and protect the small bones in your foot (just before the toes). As this is where a lot of shock is absorbed, the shoes will really help reduce discomfort on long runs. The tongue has a radial band and foam surrounding it to help improve cushioning and prevent pressure around the top of the foot.

The cushioning is made from a patented “Newtonian Cushioning System” which is responsive to your running style. This allows the shoe to be stable while avoiding a loss of speed while racing. The upper is light and breathable thanks to a seamless mesh which will help keep your feet ventilated throughout the run.

The design of this shoe is very good but the only letdown is the aesthetics, the bright colours clash horribly on the blue/orange combination, and you could not wear these shoes for any occasion other than a run. It’s odd that shoe companies keep going for colour schemes such as blue and orange, who likes that? Still, these are some fantastic long distance running shoes, which you should absolutely consider buying.

Best Long Distance Running Shoes #3: Nike Free Flyknit 4.0

One of the difficulties with reviewing shoes is how fast a pair of running shoes gets updated. No sooner have you finished researching a shoe and writing a review, then its replacement arrives. Such is the case with the Nike Free Flyknit 4.0. This shoe has already been updated to the Nike Free RN Flyknit 2017 (check it out here if you’re interested [1]).

But just because a shoe has been updated, does not necessarily mean that it is better. The Nike Free Flyknit 4.0 is one of the most popular and well loved long distance running shoes of 2018 and its replacement has a lot of work to do if it wants to reach that level.

The Nike Free FlyKnit is designed to eliminate the need for socks, this is supposed to help recreate the feeling of freedom that barefoot running provides. But without all the discomfort! Instead of having a rigid upper this shoe, the Free Flyknit 4.0 has a flexible upper that moulds to your foot, making you feel like you’re wearing nothing at all.

The shoes use a rounded heel, which can help to correct or improve your running technique. This reduces the risk of injury or discomfort. These shoes are going to split opinion among runners, most will absolutely love how light they are while remaining comfortable. Others will find them to light weight and will want something a little more sturdy. This is down to personal preference. If you’re looking to run long distances at a good pace though, these shoes are perfect.

Best Long Distance Running Shoes #4: Saucony Cohesion 10

Saucony are world renowned for making fantastic running shoes, and no list of long distance shoes would be complete without at least one Saucony present. The Saucony Cohesion 10 is comfortable, affordable, looks beautiful, and is also very durable. It ticks every box on our list.

This shoe is a great everyday running shoe, it also works quite well in the gym due to the heel not being as high as with many running shoes. Aesthetically it really works, a nice simple design with a great selection of colour schemes to choose from. The shoes will look great on the track, in the gym, or even when they are being worn normally.

This is the perfect choice for someone who has a limited budget, or for someone who wants a great pair of running shoes for a really good price.

Best Long Distance Running Shoes #5: Mizuno Wave Hitogami 4

If you are an underpronator then the Mizuno Wave Hitogami 4 is a great shoe for you to buy. Mizuno are well known for making some of the most comfortable shoes on the market, with lots of cushioning and a really slick design. This shoe is no different, it looks similar to the previous Hitogami shoes but it has several improvements over them.

The shoe has a wide toe box which will help give your toes extra room while running, this will reduce discomfort and encourage you to run with flawless technique. The shoe has excellent breathability and will help to prevent your feet from perspiring too much while running long distances, this will help improve traction and will also help improve comfort.

The tongue and collar are well padded, and the laces are great for helping you to adjust the shoe to fit your feet perfectly. The shoes are a decent price, and the durability of them is fantastic, they will definitely last you a long time, increasing the value for money quite a bit. The design will split opinion, with some bold colour combinations that won’t be to everyone’s tastes. The grey and green combination is probably the most stylish of the available options.

Final Thoughts

Out of all the shoes, the Saucony Cohesion has the highest score. It looks good, it is comfortable, durable, and Saucony are well known for making excellent performance shoes. The value for money is outstanding. If you aren’t worried about the price then the Asics DynaFlyte is another really good choice.

If comfort is your goal then the Newton Running Motion VI was the most comfortable of the five shoes that we looked at. While the Nike shoe is a great all rounder that looks great and will last forever if treated well.

As you can see, each shoe has their benefits and will suit different people. Runners who want the best performance may go for the Asics or Saucony, while runners who prioritise comfort may look at Newton or Mizuno, while runners who want a well balanced shoe might prefer Nike. At the end of the day it’s up to you.

References

[1] https://www.amazon.com/NIKE-Mens-Free-Flyknit-Running/dp/B005V2OV02

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