Shoes reviewers rate for half marathon racing: enough cushioning to stay comfortable for 13.1 miles, with the energy return to hold race pace.
16 current models, ranked by their average score from published reviews (how we rank). Updated October 2026. Want a personal pick? Try the shoe finder.
For most runners a carbon-plated super shoe is the fastest option for a half, but it's also the least stable. If you're aiming to finish rather than race, a super trainer gives you much of the bounce with more stability and durability.
Do at least one long run and a race-pace session in your race shoes before the day, so you know how they feel late in a run.
A featherweight carbon racer for runners who lengthen their stride as they speed up. Bouncy and propulsive, with a softer heel and roomier fit than its predecessor.
Nike's previous marathon super shoe pairs a full ZoomX stack with forefoot Air Zoom pods and a carbon Flyplate. Fast, smooth and stable for a racer, and increasingly discounted now the Alphafly 4 has arrived.
201 g8 mm dropCarbon platebouncypropulsive£275 RRP
adidas swaps the Pro 4's EnergyRods for a carbon EnergyRim around a new, lighter Lightstrike Pro midsole. The result is a softer, more forgiving marathon racer that feels natural and stable rather than aggressively snappy.
ASICS' lightest super shoe, built on full-length FF Leap foam and a minimal three-quarter carbon plate. Remarkably light and lively, but the narrow midfoot asks for a steady, efficient stride.
A carbon-plated PEBA racer with a higher drop and a stable, forgiving platform. It suits heel strikers and runners who want a durable race shoe rather than the bounciest one.
A very light carbon-plated racer for 5K to the marathon with a stable, controlled ride and a gentler rocker than the Fast-R. Priced below most rival super shoes in the UK.
Salomon's carbon-plated PEBA marathon racer with an aero, gaiter-style upper. Firmer and snappier than most super shoes, it rewards heel strikers at half and full marathon pace.
On's marathon super shoe pairs a lighter Helion HF midsole with a curved carbon Speedboard and a notably wide, stable platform. It is more controlled than wild, suiting half and full marathon pace better than short, fast racing.
200 g5 mm dropCarbon platepropulsivebouncy£230 RRP
Altra's first full super shoe, with a max-stack PEBA midsole, a split-toe carbon plate and a 4mm drop. It rolls smoothly at marathon and threshold pace, but fits snugger than usual for Altra.
232 g4 mm dropCarbon platepropulsiverockered£220 RRP
ASICS
Nike
Saucony
adidas
HOKA
PUMA
New Balance
Kiprun
Salomon
On
Altra
