Race day is a special day for many running enthusiasts. That desire to put down your best time yet and cross the the finish line for an unmatched sense of accomplishment is why marathons are one of the most popular fitness activities out there. In order to make the most of your 26.2, however, you need the right gear, and that means toeing the gate with proper footwear.
We've gotten hands-on with a number of race-ready sneakers over the years, but today's performance models are a bit more advanced than those of yesteryear. Two of the most notable silhouettes in the racing category, the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2 and Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3, have proven their worth thanks to being laced up for a number of professional victories and a few world records, too.
But of these two impressive marathon runners, which shoe slides into first place? To find out, I tested both silhouettes across multiple distances and paces, highlighting key notes like energy return, comfort and durability. I'm also mid-training for an upcoming 8k race, so I wanted to see if these premium running shoes would be fitting for races that didn't surpass the 10-mile mark. Now, let's see which kick is best equipped for victory lane, and which silhouette is more in-line with the middle of the pack.
The Contenders for Best Marathon Shoe
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2
Nike’s Alphafly Next % lineup is at the forefront of running’s latest big bang moment, most notably with the world's first sub-two hour marathon. This updated silhouette carries on those innovations in a premium build that boasts additional ZoomX foam in the midsole — the brand’s lightest offering — as well as two Zoom Air units in the forefoot. Additionally, the Atomknit upper provides a sock-like fits that’s extremely lightweight, allowing for easier pickups on the back half of a marathon route.
While the upper is well-built for race-day purposes, it’s not the most durable or protective material out there. Because of the paper-thin design, this material does little against rain or undesirable weather, so if your event falls on under overcast conditions, plan ahead with the proper socks.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
Picture these sneakers as the luxury or limited models of the fast racing category. Boasting Lightstrike Pro cushioning foam and Energyrod technology for excellent energy return, these kicks are ready for the long haul of 26.2 miles and beyond. The Continental rubber outsole provides plenty of tackiness across multiple surfaces and turns, as well, only adding to the security and confidence you feel underfoot.
The Adios Pro 3s are an exceptional running shoe for a multitude of reasons, but the one thing they lack is a proper lacing system. To find that locked-in feel you’d want on race day, the laces do take some getting used to. Still, there’s a reason 60% of 2021 World Major Marathon wins were by athletes wearing kicks from the Adios Pro stable.
How to Choose the Right Marathon Shoe
When looking at race-day specific shoes, it’s important to understand that these sneakers are built for one sole purpose: racing. It’s not ideal to purchase marathon running shoes to train in, as running nonstop in your marathon shoes could change your natural gait, limiting your performance and squashing your times. Additionally, the foams and materials within each marathon shoe are built solely for racing, so any extended use could cause unnecessary wear and tear.
Now, if you do want to invest in marathon-ready kicks, there are a few factors to consider. First, you want to pay attention to the overall weight of your running shoes. Because you’ll have plenty of pickups across the extended race track, you’ll want a shoe that’s lightweight and less taxing on your body — you wouldn’t want to run a marathon in a clunky pair of hiking boots, would you?
Additionally, you want to find a running shoe that provides enough cushioning to keep you comfortable from starting line to finish line. For example, both the Alphafly Next % 2 and Adios Pro 3 offer up plenty of plush comfort while still maintaining that desirable lightweight frame. Other max-cushion runners might be able to make your first miles feel like your running on clouds, but this added coziness can add unnecessary weight.
In regards to carbon footplates, you don’t have to pay attention to this as much, but the technology is popular in racing shoes for a reason. Carbon-plated shoes can offer up improved energy return and forward propulsion. Think of it as a diving board for your step — when you push off, you fling yourself forward further than you would from, say, the concrete edge of the pool.
Lastly, and ultimately, you want your race day sneakers to be as comfortable as your daily trainers, so opt for uppers and lacing systems that give a sleek fit without feeling too constrictive.
Test 1: Ride Comfort
Both the Alphafly Next % 2s and Adios Pro 3s were cozy, enjoyable shoes to run in, especially as I fine-tuned my pacing for my upcoming race day. The silhouettes did begin to show their differences, however, once I began to mix up the distances of my routes. The Nikes were excellent options for a number of jogs, and I felt the full carbon plate was easy to engage, giving each step that added pop.
The Adios Pro 3s, on the other hand, showed their merit once my mileage surpassed the 12-mile marker. The plush Lightstrike Pro midsole provided ample cushioning that kept my feet comfortable, and the geometry kept everything stable as I began to tire. Anything shorter than 12 miles was still enjoyable, but there was a definite stiffness present, especially when I quickened my pace.
Test 2: Energy Return
As stated above, the full plate featured in the Alphafly Next % 2s was my favorite to run in thanks to its easy activation. Quickening the pace or really going for a new split time was near effortless, and you can definitely see how these sneakers became world-record-setting staples within racing.
The Adios Pro 3s also feature a carbon plate, but it’s housed in the heel, and instead, the shoe relies on its Energyrod technology for boosted propulsion. I wasn’t able to get a similar response from this setup, yet I still felt its presence underfoot. Plus, the Energyrods are designed to mimic the metatarsal bones, which created a different sensation as opposed to a full carbon plate. While it definitely didn’t shoot me forward like the Nikes, I still think this silhouette benefits from the inclusion, and I really liked the subtle jolt forward at longer distances.
Test 3: Upper Construction
I’ll start this by saying neither the Nike or Adidas upper are the most durable materials in the running shoe game, and I absolutely dreaded training in less than ideal weather conditions. Understanding this, though, I turned my focus toward the comfort provided, and felt the Alphafly Next % 2’s Atomknit construction was the best for my foot geometry. I really appreciated the dynamic, sock-like design that creates a bootie fit across the top, and the serrated laces were simple enough to lock down for added security.
When running in the Adios Pro 3s, I didn’t feel they were completely uncomfortable, but the material is a little more abrasive and scratchy than the Nike offering. Additionally, there’s little flex in the toe box, which was fine for me, but wider-footed athletes may find this a little too constricting.
Best Overall Marathon Running Shoe: Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2
Across the board, I couldn’t have been more impressed with the latest Nike super shoe. From the premium energy return, to the comfortable, sleek and downright good-looking upper, there’s plenty to praise with the Alphafly Next % 2s. While I think they’re a little overkill for my upcoming 8k, any serious runner that’s willing to shell out top dollar for the best sneakers should have these at the top of their list.
Get the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2 Here
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Best Marathon Running Shoe for Maintained Race Pace: Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
The Adidas Adios Pro 3s are still damn fine racing shoes, but a little more specialized in my opinion. As I noted in my tests, the well-cushioned midsole and energy rods truly began to show their power at longer distances, allowing me to focus less on my feet and more on my strides. Quicker paces created a stiffer feeling underfoot, but slower, more maintained pacing for longer distances is where this shoe is truly a workhorse. If you have a half or full marathon still on your schedule, you can definitely run confidently in these three-striped super shoes.
Get the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 Here
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