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10 Best Long Distance Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe - White/White/Grey - 6.5 Medium

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,369
Cushioning
Arch Support
Fit and Sizing

Most important from
5849 reviews

Cushioning
Great support and cushioning make these shoes perfect for walking 5 to 7 miles daily.
Arch Support
Exceptional comfort and arch support make these shoes a lifesaver for long hours on concrete.
Fit and Sizing
The wide toe area provides a great fit, even in regular sizes, ensuring lasting comfort.
Durability
Durability is impressive; these shoes can withstand daily wear and tear for over a year.

The Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe is designed for runners who prioritize a smooth and comfortable ride. One of its main strengths is the soft, nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning, which provides lightweight comfort and makes it suitable for long-distance running, road running, walking, and cross-training. The shoe’s Segmented Crash Pad ensures smooth transitions from landing to toe-off, helping to maintain a fluid stride and reduce distractions during runs.

Additionally, the engineered air mesh upper offers a blend of stretch and structure while ensuring adequate breathability, which is crucial for long runs to keep your feet cool and comfortable. The shoe also features a durable RoadTack rubber outsole, designed to offer good rebound and grip, enhancing its longevity and performance on various surfaces. A notable benefit is its certification as a PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and its APMA Seal of Acceptance, indicating it provides good foot health standards. It’s also a carbon neutral product, making it an environmentally friendly option.

Potential drawbacks include the lack of specific details on arch support and heel-to-toe drop, which are critical for runners with particular biomechanical needs or preferences. Also, while the synthetic outer material and rubber sole contribute to durability, some might prefer natural materials for their running shoes. Fit and sizing seem well-considered with the 3D Fit Print, but given its mention of being a 'Medium' width, those with wider or narrower feet might need to try on for the best fit. These shoes are ideal for runners seeking good cushioning, breathability, and a smooth running experience, with additional environmental and health benefits.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,369
Cushioning
Arch Support
Fit and Sizing

Most important from
5849 reviews

Cushioning
Great support and cushioning make these shoes perfect for walking 5 to 7 miles daily.
Arch Support
Exceptional comfort and arch support make these shoes a lifesaver for long hours on concrete.
Fit and Sizing
The wide toe area provides a great fit, even in regular sizes, ensuring lasting comfort.
Durability
Durability is impressive; these shoes can withstand daily wear and tear for over a year.
#2

adidas Men's Run Falcon 5 Sneaker, Black/White/Black, 11

Rating
9.4
Fit and Sizing
Cushioning
Breathability

Most important from
1739 reviews

Fit and Sizing
Offers a perfect fit even for larger feet, benefiting from Adidas's slightly larger sizing.
Cushioning
Delivers exceptional comfort that makes it ideal for workouts and everyday wear.
Breathability
Features a breathable and well-made construction that feels premium and reliable.

The adidas Men's Run Falcon 5 is a lightweight running shoe that offers solid cushioning thanks to its Cloudfoam midsole, providing comfortable step-in support suitable for everyday runs. Its snug fit, enabled by adjustable laces, helps keep the foot secure during activities.

This shoe incorporates at least 20% recycled materials, making it an appealing choice for environmentally conscious users. Breathability and durability are supported by a rubber outsole, contributing to its reliability for casual or beginner long-distance runners seeking comfort and sustainability.

More advanced runners may prefer models with more defined arch support and performance-focused features, but the Run Falcon 5 serves well as a dependable option for those prioritizing everyday comfort and eco-friendly design.

Rating
9.4
Fit and Sizing
Cushioning
Breathability

Most important from
1739 reviews

Fit and Sizing
Offers a perfect fit even for larger feet, benefiting from Adidas's slightly larger sizing.
Cushioning
Delivers exceptional comfort that makes it ideal for workouts and everyday wear.
Breathability
Features a breathable and well-made construction that feels premium and reliable.
#3

New Balance Men's FuelCell Rebel V4 Running Shoe, White/Bleached Lime Glo/Hot Mango, 11.5

Rating
9.1
Cushioning
Fit and Sizing
Breathability

Most important from
991 reviews

Cushioning
The ride is lightweight, smooth, and offers just the right amount of bounce, making runs both fun and comfortable.
Fit and Sizing
Fit runs true to size with enough room in the toe box and a lockdown that feels firm yet comfortable.
Breathability
The outsole design provides solid grip, while the breathable upper fits securely without needing to over-tighten the laces.
Durability
The shoes are lightweight and well-made, with a stylish design that appeals to daily runners and cross-country athletes alike.

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel V4 is designed with a responsive FuelCell foam midsole that gives a lively, propulsive feel, which can help boost your forward motion during long runs. The midsole is wider and taller than previous versions, potentially offering good cushioning and stability. The shoe features a breathable mesh upper that helps keep your feet cool, important when covering long distances. Its lace-up closure and gusseted tongue aim to provide a secure and comfortable fit, though some runners may want to try different sizes to find their perfect match since fit can vary.

The rubber outsole with longitudinal pods offers decent durability and traction, though it might show wear faster if used heavily on rough surfaces. Stylish graphics add a fun look, but they don’t affect performance.

This shoe suits runners looking for a lightweight, cushioned option that helps with forward momentum on longer runs, while those needing specialized support or a custom fit might want to explore other models.

Rating
9.1
Cushioning
Fit and Sizing
Breathability

Most important from
991 reviews

Cushioning
The ride is lightweight, smooth, and offers just the right amount of bounce, making runs both fun and comfortable.
Fit and Sizing
Fit runs true to size with enough room in the toe box and a lockdown that feels firm yet comfortable.
Breathability
The outsole design provides solid grip, while the breathable upper fits securely without needing to over-tighten the laces.
Durability
The shoes are lightweight and well-made, with a stylish design that appeals to daily runners and cross-country athletes alike.

Buying Guide for the Best Long Distance Running Shoes

Choosing the right long-distance running shoes is crucial for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. The right pair of shoes can make a significant difference in your running experience, so it's important to consider various factors to find the best fit for you. Here are some key specifications to look at when selecting long-distance running shoes and how to navigate them based on your needs.
CushioningCushioning refers to the amount of padding in the shoe, which helps absorb impact and provide comfort during long runs. This is important because it can reduce the strain on your joints and muscles. Shoes with high cushioning are ideal for runners who prefer a softer feel and need extra shock absorption, especially on hard surfaces. Moderate cushioning offers a balance between comfort and responsiveness, suitable for most runners. Minimal cushioning is for those who prefer a more natural running experience and have strong, well-conditioned feet. Consider your running surface, distance, and personal comfort preference when choosing the level of cushioning.
Arch SupportArch support is the level of support provided to the arch of your foot. This is important because it helps maintain proper alignment and reduces the risk of injuries such as plantar fasciitis. Shoes with high arch support are suitable for runners with high arches who need extra stability. Neutral arch support is designed for runners with normal arches and provides a balanced level of support. Low arch support, or stability shoes, are ideal for runners with flat feet or overpronation, offering additional support to prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot. Determine your arch type and choose shoes that provide the appropriate level of support.
Heel-to-Toe DropHeel-to-toe drop, or simply drop, is the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot of the shoe. This is important because it affects your running form and the distribution of impact forces. A high drop (8-12mm) promotes a heel-strike running style and is suitable for runners who need extra heel cushioning. A moderate drop (4-8mm) encourages a midfoot strike and offers a balance between heel and forefoot cushioning. A low drop (0-4mm) promotes a forefoot or midfoot strike and is ideal for runners who prefer a more natural running form. Consider your running style and any existing injuries when selecting the appropriate drop.
Fit and SizingFit and sizing refer to how well the shoe conforms to the shape of your foot and the size you need. This is important because a proper fit ensures comfort, prevents blisters, and reduces the risk of injuries. Running shoes should have a snug fit around the midfoot and heel, with enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes. It's recommended to try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen and to wear the same type of socks you plan to run in. Make sure there is about a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Always prioritize comfort and avoid shoes that feel too tight or too loose.
BreathabilityBreathability refers to how well the shoe allows air to circulate, keeping your feet cool and dry. This is important because it helps prevent overheating, blisters, and discomfort during long runs. Shoes with mesh uppers or ventilation features offer better breathability and are ideal for running in warm or humid conditions. Less breathable shoes, often made with more durable or water-resistant materials, are suitable for cooler weather or wet conditions. Consider the typical climate and conditions you'll be running in when choosing the level of breathability you need.
DurabilityDurability refers to how long the shoe will last before showing significant wear and tear. This is important because durable shoes provide consistent performance and value over time. Shoes with high durability are made with robust materials and reinforced areas, suitable for runners who log high mileage or run on rough terrain. Moderate durability shoes offer a balance between weight and longevity, ideal for most runners. Lightweight shoes with lower durability are best for race days or short-distance training. Consider your running frequency, terrain, and how long you expect the shoes to last when evaluating durability.

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