With spring marathon season upon us, what better time to check out the latest crop of road racing shoes
Mizuno – Hyperwarp Pure – £260.00
At just 137g, the Hyperwarp Pure is one of the lightest boots ever. Utilizing Mizuno’s Enerzy XP dual layer, PEBA-based midsole and full-length 3D-molded carbon plate, the shoe offers exceptional softness and undeniable recovery.
Sometimes shoes that are too light can feel too light and not able to provide enough cushioning and protection over longer distances, but despite the minimalism of this model, the shoe feels incredibly cushioned and is capable even on marathon roads.
The upper is a simple, single-layer woven design with a closed, sock-like feel, while the outsole features a G3 design that provides great traction in all conditions.
For those looking for the lightest, highest performance model, Mizuno is a top contender.
Brooks – Hyperion Max 3 – £160.00
If you’re looking for speed, but with a little added protection, the Hyperion Max 3 offers just that. Built with a combination of the brand’s high-performance racing midsole foam and more durable offerings, the shoe delivers the best of both worlds.
Stiffening sandwiches brace the high-curve nylon plate and, as a result, provide a sense of both speed and stability.
While not strictly a race day model, the shoe offers great versatility and can be a race shoe for heavier runners or those who simply want a more durable and stable “speed shoe” option.
Diadora – Gara Carbon 3 – £250.00
The third-generation model of Diadora’s flagship racing product, the Gara Carbon 3, is lighter, with more energy return and features a revised full-length carbon plate, making it the best racing shoe yet.
The carbon plate sits higher in the heel and lower in the front, giving it maximum lean and, as a result, increased leg spring.
It is developed ANIMA PBX: Midsole, this compound improves midsole rebound by 55% while reducing weight by 40% compared to EVA Light. This combination of midsole foam and carbon plate delivers an impressive 85% energy return, verified through the brand’s lab tests.
Ultimately, the result of the new technology is a light, highly responsive and very smooth riding shoe that is perfect for a wide range of athletes over the marathon distance.
Range – R5000 – £180.00
Aimed specifically at marathon runners, this model combines cushioning, stability, responsiveness and durability in a high performance and good value model.
A breathable mesh upper wraps the foot neatly, while Fly Reactive midsole foam combined with a carbon plate provides a cushioned and responsive foot.
Although not the lightest model at around 247g, the shoe is very capable of providing a stable and responsive feel throughout the marathon distance. And it’s the later stages where the smooth ride and stable feel will be welcome.
The rubber outsole not only provides good traction, but also proves to be very durable, making this a great racing option for spring marathons.
Saucony – Endorphin Pro 5 – £250.00
By combining the premium PWRRUN HG midsole foam of the Endorphin Elite with the PWRRUN PB foam of the previous generation Endorphin Pro, Saucony has created a light, fast and responsive racing shoe that offers a beautifully balanced fast running sensation.
With the brand’s Speedroll technology and full-length carbon plate, the Pro 5 has a more pronounced front foot swing that shapes itself as speed picks up.
One of the more stable carbon coated racing shoes on the market, the shoe doesn’t sacrifice speed for that stability and feels great at any pace, making it a versatile race day option.
For marathon distance reliability, the Pro 5 delivers in a fast and sure way.
Salomon – S/LAB Phantasm 3 – £260.00
With a visually exciting design, Phantasm 3 has a level of performance as exciting as it is aesthetically pleasing.
An upper designed by aerodynamicists may not be strictly necessary, but it helps the shoe stand out from the crowd. Beneath that stretchy upper are traditional laces and a fit that hugs the foot and holds it in place, ready for top-speed action.
The midsole is a blend of PEBA and EVA and combined with a specially designed carbon blade that allows for stiffness as well as performance, the shoe delivers at speed, giving an exciting level of energy return.
Built for speed, this is a race day model, and simply pulling on the shoe adds spring to your stride. It’s tantalizingly fast and certainly responsive when you pick up the pace.
Mount 2 Coast – C1 – £170.00
The brand’s new super trainer, this model aims to bring more fun and energy to those mid-week kilometers thanks to premium and responsive cushioning.
The 42mm cushioning stack certainly gives the shoe a soft and welcoming feel for everyday training, and simply soaks up the impact of each step with a balanced yet reactive feel that adds a little ‘change’ to the trail.
The cushion’s wider base and taller sidewalls give it a stable feel, meaning most runners should be secure. The brand’s dual lacing system also allows for a personalized fit and can accommodate a wider range of foot widths and requirements.
Puma – Deviate Nitro Elite 4 – £210.00
12% lighter than its predecessor, the Nitro Elite 4 runs faster. The newly designed nitrogen-injected NITROFOAM Elite is where the weight reduction has taken place, but it has sacrificed performance. The shoe remains as responsive as ever for an ultra-propulsive ride.
While the brand now has two high-performance race day models, the FAST-R3 remains the more aggressive one, as this model is arguably better suited for longer distances. The choice is yours, but they both provide high levels of energy return.
The high-traction Pumagrip outsole still provides excellent grip in all weathers, while the ultra-lightweight woven upper remains breathable and huggable for locked-in performance.
NB – FuelCell Supercomp Elite v5 – £230.00
Designed with input from Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee, the SC Elite v5 has certainly proven itself on race day, helping him to a marathon best of 2:06:38 in Valencia in December.
The shoe features the brand’s uniquely shaped Energy Arc carbon plate, which works in 100% PEBA midsole foam with strategically placed midsole openings. The result is increased stored energy and higher energy return.
Yee’s input provides excellent top-end placement, which is essential for triathlons, but also makes it great for pure road racers. The new sole also improves traction and is excellent in both wet and dry conditions.
The Supercomp Elite provides versatile performance at any distance, from pack runners to marathon PB chasers.
361 – Stormy Future 2 – £200.00
At first glance, another carbon-coated racing shoe, the Furious Future, transforms on your foot. Inspired by the blue line that usually marks the marathon route, the shoe is tailored for the most efficient course.
The shoe has a rather unique geometry with a thin heel and a wider forefoot. Not only does this provide stability (a feature often lacking in racing models), it also provides a smoother and more responsive drive.
The carbon plate has a zoned hardness to maximize energy return and work efficiently. The shoe really offers something a little different from most models, and once you get up to speed, its performance benefits are noticeable, maximizing every stride.
It’s a great value option and worth considering if you want to deviate from the more familiar names of the original line.
Under Armor – Velociti Elite 3 – £225.00
Quietly and consistently placed on the podiums of big city marathons, the Velociti Elite returns with this third generation model.
With a newly developed geometry, the shoe features an HOVR+ foam midsole that is fitted with a carbon plate that sits at a slanted angle to create a swingy forefoot and superior energy return when toeing off.
The shoe feels lighter and faster on foot thanks to a new plate positioning that smoothly rolls the foot forward from heel to toe; a welcome feeling, especially in the latter stages of the marathon.
It’s a reliable and versatile race day option that works well for a wide range of runners and foot types.
