Top 5 New Race Shoes for Fall Marathons
Here we are highlighting the top new race shoes for your upcoming fall marathons. The list includes aggressive racers like the new ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo and the Puma Fast-R3, more stable and comfortable, but still fast shoes like the New Balance SC Elite v5 and Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 and soft and bouncy shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2.
Here is our list of the top 5 new race shoes for fall marathons. A fresh wave of updates just dropped—lighter foams, better fits, and way more pop. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just trying to feel good at mile 22, these are the ones that stood out most to us.
#1 - ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo: Reliable Speed for the Marathon Distance
The Sky Tokyo is our top race day pick of the latest batch of releases. It’s light, fast and surprisingly comfortable given the specs. This is a great choice for runners who want a speedy shoe that’s protective. If you have stability needs or want a softer, less aggressive forefoot feel, consider the Edge Tokyo. If you value comfort over speed, we’d look to the other options on this list, but if you are looking for the most well-rounded race shoe out there, this is it!
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo
#2 - New Balance SC Elite v5: Top-Tier Comfort for Race Day
The SC Elite v5 exists at the crossroads of comfort and speed; it retains the soft, supportive midsole compound of its predecessor, but delivers a more streamlined, lightweight and race-ready ride experience. With a fluffy, bouncy PEBA midsole that doesn’t bottom out, a comfy step-in feel, and a dialed-in upper, the SC Elite v5 is perfectly tailored for the marathon distance.
New Balance SC Elite v5
#3 - Brooks Hyperion Elite 5: Goldilocks Blend of Speed and Comfort
The Hyperion Elite 5 isn’t the flashiest or most exciting shoe on this list, but its incredibly competent in all the right areas: its foam is not too soft, not too firm, its underfoot feel is bouncy but not uncontrolled, and it’s fast without being harsh or overly aggressive. If you’re looking for an efficient, no-nonsense marathon workhorse or are yearning for a Vaporfly 2 replacement, look no further than they Hyperion Elite 5.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 5
#4 - Puma Fast-R 3: The Most Aggressive Shoe Possible
The Fast-R 3 is the fastest, most aggressive marathon shoe on the market. Encouraging a bounding, powerful gait and rewarding a forefoot strike, the Fast-R 3 is our top pick for fast, experienced runners targeting aggressive PRs this fall. If you’re prepared to run as fast as possible and worry about the consequences later, lace up the Fast-R 3 and let it rip.
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
#5 - Saucony Endorphin Elite 2: Go Break a Leg!
The Endorphin Elite 2 has a marshmallow soft, bouncy and unstable ride that’s unlike anything else out there. Due to Incredirun’s unmatched softness, we don’t recommend this shoe for runners who need stability in the back half of marathons, or for those looking for the fastest possible option. If you can maintain strong running form for an entire marathon, or if you’re prioritizing soft comfort and fun over setting a new PR, this might be worth a look.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
Check out our Choose Your Player Marathon Racing Shoes - Part 1, Choose Your Player Marathon Racing Shoes - Part 2, Choose Your Player Max Cushion Shoes, Choose Your Player Long Run Shoes or Choose Your Player Speed Training Shoes editions if you've enjoyed this format.
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