Race day running shoes, or “super shoes” as they’re often called, are said to help runners improve their running economy. In other words, your perceived effort should be lower owing to the technology within the shoe. They’re lightweight (though, there are exceptions), packed with “super foam”, and typically a carbon plate sits sandwiched between the layers of foam to help propel you to a personal best. While it’s exciting to see the proliferation of this market segment, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to select a shoe for race day. We’ve put together this simple list of the best race day running shoes, both carbon-plated and non-plated, currently available in 2024.

Nike Alphafly 3

Best For – Half-marathon to marathon

The latest shoe to be released, and potentially the best we’ve seen in 2024, the long-awaited Nike Alphafly 3 has already, in the brief time it’s been released, helped countless runners achieve PBs.

“Fine-tuned for marathon speed, the Alphafly 3 helps push you beyond what you thought possible. Three innovative technologies power your run: a double dose of Air Zoom units helps launch you into your next step; a full-length carbon-fibre plate helps propel you forwards with ease; and a heel-to-toe ZoomX foam midsole helps keep you keep fresh from start to 26.2. Time to leave your old personal records in the dust.”

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

Best For – Half-marathon to marathon

One of the newest releases on our list, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 builds on the success of its predecessor, the Pro 3, one of the most positively reviewed race shoes of the last couple of years.

The Pro 4 features a carbon plate engineered for longitudinal stiffness and maximum metabolic efficiency. It utilises Saucony’s SPEEDROLL technology for effortless speed and propulsive forward motion. Additionally, the Pro 4 contains what Saucony describe as a “silky smooth” heel liner, amalgamated with an integrated tongue to enhance comfort over the marathon distance.

In terms of the midsole foam, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 features both PWRRUN HG and PWRRUN PB. The Speed 4, by contrast, features only PWRRUN PB, and last season’s Endorphin Elite was constructed entirely of PWRRUN HG. Finally, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 provides the same level of support as the Speed 4, but more than the Elite. It’s a shoe designed for speed workouts and race days, with the majority likely to utilise it for the latter.

– 8mm drop
– 212g (7.5 oz) in men’s, 185g (6.5 oz) in women’s

Saucony Endorphin Elite

Best for – Half-marathon to marathon

This is your breakthrough moment. Shine with the Endorphin Elite. It’s got new PWRRUN HG foam cushioning for energy that helps power you toward your next PR. A marathon distance race day shoe intended to enhance both performance and comfort.

-8mm drop
– 204g in men’s

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3

Best For – Half-marathon to Marathon

Despite being one of the older shoes in the list, the Adios Pro 3 is a serious contender on race day. Adidas are doing incredible things at the moment, and the Adios Pro 3 is often seen on the elite podiums.

The Adios Pro family of shoes had more wins in 2021 World Marathon Events than any other running shoe company. While elite podiums might not be on your radar, the Adios Pro 3 is one of the most popular shoes amongst recreational runners.

ENERGYRODS 2.0 (Adidas’ answer to carbon plates) embedded within two layers of Lightstrike Pro provide unrivalled energy return, and the use of Continental rubber on the outsole makes this one of the most durable super shoes to enter the race.

–Lightweight at 230g
– 6.5mm drop

Hoka Cielo-X1

Best For – Half-marathon to marathon

The Hoka Cielo-X1 is one of the best, most fun shoes we’ve reviewed. It’s not only fast due to the stiff winged carbon plate sandwiched between a PEBAX midsole, but comfortable too with a 4mm sock liner and knit upper. Add to that an aggressive rockered geometry and the Cielo-X1 is sure to keep you moving forwards.

-264g
-7mm drop

Nike Vaporfly Next % 3

Best For – Any distance from 5K – Marathon

No list would be complete without inclusion of the Vaporfly 3. It’s perhaps one of the most common shoes you’ll see on race day, and the Vaporfly from Nike was the start of the super shoe revolution. Arguably better than ever, the Nike Vaporfly Next % 3 is a comfortable, lightweight shoe with plenty of soft PEBAX foam in the midsole and a carbon plate to enhance propulsion. There’s a reason for their popularity, and they can often be picked up for less than many of the other super shoes on this list.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2

Best For – Half-marathon to marathon

If you’re a mid to forefoot striker, the Wave Rebellion Pro might just be the one for you. Designed for racers trying to gain PBs in 5K to marathon, the new version builds on the last of the first, but delivers a lighter weight, softer ride, and even more propulsion. What’s more, you’re able to pick this one up for less than any of the shoes on the list. Mizuno don’t really get the credit they deserve, but at least you get a cheaper shoe out of that misfortune!

-Low, 1.5mm drop.
– 264g

New Balance FuelCell SC Elite V4

Best For – Half-marathon to marathon

New Balance is a company we really adore here at Gritty Runners, and the 2024 releases have certainly caught our eyes. While the Elite V3 was a comfortable long run shoe, it didn’t quite have the ‘pop’, or energy return necessary for a racer. The Elite V4 has attempted to rectify this, but has it succeeded? One thing’s for sure, New Balance’s design team need a raise. Look. At. That!

– 4mm drop
– 237g

Hoka Rocket X2

Best For – 5K to Half-marathon (though would be fine at the marathon, too)

The ultimate road racing shoe, designed to take you further in pinnacle competitions, the Rocket X 2 is the newest addition to the Rocket family. World Athletic approved, the Rocket X 2 has been amplified with a hyper-focused on construction for the best possible ride. Supplying you with an exceptional ride, the Rocket X 2 utilise an updated PEBA foam with an increased stack height, providing a cushioned, responsive ride. Additionally, the shoes have a PROFLY-X construction cushioning system that adapts to your stride and provides you with a great balance of support and flexibility.

-Signature Hoka 5mm drop
– 236g in men’s

With Hoka’s recent release of the Cielo-X1, the Rocket X2 is now at a reasonable price (don’t get us wrong, it’s still pricey). For some, they’d require more cushioning for the marathon distance, while for others the Rocket X2 excel in this domain. At the somewhat light weight of 236g (men’s size 8 UK), these would make a fantastic specialist shoe for the half-marathon.

Nike ZoomX Streakfly

Best For – 5K to 10K

Nike’s lightest racing shoe, the Nike Streakfly is all about the speed you need to take on the competition in a mile, 5K or 10K race. Low profile with sleek details, it feels like it disappears on your foot to help you better connect with the road on the way to your personal best.

Brooks Hyperion Max

For those readers who don’t want carbon plates in your shoes, we’re going to recommend a bit of a curve ball – the Brooks Hyperion Max.

This responsive shoe offers speedy heel-to-toe transitions, while plenty of ultralight cushioning helps absorb impact so you’re ready for another hard session sooner.

While traditionally utilised for training, we think the lightweight design of the Hyperion Max and the rockered geometry make this an ideal race day shoe if you’d rather finish the race feeling fresh than worry about losing a few seconds or minutes that a more aggressive racer might save you.

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