With the Paris 2024 Games in full swing, we look at 14 of the best marathon running shoes for men

These carbon-plated running shoes provide the best cushioning and energy return if you are looking to run your best marathon.

All these reviews are independent and unbiased views and are based on running real miles in these shoes. This piece contains affiliate links which means we may receive a small commission when you purchase using these links.

 Nike Vaporfly 3 234.95

For this choice, there was a clear winner and its been chosen by more World Marathon Major podium placers than any other.

The original super shoe is still the most popular, the Vaporfly 3 added a little more of that great ZoomX cushioning while keeping within the World Athletics limits. It achieved this by reducing the thickness of the outsole.

The carbon plate remained unchanged, but it really didnt need changing.

The Vaporfly 3 is light, responsive and very fast.

For the ultimate marathon race-day performer, the Vaporfly remains the No.1 choice!

Buy here

HOKA Cielo X1 250.00

The latest racing shoe from HOKA takes things to the next level for the brand. The visually striking shoe oozes speed from the moment you pull it on!

The 40mm stack of cushioning combines twin layers of PEBA foam sandwiching a uniquely shaped carbon plate for a positively springy ride.

A softer layer of foam sits directly beneath the foot with the shaped plate providing both a stable and highly propulsive feel. A slightly firmer PEBA foam sits below the plate and creates a steeply angled geometry and forefoot rocker that when on the move provides one of the most propulsive rides weve ever experienced.

Its the best road racing shoe to date from the brand and feels unlike anything theyve ever produced before.

The Cielo is a little heavier than some of its competitors, but theres a lot of cushioning here, making it a great marathon distance option. It also feels incredibly stable for such a soft yet responsive shoe meaning weve been logging lots of miles in it already. Its a shoe youll want to wear all the time, such is the level of energy-return it provides!

Buy here

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 230.00

The update to the Endorphin Pro takes some inspiration from the brands Elite model of last season. Now featuring a midsole which combines the PWRRUN HG foam of the Elite with the PWRRUN PB foam we have a lightweight, yet highly propulsive midsole that when combined with the full-length carbon plate and Speedroll technology provides a super-quick ride.

The overall stack sits just under the World Athletics 40mm limit at 39.5mm and an 8mm drop into the forefoot naturally aids forward motion. The cushioning feels a little softer, especially in the heel but its a welcoming sensation, especially after a few miles and gives a smooth transition from heel to forefoot. Its a pretty snappy feel as you push off, the carbon plate making the most of the Speedroll geometry.

Its light and fast and a great option for racing over the half and full marathon distance.

Buy here

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 260.00

With an aggressive rocker design and geometrically sculptured high-stack midsole, the Elite v4 makes a striking entrance to the start line.

Having already claim one gold on the roads of Paris in 2024, the New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Elite v4 was worn by Team GBs Alex Yee to claim victory in the mens triathlon.

A refreshed FuelCell midsole uses a PEBA-based foam sandwiching the brands Energy Arc full-length carbon plate. The Energy Arc maximises potential energy return with the use of void in the midsole to allow it to compress on impact before the push-off, propulsive phase of the stride. It works well and also makes for a very stable ride given the soft overall feel of the foam cushioning.

A rocker design from heel to forefoot makes the whole shoe roll along very smoothly for a soft, efficient and propulsive ride.

The Elite v4 is a great update to the previous model providing a gently revised model that feels familiar enough to go straight to the start line.

Its another race-day option that offers exceptional cushioning and versatility making it a good choice for any distance from 10k and beyond.

Buy here

Mizuno Rebellion Pro 2 210.00

Arguably the most aggressive-looking racing shoe of this line-up, the Rebellion Pro 2 revises the previous version with improvements to stability, cushioning and energy return.

Its still a shoe very much focussed on faster runners and its when travelling at speed that the best of the shoe becomes apparent.

Despite the illegal appearance of the shoe, its stack height (at the point of measurement for WA rules) is 38mm, but we do see additional cushioning in the forefoot of the new model, increasing to 36.5mm.

A new carbon-infused plate uses a ribbed texture to increase the snappy feel of the ride and energy return is said to have been improved by 32%!

Its the unusual-looking geometry of the midsole that does the magic here, encouraging a more midfoot strike and a larger contact area. On impact, the cushioning is soft and more stable than the previous model thanks to a broader midfoot section. The foot quickly rolls forward thanks to the rocker shape and plate creating one of the most obviously propulsive feeling shoes on the market.

Theres no denying the propulsive nature of this shoe, its simply screaming to go faster and its at speed that you get the best of it.

While more efficient runners can tackle the marathon in this model, I personally felt I was getting the most benefit from the shoe at between 5km and half-marathon distance. Nonetheless, its a fast and highly propulsive model and given the technology on offer a relatively competitively priced option alongside the competition.

Buy here (currently at 40% off!)

Nike Alphafly 3 284.99

The shoe of choice for Eliuld Kipchoge and the late Kelvin Kiptum in claiming the marathon world record from the former, the Alphafly returns and remains the pinnacle of Nikes road racing collection.

Now the lightest of the three versions, the updated model offers a more stable ride thanks to a broader carbon plate in the midfoot section of the shoe. The ZoomX foam remains as does the twin air units in the forefoot and together these create that familiar soft and ultra springy feel.

The propulsive ride and level of energy return are undoubtedly noticeable and after a few miles of running the shoe seems to settle into an incredibly fast and energetic feel that delivers mile after mile.

The biggest issue youll have with the Alphafly 3 is whether to choose this or its stablemate the Vaporfly 3 as both deliver similar levels of performance that shoe see them keep their place on marathon podiums worldwide.

Buy here

Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 230.00

With the brands Nitro Elite foam midsole now forming both the heel and forefoot, the new Nitro Elite 2 makes a big step forward in terms of performance. The ride feels vastly improved as does the comfort level over long distances.

The PWRPLATE technology creates a very stable and aggressive feel to the shoe, which is most noticeable at race speed, toe-off being propulsive and powerful.

The Nitro Elite remains one of the most innovative-looking shoes on the market thanks to the two-piece midsole and with the new model featuring an extended carbon plate running beyond the toe of the shoe, the appearance is further highlighted.

The Nitro is a fast and very aggressive feeling shoe that certainly provides a high level of propulsion and is best suited to your top-end pace for maximum returns.

Buy here

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 200.00

Brooks would be the first to admit that their early generation carbon-plated shoes were a little firm for many runners. Here, we see a lighter, softer and bouncier shoe with all-round improvements making it a more capable contender.

The DNA Flash V2 midsole is a Nitrogen-injected foam like that found on their high-end daily trainers as well as some competitor shoes. Its softer with an instantly springier feel than the preceding version and combined with a new SpeedVault Race+ plate has a more noticeable level of energy-return.

Although the Elite 4 is softer, its not as soft as many competitors and will still suit faster runners or those who prefer a more planted or controlled feel. The shoe was stable and gave me a very positive ride; it felt like it was in control and I was allowed to simply focus on picking up the pace.

The upper is a very open mesh construction, so highly breathable yet still manages to provide a neat and supportive fit.

The Hyperion is undoubtedly a fast shoe, but at the same time, its stable and durable, with the Nitrogen-injected foam capable of many miles of running.

Buy here

ASICS METASPEED SKY Paris 220.00

The third-generation model of the Metaspeed is the lightest, softest and bounciest to date. From the moment you take the shoes from their box, you begin to notice the improvements and I certainly couldnt wait to run in them.

The weight of the shoe has been reduced by around 22g, now weighing in at under 200g its one of the lightest racing shoes on the market.

The new FF BLAST TURBO PLUS midsole feels much softer to the touch and has a springy feel to it that becomes more apparent once you put the shoes on.

A new upper, MOTION WRAP 2.0 is lighter and more breathable, its engineered mesh design allows plenty of air to circulate yet at the same time provides a snug and secure fit around the foot.

Once on the move, the shoe provides such a level of energy return or bounce, that it brings a smile to my face. Its an engaging ride and one which feels so lively and responsive that it positively encourages me to pick up the pace.

A new, full-length carbon plate is wider in the forefoot area and this design promotes an improved toe-off. When combined with the softer midsole the bounce from the shoe is significant and I felt like my energy was being focussed into the new plate, ready for a much more propulsive take-off.

The 39mm heel stack and 5mm drop into the forefoot make the most of World Athletics limitations and give the shoe a very balanced ride.

The overall shape and geometry of the shoe and midsole have been revised, with a slimmer midfoot and broader forefoot. This creates better arch support and improved stability as well as a smooth transition into the forefoot. Once in the forefoot, the flared midsole shape keeps the foot planted securely and makes the most of the carbon plate, launching you into the next stride.

Upper-wise, the fit is superb, reminding me of a track spike with its snug-fitting, wrap-around design. Theres no excess or waste material here, its a minimal construction and all the better for it. The open-knit construction of the mesh means its one of the most breathable shoes Ive ever tried and the neat tongue and flat, stay-tied laces ensure a perfect fit.

The new ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris is the best racing shoe yet from the brand and simply feels so good Im having to resist wearing it for every run. On the occasions that I have worn it, its not failed to impress and made every step more enjoyable and faster! Its not just the best racer from ASICS but one of the best on the market right now.

Buy here

ALTRA Vanish Carbon 2 220.00

Updated with more cushioning, the Vanish Carbon 2 features a full-length carbon-fibre plate and almost 10% more midsole foam for a real supershoe experience.

The midsole is a new Altra EGO PRO foam thats over 30% lighter which allows an increase in stack height from 33 to 36mm. The foam feels softer and more flexible thanks to new flex grooves, so with a rocker forefoot, the shoe feels ultra-responsive.

The shoe remains a zero drop for a balanced ride and in a racing shoe, allows you to run in a natural manner with the plate helping to add that ultra-responsive toe-off.

The foot-shaped upper allows the foot to spread naturally and this also contributes to a balanced and efficient stride.

Fans of zero-drop shoes will find this model to be the fastest around and those unfamiliar with the feel of such shoes could discover that this shoe is an ideal introduction to the brand. Running at a faster pace naturally means the foot strikes the ground a little further forward making zero-drop models instantly feel more welcoming.

Buy here (currently 30% off)

ON Cloudboom Strike 270.00

The shoe ON fans have been waiting for, this is the shoe thats been seen at several big-city marathons and triathlon run stages for the last six months.

We are yet to try it as we went to press, but it promises to be the softest racing shoe yet from the brand and at the same time the one that delivers the most efficient level of energy return.

The groundbreaking design features a drop-in midsole insert and a revolutionary new bounceboard. CloudTec elements are present but now more of a nod to the brands previous cushioning technology, with Helion Hyperfoam providing the midsole cushioning in a 39.5mm stack.

The upper is a semi-transparent mesh wrapping around an inner cage to provide shape and support.

The shoe looks striking and promises to be a top performer as weve already seen. Roll ON summer.

Saucony Endorphin Elite 280.00

Taking their racing line one step further, the Elite sits above the Endorphin Pro in the Saucony carbon-plated race day shoe offerings.

With a new midsole foam, PWRRUN HG the shoe has a familiar, high-energy return feel but at the same time is a little more stable and slightly firmer than the Pro. The new carbon plate has a more aggressive toe-off and combined with the shoes Speedroll technology in the forefoot creates a shoe that does feel like its propelling you along the road. Of course, this all requires you to be operating at a decent pace to start with, but once at a race pace, the shoe feels incredible.

The shoes upper is no less striking, with a broad midfoot strap holding the foot in place in the upper that features large cutaway sections to reduce weight. Its a great fit and allows plenty of airflow to keep the foot cool.

While being one of the more aggressive types of shoes around its probably the easiest of this kind to get used to. With a few miles, it felt very natural and capable of covering 26 miles without issue.

Buy here

HOKA Rocket X 2 220.00

Finally, Hoka has delivered a shoe that combines a full-length carbon plate with modern foam. The dual-density PEBA-based foam is similar to that found in many of the competitors and gives the shoe a high-energy return feel that puts the brand on an equal footing.

Its certainly the best racing shoe ever from the brand and instantly feels faster and more responsive than previous efforts.

The relatively low 5mm drop in the heel combined with the soft feel of the foam does make it a little unstable at slower speeds but remember this is a race shoe so when used in context feels much better.

The upper is a lightweight translucent synthetic mesh with a relatively slim fit and with midfoot straps incorporated into the tongue, it provides a snug hold on the foot.

Theres enough coverage on the sole from the rubber to provide good traction and ensure durability without adding weight, which brings the shoe in at 236g.

With an existing large customer base from their current racing shoes, the Rocket X2 will be a welcome update and should prove very popular.

Buy here

Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 3 195.00

Getting what feels like a more aggressive make-over, the Nitro Elite 3 remains a light and fast race day option.

The carbon-fibre PWRPLATE rakes steeply into the forefoot and maximises the transfer of power into toe-off. Embedded within the NITROFOAM ELITE, this creates a soft and springy ride with a powerful ride into your next stride.

Its a shoe that only wants to go fast, so its race day and intervals only here to maximise the feel.

A new upper has a four-way stretch, so locks the foot down well to keep everything under control while the Pumagrip outsole returns for unfaltering traction in any conditions.

For one of the softest cushioned racing shoes that still provides an aggressive, track spike-like toe-off, the Puma delivers.

Buy here