Best long run trainers for autumn 2024

The long run is arguably the most important type of run in a marathon training block. The general rule of thumb is that your long run should be one and a half to two times as long as your normal-length run. The perfect long run trainer needs to have deep cushioning, be inherently stable, needs to feel efficient and most importantly, needs to be comfortable.

Here are our picks for the best long run trainers of Autumn 2024:

Top Pick

ASICS Superblast 2 – From £199

What makes the Superblast 2 such a unique long run shoe is that it has a gigantic 46 mm heel stack height but it only weighs 249 grams. It has a wealth of cushioning depth and it will keep your legs fresh throughout your long run with its lightweight build. It has an FF Turbo+ premium foam in its midsole, which is the same foam used in the ASICS Metaspeed racing series so it’s great bang for your buck. It also has a wide base and isn’t overly squishy- this results in a very stable ride. The Superblast 2 has the ability to pick up the pace, making it a versatile training or racing option.

Runner Up

Sketchers GOrun Max Road 6 – £145

The Max Road 6 is a long run specialist. It has a dual-density Hyper Burst Ice midsole with a soft, energetic core and a firmer, more durable carrier foam. A carbon infused forefoot plate stiffens the forefoot to create an efficient rocker which eases you through transitions. If you need extra support, the Max Road 6 has Hyper Arc technology which provides you with arch support so that you don’t overpronate excessively deep into a long run when your legs are fatigued. Goodyear branded rubber on its outsole ensures excellent traction and durability.

Honourable Mentions

PUMA MagMax Nitro – From £169

Short for “Magnify Max”, his brand new trainer from PUMA is their softest, most cushioned ride in their lineup. It has a nitrogen-infused midsole which provides good energy return and a high toe-spring for rockered transitions. This maximalist trainer has 46 mm of stack height yet still has a very stable ride thanks to its wide base. A Pumagrip outsole gives it excellent traction on all kinds of surfaces, dry or wet.

Saucony Kinvara Pro – From £199

The Kinvara Pro is a long run beast. Equipped with 3 different types of foams in its midsole, the Kinvara Pro has a ride which is lively, very well cushioned and energy-saving. It has a ¾ length, super stiff carbon plate, ensuring that its forefoot stays stiff to improve efficiency. The Kinvara Pro also has Speedroll technology, which is a gentle forefoot rocker that propels you forward during toe-offs. There is no outsole runner on the Kinvara Pro, so you get softer, more padded landings than any other shoe on this list.

HOKA Skyward X – From £184

HOKA threw the kitchen sink at this long run trainer. It has 2 different types of foams, a bowed carbon fibre plate and an active foot frame for stability. A top layer of PEBA foam sits close to your feet for bounce and energy return while a supercritical EVA bottom layer provides structure and support. What makes the Skyward X special is its convex carbon plate that acts like a ‘suspension system’ to compress and spring back with each step. The active foot frame creates stability and ensures that your form doesn’t break down in the latter stages of your long run.