Gearing for a marathon: What shoe to wear for your first full marathon

Image source: marathonhandbook.com

When it comes to marathons, the shoe you wear can mean the difference between finishing at a good time and getting injured. Except for barefoot runners, no marathon runner would disregard choosing the right pair of shoes for the run. If you want to train for and participate in a marathon, here is a quick shoe guide to help you make your choice.

What runners need to look for when buying marathon running shoes are weight, comfort, and protection. Weight has a lot to do with marathon shoes. Even a single ounce heavier can mean a lot if you’re dragging that additional weight for 26 miles.

As for comfort, staying as comfortable as long as possible helps keep the muscles from getting stressed. This is why some marathon shoes provide excellent insulation to keep the muscles from overheating and reduce the effects of sweat.`

Image source: vitals.lifehacker.com

Protection is also needed as certain objects can end up on the road like rocks or gravel that the runner may not see. The areas that need protection the most include the heel, the toe, and midsole.

For beginners, most shoe companies come up with lightweight trainers that work well in marathons. These are incredibly light shoes compared to other more rugged marathon-built shoes but are still durable enough with ample heel and midsole protection. This is especially important as to avoid injuries later in the race when fatigue starts to set in.

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