A Look Back at Our Favourite Marathon Sneakers

The modern marathon has challenged both elite athletes and amateur runners for over a century now, captivating a truly global audience throughout the years. Putting the noble athletic endeavour to the side for one moment, here at Sneaker Freaker we get just as excited about what’s below the ankles of each participant. Not only has the marathon inspired a whole bunch of new running technologies for those needing a little extra speed, it has also thrown up its fair share of commemorative releases that look just as good on the street as they do on the track.

We’ve taken a look at some of our favourite marathon-inspired kicks that have released in more recent times. From the Nike ZoomX VaporflyNEXT% and ASICS GEL-Kayano 25 to the Saucony DXN Trainer and New Balance 1500, the list offers a little something for everyone, whether you're looking to break that elusive two-hour barrier, or just soak up the action from the sidewalk.

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%

The Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% represents the latest in Nike’s ongoing technological advancements for running, and takes the honours for being on Eliud Kipchoge’s feet when he famously broke the seemingly insurmountable two-hour marathon barrier in 2019. In fact, the model was unreleased at that stage, and the pair on Kipchoge’s feet that day was a prototype of what we now know as the Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%. Kipchoge worked closely with Nike’s design team over a number of years to refine the finished product, with his input so important that he has said, ‘I think this shoe will be part of my legacy’. Featuring two streamlined Zoom Air pods in the forefoot to deliver extra energy return, the design also adds more ZoomX foam than the Vaporfly NEXT%, which increases the level of impact protection and responsive cushioning. Elsewhere, the upper is constructed with AtomKnit, which provides a contoured fit, while also boasting minimal water absorption and enhanced breathability.