The marathon boom shows no signs of slowing down. Come winter, the streets fill up with runners chasing PBs, joining run clubs, logging Sunday miles or simply discovering that running 10 km before breakfast is, apparently, a personality now.
But before you commit to the miles, there’s one piece of kit worth getting right: your shoes. A marathon is a long way to ask of your feet, and the right cushioning can make the difference between feeling supported and questioning every life decision by kilometre 30.
Whether you’re training for your first 42.2 km or upgrading your weekend long-run rotation, here are five cushioned, marathon-ready shoes worth knowing about.
Rs 13,295
This is Nike's plushest running shoe yet, built with a taller, softer sole than anything the brand has made before. Step in and it feels like walking on a cloud, and that cushioning holds up mile after mile without going flat. A slight forward tilt in the sole also helps push you along, so it never feels sluggish despite how soft it is. The one downside is that the snug, sock-like fit can run a little warm on hot days.
Rs 16,999
Two separate reviewers tested this one and landed on the same conclusion: it's the most comfortable Nimbus ASICS has made in years. The fit is close to perfect, the cushioning takes the sting out of long runs, and the grip holds up well on India's patchier, wetter roads. It's especially good for anyone putting in high mileage or recovering from a hard week. The trade-off is that it feels more cushioned than springy, so if you want a shoe that bounces you forward, look elsewhere.
Rs 21,999
Think of this as the shoe that does a bit of everything well. It's soft enough for an easy Sunday jog and responsive enough for a faster Tuesday session, which is a rare combination. Testing found its shock absorption to be genuinely excellent, better even than some of Nike's top cushioned shoes. It's pricier than most on this list and the toe area runs a touch snug, but as an all-rounder for marathon training, it's hard to beat.
Rs 15,999
Few shoes have built as much hype as this one, and for good reason. It uses the same premium foam found in adidas's elite race shoes, giving it a light, bouncy, energetic feel that punches well above its price tag. It's light enough to race in, comfortable enough for daily training, and versatile enough to be the only shoe in your rotation. The laces and tongue feel like an afterthought, and it isn't the most stable option if your feet need extra support, but for the price, it's one of the smartest buys on this list.
Rs 17,999
Not a race-day shoe, but a genuinely great everyday one. The knit upper is roomy and comfortable, the cushioning is noticeably improved from earlier versions, and the outsole is built to last. It's ideal for easy runs, recovery days, and simply walking around in when you're not training. It runs a bit heavy and isn't built for speed, so keep it for the slower miles and let a lighter shoe handle race day.