The Comrades Marathon is unlike any other race. At 90km of relentless Natal Midlands terrain — with over 1,800m of cumulative elevation — it demands more from your footwear than almost any other event on the calendar. Choosing the wrong shoe isn't just uncomfortable; it can end your race before halfway.
Our specialist team at Durban Runner has helped hundreds of Comrades runners find the right shoe for their build, gait, and training load. Here's what we recommend.
What Makes a Comrades Shoe Different?
For a standard marathon, you're optimising for speed and responsiveness over 42km. For Comrades, the priorities shift:
- Cushioning — Your feet will absorb millions of foot strikes. Adequate cushioning delays fatigue and protects joints over the back half of the race.
- Durability — A race shoe designed for 42km may break down well before the finish line. You need a shoe built to last.
- Stack height and drop — Higher stack shoes offer more protection on the descents (particularly brutal on the Down Run). Lower drop suits runners with a forefoot strike but requires strong calves over long distances.
- Fit and hotspot prevention — Feet swell significantly over 90km. A shoe that fits perfectly at 10km may cause blisters by 60km.
Should You Race in Carbon Plate Shoes?
Carbon plate “super shoes” have transformed road racing — but Comrades requires careful consideration. The propulsive benefit of a carbon plate is most pronounced at faster paces; at Comrades pace (typically 7–9 min/km for most runners), the advantage diminishes.
More importantly, carbon plate shoes are generally less durable and offer less protective cushioning than max-stack trainers. Many experienced Comrades runners opt for a high-cushion trainer over a race-day super shoe — particularly for the Up Run.
That said, faster runners targeting sub-9 hours may still benefit from a carbon plate shoe. It depends on your pace, gait, and training history.
👉 Read more: Carbon Plate Running Shoes Explained: Are Super Shoes Worth It?
Our Top Shoe Recommendations for Comrades
Maximum Cushion (Best for Most Runners)
- HOKA Clifton 9 — The go-to max-cushion trainer for Comrades. Exceptional underfoot protection, reliable durability, and a forgiving ride that holds up over 90km. Suits neutral to mild overpronators.
- ASICS Gel-Nimbus — A plush, well-cushioned option with excellent heel support. Ideal for heavier runners or those who struggle with knee pain on long descents.
- New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 — Soft and responsive with a roomy toe box — important when feet swell in the later stages of the race.
Stability Options (For Overpronators)
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS — Reliable support without sacrificing cushioning. A safe choice for overpronators who need correction over a very long distance.
- ASICS Gel-Kayano — Maximum support for moderate to severe overpronators. Heavier than some alternatives, but the protection it offers over 90km is hard to beat.
For Faster Runners (Sub-9 Hour Target)
- New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 — A carbon plate racing shoe with exceptional energy return. Best suited to runners targeting sub-9 hours who have trained extensively in the shoe.
Not sure which category suits your gait? Book a RunEasi gait assessment at Durban Runner before committing to your race shoe.
Practical Tips for Comrades Shoe Selection
- Don't race in new shoes. Your race shoe should have 80–120km on it before Comrades. Enough to be broken in, not enough to be worn out.
- Train in your race shoe. Your longest training runs (30km+) should be done in the shoe you plan to race in.
- Buy a half size up. Feet swell. A shoe that fits snugly in the shop may cause black toenails by Polly Shortts.
- Have a backup pair. Many experienced Comrades runners keep an identical pair in reserve for race day.
Visit Us In-Store
Selecting a Comrades shoe is not a decision to make online alone. Come into Durban Runner and let our specialists assess your gait, discuss your training history, and fit you properly — with enough time to break the shoe in before race day.
Book your RunEasi gait assessment →
👉 Also read: Comrades Marathon Training Guide: How to Prepare for South Africa's Ultimate Human Race
Written by the Durban Runner Specialist Team