Half marathon shoes and gear, matched to your training

What the half marathon level asks of you

This is the level for runners who have a 5K or 10K behind them and 13.1 miles ahead. Hal Higdon's Novice 1 half marathon plan, the one we use for this tier, runs 12 weeks: short runs on Tuesday and Thursday, an optional run on Wednesday and a Sunday long run that builds from 4 miles to 10. That's about 10 to 23 miles of running a week by our arithmetic from the published schedule. Higdon asks for a conversational pace on regular runs, and he's clear that walking is fine whenever you feel tired. Race day is the first time you cover the full distance, by design. For the week-by-week numbers, see how many miles a week to train for a half marathon.

What to buy first: the long-run shoe

Start with one cushioned daily trainer that's comfortable at mile 9, because by week 11 the long run is close to half of your weekly running. For most runners that one pair can carry the whole plan, including race day. Our ranked picks are in the best half marathon shoes, and if this is your first 13.1, the best half marathon shoes for beginners narrows the list to forgiving, well-fitting trainers. Buy before week 1, so the shoe is settled long before the 8-, 9- and 10-mile runs.

Where a second pair starts to make sense

Not everyone needs a second pair here. Novice 1 has no scheduled speedwork, so a single trainer covers it. A second shoe earns its place when your plan adds faster running: Higdon's Novice 2 adds race-pace runs midweek and a 12-mile long run, and Intermediate 1 adds a fifth run day. Then the split is simple: a cushioned trainer for easy and long runs, and a lighter shoe for pace days, tune-up races and race day. Two head-to-heads cover the most common second-pair questions: ASICS Novablast vs Superblast and Saucony Endorphin Speed vs Pro.

How the half marathon shoe category divides

Every pick on this hub does one of four jobs. A daily trainer carries your easy miles and, at this level, often your long run too. A super trainer uses tall, lively foam for long runs and uptempo days. A tempo or plateless fast shoe handles race-pace running and can double as a race shoe. And a race shoe, usually carbon-plated, is for race day and a few key sessions. Stability versions exist in the daily-trainer job for runners who want support. The carbon question gets its own pages: the best half marathon race shoes for plated options, and half marathon shoes without a carbon plate for the rest.

Water on the 10-mile long run

The half is also the level where carrying water becomes a real question. There's no universal amount to drink: the American College of Sports Medicine says sweat rates vary so much between people that customized plans are recommended, and suggests weighing yourself before and after exercise to estimate yours. If you need water, a belt with a bottle or a handheld covers most 8-to-10-mile runs; a vest is worth it mainly for hot days or routes without water. On race day, Higdon suggests walking through aid stations so you can drink more easily. Our half marathon gear checklist covers carry options, gels, socks and the night-before bag.

What decides the price

At this level, what you pay extra for is mostly foam and plates, and the reviewers we rely on flag it directly: RTINGS notes the Superblast 3 costs more than the Novablast 6 and that most casual runners won't need its level of cushioning, and RunRepeat names the Evo SL as a more affordable alternative to the Superblast with comparable performance. RunRepeat also calls the Megablast's price hard to justify for many runners. Stability features and wide widths are about fit rather than speed, so buy them when your feet need them. You never need race technology to train for a half; if you're going to spend more anywhere, spend it on the shoe that carries your long runs.

The most common mistake

Buying for race day before buying for training. A carbon racer is exciting, but it's the last pair a half marathoner needs, not the first, and racing in a shoe you've never taken past 6 miles is a gamble on the one day it matters. The fix is simple: choose the long-run shoe first, test anything you'll race in during the week 6 5K and week 9 10K tune-ups and at least part of a long run, and change nothing in race week. Our first half marathon tips cover race week, the night before and pacing past your 10-mile long run.

One level down, one level up

Not ready for 13.1 yet? If Novice 1's first week of 3-mile runs feels like a stretch, Higdon suggests a shorter race first; our 5K and 10K hub is the step below, and best shoes for 10K to half marathon covers the bridge. Already planning 26.2? The marathon hub is the next step up: Higdon's Novice 1 marathon plan runs 18 weeks, with a long run that peaks at 20 miles. Unsure of your tier? The Level Finder sorts it out by pace and weekly miles.