Marathon season is upon us, and being the New York based operation that Sneaker Report is, we're slightly biased on which race is our favorite. Just about every brand around is jumping on the trend of releasing special edition marathon runners, with graphics and colorways inspired by the Big Apple.
For 2014, top tier running brands including Brooks, New Balance, Saucony, and Asics have all trotted out special edition shoes and apparel, each with their own specific flavor drawing inspiration for landmarks and historic staples around the city that never sleeps. With over 50,000 runners, and countless celebrities ready to hit the streets for the NYC Marathon this Sunday, we've put together a complete guide to these special edition marathon sneakers so you can rep your city in style when the race touches down.
RELATED: Saucony Honors the Big Apple With the “NYC Marathon” Pack
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New Balance Fresh Foam Zante "NYC Marathon"
New Balance geared up for the marathon by debuting the all-new Fresh Foam Zante. Designed for runner's seeking a smooth underfoot feel and a fast feeling transition, New Balance brought their Fresh Foam cushioning system to the streets of NYC, which is one of the more toned down sneakers on the list. Don't let the simplified look fool you, as the Fresh Foam Zante focuses on foot strike and impact tendencies to give a more aggressive toe spring to withstand the grueling 26.2 mile race.
Saucony "NYC Marathon" Pack
Saucony rolls out three models for the marathon collection, including a new silhouette for the brand, the Triumph ISO. Each shoe in the collection features red accents to represent the Big Apple, along with mint green hits as a nod to Lady Liberty. If your looking to lace these up for race day, the best choice would either be the Kivara 5 because of the flexible design and upgraded mesh upper, but those looking to switch it up should consider the Triumph ISO for it's breathability and cushioning which is ideal for distance running. Shop the whole collection by heading over to Saucony.
Asics 2014 TCS NYC Marathon Collection
With four different options for men and women, Asics is stacked up with shoes for NYC. The collection consists of the Gel-Kayano 21, and the Gel-Nimbus 16, offering different technical aspects and features depending what your looking for. The Gel-Nimbus 16 focuses on cushioning and gives a "running on clouds" feel, while the Gel-Kayano 21 is slightly more advanced as it features the latest generation of FluidRide for a more stable and lightweight ride. Shop the whole collection by heading over to Asics.
adidas AKTIV Against Cancer "NYC Marathon" Boost
Celebrating their five year anniversary working with AKTIV Against Cancer, adidas brings Boost to NYC while raising money for a great cause. The collection consists of two colorways of the Grete 30 Boost, paying homage to nine time NYC Marathon winner and adidas athlete Grete Waitz. With Boost making it's way throughout each of adidas footwear categories, it's no surprise the Three Stripes would utilize the cushioning technology for a marathon sneaker. What really sets these apart is the suede overlays, which isn't ideal for distance running, but as usual, adidas makes it work to perfection. Pick up your pair by heading over to the AKTIV booth this weekend, where 100% of sales go directly to the AKTIV Against Cancer foundation.
Brooks Brooks Freedom Adrenaline GTS "NYC Marathon"
Nothing quite embodies the spirit and history of NYC as the Statue of Liberty, and clearly Brooks recognized that. Brooks is another company to debut a runner with their NYC Marathon shoe as they bring us the Adrenaline GTS 15. Graphics of the Statue of Liberty are featured through the forefoot upper, but it's the technology that sets this shoe apart. Brooks used combination of premium BioMogo and DNA in its midsole, as well as deeper flex grooves to give runners a lightweight, flexible shoe that doesn't lack in cushioning. Scoop up your pair for race day by hitting up Brooks Running, or any of the City Sports locations.
RELATED: Saucony Honors the Big Apple With the “NYC Marathon” Pack
RELATED: The First 100 Shoes to Cross the NYC Marathon Finish Line
