My go-to running socks are the Stance Performance Run Crew (all links in this section are retailer links). Nothing boosts ultra morale like a fresh pair of socks. And definitely consider sticking a spare pair in your pack or in a drop bag. When you find them, buy as many as you can. It’s worth investing time – and a bit of money – in finding socks that offer reliable, blister-free comfort. Busted feet are a fast ticket to a DNF (Did Not Finish). Your sock choice is almost as important as your shoe selection.

It’s perhaps not the roomiest in the toe box, but it’s the kind of shoe that lets you soak up long miles in comfort. The Speedgoat 5 offers a good balance of energetic response, soft 4mm drop midsole cushioning, stability and reliable Vibram Megagrip traction. Two shoes that fit that bill nicely are the HOKA Speedgoat 5 and the inov-8 Trailfly G270. These offer a good balance of cushioning, protection, and grip without being too heavy, too firm or too cumbersome if the trails are dry and compacted.

The majority of ultras are off-road, and in many cases, unless you’re tackling the steepest, most technical trails – or crazy wet conditions – a road-to-trail shoe is a good option (find loads of these in T3's best trail running shoe guide). Dig into the course info, watch Youtube videos of the race and, ask previous finishers what terrain you’re likely to tread, check the likely weather. You need to know the challenge ahead, and it pays to do your research. Choosing the best running shoes for an ultra marathon can be hard.

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