THE ULTIMATE RUNNING TRAINERS GUIDE

Run, move and stretch. Unleash your power and strength. This is activewear made to elevate your performance. And a good pair of running trainers? They’re a non-negotiable. To help, we’ve pulled together a guide of the ultimate running trainers. From fit to style and brand, this is everything you need to know.

There are some key things you need to consider when choosing your running shoe. Firstly, what kind of surface are you running on? Muddy or rocky routes need trail shoes, while road running calls for trainers made for comfort and bounce. Doing both? Opt for a hybrid trainer that hits both sides. You should also think about how far you’re running. Training for a marathon? Long distances need a more cushioned sole. Sticking to short distances, think 5K-10K runs and Park Runs? You’ll benefit from a more flexible training shoe.

When picking a pair of running trainers, you need to have a style that feels good. And yes, that comes before how they look. Don’t worry, you can still grab a pair that looks great - just don’t compromise on fit. The trick? Depending on the brand, you want to go up at least half a size. Try to have a thumb’s width space at the end of your shoe, because your feet expand as they heat up. If they’re too small, your toes are going to bang into the end of your shoes, and that’s going to make cardio (even more) difficult. Think of it this way; if your shoes feel tight when you’re trying them on, they’ll feel a lot tighter when you’re pounding the pavements.

Running trainers are an investment. It’s important to take time to make sure you’re buying the right ones. And it’s important to remember that every runner has their own needs. When it comes to running, there's no one-shoe-fits-all out there. Think about what you’re trying to achieve. Different shoes will be tailored to achieve certain goals and be suitable for different levels, so you need to have a clear idea of what you want. Some things to be aware of when choosing the best running trainers? Your foot shape, biomechanics, cushioning preferences and heel-to-toe drop. All of these will impact what shoe will be best for you. There are three types of foot: neutral arch, low arch and high arch. If you have a high arch, you should try a cushioning shoe for support. Highly flexible, they’re built on a curve to support the arch of your foot. Motion control shoes are great if you have a low arch, while stability shoes are suited to those with neutral arches.

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for running shoes. Flexibility, stability, speed, durability and versatility are top of our list.

For durability, opt for Hoka's Bondi 8 Trainers. Crafted with a lightweight mesh lining and upper, they allow for increased breathability, while crash pads (yes, really) to the rear deliver a balanced ride, encouraging you to stride out evenly. If speed is your priority, look for lightweight, breathable shoes with added bounce. On’s cult Cloudswift trainers or Veja Running’s Marlings will do the trick. For versatility, look to Asics Gel Nimbus Trainers. Made with utility features, a segmented midsole and inserts in the forefoot for absorption, they’re made to adapt to different surroundings.

When in doubt, remember your running goal, make sure the shoe feels good and get ready to run.