We’re going to put it out there and say that trainers, along with sports bras, are the most important pieces of fit kit you can own. Not only can they bring out the best in your performance, the can protect you from injury and be the difference between a good workout and a great one. The YF team has trialled the new season styles and sought out some of the best experts in the industry so all you need to do is get shopping and go.
Buy right
Steve Wales, tech rep manager at Brooks Running (brooksrunning.com) lets us in on some trade secrets
Do
1. Try shoes on the treadmill in-store – sizes will always vary from brand to brand and model to model
2. Make use of gait analysis opportunities – your body is always changing and what was right for you five years ago may not be best for you now
3. Take your favourite running socks when you try shoes on so that you know they’ll fit perfectly
4. Go with your instincts – comfort is the most important factor in deciding which running shoes are right for you
5. Wear a sports bra for gait analysis – the support will make you run more confidently, efficiently, and naturally
Don’t
1. Put your running shoes in a washing machine – wear your mud, sweat and tears with pride
2. Worry about how big or small the your running shoe size is – the scale is different to, and often larger than your day to day shoes
3. Get bogged down in the detail of different shoes, when you’ve found the one you’ll know
4. Dry your shoes on a radiator if they get wet, the fabric of your shoes will last longer if you let them air dry naturally with newspaper stuffed inside them
5. Forget to check the returns policy of your retailer, it’s important that you can exchange your shoes if they are not quite right for you
Take your time
Claudia Schroegel, one of Adidas’ runners captains (adidas.co.uk) shares her top tips for buying the right trainers
Every runner is different and what works for one might not for another. And therein lies the problem. My advice is to seek out a good running store with knowledgeable staff and get a gait analysis to confirm what sort of shoe you need. It’s not uncommon for runners to over-pronate (roll inwards) or over-supinate (roll outwards) and if this is you look at shoes with more cushioning, structure and stability. Neutral runners have a wide range of shoes available to them and efficient athletes targeting 5km and 10km races may want to consider racing flats – a lightweight shoe with less cushioning and a flatter profile. In recent years running shoe technology has made a huge leap forward and there’s never been a better time to be a runner. Get something that’s comfortable, fits well and is right for you and you’ll have hundreds of miles of enjoyable running ahead of you.
Note:
Fancy putting your trainers to the test? Sign up to Adidas Runners and join likeminded people to tread the pavements, training plans and pot-workout parties. That’s right!}
