Review: The Best Running Trainers 2015
Running is becoming a more and more popular choice of exercise. The London Marathon gets bigger every year and more races and fun runs are springing up across the country. Go to any park at the weekend and you will find hundreds of people running, jogging or (fast) walking for fun, health benefits or simply to feel good. All you need is a good pair of trainers! GLAMOUR has tried and tested a few styles for you to get an idea what's out there. Read on and get out there!
(An advice to new runners: There are loads of different shoes for different running styles. Go to a reputable sports shop first and get an analysis of your gait.)
Brooks
The Shoe: Brooks Ravenna 6, £110
Brooks are an authority when it comes to running shoes (you only have to look around at a race start-line to see how many runners put their faith - and feet - in Brooks), so you know you're in safe hands with these. This new release comes in two great colour-ways - this bold neon number, pictured, and a paler, more neutral metallic take for those who prefer things a bit more subtle. Personally, I love the bold hues here - it signifies a trainer that means business, and boy, does the Ravenna do that. Taking a stance between neutral and support, this is ideal for any runner looking for stability. Giving it a test run, I found it sturdy and reliable, and kept my mild over-pronation in check. The shoe was also really comfortable, with just the right amount of cushioning, and I can imagine they'd last you a long time - and a lot of races - before you needed to replace them. Every design choice seems geared towards offering ultimate support - from the adaptive midsole cushioning that provides custom comfort to the Diagonal Rollbar, which helps control pronation levels - and if you needed more convincing, the Ravenna 6 is currently the only shoe on the market offering support and cushioning at the same time.
Sold.
Who will love it? Over-pronators and those looking for more stability from their trainers.
Best for: Runners of any distance - but it would definitely come into its own on a longer run when you're often in need of more support.
Review by @Amy_Abrahams
Asics
The Shoe: Asics Gel Nimbus 17, £135
The Nimbus 17 is the latest version in the Nimbus series, more cushioned but also lighter than the previous model. I’m prone to calf and Achilles tendon injuries and I prefer a more padded shoe as it makes me feel more secure. This shoe has an additional 3mm heel height to relieve Achilles tension. Often however, very cushioned shoes are heavy and make your stride feel clunky. These babies however are so smooth, I felt like I was flying. I literally did not want to take them off. On a side note, they also come in really great colours, what’s not to like!
Who will love it? Neutral runners who love an extremely comfortable shoe. If you are into barefoot running, this is definitely not the shoe for you.
Best for: Middle to long distance running. Pound those pavements in ultimate comfort.
Review by @SandraWaibl
Saucony
The Shoe: Saucony Hurricane Iso, £125
Saucony are at the forefront of the running shoe development business and this is the latest version in the excellent and much loved Hurricane series. It promises even more stability with plush cushioning than the previous models and the new ISOFIT system adapts to the runners shoe in motion.
Having been a fan of the previous model I was nervous and excited to see if the new version delivers, there is nothing worse than your beloved running shoe being tampered with (okay there are maybe a few things worse but you get my gist). I’m glad to report that it’s not only as good but even better, the shoe fits like a second skin around the foot and adapts to your stride and follows your motion. It has a super smooth transition from heel to toe which makes for a soft and seamless run.
Who will love it? Mild to moderate overpronators who are after ultimate comfort and cushioning.
Best for: Middle to long distance running.
Review by @SandraWaibl
Adidas
The Shoe: AdidasUltra Boost, £130
The Ultra Boost launched at the beginning of the year to great fanfare, with Adidas calling it the "greatest running shoe ever" - no small claim then. With an advanced version of its hugely successful Boost sole, the Ultra Boost offers greater energy return - which basically means that its bouncy thick sole absorbs shock upon impact and then channels that energy back into your stride, giving you a spring in your step, and, in theory, saving you energy so you can perform better. Upon testing, I was immediately struck by how comfortable the Ultra Boost is. The seamless PrimeKnit mesh upper gives a snug fit that adapts to your foot and won't rub or cause blisters, and it feels light, airy and well-ventilated however long you're pounding the streets (even on a gruelling 20-mile run on a hot spring day...). Flexible, supportive and with hard-to-rival cushioning, I've been wearing mine constantly - and I'm even running my next marathon in them, which I'd say is one of the biggest compliments I can give a running shoe. And to top it all off, they happen to look really cool, so even on rest days, I can often be seen striding around the GLAMOUR office in mine.
Who will love it? Everyone. The Ultra Boost is suitable for most gait types and running styles, but if you're a die-hard minimalist, you'll probably need a moment to adjust to the cushioning.
Best for: People who love running - who also like their kicks to be stylish, too.
Review by @Amy_Abrahams
Asics
The Shoe: Asics Gel-Kayano 21, £145
The Kayano first hit the road over 20 years ago and the years of experience that have gone into developing this shoe become clear as soon as you slip it on. This shoe is like a great big hug for your feet from the first mile to the last.
Also, the colour combo on this model is very cool, something that’s not totally to be dismissed.
Who will love it? Overpronating Runners who are after stability and comfort. If you have a narrower foot, ASICS are the right shoe for you.
Best for: Middle to long distance running, half marathon and marathon training. Basically anyone who racks up the miles.
Review by @SandraWaibl
