In the ever-evolving world of sports and fitness training, good training shoes are essential to enhance performance and minimise the risk of injury. Historically, training shoes were designed primarily to provide support and comfort during physical activities. They were often simple and focused on functionality. In recent years, however, training shoes have undergone a significant transformation.
Today’s trainers are designed to accommodate various foot types and movement patterns. They have evolved in comfort, support and performance across multiple sports. Sportswear companies are investing more in science and technology research. Adaptive cushioning systems that adjust to your weight and stride, and smart shoes with built-in sensors that keep track of your performance in real time, not only help boost your performance and lower the chance of injuries, but they also look great! Collaborations between luxury brands like Balenciaga and sportswear companies like Under Armour have propelled training shoes into high fashion. They are paired with elegant dresses on runways and casual streetwear. Once viewed merely as functional footwear for athletes, they are now essential in any fashion lover’s wardrobe. So whether you prefer monochrome, metallics, bold statements, or something stylish for everyday footwear, there will undoubtedly be something for you below.

Here are a couple of the websites that I check out:

• outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-running-shoes
• run.outsideonline.com/gear/a-sneak-peek-at-the-hottest-running-shoes-coming-out-in-2025/

And a few of my favourite running shoes are:

• Asics Novoblast 5
• Asics Gel-Kayano 14s 
• Saucony Ride 17
• Nike Pegasus
• Adidas Campus – a timeless classic to wear with anything!

The technical bit

Finding the best running shoes for you can be tricky. If you’re starting from scratch with a sport or running, a visit to a specialist shop for a running style assessment is a great first step. The assessment will provide valuable insights into your unique running style, ensuring that you start your running journey on the right foot, both figuratively and literally.

Factors to consider are:

• your running style
• the surface you run on
• the shape and positioning of your feet
• comfort and stability
• your budget

Ideally, having two pairs of shoes to use in rotation is not just a suggestion; it’s a strategy for success. By allowing the foam supports in your shoes to recover, you ensure they’re always at their best when you need them. This practice is a surefire way to guarantee the support and cushioning you need for your runs.

Sarah Maxwell is a multi-award winning Lifestyle Wellbeing and Fitness coach. You can find her at sarahmaxwell.com
Get in touch via email at sarahmaxwell@mail.com
and on social
@sarahmaxlife