Hiking & Running Shoes

What should you look for?

From ‘car-to-bar’ heels, office flats and poolside sliders, getting the right footwear to suit the right occasion can be a challenge. And if you’re picking out running or hiking shoes, there’s more choice than ever before.

Whether you’re looking for waterproof features, extra support, breathable fabric or all of the above, here’s our guide to picking the perfect pair.

Step 1: Gait analysis is your friend

Without identifying your running style, you won’t know which are the best shoes to buy. Gait analysis measures your level of pronation (the natural roll of the foot, which acts as a shock absorber for your body) with the end result of matching your style with the right footwear to counterbalance any under/over rolling. This, in turn, improves efficiency and reduces the risk of injury or damage over time.

Step 2: Minimalist or maximalist? 

Following the launch of Christopher McDougall’s book, Born to Run, the great debate about running as close to ‘barefoot’ as possible, rages on.

Minimalists believe our bodies are designed to run just as they are - without heavy cushioning or stabilising features offered by the clunky running shoes of yesteryear. Indeed, there have been great strides (excuse the pun) over the past few years with some nifty ‘barefoot’ styles becoming more popular.

But while the concept of barefoot running has been well-scrutinised, the jury is still out. Our advice? Choose the footwear which feels most comfortable and natural to you.

Step 3: Match your terrain

It may sound obvious, but the shoes you choose should match your terrain. Full waterproofing may not be necessary in drier climates, while breathable fabric may be less vital in the cold months. Whether you’ll be pounding the pavement, parks or rural tracks, your environment should dictate your choice.

As a rule of thumb, choose features with grip and traction for off-trail, picking cushioned shoes for pavements and urban sprints. And if you’re planning to tackle a bit of everything, there are some award-winning hybrid shoes on the market.

Step 4: Test drive

Looking online for reviews, expert advice and ratings is all well and good, but trying before you buy is the only surefire way of choosing the right training gear. Plus, all good running shops will offer gait analysis to check your running style before helping you decide on a pair.

Fit is everything and shoes should feel like slippers. Plenty of room is also important - some runners choose a size up - so that your feet can move the way they need to.

Step 5: Run!

All this preparation will pay off once you start hitting the hills or pounding the pavements. However you like to jog, sprint, or hike, choosing the right footwear will pay dividends in terms of efficiency, protection and style. If you’re serious about your sport, as writer and avid runner Haruki Murakami says, “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”

Choose your shoes well and they will take you to the ends of the earth - and back. Now it's time to learn some trick and tips that will improve your running. From beginners to marathon professionals, check out the Run Better Guide and make sure your run is always #BetterThanYesterday.