14 Cool Trainers To Transform Your Workout
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
@HOKA
Best For Comfort:
Hoka
Since launching in 2009, Hoka has become one of the most popular shoe brands worldwide. Known for its thick midsoles and plush cushioning, there’s a reason its trainers have been worn by elite athletes, marathon runners, triathletes and Olympians. If you’re a beginner to intermediate runner looking for a comfortable shoe with a bit of bounce and superior ankle support, start with the Mach 5. Equally, the Bondi is a Hoka classic, pairing a thick midsole with a carbon-fibre plate for effortless miles and smooth landings – a great one to try if you’re recovering from injury or need a bit of extra support.
Visit Hoka.com
@ALLBIRDS
Best Sustainable Option:
Allbirds
For impressive eco credentials, try Allbirds. It uses renewable and recycled materials where possible – for example, its laces are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, and the plush insoles are made from castor beans. For a comfortable and breathable everyday running shoe, you can’t go wrong with the Tree Dasher, which was rigorously tested by more than 90 runners over a nine-month period. The Tree Flyers, meanwhile, are perfect for longer runs – they’re lightweight and super springy to make extra efforts feel effortless.
Visit Allbirds.co.uk
Best All-Rounder:
Hylo Athletics
For the everyday athlete, Hylo gets our vote. Designed for the road, gym and everyday life, the lightweight Hylo Light shoes are made for speed thanks to their responsive cushioning and an ergonomically shaped sole. Meanwhile, the Run style is built for short to middle distance road running – the ultra-cushioned sole will minimise your ground impact and a clever toe guard lets you get on with your workout, whatever the weather. Best of all, they’re recyclable, vegan and made from renewable materials.
Visit HyloAthletics.com
@HYLOATHLETICS
@ON_RUNNING
For Your Next 5k:
On Running
Swiss running brand On’s distinctive trainers feature the world’s first cushioning system that’s only activated when you need it – specifically, during the landing. Versatile and lightweight, On’s clever technology makes its trainers some of the comfiest around, without the need for excessive cushioning. The Cloudflows – ideal for speedwork and casual running – are the brand’s bestselling style, while the Cloudswifts are ideal for city and road running.
Visit On-Running.com
@NIKERUNNING
For Reliable Styles:
Nike
Looking to put a spring in your step? Whether you’re heading to the gym, are doing sprints on the treadmill or setting out on a hike, Nike – the OG of the trainer world – will always be a reliable option. The Vomero 16 is one of the first of Nike’s high-mileage shoes to use its trademark ZoomX foam – expect impact absorption and unparalleled comfort – while the Pegasus is a firm favourite of runners worldwide thanks to a clever lacing system that guarantees supercharged support. If you’re prone to injury, try the Flyknit, which is made with flexibility in mind.
Visit Nike.com
For Fit & Feel:
Lululemon
If you struggle to find the perfect fit, Lululemon has just launched the world’s first pair of female-specific running shoes. Using new data from more than a million foot scans and the expertise of leading biomechanics, the Blissfeel trainers have been specially designed for a woman’s foot shape and gait cycle. As the name suggests, Blissfeel was engineered with comfort and fit in mind – try it for casual running and walking – while the Strongfeel provides lightweight support and low-profile cushioning, making them better suited to weight and HIIT training.
Visit Lululemon.co.uk
For Affordability:
Adidas
Founded in 1924, adidas is the definition of a heritage brand, earning its place in the industry by listening to athletes and making products that address their needs. Fast-forward nearly a century and it’s still at the top of the game. For an affordable option that will see you from a morning session at your local yoga studio through a day of errands, the Duramo SL has you covered, while the award-winning Ultraboost is a top choice for gym bunnies and keen runners.
Visit Adidas.co.uk
Visit Sheerluxe Vouchers For An Adidas Voucher Code
@ADIDASRUNNING
Looking For Your Next Pair Of Trainers?
Michael Gaston, Expert At Runners Need, Shares His Tips
Know When It’s Time: “Pain in your joints, especially your knees, is a classic sign your trainers’ cushioning has worn down. Also, look for signs of wear on the treads – if they’re worn out, this risks impacting your surface grip. You should consider changing your running shoes every 300 to 500 miles, although your build, running style and the terrain you’re running on all factor into the equation.”
Think About Where You Run: “If most of your running is on pavements, look for trainers specifically designed for road running. These shoes contain more cushioning than trail or lightweight race shoes and offer proper shock absorption. If you live near green spaces and spend more time running through soft, muddy trails, look for a pair of trail running shoes, which have a varied tread depth and offer better grip and ankle support. If you enjoy both, consider a hybrid running shoe, which has a balanced mix of grip and cushioning designed to work on both roads and trails.”
Consider A Gait Analysis: “This is done in a store using video technology to analyse your running style to work out how much you pronate (the extent to which your foot natural rolls inward when you run) and where your foot strikes the ground. Your stance may be neutral, or you may over or under pronate. Depending on the outcome, an analysis can help you choose a shoe designed for your running style.”
Check The Fit: “A running shoe that fits correctly should feel snug in the heel and midfoot, with wiggle room around the toes. While standing, check for proper length and width by pressing your thumb down next to the ball of your foot and around the toes. A good fit should allow for half to a full thumb’s width of space.”
Don’t Forget About Socks: “The thickness of your sock can make a big difference to the fit and feel of your shoe, especially as your feet expand in the heat. Always wear the socks you intend to run in when you go for a shoe fitting. Look for a good, technical running sock specifically designed with added arch support, moisture-wicking properties, and extra padding across the ball of the foot, toes, and heel for better impact protection.”
For more information visit RunnersNeed.com
DISCLAIMER: Features published by SheerLuxe are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programme.
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.