How to Choose Running Shoes
Road or trail, cushioned or responsive — a practical guide to finding the pair that suits the way you run.
Walk into the running wall and the choice can feel endless. It gets much simpler once you know three things: where you run, how far you run, and how you like a shoe to feel underfoot.
Start with the surface. Road shoes are built for pavement and treadmills, with smoother outsoles and more cushioning for hard ground. Trail shoes add grippier lugs and a tougher upper for loose, uneven paths. If most of your miles are on the road with the occasional park path, a road shoe will usually serve you well.
The best running shoe isn't the most expensive one. It's the one you forget you're wearing at the end of the run.
Then think about cushioning. Plush, high-cushion shoes soften every landing and suit longer, easier runs and heavier mileage. Lighter, more responsive shoes feel quicker and closer to the ground — great for shorter, faster sessions. Many runners end up with one of each.
Fit matters more than any feature. Leave roughly a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe, and make sure your heel feels locked in without rubbing. Try shoes on later in the day, when your feet are at their largest, and wear the socks you actually run in.
Don't forget the rest of the kit. Breathable socks, moisture-wicking tops and shorts that don't chafe make a bigger difference to comfort than most people expect.
Shoes don't last forever. A common rule of thumb is to replace them somewhere between 500 and 800 kilometres, or sooner if the cushioning feels flat or the outsole is worn through. Not sure where to start? Our team can help you find the right pair for the way you run.