The Running Shoe Guru

Shoeguide.run - find your perfect running shoes

2020-07-03T19:48:00.001+01:00

For an online resource to help you find the best running shoes, visit shoeguide.run

With hundreds of shoes reviewed you'll find videos and advice on the right running shoe for you needs.

www.shoeguide.run

For the best running shoes in Lancashire visit Run Preston and Run Bolton

2020-07-03T19:47:00.001+01:00

Run Preston and Run Bolton offer the best in video gait analysis for runners.

The service is available at both stores and is included when purchasing running shoes.

www.lancashirerunner.co.uk

Nike Pegasus

2020-06-22T19:21:00.000+01:00

Creating the Alphafly - from the Nike Elite to the Alphafly - racing shoe development

2020-06-15T20:05:00.000+01:00

Original Nike trainers go on sale

2020-05-22T11:51:00.002+01:00

If you have a few thousand pounds or dollars splashing around, why not treat yourself to a pair of these trainers -

Most expensive trainers in the world?

On RUNNING - A look at the brand, the shoes and their development

2020-05-05T11:14:00.004+01:00

Here we take a look at one of the newest running shoe brands around, ON

New Balance FuelCell TC - the fastest test on YouTube !!

2020-04-28T15:58:00.003+01:00

New Balance FuelCell TC - the fastest test on YouTube !!

Well - it was the fastest test of the shoes at time of going live on YouTube - so take a look at my review below.

Please subscribe.

www.shoeguide.run

COROS Apex - multisport GPS watch

2020-04-27T13:47:00.000+01:00

Our review of the COROS Apex - multisport GPS watch is live on YouTube now.

Take a look at this great watch that has amazing battery life!

How to fasten your running shoe laces

2020-04-25T09:13:00.002+01:00

Sounds simple right? But how exactly is the best way to tie your laces?
Well, here I explain some of the various methods.

New POLAR GRIT X - first look

2020-04-22T19:22:00.003+01:00

We take our first look at the Polar GRIT X watch -

Its a great update to the Vantage V that we looked at here -

http://www.therunningshoeguru.com/2019/04/polar-vantage-v.html

The Polar Vantage V heart rate monitor and GPS multipart watch

2020-04-21T10:34:00.001+01:00

A look at the development of carbon plated running shoes. Video on my YouTube channel

2020-04-20T15:16:00.002+01:00

Inov-8 Roclite 315 GTX video review now live on Youtube

2020-04-20T12:22:00.000+01:00

Kipchoge shoe announced and legal!

2020-02-05T21:47:00.006+00:00

Kipchoge shoe announced and legal!

Paul Freary reports on the latest Nike footwear announcements in New York today.

Check out my video on the development of carbon plated racing shoes here -

After breaking the 2-hour barrier for the marathon last year in his prototype shoes, Eliud Kipchoge set tongues wagging not just with his incredible time but his futuristic looking footwear.

The story of his shoes caused as much interest and controversy as the 1:59, so much so that it led to World Athletics amending their rules surrounding footwear. In an announcement last week the new WA rules stated that prototype would be banned and any new footwear should be on sale for 4 months prior to competition.

The rules also state that footwear for road running should have a maximum stack height (the thickness of the sole and insole of a shoe) of 40mm and may only contain a single plate. The plate in the case of Kipchoge’s shoes being a carbon fibre material.

So today in New York at their Olympic Summit, it was with great global interest that Nike officially announced what the athletics community has been waiting for – the release of the Alphafly NEXT%.

With a single carbon plate and a stack height of 40mm (although Nike didn’t provide an exact measurement) the Alphafly will remain legal according to the rules and should be on sale before the end of April.

The design is as expected and matches the many leaked images that have appeared on line in the last few weeks.

The shoes has an increased volume of the ZoomX foam, a redesigned Carbon plate, the Nike Flyplate and twin Nike Air Zoom pods in the forefoot to improve cushioning and running economy.

A new, ultra-light and highly breathable upper helps keep the weight down and improve comfort in hot conditions.

Spikes

Whilst the Vaporfly was largely expected, what may be of more interest could be the brand’s new sprint and distance spikes.

The Nike Air Zoom Viperfly is designed specifically for the 100m and features a carbon plate and forefoot Nike Air Zoom unit. The Atomknit upper is a new version of Nike Flyknit and is designed to maximise heel lockdown for a secure fit.

The Nike Air Zoom Victory is a designed for anything from 800m to 10,000m on the track. Inspired by the Nike Alphafly NEXT% it utilises Nike ZoomX foam, a carbon fibre plate and Nike Air Zoom technology. The ZoomX foam provides cushioning while the Air Zoom unit is sandwiched between the carbon plate and spike plate.

Questions may be asked with regards the use of the two plates in these spikes, but the stay within the new rules as, in the case of track spikes a shoe can have the same carbon plate as road shoes as well as additional plate for the function of attaching spikes to the sole.

Track & Field Spikes 2019 - adidas, nike, new balance, saucony, brooks

2019-05-16T12:39:00.000+01:00

Sprint Spikes

If you are interested in the development of track spikes, check out my video with some great shoes over the past 5 decades!

New Balance – Vazee Verge - £115.00

Newbalance.co.uk

Ultra-light at just under 150g, this sprint spike offers a full-length spike plate and 8 spikes for a powerful toe-off and straight-line speed.

The seamless upper provides a close fit, with a soft heel collar for added comfort. With the large go-faster logo it even looks fast!

New Balance – Vazee Sigma Harmony - £150.00

Built around a new, full-length plate, this spike offers smooth and yet powerful transition.

The 8-spikes provide plenty of traction and a BOA closure system gives a precise and customised fit.

The knitted heel section and bootie design give a superior fit and secure the foot for full on speed.

Brooks – QW-Kv3 - £95.00

BrooksRunning.com

A seamless, sock-like upper wraps the foot securely in place on the full-length plate. As just 133g its ultra-light yet manages to provide excellent traction and a great toe-off.

The sleek, no-nonsense design belies its power and speed.

ASICS – Hypersprint 7 - £65.00

Asics.com

This great value, specialist sprint spikes offers a full-length spike plate for a powerful and aggressive feel.

A great choice for those wanting a dedicated event shoe, the smooth upper provides a great fit as it cuts through the air.

5-spikes provide the contact and make this an easy to get along with spike for those new to specialist footwear.

Adidas – adizero Prime Sprint - £199.95

Adidas.com

Putting as little as possible between the foot and the ground ensures power is directly transferred and focussed on speed.

The ultra-thin spike plate and strategically placed pins provide excellent traction and stability as well as a great toe-off.

It’s the ultimate in straight line speed.

Nike – Superfly Elite - £129.95

Nike.com

The full-length hi-tech spike plate delivers aggressive traction and maximum drive in these sprint spikes. 8 spikes provide added traction to ensure a connection to the track that uses ever bit of power you put down. A breathable woven fabric upper provides lightweight support to ensure a great fit.

SCROLL DOWN FOR MIDDLE DISTANCE SPIKES

Middle Distance Spikes

New Balance – MD800v6 - £115.00

The knitted, bootie style construction not only provides a snug, but also seamless fit that wraps the foot like a sock.

A new, full-length spike plate gives a nice balance of flexibility with powerful toe-off as you kick for the line.

The 6-spike plate provides the traction and makes this shoe great for distances from 800m to 3000m

Brooks – ELMN8 v4 - £95.00

At just 115g these shoes are incredibly light and with a sock-like fit, feel like you are wearing nothing at all.

There’s a slither of cushioning running the length of the shoe which is perfectly balanced for 400m to 1500m races.

ASICS – Hyper MD - £65.00

A three-quarter length plate and small heel wedge give this spike a very versatile feel. Perfect for middle distance events it could also be easily used in hurdles events as well as some field events for athletes seeking a great all-round shoe.

The 5-spike plate provides the grip while that heel cushioning gives a little protection when required, making it a great value spike particularly for those new to track and field.

Saucony – Ballista 2 - £59.99

This spike represents great value for such a technical shoe. The three-quarter plate and low-profile cushioning provide an aggressive feeling spike for the middle-distance athletes chasing PBs. The 6-spike plate runs into the midfoot and gives a feeling of powerful toe-off in events from 400m to 3000m.

Saucony – Vendetta 2 - £49.99

A little more traditionally styled perhaps than the Ballista, this spike still provides great value and performance. The seamless upper has a great feeling around the foot thanks to the sock-like fit, while the midsole cushioning helps make this a great spike for those new to specialist track shoes.

SCROLL DOWN FOR DISTANCE SPIKES

Distance Spikes

New Balance – LD5000v6 - £115.00

Designed for the distance track events of 5 and 10,000m, this shoe keeps the weight to a minimum to give it a barely noticeable fit on the foot.

A new design to the heel counter and collar makes for a great fit that’s both smooth and seamless.

The ultra-low-profile full-length spike plate give the shoe a responsive toe-off, with 4 spikes strategically placed for optimum traction.

Brooks – Wire v5 - £95.00

Great for any distance from 1500m up to 10,000m, these spikes offer lightweight, full-length cushioning with a frame-like spike plate that gives a responsive feel.

The spike plate runs the full length of the shoe in a skeleton-like design, providing support where required. This keeps the weight down without sacrificing a spring-like toe-off.

ASICS – Hyper LD - £65.00

The distance event spike in the Hyper family of shoes from the brand, this model uses a full-length EVA midsole to offer a little protection in the longer track events. It’s a competitively priced shoe too and with that extra cushioning element it’s a good choice for younger athletes or those looking for a versatile spike for any distance on the track.

Saucony – Endorphin 2 - £59.99

With 4 spikes strategically placed for optimum traction and minimal weight, these shoes have a premium feel to them. The skeleton-like spike plate runs the length of the sole to create a shoe that feels fast and responsive, with full-length cushioning that’s perfect for the longer track events.

Adidas – Adizero Avanti - £139.95

Designed for middle- and long-distance track events, these running spikes feature a Boost midsole to absorb the impact of each step and propel you forward. A lightweight mesh upper offers breathable comfort, and the four-pin spike placement grips the track for efficiency and speed.

Nike – Zoom Distance - £79.95

This distance classic is reminiscent of that worn by Coe and Ovett in the 80’s only now it’s lighter and faster! With a 5 spike plate and lightweight full-length cushioning it offers the complete distance shoe for the athlete chasing that PB.

SCROLL DOWN FOR FIELD EVENT SPIKE AND SHOES

Field Events

Adidas - Jumpstar - £70.00

A versatile shoe for long, triple and vertical jump events, this shoe delivers technical specification at a great value price point.

A forefoot strap ensures the foot remains locked down securely into the shoe for maximum effect on the runway.

Full-length cushioning offers protection for the most demanding and powerful athletes giving you confidence to perform to your best.

Adidas - Throwstar - £70.00

Shot, discus and hammer events are catered for with this shoe. Its wrap around sole uses Carbon rubber for high traction and durability in the throwing circle, while the midfoot support system incorporated into the laces holds the foot securely in place throughout rotational phases.

Adidas – adizero javelin - £140.00

7 spikes in the forefoot and 4 in the heel of this shoe ensure a powerful approach can be executed in the javelin. The slightly higher cut around the ankle gives stability in the rearfoot while the Velcro strap adds to this security.

A sharkskin texture outsole covers the sole to ensure traction throughout the run up.

Nike – Zoom LJ 4 - £104.95

This specialist jump spike is suitable for both the horizontal jumps as well as the pole vault. The special engineered 7 spike plate provide traction specifically for the powerful driving action on take-off. The laces sit beneath a zip cover to help keep sand out of the shoe and a forefoot strap ensure a secure fit around the foot.

Nike – Zoom Rotational 6 - £94.95

The smooth rubber sole aids the rotational thrower in the shot, discuss and hammer events. The sole wraps the shoe to provide durability and reinforced toe and heel cups give additional protection. The broad Velcro midfoot strap keeps the foot firmly in place within the shoe to ensure all power is delivered to the throwing circle with no slip.

Nike – Pole Vault Elite - £104.95

A three-quarter length spike plate provides traction and support to deal with the demands of the vaulter on the runway, while the full-length cushioning provides comfort and impact protection. The sock-like fit is slightly higher cut around the ankle for support and the broad Velcro midfoot strap provides both a secure and supportive fit.

Hoka One One – Evo Carbon Rocket

2019-05-08T00:00:00.000+01:00

Hoka One One – Evo Carbon Rocket - £130.00

HokeOneOne.eu

Incredibly light for a shoe offering such deep cushioning, the Rocket features a Carbon-fibre plate, similar to that made famous in recent years in the Nike 4%.

Here the plate sits flat between the midsole cushioning and outsole. Whilst this doesn’t quick give it the same propulsive effect as the Nike it still gives a noticeable spring to the shoe, in fact, feeling more responsive than any other lightweight model. It does take a little adjustment to get used to this feeling as it does put a little more strain on the Achilles and calf muscles, a little like wearing spikes for the first time after a while. The low drop of the shoe also adds to this, but for a fast feeling shoe that certainly adds a spring to your step its worth a try.

Brooks – Launch 6

2019-05-07T00:00:00.000+01:00

Brooks – Launch 6 - £95.00

BrooksRunning.com

Largely unchanged from previous versions, the Launch is a versatile, lightweight model that’s made for faster paced running without compromising on cushioning quality. A perfect racing shoe for the heavier runner or those that don’t want the lower drop design offered by many lightweight shoes, this shoe is equally as happy in everyday use.

The new upper is in keeping with many of this year’s shoes in the brand’s range and has a one piece upper for a seamless fit. The mesh is light and has a more open design so provides plenty of breathability.

It’s an uncomplicated, lightweight trainer that’s happy at any speed.

ASICS – Roadhawk FF2

2019-05-06T00:00:00.000+01:00

ASICS – Roadhawk FF2 - £105.00

Asics.com

With a familiar ASICS feel, these shoes offer the perfect blend of race day lightweight performance and training shoe cushioning. We wouldn’t use them as an everyday trainer, but for speedwork, tempo runs and racing they are a great multi-purpose lightweight shoe. The cushioning comes from the Flytefoam Propel, so gives a little spring to your step, with a snappy toe off that encourages a quicker turnover.

The upper is a seamless, breathable mesh, so it feels soft and sock-like around the foot with no fuss, leaving you to concentrate on moving quickly.

ASICS – GEL – FujiRado

2019-05-05T00:30:00.000+01:00

ASICS – GEL – FujiRado - £120.00

Asics.com

It’s the BOA fastening that immediately makes these shoes stand out from the crowd. Offering quick and easy adjustment of the shoe, the system allows you to make micro adjustments, tightening or loosening the shoe by as little as a millimetre at a time for a totally customised fit. The system is also great should the shoes be covered in mud, simple release the fastener and slip the shoes off.

The multi-directional grip offers a confident grip on steep descents and enough bite to dig in on soft loose surfaces. The cushioning is light and flexible with a feel similar to that of a lightweight performance trainer, making it great on the varying trail terrain you’re likely to encounter. A stone guide in the sole adds protection from sharp rocks, again giving you confidence to tackle any terrain.

Hoka – Speedgoat 3

2019-05-04T00:00:00.000+01:00

Hoka – Speedgoat 3 - £124.99

HokaOneOne.eu

The addition of a Vibram outsole is essentially what now separates the Speedgoat from the other popular off-road models in the brand’s line up. The shoe still features the maximal cushioning design the brand has become known for but it’s the Vibram sole that give it the best traction and durability in the range.

The upper is redesigned this season and really brings the shoe up to date, with a modern feel and design using premium materials for a great fit. One nice touch is the broad toe bumper and reinforced upper of the toe-box, which should make this shoe especially durable regardless of the conditions.

The deep cushioning is really made for ultra-distance events and although we haven’t yet ventured quite as far in the shoes it’s easy to see that they’ll handle that punishment with ease. For everyday use they feel well cushioned and able to soak up anything in terms of impact.

For those looking for shoe with endless cushioning and the reliable grip of Vibram this is the shoe to go for.

Mizuno – Diachi 4

2019-05-03T00:00:00.000+01:00

Mizuno – Diachi 4 – £119.99

EMEA.Mizuno.com

With a Michelin rubber outsole and a design looking similar to that of a mountain bike tyre, this shoe offers fantastic grip without being too bulky. The shoe feels similar to a lightweight, performance trainer, flexible and able to pick up the pace in, but with the added benefit of go anywhere grip.

The outsole pattern features lugs at various angles across its surface which, ensures traction on any terrain or contours.

The upper offers a light and soft, comfortable fit more like that of a regular road shoe, but it’s reinforced in key areas to give it the necessary protection and durability.

For an off-road shoe with road shoe comfort this model delivers and gets stuck in.

New Balance – 860v9

2019-05-02T00:30:00.000+01:00

New Balance – 860v9 - £120.00

NewBalance.co.uk

Now into its ninth update the 860 is firmly established as a go-to shoe for those wanted dependable support from a high mileage shoe.

The support in this version has been increased a little, with the medial post running a little further from the heel towards the front of the arch. This increase ensures plenty of control for even the most severe over-pronators, whilst at the same time the overall weight of the shoe hasn’t increased noticeably. Improvements in cushioning and the outsole design mean the cushioning still performs very well and flexibility is good, even at faster speeds.

A new upper gives a seamless fit and has a cleverly engineered design to increase breathability.

Our testers instantly liked the shoe and felt it showed slight improvements whilst remaining familiar enough to the previous model so as not to require a breaking in period. It’s a solid reliable performer that delivers every time.

Mizuno – Wave inspire 15

2019-05-01T00:30:00.000+01:00

Mizuno – Wave inspire 15 - £125.00

Emea.Mizuno.com

Stable yet with a very smooth ride, the Inspire continues to deliver a good balance of cushioning and control that has made it so popular over its 15-version history.

Support comes in a dynamic nature from the Wave plate, which runs the width of the rearfoot. Being ‘stronger’ on the medial side of the shoe and tapering across to the lateral edge means the shoe can handle over-pronators of various degrees. The shoe feels light too and as such is great for faster paced runs or even as a race day shoe for heavier runners requiring a little control.

The updates this season aren’t immediately visible but do make the shoe roll even smoother and with the U4icX cushioning material ensure a ride that feels natural.

Brooks – Ravenna 10

2019-04-30T00:30:00.000+01:00

Brooks – Ravenna 10 - £110.00

BrooksRunning.com

Rolling out the guiderail control system to another model in their lineup, Brooks now have their proprietary system installed in all their control shoe models.

Whilst we first looked at the guiderails with a little trepidation, out fears were very quickly dispelled as it works incredibly well.

The most popular model from the brand featuring guiderails is the Adrenaline GTS, offering the smooth feeling stability system combined with lots of great, plush cushioning. This shoe offers a familiar feel albeit in a slightly lighter and more responsive package.

We think this model would make a great second pair for a GTS user, suitable for faster paced runs or even race day for the heavier runner requiring some control.

The shoe manages to control over-pronation almost without the wearing being aware of it and that makes it feel great and so easy to get along with.

Competitively priced, it’s worth considering for anyone looking for a light and responsive support shoe.

ASICS – Gel Kayano 25

2019-04-29T03:30:00.000+01:00

ASICS – Gel Kayano 25 - £155.00

Asics.com

It may be the most expensive of the shoes featured here, but there’s no denying on the quality of this shoe. It’s feature-packed with the brand’s key technologies for control over-pronation. The midsole is made up of multiple components to provide cushioning and support, with additional motion control features incorporated into the sole and heel counter of the shoe. Together these features do an exceptional job of keeping the foot stable as well as offering lots of smooth riding cushioning, making the shoe feel luxurious from the first step.

The engineered mesh construction of the upper is as technical as the cushioning, with a highly detailed design providing support to hold the foot as well as being highly breathable.

It’s a flagship model but the fit and feel live up to the price tag so is worth considering if price isn’t an issue.