Tips for choosing your next running shoe
We all have different reasons and goals when it comes to running. Whether you’re chasing a new Parkrun PB on a Saturday morning, ticking off a road marathon, taking on an ultra-endurance event, or simply lacing up your runners for the very first time, beyond the training one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing the right running shoe to support your journey.
The running and fitness space has grown rapidly in recent years, fuelled by a growing focus on health and the rise of social fitness. Catching up over coffee has, in many cases, been replaced with a trail hike or a pilates session with fitness becoming the new way to connect and unwind.
Athleisure has well and truly cemented itself in the fashion world, where comfort meets style and sportswear steps confidently out of the gym and into everyday life. No doubt some technical designers are quietly cringing as their meticulously engineered gear sees more time striding through shopping centres than pounding the track or trail.
The upside? The health message is clearly being heard. More of us are embracing the benefits of regular movement and a healthier lifestyle and if that comes with a wardrobe full of activewear and comfy trainers, then I say it’s a win-win.
But when it comes to choosing your next pair of running shoes, the question remains—does one size really fit all?
Beyond the basic measurements of your feet, if you look at the sizes of your casual, dress, hiking, walking, and running shoes, chances are you’ll notice a few inconsistencies. Different activities and brands often mean different sizing, what fits perfectly in one shoe might feel completely off in another.
With the rise of online shopping, it’s tempting to just click “add to cart” on what you think is your usual size—even for a budget-friendly pair of runners. But how confident are you that you won’t be navigating the return policy a few days later?
Choosing your next running or fitness shoe might seem simple, but it’s often more complicated than it looks especially when an online retailer can’t offer the personalised fit advice that makes all the difference. With numerous running brands on the market like:
- Adidas
- Altra
- Asics
- Brooks
- Hoka
- La Sportiva
- Mizuno
- New Balance
- Nike
- On Running
- Puma
- Salomon
- Saucony
- Topo Athletic
- Vibram
- Vivo Barefoot
When it comes to sizing, it’s definitely not one size fits all; in fact, you really do need to try before you buy to ensure the fit is right for your foot based on the sizing parameters adopted by the brand.
Speaking from experience my own running shoes span a surprising range of sizes:
- La Sportiva Akasha (Trail) – US9.5
- On Running Cloud Ultra (Hybrid) – US9
- Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2 (Trail) – US8
- New Balance Hierro v9 (Trail) – US8.5
- Hoka Rincon (Road) – US8
The size discrepancy varies between the subcategories of each of the brand, whether that be:
- Road
- Trail
- Hiking
- Walking
- Training & Gym
- Lifestyle
- Performance
Choosing a new running shoe can feel overwhelming. Often, the decision starts with brand familiarity, marketing influence, or simply what others around you are wearing. A good place to start is; have you worn this brand before?
Once you’ve landed on a brand, it’s time to focus on your specific needs—your foot shape, running style, and the type of terrain or training you plan to tackle. Then you can think about cushioning, comfort, performance and running goals!
Added Value
While in-store prices might not always appear to be the cheapest option, thanks to factors like new season releases or limited editions they’re still guided by the brand’s RRP so fear not, you are not being ripped off! What you do get when shopping in-store is something online retail can’t compete with: real value. That includes expert advice, product knowledge, lived experience, and a genuine interest in supporting your running journey.
I don’t believe there’s one perfect shoe or even size that fits everyone. There are many options, and that’s exactly why working with a specialist running retailer can make all the difference.
Depending on your goals, weekly mileage, and the types of runs you do, you’ll likely benefit from having more than one pair of shoes sometimes even across multiple brands. Having variety in your footwear not only supports your performance but also improves foot health and injury prevention. Just remember: your shoes are there to support the adventure, not complete it for you. Even the flashiest, most expensive pair won’t replace the value of consistent training (sorry but no shoe will run those hills for you!).
Need help?
Need help finding your next pair of running shoes or planning your next run event? Let’s chat.
Leave a Reply