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Running

From your first until your last stride, getting the right pair of running shoes is essential for comfort, performance and injury prevention. When you’re shopping for running footwear, the main things to think about are distance, surface and gait.

Firstly, some shoes are built for speed and others are created for longer distances. Sprint shoes are lightweight and responsive, ideal for quick runs or interval training. Long distance shoes are all about cushioning and endurance that helps protect during impact with the ground during events such as marathons.

Secondly, the surface you’re likely to be running on matters. Road running shoes are built for smooth, hard surfaces and are designed to be lightweight and flexible, whereas trail running shoes are made for uneven terrain and feature grippy treads and protective uppers.

You also need to think about your gait and understand what type of runner you are. Neutral running shoes are designed for runners whose feet don’t roll overly inward or outward when they run, and stability shoes are designed for runners who overpronate, which is when your feet roll inward when you land.

Gym & Training

When it comes to your gym and training sessions, those gains need a foundation to start from. Support and stability are the key pillars of reliable gym footwear, but you need to have a think about your own routine and what you’re likely to be using them for. Someone who lifts heavy won’t need the same things from their shoes as someone who prefers organised classes.

If your workouts are based around deadlifts, squats and dumbbells, then look towards more strength training shoes that are designed with flat, rigid soles that make solid contact with the floor and feature minimal cushioning to keep your body aligned.

If you’re more into doing HIIT classes, circuits and using cardio machines, then the best training shoes for you would feature responsive cushioning because they’re designed to support a wide range of movements and include breathable uppers to help regulate temperature.

Walking & Hiking

Whether you’re strolling through the parks or trekking through the trails, having the right footwear on when exploring the outdoors is something that shouldn’t be underestimated. You need your shoes or boots to offer long-lasting comfort and to also be appropriate for the terrain you’ll be facing - helping avoid any potential accidents.

Walking shoes are generally built to give you comfort on your daily strolls with their cushioned midsoles and breathable uppers. They offer the support that’s necessary for flat, even surfaces but might not be the best option when it comes to more challenging terrain.

Most hiking boots are geared up for rugged surfaces and are designed to give stability and protection on longer hikes. They feature ankle support that helps prevent twists and have tough tread patterns for enhanced traction on rocky ground. Plus, lots of hiking footwear has waterproof technology that helps keep your feet dry when things get wet.

Football

Depending on the type of player you are and the type of ground you’re going to be playing on – you need a pair of football boots that will match your performance on the pitch.

Different models are aimed at different playing styles. If you’re about pace and moving direction at speed, then there’s lightweight football boots created for explosive acceleration. If you’re more of a playmaker, there’s boots that control the tempo through precision and stability. And if you’re a defender, there’s boots designed with the necessary support and protection to make important tackles and interceptions.

Then there’s the different tiers of football boots, which are labelled differently depending on the brand. Understanding this helps you find a pair of boots that fits your needs and budget. The top of the range model is created with elite materials and features the latest technology to deliver maximum performance. There’s the next tier down, which are boots made using high quality materials with some technology, mostly suited to serious players. And then there’s lesser premium options, which offer performance at a more affordable price, aimed at casual players.

Also, remember that different boots are designed for different surfaces. Firm ground football boots provide grip and stability when the grass is dry or slightly damp. The soft ground option are ideal for rainy days when the pitches cut up during the winter months. And artificial turf boots are designed to evenly spread pressure when playing on modern synthetic surfaces.

Golf

The right pair of golf shoes can take your game from the rough to the green. Look for footwear that gives you what you need - take into consideration whether you need your shoes to be waterproof, if they’ll give you enough support as you move through the holes, or if they meet the etiquette requirements of the courses you play on.

You need support when you swing, so specialised outsoles will keep you firmly planted into the ground as you shift your weight. Spiked shoes are best for when the ground is wet or hilly, whereas spikeless shoes are great when the course is dry – and versatile enough for when you’re heading the clubhouse afterwards.

Rounds can also be long, especially if you’re playing the full 18 holes, so golf shoes with plenty of cushioning and arch support are great for reducing discomfort when you’re moving from fairway to fairway, or even from bunker to bunker!