A guide to getting the right running shoe

Getting the right running shoe is a matter of personal preference and, often, specialist advice. Picture: John Devlin

John Krynaston from John Krynaston’s Ultra Running Diary

Over the years I’ve tried lots of different makes and types of shoes with varying degrees of success. At the moment I’m really enjoying running in Sketchers. For my road runs I wear Sketchers Ride 3 and for my ultra/off road running I use Sketchers Ultra 2.

I find them really comfortable. They have a nice wide fitting which suits me. The cushioning especially in the Ultra 2 is really good, but also gives a great feel on the trails. The Sketchers encourage a midsole footfall which I believe is a good way to run and leads to less injuries.”

Jayne Jones from TartanJogger.com

Lunarglides, £105

I’d suggest that the best running shoes are those that fit well, are comfortable and offer the right type of support, cushioning and grip for your feet, running style and surface. I’d always recommend having gait analysis done to determine this for any runner wanting to buy new trainers.

For me, the best running shoes are Nike Lunarglides, they are perfect for my feet and have gotten me around many races. They give me the right level of ankle and foot support, and fit my feet well. There’s also an added bonus that they come in a huge range of colours, but that’s always a secondary issue for me.

Nick from The Running Shoe Review.co.uk

The best piece of advice I could give when buying a pair of running shoes is to go and see a specialist. They’ll guide you through the process, and tell you what you need and why you need it. You should aim to spend at least half an hour with them, and be honest about your budget, expectations, and any injuries/issues you have. If you don’t like a shoe for any reason, tell them, and they’ll find something better suited to you.

In terms of “the best running shoe”, there is no one answer. What I think is great about a shoe, and comfortable, will be completely different for someone else. However, there are some key things to avoid, and things to make sure you do. Below is a list of pointers/tips of what to look for in a shoe:

• Comfort - they must first and foremost be comfortable. Any rubbing, tightness etc should be addressed, and if nothing can be done, look for another shoe.

• Size - There should be a thumbnail’s width between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Without this space, there is no room for the material to bend around your foot, and you run the risk of bruised toenails.

• Support - No, you don’t need the most supportive shoe in the world, and just because a shoe works for your friend, does not mean it will work for you.”

Ross Christie from RunningScotland

Saucony Peregrine, £89.95

Since I started running in 2013 I’ve used the Saucony Peregrine trail shoe as my day-to-day trainer. I spend a lot of time going from the the road and streets to the trails and hills and I need a shoe that can handle all surfaces. The Peregrine has just enough cushioning, great grip, a robust upper and a low heel-to-toe offset which works well for me. They are the ideal shoe for multi-terrain running from the city to the mountains.