Sports shoes

That depends entirely on what you want to use them for! If you’re going trail running, you need trainers with lots of grip that protect your feet from water and sharp stones. If you prefer to rack up your miles on tarmac, you need a faster shoe. Fast running shoes have a sole with lots of cushioning to gently absorb your feet landing on the ground and propel you forward. 

There’s an ideal pair of trainers for every runner. Ask yourself the following questions before you choose:

• Are you a fanatical runner or a recreational jogger?
• What shape are your feet and how do they pronate?
• Would you prefer a waterproof membrane or breathable gauze?

It’s important that your shoes fit precisely, from heel to toe. A few tips:

• The heel: your heel may move a little, but must also be firmly seated. Make sure your trainers are laced up to the top hole to minimise slipping. 
• Width: your forefoot should be able to move slightly to both sides in the shoe without going over the edge of the insole. 
• Wiggle room: feet swell slightly when running. To check whether you have enough room, slide your big toe up to the front of the shoe. If you can just stick your thumb between your heel and the back of the shoe, it’s a good fit. 

You can easily care for your trainers properly at home:

• Step 1: Remove the inner soles from your trainers. 
• Step 2: Leave any mud on your trainers to dry.
• Step 3: Use a soft brush to clean your trainers. 
• Step 4: Leave your trainers to dry slowly. 
• Step 5: Keep your trainers in a dark, well-ventilated place. 

A running shoe must fit your foot perfectly with no pinching or sliding about when running. Take your time to try on enough models. 

The best running shoes are the ones that fit you like a glove. They cannot pinch or slide about when you’re running, and they need to satisfy all your specific running needs. 

Even if your running shoes still look perfect on the outside, they really need to be replaced after 1,200 kilometres. The cushioning effect is then greatly reduced and the trainer no longer functions as it should. Worn soles, holes in the fabric and frayed edges are also clear signs that you’re ready for a new pair.