The Huffington Post
Salomon/ Honey Jane Wyatt We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication. You know what it’s like. You see everyone with their marathon medals on Instagram, and (let’s be honest) a small part of you thinks ‘I could do that’. And why shouldn’t you? You’re only human, and to be human is to be easily influenced. If you’re feeling motivated to pick up running post-marathon, the first thing you need to think about is your shoes. Whether you’re chasing that marathon high for next year, or simply after a new form of cardio, this is everything to consider when buying new running shoes – and some of the best to shop now. Why do you need to find the ‘right’ running shoes? Think about it: of all your body parts, your feet make the most contact with the ground. And you’ll be covering a lot of it. So your shoes can make the difference between a great run, and a flop. “Choosing the right shoes is hugely important,” shares personal trainer, running coach and mobility specialist, James Wauchope . “You’re taking thousands of steps each run, so comfort and fit are key.” Wearing the wrong pair of shoes can have a significant impact on your performance, Wauchope explains. What to consider when buying running shoes There are a number of factors to consider when buying the right running shoes, explains Wauchope. These include: Foot shape and tightness Cushioning Function Foot shape and tightness Shoes that work for one person won’t necessarily work for you, Wauchope explains. This can be partly down to the shape of your feet. “Foot shape plays a major role in stability and efficiency,” he says. “Shoes that allow your toes to spread naturally can improve balance and strength with each stride. When the foot can function properly, the rest of the body benefits.” Ideally, you should be able to move naturally in your shoes. This can encourage a more efficient running stride and reduce injury risk, Wauchope explains. Avoiding tight shoes can also contribute to better natural movement for your feet. “Tight shoes can cause bruising or lost toenails, while loose shoes can lead to blisters and instability,” he says. For marathon training and day-of shoes, he recommends having plenty of room in the toe box, as this will expand with distance, and zero to low-drop. Cushioning It’s also important to get the amount of cushioning right. “Excessive cushioning can reduce ground feedback and stability for some runners,” says Wauchope. Meanwhile, worn down shoes can also increase the load on your body. Function What you’ll be wearing your shoes for can also impact the kinds of shoes you should be shopping for. Every day training shoes might require a different kind of shoe to running a marathon. But again, it’s down to preference – some might use a newer pair of their regular training shoes for running a marathon, Wauchope explains. “Training shoes are typically built for durability, cushioning, and a more supportive feel to handle daily mileage,” Wauchope explains. “Race-day shoes are designed for speed. They’re lighter, more responsive, and often use performance foams and carbon plates for energy return.” There are also different kinds of shoes for running on roads and trails (ie. out in nature, or on more uneven terrain). How to find the right running shoes for you Don’t shoot the messenger (promise?), but there’s no one running shoe that works for everyone. With the above factors in mind, it’s best to experiment with different shoes to find a pair you like. “Try a range of options and find what works best for you,” Wauchope recommends. “Many runners stick with a model they love and rotate multiple pairs for training and racing. Ultimately the best shoe is the one that works for your individual needs.” Best running shoes in 2026
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