The one stop resource for women's running.

Trainers

Trainers are an essential part of any runner's kit. Fashion trainers certainly won't do and will increase your risk of injury. Specialist running trainers are specially designed to support the foot and minimise injury.

There are many different types of trainers available. The trainer to suit you will depend on a number of factors including your weight, how you run, the types of surfaces you run on, and the shape of your foot. The main types include…

• Cushioned
• Motion control
• Stability
• Racing
• Off-road
• Performance training

Specialist running stores are usually equipped to film and measure your running style to determine the best trainer type for you. They are well worth a visit.

A quick test you can try at home to find your foot type is to wet your foot then step onto a piece of paper or card to get an impression of your footprint. The shape of your foot can help to find what kind of stability you may need.

Normal Foot

Normal feet have a normal sized arch and will leave a wet footprint that has a flare, but shows the front of the foot and heel connected by a broad band. You shouldn't need motion control trainers, and stability shoes will suit you best.

High Arched Foot

This leaves a print showing a very narrow band or no band at all between the front of the foot and the heel. A curved, highly arched foot is generally supinated or underpronated. Because it doesn't pronate enough, it's not usually an effective shock absorber. The best trainers for you are cushioned shoes with flexibility to encourage foot motion. Avoid motion control or stability shoes.

Flat Foot

This has a low arch and leaves a print which looks like the whole sole of the foot. It usually indicates an overpronated foot - one that strikes on the outside of the heel and rolls inwards (pronates). The best trainers for you are motion control, or high stability shoes. You should steer clear of cushioned shoes.

Where to buy trainers