I have a lot of pairs of trainers. 

Running shoes obviously (both trail and road), casual trainers, shoes for weights, and I’m even considering a pair of Padel shoes to really hit the ‘millennial into fitness’ stereotype (there’s a new padel centre near us that I’m keen to start trying to play regularly with Tom!). 

I’m lucky I get to test a lot of shoes both being sent and from purchasing them as a  ‘work expense’  (as I tell my husband and accountant!) and my goal is to do more reviews of running shoes for women that take their training seriously but are mid pack runners. I’m currently putting the Nike Vomero Premium to the test – check out my first thoughts.

Let me know if you’d like to see more YouTube reviews – and make sure to subscribe here! 

Adidas EVO SL 
These are such a versatile shoe, lightweight, bouncy and great for speedwork, long runs, easy runs (I’ve even done a Hyrox class in them!). I also think it’s a brilliant price point at £130. I have been recommending these to so many friends who just want one pair of affordable road running shoes that do it all. Now if only they’d make them in the gorgeous lilac/pink colourway from Berlin marathon then I’d be an even bigger fan. 

Read my full review here. 

Saucony Guide 18 

The wide toe box and cushioned base make these an ideal daily trainer for me – plus I love the Sweaty Betty collab colourway I have. Its stable, cushioned and roomy for my wide forefoot without gaping at the heel. I know lots of people LOVE the Hoka Clifton for all of those reasons but I’ve just never got on with it – so if that’s also you (or maybe you love the Clifton) this might work for you! 

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 

I am still obsessed with these super cushioned shoe for my recovery runs – I didn’t try the 14 which I’ve heard were a bit different. These are my ‘slipper shoes’ that I wear when my feet hurt after a long run or for those runs where you just want a little extra cush. 

I’m looking forward to trying the New Balance More 5 for a replacement NB cushioned shoe (and I hear rumours the v15 are coming out soon!)

Asics Tokyo Metaspeed Edge 

I wore these carbon plated shoes for the Sydney and Chicago marathons which says a lot. I really like the lightweight bouncy shoe that suits my heel striking style rather than feeling unstable or forcing my foot into a forefoot strike as many other supershoes do.

Check out my Sydney Marathon vlog

Asics Superblast 2 

I’ve run hundreds of miles in these ‘do it all’ shoes. They’re fast without the carbon, and at a 40mm stack height certainly give a lot of cushion (can you sense a theme in what I like in a shoe here?). I use these for long runs in marathon training as well as recently wore them in the Cardiff Half Marathon. I have the really pretty Lucy Charles Barclay mermaid lilac colourway. 

Mount to Coast R1 

These are my go to shoe when I’m doing a treadmill run and gym workout in the same session (which is pretty often) rather than being the girl to change shoes mid-session. I love them for more stability on the tread and doing plyos like box jumps. 

On CloudSurfer 

I have found it hard to find the right ON shoes for me because the stiff heel counter on many of their trainers just does not suit me or my achilles. I keep hold of these from a few years ago because I love them but sadly haven’t got on as well with the Cloudsurfer Max (tbf I’ve only worn them once and they did grow on me so maybe I need to try them again!) 

And then the gym shoes… 

I finally got serious about strength training this year and for the first time bought shoes that are actually designed for strength rather than using running shoes. 

Adidas Training Spezial 

I’m not going to lie, the look is what originally sold me on these. I love that I can wear these not just at the gym. They are nicely padded (again, my achilles/ankle appreciates the cushioning around the heel counter) and stable with a wide enough toe box to accommodate my feet. 

What you’ll notice is that I often choose max cushion shoe – that’s my personal preference and works well for me. I had a gait analysis done at Runner’s Need a few years ago and they said I’m in between neutral and support but I usually pick neutral shoes (I also think focusing on strength training has actually improved my running form too). This is by no means an extensive list but just some shoes I’ve enjoyed running in and find myself picking up time and time again.

And the ones that haven’t made the cut… 

These are shoes I’ve tested and just have not made it into my crowded shoe rotation (I am WELL aware I have more running shoes than the average person ever needs). 

Brooks Ghost 17 

I am a diehard Brooks Ghost fan but these just didn’t quite cut it for me. They’ve moved away from the traditional Ghost shape and closer to a Ghost Max which I just didn’t love (much as I hate to have to admit that!)

Adidas Prime Strung 3 

I like these but I just don’t totally understand what they are for. For the runner that already has every shoe covered, these are a fun addition but personally aren’t part of my regular rotation. 

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 

Not quite soft enough or bouncy enough to suit me for an easy run or a speed workout. I also like a little more padding around the heel collar – which they have done for the v5! I’ve brought the v5 with me to NYC this weekend so get some more miles in them – cant wait to share my thoughts.

What shoes shall I put to the test and fully review to avoid you wasting any of your own money?