Author: Zac Brady

Adidas

The name Adidas is a combination of its founder’s name, Adolf “Adi” Dassler.

Does this brand need any introduction? Adidas has a rich history in sports and running footwear, with Adi Dassler’s vision centred on creating shoes that enhanced athletic performance. Over the decades, Adidas has been a pioneer in sports footwear, introducing groundbreaking technologies like the iconic Boost cushioning system and Primeknit uppers. In the Budapest 2023 World Athletics Championships, Adidas athletes claimed a total of 26 medals. Adidas continues to lead the running shoe market with its commitment to both performance and sustainability.

Key features:

• Boost technology provides excellent energy return and comfort
• Primeknit technology enables superior comfort and flexibility
• Continental™ rubber outsoles enhance traction on both wet and dry surfaces

ASICS

The name is an an acronym for the Latin phrase “anima sana in corpore sano” translated to mean “a sound mind, in a sound body.”

ASICS, a Japanese brand, has a legacy of innovation in sports footwear since 1977. The brand’s first shoe, the “Onitsuka Tiger,” was inspired by the grip of an octopus tentacle, offering athletes superior traction and performance. ASICS gained global recognition when Finnish runner Lasse Viren wore their shoes to win a gold medal, famously waving them to the crowd.

Today, ASICS is known for its advanced running shoes, featuring GEL® cushioning for shock absorption, Dynamic DuoMax™ support for stability, and breathable uppers for comfort. These features make ASICS a top choice for athletes seeking high-performance footwear.

Key features:

• GEL® cushioning system, providing superior shock absorption and comfort, reducing impact during runs
• Dynamic DuoMax™ support, offering added stability and reducing overpronation for a smooth, balanced stride
• Breathable mesh uppers, keeping feet cool and dry during long runs while enhancing comfort

HOKA

The name HOKA means “to fly over land” in Maori.

Founded in 2009 in the French Alps, HOKA has taken the running world by storm to become one of the most sought-after brands globally. Created by French adventure athletes and product developers Nico Mermoud, Jean-Luc Diard, and Christophe Aubonnet, HOKA was originally designed for conquering steep mountain trails in the Alps, Pyrenees, and Dolomites. Inspired by oversized technology from powder skis and mountain bike wheels, they introduced their now-iconic thickly cushioned, widebody design. Despite their bold soles, HOKA shoes remain minimalist—lightweight, with low heel-toe offsets that encourage a smooth, forward-balancing stride. Perfect for any terrain, HOKA truly earns its namesake: “fly over land.”

Key features:

• HOKA shoes are designed to be comfortable and supportive
• Have a low heel-to-foot drop, which helps you move forward
• Lightweight and have a good cushioning-to-weight ratio

Saucony

Named after a creek in Pennsylvania and the logo represents the flowing of water (pronounced sock-a-knee).

Saucony’s history dates back to 1898 when Russian immigrant Abraham Hyde started making carpet slippers in Cambridge, Massachusetts. By the 1930s, Hyde expanded into the sports industry, producing ice skates, baseball cleats, and other athletic gear. During World War II, the company shifted to making field boots for American soldiers, earning the Award for Manufacturing Excellence. In the 1960s, Saucony’s roots in footwear were solidified, including a prestigious contract with NASA to create space boots for astronaut Edward Higgins White. By the end of the decade, the brand had become a leader in high-performance running shoes, with models like the Trainer 80 and the iconic Jazz, which became Saucony’s best-seller. Known for its performance running shoes and pioneering shoe technology, like PWRRUN+ foam cushioning, carbon fiber midsole plates, and sock liners. Represented by top American distance runners Molly Huddle and Jared Ward, Saucony has earned its reputation as a forward-thinking shoe company for competitive runners.

Key features:

• Typically fit a more narrow foot
• Focus on maximum comfort and lightness
• Low heel-to-toe drop make them a favourite of long distance runners

Topo

The name Topo is the college nickname of its founder, Tony Post.

With the motto “move better, naturally,” Topo focuses on crafting shoes that promote healthy, natural movement. Many of their designs are APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) certified for supporting foot health, making them a top choice for health-conscious runners. Inspired by Post’s own experiences of competitive running with injuries caused by overtraining and ill-fitting shoes, Topo prioritises comfort, foot shape and a natural running style. Perfectly suited for trail running, Topo shoes are a trusted companion for runners seeking performance and foot health.

Key features:

• More natural low heel-to-toe drop
• Secure midfoot and heel to prevent discomfort and blisters
• Roomy toe box to prevent foot problems and promote stability

361

The name 361 denotes the 360 degrees in a circle plus one extra degree, representing innovation and creativity.

Founded in China, 361° is a leading sportswear brand known for its innovative designs and performance footwear. The brand became the official uniform provider for staff and volunteers at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics. With signature QU!KFOAM® cushioning and an engineered fit, 361° offers comfort, energy return, and support for all types of runners. Founded by Tony Xu, a former Nike executive, the brand combines his industry experience with a mission to help athletes “go one degree beyond.”

Key features:

• Higher heel-to-toe drop allows for a more comfortable heel strike
• Cater to a range of running styles and terrains
• Range of width fittings readily available

It’s important to in mind that shoes within these brands can vary to meet different needs, so it’s worth considering your specific requirements. To help you find the perfect fit, we recommend giving us a call or, even better, visiting us in-store for personalised advice.

Finding your solemate can end up becoming the marathon you’re supposed to be training for. That’s where we come in. At Complete Runner, we specialise in finding the ideal running shoes for you. The perfect shoe is about fit, comfort, durability and performance.

So: where to start?

It can be tempting to rush into things when searching for your solemate – and the same goes for finding the right running shoe. You might need to set aside aesthetics and focus on what truly meets your needs. There’s a perfect shoe for every runner, whether you’re tackling high, medium, or low mileage, running on roads, trails or tracks. Whether you require a wider toe box, a neutral fit, a specific heel-to-toe drop, better energy return, or support to control your foot roll, we have the right running shoe for you.

If you’re still a beginner and find the buzzwords and technical jargon overwhelming – stick with us! This article is designed to help runners at any experience level.

Before you buy running shoes, let’s check your gait

Running gait is the way your leg moves during each step when you run. Understanding your gait helps analyze your running form. If your gait is off, it can lower performance and increase your risk of injury. Since everyone’s gait is unique, the right shoes for one person might not work for another. To find your perfect fit, try a simple wet foot test to analyze your gait.

What’s a wet test?

The wet foot test is an easy way to understand your foot type and gait, making it a great starting point in finding your solemate. However, for the most accurate assessment, we recommend visiting us in-store.

For the wet test, you’ll need a shallow pan of water, towel and a flat surface. Alternatively, you can do this right after a shower or bath. The key is, you guessed it, having wet feet.

Simply wet your foot and step onto the towel, applying your full weight. Stand normally for a few seconds, then step off. The goal is to leave a clear, wet footprint. Your footprint will fall into one of three categories:

Overpronator: your foot rolls in too much as you walk or run. Our experts recommend support shoes with stability features that help prevent overpronation.

Neutral: footprint with a noticeable curve inward, but not overly pronounced. Our experts recommend neutral shoes as you’ll want moderate support and cushioning.

Supinator: the opposite of overpronation, your foot rolls outwards when you walk or run. Our experts recommend neutral shoes as you’ll want moderate support and cushioning.

Where are you running?

Picking the right shoe for your type of run is crucial. We offer road, trail, fell, spikes (for track and/or cross country) & racing shoes to suit different needs. Before diving into the details, ask yourself: “Where will I be running?”

We know times are tough and buying multiple shoes might not always be an option, so if you’re after a single pair we’d recommend choosing shoes for the terrain you’ll be running on most often. However, it’s important to be cautious. For example, if you buy some trail shoes and start using them frequently on roads, the lugs and grip will wear down much faster.

Road Running Shoes

Neutral Running Shoes

If you’re mostly running on pavements and tarmac and have a neutral or supinating foot, you’ll want a neutral running shoe. These are the most common type of trainer, designed with extra cushioning and shock absorption to protect your joints from hard surfaces. They’re super comfortable and help reduce the risk of injury, making them perfect for city or town runs.

Support Running Shoes

Support running shoes are great for anyone who overpronates (when your foot rolls in too much as you run). They’re like neutral running shoes but with extra stability to keep your foot aligned and stop overpronation. This helps you run more comfortably and reduces the risk of injuries.

Trail Running Shoes

If you’re heading out on grass, fields, or muddy trails, trail running shoes are for you. They’re built differently from road shoes, giving you way better grip and traction on uneven ground like rocks, roots, or puddles. With tough outsoles, deeper tread, and added ankle support, these shoes help you stay steady and comfortable, no matter what the trail throws your way.

Fell Running Shoes

Fell running shoes are made for the wildest, steepest, and muddiest terrain. They’re lightweight and designed with aggressive tread patterns to give you unbeatable grip on slippery grass, loose rocks, and steep hills. Unlike trail or road shoes, they focus on grip and flexibility over cushioning, so you can move confidently across tough, unpredictable landscapes. If you’re tackling fells, these shoes are your best friend.

Spike Shoes

Spike running shoes are perfect for athletes who need maximum grip and speed on the track, grass, or cross-country courses. With metal spikes in the outsole, these shoes help you dig into the surface for powerful traction and explosive starts. They’re lightweight and built for performance, making them ideal for sprints, distance runs, or even jumping events. If you’re looking to boost your speed and stability, spike shoes are a game-changer. Metal inserts are offered in 6mm (track), or 9, 12, 15mm for the varying conditions of cross country.

Racing shoes

Racing shoes are all about speed and performance. Designed to be lightweight and streamlined, they help you move faster by reducing weight and enhancing energy return. Whether you’re running a 5K, a marathon, or anything in between, these shoes are built to maximize efficiency. With less cushioning than everyday trainers, they’re perfect for race day when every second counts.

Does brand matter?

The short answer is yes—but maybe not for the reasons you think. Running shoes should prioritise function over fashion. Trends don’t matter when it comes to running; it’s all about finding your solemate—a shoe that helps you perform at your best. We always recommend trying on running shoes before you buy, and we’re more than happy to help you with that in-store.