Whether you’re starting out with Couch to 5k or ticking off marathon training week after week, quality trainers are an absolute must.

Regardless of your running level, beginner or advanced, or whether you prefer trail or tarmac, choosing the right pair of shoes will help you reach your peak performance - and keep you from getting injured in the process.

The good news? Nearly every major sportswear brand offers a range of kicks which cater for every running style and terrain. The bad news? If you’re not an expert, being faced with a website full of brightly coloured shoes which all look the same but are actually completely different can be dizzying - so we’re here to help.

The running footwear that you need will depend on two key factors - your running style and the type of running you’re doing. For both, there’s some jargon to unpack before choosing the right pair. This leads us nicely on to...

First up, let’s talk about over- and under-pronation. This is when your foot naturally rolls to the side when you take a stride. If this sounds like you, you’ll need shoes with extra support to guide you in the right direction. Otherwise, you’re a neutral runner, in which case you should look out for a balance of cushioning, support and flexibility.