GET GREAT SHOES

Jens Jakob Anderson, founder of RunRepeat.com, on whether you should opt for zero drop, maximal or neutral trainers

The terms ‘minimalist’ and ‘maximalist’ have been circulating for a while now. Why is heavily down to arch support, which has been the biggest sell of running shoe brands for decades, and is supposedly affected by running style and gait. Hence, there are shoes to accommodate overpronators, underpronators and neutral runners.

But here’s the thing: I’ve conducted an extensive study of 150+ research reviews to reveal the truth behind arch support… and there’s no hard evidence that shows it cuts injury. A more meticulous approach would be to consult a podiatrist, and ideally one attuned to a runner’s demands.

Broadly speaking, though, if you’re new to running, stick to regular neutral shoes. You can experiment with minimalist and maximal extremes later in your triathlon career, if you so wish. As for the preferred weight, newcomers to running shouldn’t dip below 280g per shoe. Support and motion stability are optimal in this case. To sound like a real pro, ask the vendor for an 8mm to 14mm heel-to-toe drop. Not that it’s crucial – comfort is still your best advisor when choosing a shoe.

There’s also the politics of buying local or online. I’m a spokesperson for online shopping but, especially when buying for the first time, you must see an expert to ensure you achieve the right fit. I’d advise trying at least five different options, and go beyond what the sales assistant recommends.

Finally, while numerous marketers and manufacturers work hard to complicate the process of choosing ‘the right running shoes’, it doesn’t have to be a difficult choice. Just go with the most comfortable option for you – especially as barely 5% of running injuries result from the wrong choice of gear.