SELECT SHOES

THE OLD WAY Runners had limited options, with shoes made from heavier, less technical materials (see p62).

THE NEW WAY From barelythere Vibrams to towering Hokas, running-shoe options seem infinite.

THE BEST WAY Finding the perfect pair of running shoes for your unique combination of biomechanics, training volume, body size and running-surface preferences isn’t an easy task, although a knowledgeable salesperson at a specialist running shop can help you narrow down the list. Try running in at least a couple of models at the shop – and consider owning at least two different models. Recent research found that runners who rotated among two or more different pairs had an injury rate 39 per cent lower than those who stuck with a single pair.