Fresh kicks

Performance boosting, bounceadding, fitness-enhancing... This new wave of techy trainers will put a spring in your step

UNDER HEEL

Upping the ante on longdistance running? Try Asics’ Gel-nimbus 19, £150. Springy organic fifibres and shock-absorbing cushioning make it as magical as the Harry Potter- esque name.

CLOUD NINE

On’s Cloudflflow, £120, is seriously lightweight. Softer steps are down to the hollow pods or ‘clouds’ which cushion your foot but then change back to solid when you push off.

F LEX APPEAL

Puma’s new Pearl VR, £85, comes with multiple lacing options to suit (almost) every foot size and type. For training, rather than long-distance, the style’sstyle’ flexible ankle fit feels lovely.lovel

B LISTER PROOF

Bounce into Saucony’s Freedom ISO Heathered Chromas, £145. Cushioning spreads the impact of your landing and soft mesh hugs your foot, without being rigid (so bye bye blisters).

BE BOOSTED

Meet Stella Mccartney’s slick take on adidas’s Ultraboost X, £139.95. Knitted uppers and a freeflfloating arch allows for flex during everything from jogs to boxing classes.

GO THE DIS TANCE

The Athletic Propulsion Labs’ propelium sole is pretty special. For running, try the Techloom Pro, £130 – an 8mm drop from heel to toe puts your foot at the optimum angle for effifificiency.

UNLACED

Great for fast triathlon transitions, or hitting the road in record time, the new Boa lacing system in New Balance’s Fuelcore Sonic, £100, makes these super speedy to put on.

THROW SOME SHAPES

The new Reebok Hayasu LTD, £69.95, is perfect for floor-based exercise. The seamless neoprene boot gives comfy lightweight support and traction. Breakdancing classes, anyone?

RACING S TART

Nike’s new Zoom Vaporflfly 4%, £199.95, is built for speed (it makes you 4% faster). A layer of carbon fifibre propels you forward. Great for sprinting, they’re also made for marathons.