When it comes to performance, comfort and durability, choosing the best shoes for your foot type and your sport can make all the difference. Whether you're an avid runner or trail enthusiast, having the right pair of shoes ensures that you stay comfortable and injury-free while helping to maximise your potential.

At Wildfire Sports & Trek, we provide a comprehensive selection of high-performance shoes tailored for different terrains and activities. From road running shoes and trail running shoes to super shoes and barefoot shoes, we have the ideal fit for every athlete and outdoor adventurer.

The Importance Of Shoe Rotation

Shoe rotation is a critical part of every athlete's training plan – whether you’re a recreational jogger or seasoned ultramarathoner. Especially as a multi-sport athlete, you need the right shoe for the right job. Many brands specialise in a specific type of shoe, from shock-absorbing Brooks running shoes to clock up high mileage, to Vivobarefoot shoes that aim to strengthen your feet and enhance proprioception. With a variety of shoes to buy online from Wildfire Sports & Trek, you can fine-tune your footwear collection to meet the demands of your specific sport.

Road Running Shoes

The best road running shoes provide a balance of cushioning, support and responsiveness to enhance performance and reduce impact on your joints. With lightweight materials, breathable uppers and advanced midsole technologies, they help runners maintain efficiency while minimising the risk of injury. Durable outsole rubber and specialised flex groove configurations maximise the longevity of your running shoes on hard road, pavement or concrete surfaces without compromising your natural stride. The running shoe category can be divided into smaller sub-categories, including daily trainers for everyday runs, tempo/interval shoes for speedwork and racing shoes such as max cushioned, carbon-plated super shoes.

Running shoes can also be categorised by how they cater to specific biomechanical tendencies – because every runner’s stride and foot type is unique. This includes stability running shoes for overpronators (runners whose feet excessively rotate to the medial/big toe side of the foot) to guide your feet onto their most efficient motion path, like the popular ASICS GEL-Kayano family. Alternatively, neutral running shoes like the Brooks Glycerin franchise provide plush cushioning and cater to runners that don’t require additional support technologies. Its counterpart, the Brooks Glycerin GTS offers a comparable cushioned experience, paired with the Brooks GuideRails holistic support system for a stability boost.  

Shoes with maximum cushioning are trending in the running shoe world. Their geometry complements their high-stacked engineering through features such as a broad platform, increasing the surface area between your feet and the ground for inherent stability. Hoka running shoes are among the most popular running shoes to achieve this ultra-cushioned yet stable experience. At the other end of the scale, barefoot shoes from brands such as Vivobarefoot provide little to no cushioning for a barefoot feel, with a focus on allowing you to engage your feet fully and to experience more ground feedback to move more intuitively.

Trail Running Shoes

Trail running shoes are built for off-road adventures, offering enhanced grip, durability and stability. They often feature reinforced uppers for protection against trail debris, whereas road running shoe uppers focus on lightness and breathability. Trail running shoes may also feature a waterproof membrane like GORE-TEX to keep you primed for the elements. For additional protection, many are compatible with gaiters to keep natural debris like rocks and twigs out of your trail shoes. 

The most obvious way to know if you’re wearing a trail running shoe or road running shoe is to turn the shoe upside-down and examine the tread. Road running shoe outsoles are smoother to cater to forward, linear motion on consistent surfaces like road. Unlike the road, the trail can be full of surprises – gnarled roots, gravel and rocky terrain can present a unique challenge. The strategic lug patterns of trail running shoes and softer rubber provide grip to bite into natural surfaces and rugged paths, including on inclines and descents.

The terrain your trail running shoes are intended for will influence their lug pattern. For soft and slippery terrain like mud, lugs are deeper and more spaced out to prevent mud from getting caked within the outsole. The Salomon Speedcross is a key model from Salomon for trustworthy traction on muddy landscapes. 

For multi-terrain traction, tight, small lugs are adaptable to meet your traction needs on firmer, natural terrain, an area where the Brooks Caldera excels. If tackling mountains, forests or muddy trails is your goal, gearing yourself up with some of the best trail running shoes from Wildfire Sports & Trek may enhance not only your performance, but your confidence and comfort in challenging environments.

Hiking Shoes

Hiking boots are essential for outdoor enthusiasts who need support, grip and durability on various terrains. Designed with sturdy soles and often waterproof materials, adventure-ready hiking shoes can support you from day hikes to multi-day camping trips. They are available in low cut or high cut styles. Low cut hiking shoes provide more agility with a closer resemblance to a trail running shoe, whereas above-the-ankle hiking boots maximise your stability and help prevent your ankle from rolling on rugged terrain. When choosing between hiking shoes and trail running shoes there are essential factors to consider. If you’re carrying a heavy hiking pack or travelling long distances, the increased stability and durability of a hiking shoe may be preferable. However, if you’re wearing a lightweight hydration pack and prefer a nimble ride to tackle faster paces over shorter distances, you may opt for a trail running shoe.

Climbing Shoes

Climbing shoes are specially designed to provide the grip, precision and support needed for climbing on various surfaces, from indoor walls and bouldering gyms to rugged outdoor rock faces. Unlike regular athletic shoes, they feature a snug fit to enhance sensitivity and control, allowing climbers to feel even the smallest footholds. The rubber soles are made of high-friction material that maximises grip on rock or artificial holds, helping prevent slips. Climbing shoes often have a downturned shape (aggressive profile) for overhanging routes or a flatter design for all-day comfort on longer climbs. Their unique construction, including a tensioned heel and toe box, enables climbers to edge, smear and hook effectively, making them an essential tool for scaling vertical and overhanging terrain. Wildfire Sports & Trek stocks a range of climbing shoes for beginners to experts.

Gym & Weightlifting Shoes

Gym shoes are often designed for multi-purpose athletic performance, offering flexibility, cushioning and stability for various workouts. With breathable materials and shock-absorbing midsoles, they help maximise comfort and efficiency during exercise sessions - from high-intensity interval training to running on the treadmill. Weightlifting shoes typically have a firmer midsole when weighed up against running shoes and more versatile gym or cross-training shoes. This ensures they stabilise your movement rather than providing an excess of cushioning and compression. The result is improved form and reduced injury risk during activities like weighted squats and deadlifts. 

Netball Shoes

Netball shoes are specially crafted to handle the fast-paced movements, sudden stops, pivots and high-impact jumps of the sport. Featuring reinforced lateral support for side to side movement, shock-absorbing midsoles for softer landings and durable outsoles with superior grip, they allow players to move quickly and confidently. The right netball shoes can improve your agility, reduce injury risks and enhance overall gameplay on indoor and outdoor courts. Mizuno netball shoes are a trusted option as one of the best netball shoes for both beginner and professional netballers. They keep you stable on the court while providing springy cushioning to catch, pass and shoot with confidence, and are available from Wildfire Sports & Trek.  

Touch Football Shoes

Football shoes, also known as football boots or cleats, are specifically designed to provide traction, stability and control on the field. Depending on the playing surface, they come with different soleplate configurations, such as firm ground (FG) for natural grass, soft ground (SG) for wet fields and artificial ground (AG) for synthetic pitches. Featuring a snug fit, lightweight design and stud patterns for optimal grip, touch football shoes allow players to move swiftly, change direction quickly and maintain ball control with precision.

Track & Field Shoes

Track and field shoes enhance performance by providing athletes with the necessary support, traction and comfort for various events. These shoes are lightweight, reducing drag and allowing for faster movement, while their specialised spikes or waffle soles improve grip on the track, maximising speed and stability. Different track and field shoes cater to specific events - sprint spikes have a stiff plate for explosive starts, distance spikes offer flexibility and cushioning for endurance, and jumping or throwing shoes provide additional support and balance. Breathable materials and snug-fitting uppers ensure distraction-free comfort at your event, when every second can influence where you place in the pack. 

Casual Shoes

Casual shoes cover a broad range of footwear styles for off-duty comfort. Among the most notable casual shoes are recovery shoes, thongs and slides. Comfort-focused brands like OOFOS provide a unique foam that takes the load off your feet, cradling them in plush, shock-absorbing cushioning. Unlike running shoes which typically offer a degree of responsiveness, OOFOS shoes make soft compression the priority, helping provide relief to common running injuries such as plantar fasciitis with essential cushioning and support. Archies is another popular brand of support thongs at Wildfire Sports & Trek. Designed by a physiotherapist in Melbourne, they’re a brand you can trust - providing extraordinary comfort in the profile of everyday sandals or flip flops.  

When you’re turning your attention to comfort and versatility for travelling or exploring the city sights, the iconic On Cloud family from On Running is a top pick among our travel and casual shoes. Providing horizontal and vertical compression with its unique CloudTec pods, it helps transform hard road surfaces into cloud-like landings.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Brand Of Shoes Are The Best For Running?

The best brand of shoes for you depends on your specific needs, foot type and fitness goals. Hoka running shoes, ASICS running shoes and Brooks running shoes are popular choices in the running community. Not only do you see these running shoes on the feet of athletes clocking up the kilometres, but they are also frequently used for everyday wear, in the hospitality or healthcare industries.

What makes these among the best brands of shoes? One word – comfort. Each of these brands have done their due diligence, listening to your feedback while being backed by years of research. Their expertise and commitment to continuous improvement is evident in their midsole technologies. How your running shoe feels underfoot is largely linked to the quality and innovation behind the midsole. From Hoka’s ultra-plush EVA midsole for their signature, luxurious feel to ASICS GEL technology that provides shock-absorbing compression and a springy rebound, the tech of your running shoes matters.

Altra running shoes provide a unique point of difference, specialising in zero drop, wide toe box shoes for natural body alignment, while providing a protective stack of Altra EGO cushioning underfoot. If you're passionate about trail running or enduring mountain adventures, Salomon is a worthy option. Specialising in trail running shoes that provide excellent grip, durability and support with models like the Salomon Speedcross, they’re an ideal fit for adventure seekers.

What Shoes Are Best For Racing?

When it comes to racing, the best shoes depend on the type of race, terrain and your individual needs. For marathon racing, a high mileage running shoe (those that are well-cushioned for comfort during daily training and long distances) can often double up as a marathon shoe, with their responsive midsoles and road-ready grip. This includes favourites like the Brooks Ghost and ASICS NovaBlast. Some runners gravitate to carbon-plated super shoes, providing a propulsive feel to help you work towards a new personal best. The Hoka Skyward X is a beginner-friendly option in this category, while the Saucony Endorphin Pro super shoe from the Saucony Endorphin family caters to runners that prefer a more aggressive, fast feel. To optimise efficiency, many racing shoes feature rocker geometry that encourages a smooth rolling motion from heel to toe and a propulsive toe-off to help save energy.  

For trail racing, the best shoes prioritise grip, protection and durability. Trail racing shoes, such as the Hoka Speedgoat, feature aggressive lugs for traction on uneven terrain, reinforced uppers for durability, and rock plates or extra cushioning to protect against sharp objects. Depending on the race distance and terrain, runners may opt for lighter trail racing shoes with minimal cushioning for short, technical races or more cushioned models for ultra-distance events. Weather conditions also play a role - some trail shoes offer waterproofing for wet conditions, while others prioritise breathability for hotter climates. Ultimately, the best racing shoe balances comfort, speed and protection based on the demands of the race.

Where Is the Best Place To Buy Shoes Online?

Wildfire Sports & Trek is your one-stop hub for road running shoes, racing shoes, trail running shoes, hiking shoes, climbing shoes, netball shoes, gym shoes and other sports shoes. We are the experts in what to wear for your next adventure, with a comprehensive knowledge of the footwear you need to achieve your fitness goals. 

Shopping for shoes online in Australia offers convenience and access to a wide variety of options. With our unique Try 2 Anything Upgrade, you can determine the exact size or colour that’s the best fit for you, and enjoy worry-free returns. For Queensland residents, the Wildfire Sports & Trek brick-and-mortar store in Brisbane gives you access to the latest and greatest shoes, allowing you to try before you buy. Our team of friendly shoe experts and enthusiasts can help guide your purchase, giving you confidence and peace of mind in your selection. With our hassle-free returns policy and the passion of our team to find your ideal fit, there’s no better place to shop for your shoes, sportswear and adventure gear.

Where To Buy Barefoot Shoes?

When it comes to barefoot shoes, Wildfire Sports & Trek has you covered from heel to toe with Xero barefoot shoes and Vibram barefoot shoes. We pride ourselves on delivering the personalised experience every walker, runner, hiker and outdoor enthusiast seeks. Barefoot shoes have unique benefits compared to standard, well-cushioned shoes for walking, running and everyday use. To truly appreciate what barefoot shoes can do for you, it’s important to put a spotlight on Vivobarefoot. 

Vivobarefoot are among the leaders in barefoot footwear, with their range of casual barefoot shoes, Vivobarefoot running shoes and Vivobarefoot trail running shoes. They are designed to allow your feet to activate fully, with wide toe boxes for complete freedom. Underfoot, the cushioning you expect from traditional shoes is absent. Instead, your feet are welcomed with the improved ground feedback a thin sole provides, allowing you to immerse yourself in your run or hike. 

Feeling more of the world beneath your feet is a key element of barefoot shoes, alongside giving your feet the capacity to move naturally with full flexibility and freedom. Being able to engage your feet fully without being encumbered by non-essential midsole foams, also allows them to naturally strengthen. However, transitioning to a barefoot lifestyle should be gradual to do so safely and without injury. 

With their zero drop platforms, barefoot shoes encourage natural body alignment from heel to toe, unlike conventional shoes which typically have a raised heel, providing protection at this high-impact zone for heel strikers. Alternatively, if you’re seeking the balanced platform and natural fit of barefoot shoes but with protective cushioning, Altra running shoes should be on your radar.

Can I use trail running shoes for regular running?

If you’re a regular trail runner, we recommend investing in a shoe purely for running on natural, off-road terrain and another specifically for road running. Even though trail running shoes feature reinforced uppers to prevent punctures from trail debris, they typically feature softer outsole rubber compared to their road running shoe counterparts. This softer rubber is ideal for providing tacky traction and biting into soft, natural surfaces. Consequently, when you wear your trail running shoes on hard, synthetic surfaces like road, concrete and pavement, the lugs will wear down prematurely, decreasing their lifespan. This compromised traction as a result of wearing your trail running shoes for road running also puts you at increased risk of slips and trips on the uneven terrain you may encounter.

If you’re seeking a true all-terrain shoe, Hoka has you covered with the Hoka Challenger ATR.  Designed for adaptability from road to trail, it features a hybrid design for runners seeking absolute versatility in terms of the terrain beneath their feet. With bouncy CMEVA foam absorbing shock - protecting you from both jarring road impacts or sharp trail debris - it’s a worry-free option. Durabrasion rubber and a strategic lug design provide versatile grip, so you don’t have to hesitate as the terrain changes from natural environments to city streets.

Versatility is where the Hoka Challenger shines, flowing into its element on both tarmac and trail. For ultra-technical terrain including steep inclines, thick mud, slippery rocks or loose gravel, you may prefer the aggressive traction of a trail-only shoe like the Hoka Speedgoat .