Running shoes can transform your experience on the road, trail or track. With a massive range of women’s running shoes, men’s running shoes and kids’ running shoes from Wildfire Sports & Trek, you can buy the best footwear for your foot type, terrain and running goals.

Discover fast and comfortable running shoes from top brands ASICS, Brooks, Hoka, Altra, Vivobarefoot, Vibram, Salomon, Saucony, Mizuno, On, Topo and many more to put your best foot forward, and check out our guide below to help you choose the best running shoes for you. 

Road Running Shoes

Road running shoes can be broken up into several sub-categories including daily trainers which can double up as your long distance and recovery run shoes, tempo/interval running shoes for speedwork and racing shoes.

Daily trainers are ideal running shoes for beginners just starting out in their running journey and are a staple in every runner's shoe rotation. These durable running shoes feature innovative cushioning technologies like DNA Loft in Brooks running shoes or FlyteFoam in ASICS running shoes to provide smooth impact absorption. Cushioning technologies help ward off fatigue during high mileage runs, allowing you to flow into a smooth running rhythm without distractions. Often the goal of cushioning is to provide a balance of softness and responsiveness, however each brand and each model will provide these characteristics in varying degrees to cater to the preferences and purposes of the runner.

Vivobarefoot running shoes, Vibram running shoes and Xero running shoes often forgo midsole cushioning altogether, with a focus on allowing your feet to naturally strengthen. Minimalist running shoes and barefoot running shoes provide a closer connection to the ground with thin outsoles, improving proprioception, flexibility and ground feedback. On the other end of the spectrum, max cushioned running shoes like Hoka running shoes cradle your feet in a thick slab of protection, providing a plush and forgiving ride. Some cushioned daily trainers such as the Asics Gel Kayano family can also be worn as half marathon and marathon shoes – providing versatility for a variety of distances, with comfort the key priority. 

When it comes to discovering how to run your fastest parkrun, 5K PB or longer distances, a tempo/interval training shoe can be a valuable addition to your shoe rotation. With speed-driven designs, these fast and lightweight running shoes shed non-essential weight, with more minimalist uppers and outsoles compared to daily trainers. The trade-off is less durability compared to daily trainers, making speed shoes ideal for 1 – 2 running sessions a week where the focus is on building your aerobic base. The midsole is designed to feel propulsive, helping you shift up the pace a gear at less perceived effort.  

Super Shoes & Racing Flats

Relatively new to the running shoe world, super shoes have climbed the ranks in popularity since their emergence in 2016 – earning their place on the radar of runners seeking to top the podium or achieve new personal bests. Super shoes take an entirely different approach to achieving speed compared to traditional racing shoes.

Super shoes follow a performance-based criteria, featuring high-rebound midsoles (usually PEBA) that are optimised for responsiveness, propulsive carbon plates or carbon fibre rods that complement soft midsole foams with strategic rigidity, and forefoot rocker geometries for improved energy-return and smooth transitions.

Traditional racing shoes, often called ‘racing flats’ in reference to their thin or absent midsole cushioning, are also developed with speed as a priority. However, they are engineered primarily based on the premise that lighter, more minimalist designs are equivalent to a faster experience on race day. Common to both super shoes and racing flats are breathable, competition-ready uppers with a snug fit for a secure lockdown during high-speed runs. 

Running faster at less effort, that is, improving your running economy, is the primary goal of super shoes. Although they are composed of ultra-lightweight materials, the technologies and geometry of the super shoe also have a fundamental role in generating speed. With increased cushioning compared to their racing flat counterparts, they are often associated with less fatigue and faster recovery. This also makes super shoes adaptable for not only racing and striving for a PB, but tempo training.  It’s also important to take into account that running shoes intended for professional racing must have a stack height that comes in at 40mm or under, according to World Athletics regulations.

Whether you enjoy the propulsive and protective cushioning of a carbon-plated super shoe, or the minimalism and improved ground feedback of a racing flat, Wildfire Sports & Trek has the racing footwear for you. Neither is the ‘better’ racing shoe, it purely comes down to your personal preference and the feel you wish to achieve. 

Popular choices of carbon-plated super shoe include the Saucony Endorphin Pro and Elite from the Saucony Endorphin family, the ASICS Metaspeed and Altra Vanish.  

Trail Running Shoes

Trail running is rejuvenating – breaking up a regular routine of city or urban runs to veil yourself in the sensory experience of nature. Trail running is more forgiving than road running. Hard tarmac, pavement or concrete surfaces place greater impact forces on your joints compared to softer, natural terrain. However, trail running can be more challenging. Compared to the linear, consistent nature of the road, you’ll encounter obstacles like uneven, rocky terrain, gnarled roots and sharp stones and sticks.

Turn your trail running shoes upside-down, and you’ll be able to identify the specialised lug configuration to meet the demands of technical terrain. Trail running shoes feature more aggressive, multi-directional traction compared to road running shoes with pronounced, tacky lugs to handle uphill climbs and descents. Even within the trail shoe category,  footwear can be optimised for a specific terrain with wide, spaced out lugs to prevent mud from catching in the outsole on wet and soft grounds, and smaller, tightly packed lugs providing versatility on firmer trails.

The upper of trail running shoes is designed for durability, helping resist tears and punctures from natural debris, whereas road running shoes tend to be more breathable. Waterproof or Gore-Tex trail running shoes provide additional protection from the elements, helping keep your feet dry and mind distraction-free in rainy conditions.

In terms of the midsole, running shoe brands often transfer the key midsole technology of their high-performance running shoes into their trail shoe models for enhanced comfort, with Brooks trail running shoes like the Brooks Cascadia and Brooks Caldera key examples with their variations of DNA Loft midsole technology. Born in the French Alps, Salomon trail running shoes are a key competitor with their trail-ready support and grippy traction built for technical terrain.  

Similarly to road running shoes, you can choose between maximalist trail running shoes like Hoka trail running shoes, or barefoot trail running shoes like Vibram and Vivobarefoot. Hoka’s award-winning Speedgoat family is ideal for running fast on mountainous terrain, whereas the Hoka Challenger family, another flagship trail shoe of the brand, offers hybrid traction to transition smoothly from road to trail. Vibram takes a dramatically different approach to Hoka’s max cushioning, with their FiveFinger technology that allows each toe to activate individually to provide natural stability and flexibility to adapt to a variety of trail types and technical terrain.

Whether you’re a beginner runner getting into trail running for the first time or a seasoned ultramarathoner, you can discover the best trail running shoes for you in our huge collection at Wildfire Sports & Trek.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Do Beginners Start Running?

Running has multiple benefits for both your physical and mental health, nourishing a stronger body, increasing your self-esteem and encouraging a positive outlook in all facets of life. Whether you’re lacing up in running shoes for the first time, or are returning to running after recovering from injury it’s critical to listen to your body when pounding on the pavement.

Firstly, having the right running gear can inspire you. Take care of your body by buying running shoes that are the best fit for your foot type, such as neutral running shoes or stability running shoes. It’s easy to be distracted by the colour or style of new running shoes, but it’s important to prioritise comfort first and foremost. Investing in lightweight and moisture-wicking running clothing is also fundamental to stay on track of your training by keeping you feeling dry, fresh and focused.  

Now you have the right gear, consider starting your running journey by walking at a comfortable pace. After a few walking sessions, you’ll develop the confidence to break up your walks with intermittent jogging periods. The key to becoming a better runner is to run or jog regularly. For performance gains that go beyond maintaining a level of fitness, consider increasing your pace, duration or distance, but do so gradually as overtraining can increase your risk of injury or mentally burning out. Recovery is just as essential as training to improve your performance, allowing your muscles to repair and mind to rejuvenate in-between workouts, making massage devices like foam rollers and percussive therapy devices pivotal to support your overall wellbeing. When you need to wind down, remember that even slow running can help build an aerobic base that can be applied to speedwork if you’re striving for a PB, which brings us to your running goals.

Having a particular running goal in mind can fuel your motivation. That goal doesn’t have to be based on performance, it could simply be run 2-3 times a week for 30 minutes at a pace that is comfortable for you. Alternatively, you may have an epic running goal in mind like completing your first marathon. This can be broken down into smaller milestones, like run your first 5K, 10K, half marathon and so on. Ideally your goal should be SMART, meaning specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.

Treating yourself to running-based rewards can also be motivational, such as a hydration pack that not only represents how far you’ve come, but gives you the capacity to evolve your running to enjoy longer distances or trail runs. If you’re a data-driven runner, investing in a sports watch can be a fun and practical way to measure your fitness progress and track your recovery needs.

What Are The Best Running Shoes For Beginners?

Beginner runners benefit from road running shoes that prioritise comfort. How your shoe feels on your foot will impact both your performance and motivation to lace up. However, it’s important to note that comfort is subjective, so the best running shoe for you won’t necessarily be ideal for your running buddy. We recommend beginning your running journey with a daily trainer – a durable and protective running shoe that allows you to clock up the kilometres with reliable longevity, and often provides versatility for a number of paces and distances.

Two key factors that may influence the comfort of your running shoes are the fit and the cushioning level. In terms of fit, many running shoes from leading brands like Hoka running shoes, Brooks running shoes and ASICS running shoes are available in multiple width types for a personalised feel – from narrow to extra wide. There should be about a thumb’s width between the end of your longest toe and the front end of the toe box, with enough room to allow your toes to splay naturally.

When it comes to cushioning, most beginners have success lacing up in moderately cushioned to max cushioned running shoes. The Saucony Triumph family excels for easy runs, with plush cushioning and a smooth rocker geometry that caters naturally to the needs of beginners running at relaxed paces. 

The Hoka Bondi, Hoka Clifton, Brooks Ghost and Brooks Glycerin families are also among the favourite running shoes for beginners. The main difference between the Hoka Bondi and Hoka Clifton, is that the Clifton is typically lighter with a firmer feel, whereas the Hoka Bondi offers a higher stack height with a greater slab of shock-absorbing cushioning underfoot. 

When weighing up the Brooks Ghost vs the Brooks Glycerin, the Brooks Ghost features more balanced, responsive cushioning whereas the Glycerin features softer cushioning for runners seeking that luxurious step-in feel. These top running shoe brands also vary in their reputation, with Brooks praised for their durability and reliability, and Hoka celebrated for their luxuriously soft, max cushioned shoes. 

What Is The Difference Between Cushioning And Stability Running Shoes? 

Stability running shoes refer to a category of running shoes that provide overpronation management for support and guidance. It’s important to note that pronation is a natural part of your running biomechanics. However, overpronation refers to the excessive inward rotation of the foot on footstrike, is common among flatter foot types, and can impact running efficiency and increase your injury risk.

To help stabilise your foot or provide motion control, stability shoes integrate support technologies into their engineering. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, from traditional medial posts, to the 4D Guidance System of the popular Asics Gel Kayano, to the GuideRails support system of the Brooks Glycerin GTS,  Brooks Ghost GTS and Brooks Adrenaline GTS. In the realm of Brooks running shoes, GTS stands for Go-To-Support, with technologies that not only support your feet, but may help address biomechanical issues with the ankle, knees and hips. Brooks GuideRails technology only kicks into gear when you need it – acting like bumper bars to keep you on track of your most smooth and efficient motion path.

Not all runners that mildly overpronate require stability shoes and many prefer a neutral running shoe that’s free of support technologies. Neutral running shoes are usually the shoe type of choice for most neutral foot types and underpronated foot types. The term neutral refers to foot types with ‘normal’ arches that naturally provide optimal shock absorption for the runner, whereas underpronated (supinated) or high arched foot types are unable to provide adequate shock absorption on their own, making neutral cushioned running shoes equally beneficial for them. 

Cushioning and stability in running shoes aren’t mutually exclusive, with the stability running shoes discussed above also offering shock-absorbing protection. The key point of difference in running shoes is the choice between stability running shoes vs neutral running shoes. The best way to work out whether a stability running shoe or neutral running shoe is right for you is to consult your podiatrist for a full foot and running gait analysis. You can also take advantage of our Try 2 Anything upgrade at Wildfire Sports & Trek, allowing you to purchase 2 or more running shoes to be delivered to your door with hassle-free returns. Try them in the convenience of your own home and discover which is the best fit for you.