A run in my shoes

I’ve had a lot of messages recently asking about what trainers I wear and what ones I would recommend. Therefore, I thought it would be helpful to do a post about this. Nearly all of the shoes I wear are Mizuno, but it has been this way for a long time! I can barely remember ever wearing a different brand trainer.

Everyday, versatile trainer.​

First of all, I’ll start off with the everyday running trainer that I wear for everything from easy runs, to sessions on the road or track (not at the moment), to long runs. This is the Mizuno Wave Rider. The Wave Rider is a comfortable, cushioned shoe that offers just the right amount of support whilst still being lightweight. The cushioning makes it a great everyday running choice, as I know the impact to my legs is being softened, but the lightweight feel means I can also wear it when I want to run fast. I have worn the Wave Rider for as long as I can remember. I think I only had one pair of running trainers before it when I was about 6 years old!! Since then, the Wave Rider has fulfilled all my needs. I also wear Wave Rider's when I'm on the cross trainer.

Racing shoe​

I feel it is important to have racing shoes, even though we aren't racing at the moment, but we will again eventually! This isn't just because they are lighter and help you run faster, but also because of the psychological effect. As soon as you put your racing shoes on, your head gets in the zone, and you know you aren't just doing another training session. I used to wear the Mizuno Wave Emperor, but now I wear the Wave Dual. They are extremely lightweight, whilst also being comfortable, making them perfect for when I want to be running as fast as I can. These also occasionally come out for fast sessions, when I want to wear the lightest shoes I have, to give me as much speed as possible. However, I don’t wear these very often for training because they have less cushioning than the Wave Rider. 

Spikes

On the track, Mizuno once again comes to the rescue. I wear the GeoSplash spikes which suit me really well. Just like all track spikes, there isn’t much of them, but this is perfect for racing. Due to the lack of support, I rarely train in my spikes, except the occasional speed session. This is purely because of past injuries, so I prefer to have extra cushioning and protection when pounding the track in sessions. 

You may think all my trainers are Mizuno, and you would nearly be right, but my cross country spikes are actually Adidas. For running through the mud, I have always worn the Adidas XCS spikes. These are perfect for me as they are slightly more robust than some other spikes and have a thicker sole, but they also weigh next to nothing. This is ideal for when the heavy, thick mud is weighing you down. If you haven’t done cross country before and are thinking of giving it a go when it comes back around, spikes are an essential. You can’t get through a wet muddy winter of cross country just with trail shoes. 

Long run/ more supportive 

The Mizuno Wave Sky and Skyrise are two shoes I would definitely recommend to someone looking for a little bit more cushioning. The shoe is slightly heavier, therefore I wouldn’t wear it for speed work, but the foam technology makes it feel like you’re floating when you are out on a longer run. This is also great for when your legs are taking more pounding and you want to reduce the impact. 

Casual shoes

Previously, I was completely against wearing trainers as casual shoes, but I can’t help it when they are the comfiest shoes I own! As a result, I frequently wear my black knit Wave rider’s when I am out and about, or more commonly now, going to the supermarket. Whatever the trainer, it can be worn for walking too!

I hope this has given you a little bit of insight into what shoes work for me and those I recommend! Stay safe and sane!