These Trainers Have Completely Transformed My Running
For me, getting outdoors, listening to music, and clocking up the kilometres began as an activity to boost my mental health. However, finding the perfect running shoes made me realise I was capable of going the distance, improving my fitness and possibly even earning a medal.
It may seem like a grandiose statement, but the right running shoes really did improve every aspect of what began as a tentative jog around the block. Prior to that, my knees cried out, my head gave up, and my feet said ‘no more’.
A small store near Victoria changed everything. Run and Become, a family-run business, paved the way for a newfound love for running. Following a natural gait analysis, I was fitted with trainers to complement my running style. And so, for the next few years, I took to the roads in my Brooks Adrenaline. Honestly, while I will never claim to be an athlete (or close to one), pounding the pavements in shoes that offer support, comfort, and a little bounce is nothing short of transformative. So much so, this non-sporty Style Editor has now completed two half marathons and numerous smaller races.
As a result, Run and Become will always be my go-to for running shoes. This is not an ad, nor is it a sponsored post promoting a brand. Simply put, they made a novice feel as if anything were possible.
As someone who never excelled at sport in my school days, I’m surprised to find I actually love exercise.
With January in full swing, I took myself back there, too. As aspects of our lives change, from age to fitness, it’s important to check in on how our bodies are moving. The lovely Jiaelle assessed my gait on the path outside the shop for a real-world, authentic analysis. This enables the team to accurately identify not only your foot strike but also your overall body motion as you run. I then tried several styles to find the right fit.
Since my original Brooks, I have dabbled with Hoka and Asics. All have been brilliant, but I admittedly have an affinity for the shoes that began this journey with me. Well, I have come full circle, right back to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS. As someone with overpronation, I find Brooks’ signature GuideRails® technology, which keeps excess movement in check and supports natural alignment, ideal. And then there’s the nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, which is cloud-like. Everything combined, this makes for a dream shoe. Well… my dream shoe.
Other best running trainers for 2026
The NOVABLAST™ shoe has become one of the most popular daily trainers with runners thanks to its supreme comfort and energy return. Featuring new, lightweight FF BLAST™ MAX foam, a breathable mesh upper and a trampoline-inspired outsole, the NOVABLAST™ 5 is Asics’ most comfortable and energised yet.
Experience the thrill of fast in the Adizero Adios Pro 4, made for fast runners with a desire to experience faster.
Mount To Coast has developed 3D Archrail technology: a flexible support structure that reduces forefoot abduction angles and activates the muscle in the arch of your foot. The result is a revolution in stability for irritation-free running.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
