Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our Kit & Gear category for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases. 

Kit & Gear

Welcome to SportsShoes Kit & Gear Hub! Here you'll find all the information and advice you need about the very latest kit, technology and gear.

Looking for some training tips and advice? Then head over to our Training category where our athletes and experts explain everything you need to know.

Welcome to the SportsShoes Training Hub! We’ve teamed up with athletes and experts to bring you the very best advice on how to maximise your workouts and achieve your best results.

Are you feeling inspired? Then join our SportsShoes Strava Run Club and become part of our inclusive community. 
And for more inspirational tips to become stronger, better and happier, then check out our Motivation category. Because it’s no fun standing still.

Welcome to the SportsShoes Motivation Hub! From real-life stories, tips and inspiration, here you'll find everything you need to motivate you to keep pushing your limits and break PBs. 

Check out our Trails and Inspirational category to discover the most amazing trails and hikes in the world, as recommended by our athletes, ambassadors and loyal customers. 

Discover some of the best trail running spots and locations the world has to offer, handpicked for you by the experts at SportsShoes.com.

Want to learn more? Visit our Health and Wellbeing category to help look after your body, mind and personal safety with our expert advice and guidance.

Welcome to our SportsShoes Health & Wellbeing Hub! Look after your body, mind and personal safety with our expert advice and guidance.

Keen to learn more about fuelling for performance and adventures? Then check out our Nutrition category for more handy tips, advice and recipes.

Welcome to the SportsShoes Nutrition Hub! We’ve teamed up with the experts to bring you the very best advice on the best foods to fuel you and your adventures.

SportsShoes is committed to organising the most exciting and unique races, whether it's on the track, road or trail. Keen to find out more? Then check out our Races category for more information about events, latest news and results. Because it's no fun standing still.

Read the latest news about events and races organised by SportsShoes.com: From new race formats, record-breaking attempts, 5k and 10k up to marathon distances. We're excited to get your heart pumping on race day!

Want to find out more? We've been busy collecting all the latest tips & expert advice for marathon training and race days. Our Marathon category lets you experience real in-the-moment stories as we dive deeper into Q&A with athletes, kit reviews, nutritional advice and so much more!  

We've been busy collecting all the latest tips & expert advice for marathon training and race days. Our exclusive guide lets you experience real in-the-moment stories as we dive deeper into Q&A with top brands, exclusive SportsShoes reviews, nutrition advice and so much more!

Want to stay fit at home? Then visit our At Home category for live workouts and expert advice.

Staying fit and healthy at home can be challenging. At SportsShoes.com, we’ve got you covered with a full range of workouts you can do in the comfort of your own home.

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Light Speed Cap - SS24

Performance Visor - SS24

Do you need to light up your runs? Then check out our Petzl guide to choosing the right headtorch.

A Petzl Guide to choosing the right Headtorch

Over the winter months most of us will be running in the dark, which means if you want stay active you’ll need a headlamp, but which one? Weight, brightness, ease of use, cost, comfort and stability are all key factors when deciding which headlamp to buy. Fortunately, headlamps have come a long way in the past few years with Petzl continuing to be at the forefront of design and innovation.

When choosing a headlamp the facts and figures can be something of a minefield and it's not easy to wade through all the information and make a decision. If you don’t know your lumens from your beam pattern read on!

Brightness (or luminous flux) is the total quantity of light emitted from a source of light. It is expressed in lumens (lm) and is measured in the laboratory with a sphere. The higher the lamp's maximum lumen value, the more light it emits, e.g. 900 lumens is brighter than 400 lumens. 
The lumen value given by manufacturers is typically the maximum power output of that lamp, regardless of the length of time it actually produces this figure, this introduces us to the next key term.

This is the length of time your headlamp will produce usable light. For years manufacturers have been free to decide how to record and measure burn times as there is no International standard. Several years ago Petzl decided to define where they felt light output stopped being usable, as there were some crazy burn times being thrown around! 
Their baseline equated to the light given by a full moon, so once light output is lower than this they stop recording, even though the torch is still giving out some useable light. 

Brightness and burn time are two inextricably linked parameters of any headlamp. For a given quantity of energy, increasing the brightness automatically decreases burn time, and vice-versa. Most quality manufacturers will now indicate the lumen output and associated burn time for that output.

The activity you’re doing will also help you to decide:

Reading a book in your tent? A lower powered and typically longer burn time headlamp will be fine, night running on technical terrain? The brighter the better but this will usually have a shorter burn time! 

Deciding how bright you need your lamp and how long you need it to last is key to choosing the right lamp for you.

In addition to lumens and burn time the battery used in your headlamp has a big impact on performance, a battery with a higher output will be able to maintain higher lumens for a longer time. High lumen Petzl NAO+ features a 3100mAh battery for sustained use while the CORE battery has an output of 1250mAh, lighter weight and more than sufficient for use in the lower powered headlamps.

There are two types of power supply in Petzl headlamps: disposable or rechargeable batteries.

For frequent and intensive use Petzl rechargeable batteries offer :
• Simple universal charging via USB port
• Economical solution over time: 1 CORE battery = 900 AAA/LR03 batteries
• Smaller and lighter than the equivalent power from disposables e.g. 23 g CORE against 33 g for the three AAA/LR03 batteries
• Lithium-Ion batteries offer very low self-discharge rate and very high performance, even at low temperatures

For occasional use disposable AAA/LR03 batteries can be a better choice:
• No self-discharge: the batteries work even after a long period of non-use
• Very long storage time
• Can provide lower performance in cold conditions

The HYBRID Concept allows Petzl's new compact headlamps to run off both the CORE rechargeable battery or three AAA/LR03 batteries, without an adapter. A practical and flexible solution that allows the user to take advantage of each of these energy sources, depending on use. Compatible with all of our TIKKINA, TIKKA and ACTIK headlamps.

Beam pattern is a key factor in lamp selection. Be sure to select a beam pattern that works well for your chosen application. A flood beam is not suitable for distance vision in the mountains. In the same way, a focused beam won't work well for proximity vision or reading a map. 

Petzl  headlamps feature different beam patterns, in order to best suit the diverse needs of our users. These range from a flood beam for proximity vision, to a focused beam to see at a distance or probe a specific location.

This exclusive technology, developed by Petzl, uses a sensor to analyse reflected light, instantly delivering optimal brightness and beam pattern for the given situation. Burn time is optimized and the user can engage in his or her activity with peace of mind. 

Reactive lighting also has the benefit of optimising battery life, offering greater burn time for your lamp with the same battery.

REACTIVE LIGHTING lamps are designed especially for committing and intensive sports: no need to manually switch between modes; the user's hands are completely free, allowing complete focus on the activity.

Headlamps weighing much more than 200g generally feel cumbersome and uncomfortable for running, if you are moving quickly at night then you should be able to shake your head with no movement of the headlamp. 

Thinking about how you want the weight distributed is also important with two main designs; An ‘all in one’ unit with the light and battery at the front or a ‘split’ design with the light on the front and battery on the rear. There are advantages to both including how compact the headlamp feels and it’s balance on the head, much will depend on personal preference, comfort and the battery size needed.

So, what’s the best Petzl headlamp for you?

Urban Running: The IKO CORE with it’s even beam pattern and exceptional balance is ideal for urban running, for those lighter summer nights choose the 35g BINDI.

Trail Running: Weighing just 100g while producing 900 lumens and featuring Reactive Lighting SWIFT RL is a fantastic headlamp for the trail. 

Ultras: The NAO+ features a high capacity battery positioned on the rear of the head for good balance and long burn times, Reactive Lighting helps to extend the burn time and spare batteries are available.

Petzl headlamps have been in constant evolution for over 30 years. New technologies have allowed Petzl to invent and design headlamps that are ever more powerful, more lightweight, and more adapted to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts.

To ensure excellent performance and quality for each product, all Petzl headlamps undergo different mechanical, electrical and optical simulations during their development. These tests adhere to rigorous protocol, with requirements that significantly surpass those imposed by the common standards. 

Beyond laboratory tests, the first prototypes undergo numerous field tests, allowing true-condition verification of the ergonomics, the comfort of use, and the reliability of the headlamp over time. The product will receive final approval only after many months of development and testing.
Petzl does tests regarding lamp watertightness, mechanical strength of lamps (drop tests, impact and crushing), the mechanical durability of moving parts, vibration tests and finally the individual inspection of each lamp, in terms of manufacturing quality as well as lighting performance.

We take a look at the most popular race series in the UK and explain what parkrun is all about.

Established in 2004, parkrun is about to enter its 20th year!

parkrun events have been enjoyed by so many people across so many cultures in so many countries, so in celebration of its BIG birthday, we help to explain what the world's most popular and accessible race series is all about.

parkrun is a free community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. parkrun is always 5K in distance and takes place every Saturday morning. Junior parkrun is 2K, dedicated to 4-14 year olds and their families, every Sunday morning.

parkrun is positive, welcoming and inclusive, there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along.

Of course, it was a bit more low key at the beginning…the first ever event was in Bushy park, Teddington, UK, where 13 intrepid parkrunners got together on 2 October 2004. 

The volunteer team included Paul and Joanne Sinton-Hewitt, Duncan Gaskell, Simon Hedger and Robin Drummond. It took nearly two years before parkrun spread beyond Bushy. To begin with all results were collated on paper and the finish tokens were washers from the local hardware store! But eventually the technology ramped up and the parkrun registration and barcode result system was born. Now many hundreds of thousands of parkrunners are processed, websites updated and millions of emails sent each week. 

The parkrun community is growing all the time – but it’s all still based on the simple, basic principles formed from the start: weekly, free, 5K, for everyone, forever.

How does parkrun work and how do you sign up?

parkrun is free and you only need to register once whether walking, jogging, running, volunteering or a combination.

Click here if you have never previously registered with parkrun, this allows you to keep track of your parkrun journey. If you have registered previously and taken part in an event, there is no need to re-register. You’re welcome to go along and spectate at parkrun events without registering.

Unfortunately, parkrun is only for humans, so no dogs are allowed to run.

You’ve signed up, got your barcode and have picked your parkrun of choice. Good work!

There is no mandatory dress code at parkrun, you can wear whatever you feel most comfortable in – that could be shorts, tights, a comfy pair of jogging bottoms, or lycra. Anything that you feel comfortable walking, jogging or running 5K in.

On the day, aim to arrive 15-20 minutes before the start. parkruns start at 9:00am in England & Wales, and at 9:30am in Scotland & Northern Ireland.

Most parkruns have somewhere you can leave your belongings, but it’s always best to just bring the essentials and check with your local event if you have any specific questions.

You don’t have to sign-in or register on the day and you won’t need to do anything with your barcode until you’ve finished.

Around 10-15 minutes before parkrun starts, the majority of parkruns will then have a first-timers briefing.

This welcome briefing is specifically for anyone who is new to the event and gives you the opportunity to ask any questions.

The course will also be explained to you and you’ll get to meet other people taking part for the first time.

We know some people are more confident than others when it comes to crowds and meeting new people, so remember there’s no pressure at all to talk to anyone!

You are more than welcome to listen to music or do your own thing. Whatever makes you comfortable.

Then, the main briefing will take place. This is carried out by the Run Director, who will usually be wearing a black and white hi-vis vest, and generally takes place near the start of your parkrun.

Even if you’ve been before, it’s important to be quiet and listen to the briefing so you don’t miss any announcements or course changes, as well as the chance to celebrate milestones.

Then it’s time to start. The Run Director will usually count down from three, and then you’re off! It’s at this point that the timing starts.

As you make your way around the course, please don’t worry about being too slow or not being fit enough.

It’s absolutely fine to stop, only complete some of the course, walk-run, or walk the entire way – at parkrun there is no time limit. Literally, thousands of people walk every weekly. Every event has a volunteer Tail Walker, meaning nobody finishes last.

You also don’t need to memorise the course or carry a map! parkrun courses are signposted and there will be marshals along the route offering you encouragement and support.

There will likely be other people out using the park, such as dog walkers, so please do be mindful and accommodating we do share our wonderful open spaces with others during parkrun.

Middle-distance athlete Melissa Courtney sliced six-seconds off the previous female parkrun world record with a super-fast 15:31 at the Poole parkrun, held on Christmas Eve 2022 in Dorset.

The male record belongs to Andy Butchart, who ran a blistering time of 13:45 at the Cramond/Silverknowes course in Edinburgh on 24th June 2023.

The age graded record is *179.04% and belongs to the incredible Fauja Singh. He ran his first-ever parkrun in an amazing, unbelievable time of 38:34 at Valentines Park, in Ilford, Greater London, aged 101!

*This score is the ratio of your own finish time against the world record for your sex and age, expressed as a percentage. For example, if you take 40 minutes to complete a parkrun and the world record for your age and sex is 20 minutes, your age graded percentage score is 50%.

Bushy Park, Teddington, is both the oldest and the largest parkrun event in the UK, consistently getting over 1,000 participants and over 50 volunteers every week.

What are the fastest and slowest parkrun courses in the UK?

According to the Power of 10 website, Pegwell Bay, in Kent, is the fastest course in the UK and Great Yarmouth North Beach is the slowest.

Click here for the full list of UK parkruns, from fastest to slowest.

Unsurprisingly, the hilliest (and second slowest!) UK parkrun in the UK is Whinlatter Forest parkrun in Keswick, Lake District. Also one of the most scenic and beautiful courses, it features almost 200m of ascent and the overall course record of 16.19 is held by Keswick AC's John Battrick. The female record is shared by Emma Gould and Sarah McCormack who both recorded a time of 19:56 on 28th April 2018 (event number 15) and on 25th June 2022 (event number 150) respectively.

According to Athletics Weekly, unsurprisingly, Great Yarmouth North Beach is considered the toughest parkrun, with Woolacombe Dunes in second, just in front of Whinlatter Forest parkrun (the hilliest). There's a reason this parkrun is tough... the sand and...the dune of doom!

What is the most beautiful/scenic parkrun in the UK?

It's difficult to find a clear and definitive winner as everyone’s experience of an event is subjective.

However, Countryfile reveals 10 of our favourite rural Parkruns, courses that not only deliver on community spirit and inclusivity but also on spectacular scenery. 

Then what are you waiting for? Why not lace up your shoes and find a parkrun near you!

Click here to view the full list of parkrun events.

Click here to view the full list of junior parkrun events.

Hosted by Oli Lum & Matt Seddon, the Sunday Plodcast gives you a weekly insight into the lives of top distance runners and coaches.

The Sunday Plodcast: Presented by SportsShoes

The Sunday Plodcast, presented by SportsShoes and hosted by Oli Lum & Matt Seddon, is the running podcast dedicated to getting you through that Sunday Plod. 

Whether you’re listening pre, during, or post run; it doesn’t really matter. We aim to raise the profile of elite distance running by providing our listeners with insights into the lives and training of top athletes and coaches, along with discussions around current news and trends within the sport. 

For this bonus episode, we've wrapped up some of the latest stories in the sport going into the Christmas period, as well as giving you a preview of what's to come in Season 4 of The Sunday Plodcast. Enjoy! 

For this bonus episode, we talked through all the action from the Liverpool X Challenge and European XC Trials. With the British Team having just been announced, we chatted through the teams on both the Men's and Women's side, as well as the races themselves. Enjoy! 

For this bonus episode, we previewed all the action for this Saturday's British Athletics Cross Challenge and European Trials event in Sefton Park, Liverpool. We talked through our predictions for the top 5 spots in both the men's and women's races. Enjoy!

adidas Global Running Category Director, JT Newcomb, tells us all we need to know about the new adidas Supernova Rise.

adidas Supernova Rise: Q&A with JT Newcomb

SHOP ALL ADIDAS SUPERNOVA RISE RUNNING SHOES HERE

Hi JT! We're very excited about this latest shoe release! Let's start by asking the most important question - What type of runner is the Supernova Rise aimed at? 

The Supernova Rise has been developed with performance running technologies that have been reimagined to provide unparalleled comfort, enabling everyday runners to stay focused and free from distractions during their everyday runs.  adidas designed these shoes for people who run at any pace as part of their routine – running to make their lives better, without necessarily training to become faster.

Where does it fit into the Supernova franchise and the wider adidas running shoe range?

Supernova Rise is just one of three new silhouettes brought to everyday runners via the revamped franchise and has been designed to deliver maximum comfort. 

With regards to where the Supernova franchise sits within the full adidas running portfolio – these new shoes are for everyday runners specifically and complement our other offerings, such as the Adizero range which offers a suite of running shoes designed for racing and training to race. 

Something we’re incredibly proud of is being able to cater to all types of runners with our full running portfolio depending on the use case and individual preferences and product needs. 

Can you tell us about any new technologies used and how does it differ from its predecessors in the Supernova franchise?

The revamped Supernova franchise features a host of exciting new technologies designed to harmonize comfort and support for everyday runners. However, there are three key new features that stand out.

The first is Dreamstrike+, a new midsole foam that takes inspiration from LIGHTSTRIKE PRO, the midsole material utilized across the record-breaking Adizero franchise, but tuned to the specific comfort needs of everyday running. To provide runners with a tailored comfort offering suited to their own needs, the material forms the entirety of the midsole on Supernova Rise and Supernova Solution, whilst on the Supernova Stride model, it is positioned in the forefoot region alongside an EVA compound midsole.

In the Supernova Rise and Supernova Solution models, the Dreamstrike+ midsole is complemented by a Support Rod System, the second key innovation brought to the franchise. Inspired by the physiology of the foot in motion, this new technology is embedded in the outsole to grant harmonized support and transition, as well as stability where it is needed. The Support Rod System in Supernova Solution slightly differs from that featured in the SUPERNOVA RISE, with the two middle rods splinted together to offer a higher level of support for runners who seek it.   

And, finally, is the Comfort Heel Fit. Using a combination of cushioning foam and soft textile designed for maximum comfort and support, the Comfort Heel Fit is expertly crafted to ensure that all runners’ needs are accommodated.

What challenges and barriers did you face when revamping the franchise?

As is the case when developing any products, there are always challenges along the way. Creating a great shoe that offers everyday runners exactly what they need is not easy and from experience, we have learnt that developing a shoe like this requires both scientific and artistic input to ensure all components worth together seamlessly.

In the case of developing the revamped Supernova franchise, the main challenge we faced was achieving perfect balance - we weren’t aiming to provide a single stand-alone benefit from the product. Providing only great comfort, or just perfect fit, or support wasn’t enough. Our goal was to create exceptional running shoes that offer all three of these benefits because from research, these were most important to everyday runners.

Whilst the journey to achieve this wasn’t easy, we are incredibly pleased with what the three silhouettes provide everyday runners – maximum comfort to help them be distraction-free.

Please can you tell us about the research, testing and development that went into this shoe. How long did the whole process take and how many people were involved?

Research, testing and development underpins every product we create here at adidas – all three elements are critical throughout the journey of bringing a concept to reality as they allow us to truly create products that provide consumers with exactly what they require. 

In the case of the Supernova, the Product and Design teams utilised research we conducted with 1,300 female runners which revealed harmonizing comfort and support to be the most important criteria for everyday runners when selection a running shoe. But we also tapped into our heritage. We have 75 years of experience in making only the best products for all athletes, and so we were able to assess cutting-edge technology from other adidas Running franchises and apply it to the new SUPERNOVA silhouettes.

Our goal was to create a shoe that provides unparalleled comfort, fit, and stability for everyday runners and I’m incredibly proud that we’ve done exactly that.

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