How The Right Running Shoes Can Boost Your Performance?

Ever wondered why some runners have more than one pair of shoes in rotation? It’s not just about matching their outfit — different shoes are built for different purposes, and the right one can actually help you run better, faster, and safer.

Think of it like this: you wouldn’t use the same bike for mountain trails and road racing, right? Running shoes work the same way. There are three main types you’ll hear about: daily trainers, super trainers, and race day shoes. Let’s break them down.

These are your bread-and-butter shoes. The ones you grab for easy runs, long runs, or when you’re just heading out the door and don’t want to think too hard. They’re built to last, comfortable, and keep your legs happy as you pile on the kilometres.

If you need extra support, there are great moderate options like the Saucony Hurricane, Brooks Adrenaline GTS, Mizuno Wave Inspire, New Balance 860 v14, and Asics Kayano 32.

If you prefer a softer, more neutral feel, go for models like the Asics Nimbus, Brooks Glycerin, Mizuno Wave Sky, New Balance 880, or Saucony Triumph.

Bottom line: daily trainers are about consistency. They protect your legs, help you log the bulk of your mileage, and make sure you’re ready for the “fun shoes” on other days.

Super trainer is an awesome addition that helps everyone join the “Super Shoe” Club. Super trainers are like a halfway point between your trusty daily trainers and those flashy race day rockets. They usually have a nylon plate (so they’re more flexible than carbon) and a bit more foam underfoot, especially in the heel. That makes them forgiving when your technique starts to fade late in a run.

They’re perfect for tempo runs, longer sessions where you want to push the pace, or even as a safer option on race day if you’re not ready for carbon plates.

Some great picks are:

• Asics Superblast, Novablast
• New Balance SuperComp Trainer
• Brooks Hyperion Max 3
• Nike Zoom Fly 6, Invincible 3
• Mizuno Neo Vista
• Saucony Endorphin Speed

Think of super trainers as your gateway to performance shoes. They’ll give you that extra spring without punishing your legs if you can’t hold perfect form from start to finish.

Here’s where things get spicy. Race day shoes are the ones you see on elites chasing down records. They’ve got stiff carbon plates, super lightweight foams, and aggressive rocker shapes designed to propel you forward.

But here’s the catch: to get the most out of them, you need strong technique. They’re stiff, and they’re built for runners who can land and push off through the midfoot with control. If you’re not ready, they can feel unstable and even increase injury risk.

Popular models include:

• Nike Alphafly, Vaporfly
• Asics Metaspeed Edge, Metaspeed Sky
• Brooks Hyperion Elite
• New Balance SuperComp Elite
• Saucony Endorphin Elite, Endorphin Pro
• Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro

One more thing: performance shoes (super trainers + race day shoes) are almost always neutral. That means if you normally run in a supportive shoe, you’ll want to be careful and use these sparingly. They should make up just a small part of your training, not your whole rotation.

Daily trainers keep you consistent, super trainers let you train fast with forgiveness, and carbon race day shoes unleash pure speed when you’re ready to perform. The right mix of shoes not only helps improve performance but also keeps you running stronger, longer, and injury-free.

Every runner moves differently — which is why we offer free gait analysis to make sure you’re in the right shoe for your running style. Whether you need support, prefer a cushioned neutral model, or you’re ready to dip your toes into the world of performance shoes, we’ll help you find the perfect fit.