
I road tested seven pairs of running trainers – these are the best I found for beginners wanting to train for a marathon
WITH the London Marathon kicking off running season last weekend, Brits are turning to Stava in their thousands.
More than 840k people applied to run the London Marathon - smashing all previous records - with new research saying 25 per cent of us now run at least once a week.
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And whether you're doing couch to 5k or going for an ultra, it's no secret when it comes to running, the most important piece of kit you need is good shoes.
When I started training for my first half marathon six months ago, I found the idea of investing over £100 in a pair of running trainers pretty daunting.
There seemed to be so many things to consider - and no shortage of choice when it came to what to buy.
While I'd previously only ever bought shoes based on aesthetics, I knew in order to run 21k I needed to be focusing on comfort over anything else.
So on behalf of all beginner runners, I've road tested seven of the new models to see which are worth the money.
BROOKS
Brooks are a brand I've seen lots of people wearing over the past few months - and while they come in at the higher end when it comes to pricing, I could feel a real difference in bounciness when I hit the pavements.
I road tested the Glycerin GTS 22 which cost £165 to start.
These trainers are built for road running which makes them a great choice when it comes to city marathons.
Buy now - Glycerin GTS 22
The sole is cushioned with tuned nitrogen in the midsole which makes impact less sharp. I really noticed the difference on my knees with long-distance in these trainers, with the usual 12 km pain coming in a later and less aggressively.
I found the sizing of these slightly on the small size and had to go up by half a size as they did start to nip on the toes by the end.
I also loved the look of them and had no end on compliments when I turned up at run club in them.
RATING: 4.5/5
Next up I tried the Gylcerin Max - an even more elite model from Brooks.
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BUY NOW - Gylcerin Max
These shoes cost £180 and are ultra futuristic looking with an overly thick sole and elevated toe and heel.
While theses shoes were super bouncy and light to run in, I found them too stiff around the ankle which made long distances tricky.
RATING: 4/5
SALOMON
While their shoes have become somewhat of a fashion statement of late, Salomon remain one of the best running shoe makers on the market.
Their Genesis running shoes are designed to run on literally any surface. I wore these both on a trail run and on the road - 10km test run for each - and found them to be super comfy on both.
The trainers are durable with a high-grip outsole meaning you never feel like your slipping and they are cushioned enough to run over rocky surfaces too.
I'd also recommend on sizing up on these as they nipped a bit at the base of the laces after a few miles.
RATING 4.5/5
MERRELL
I found the Merrell Agility Peak trainers a great alternative to the Salomon Genesis - at exactly the same price.
Slightly less bulky, these shoes feel super lightweight but have serious grip for running on slippery surfaces.
What I love about this option is you can add GORE-TEX finishing to them to make them totally waterproof.
They also feel roomier than any of the other models, allowing for thicker socks in cooler temperatures.
The design is also one of my favourites - and I've worn them socially several times too.
Tips to prevent running injuries
Anya Culling is one of the UK's fastest female marathon runners. Here, the LuLu Lemon athlete gives her top tips for avoiding injury while training...
Build a strong base before diving into a training block.
If you've got 16 weeks before a race, I recommend using the first 4 weeks to build solid foundations. This phase is all about prepping your body for the workload to come. Personally, I do most of my strength and conditioning work before I start focused race training. I hit the gym with lots of compound lifts (think squats, deadlifts, lunges) and work on fixing any imbalances or weaknesses. That way, once I transition into a higher running load, my body is ready to handle it - and I can ease off the gym work when my running increases which means less gym DOMS during peak running weeks!
2. Embrace easy runs - and make sure they're actually easy.
Easy runs are your secret weapon for staying injury-free. They should feel comfortable, conversational, and leave you feeling better than when you started. Keep your heart rate low, don't chase pace, and let these runs help your muscles recover and adapt. An easy run shouldn't increase your fatigue.
3. Progress your running slowly - in both mileage and intensity.
This is where a lot of people trip up. The body needs time to adapt to new stress, so avoid the temptation to make big jumps in mileage or start smashing interval workouts too soon. A good rule of thumb is the 10% rule - don't increase your weekly mileage by more than 10% week to week. e.g. if you can comfortably run 10km per week, next week run no more than 12km. And only once you are comfortable with the mileage would I advise increasing intensity like speed sessions.
4. Don't skip your rest days - they're where the real magic happens.
Training stresses your body, but it's during rest that you actually absorb the gains and adapt. Skipping rest days or filling them with 'junk miles' can lead to fatigue building up, eventually tipping into injury as your body can't recover. Prioritise sleep, stay well-hydrated, and use rest days to really listen to your body. A day off when you're feeling run down is an investment in your next few weeks of training.
5. Focus on your running form - small tweaks can make a big difference.
Good form helps you move more efficiently, reduces unnecessary strain on joints, and can be the difference between feeling smooth or struggling through runs. You don't need to overhaul everything, but being aware of posture, cadence, and stride length goes a long way. I like to remind myself to stand just 1cm taller which automatically makes me feel lighter on my feet, keep my arms relaxed, and focus on a quick cadence (around 170–180 steps per minute is a good benchmark for most) - this helps avoid over striding so you land below the weight of your body on the balls of your feet.
6. Consistency is king (Queen)
This might be the biggest one. The best training isn't about having a handful of amazing workouts - it's about stacking solid sessions week after week. I always say aim for consistent B+workouts rather rather than occasional A* efforts that leave you wrecked. Training smart means leaving a bit in the tank, so you can recover and show up again tomorrow, the next day, and the day after that.
SAUCONY X SWEATY BETTY
If there's one thing Sweaty Betty nail with their sportswear, it's style and comfort.
And their new trainer in collaboration with Saucony is no different.
I love both the design and fit of their new trainer collaboration, which comes in a white and pink design or a baby blue.
And at £130 it's one of the lower price points for an elite shoe model.
The trainers have a high heel collar foam to support the foot as well as breathable mesh which keeps things airy on long runs.
They are much lighters than some of the beefier models but with plenty of bounce - they were also probably the comfiest, alongside Hoka.
HOKA
I was seriously impressed with the Bondi 9 from Hoka, which come in at £160.
These trainers are designed for road running and have a thick and bouncy midsole which makes it feel like you're running on marshmallows.
I also loved the added cushioning around the ankle which gave much needed extra support on longer runs.
The sturdy build and design makes me think these shoes would last a long time, and I'm keen to see how they feel in a few months after a few hundred more miles in them.
RATING 5/5
STARBUY: ASICS Novablast 4
Coming in as the cheapest model at just £94 - reduced from £135 - the Asics Novablast 4 are my star buy.
These shoes are super lightweight, keeping that heavy legs feeling at bay for much longer.
I've run over 500km in mine this year alone and they still feel like they have several hundred left in them.
While the colour schemes are quite bold, I cannot fault these running shoes on comfort.
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Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
'I bought fish and chips in popular UK city - Brits were stunned to see the price'
A woman has shared a clip of her chippy tea that she bought in the city of Liverpool, and fellow Brits were left gobsmacked by the price of the traditional dish A woman's pricey fish and chips order from her local chip shop has left online onlookers bewildered. Suzanna, who goes by the TikTok handle @suzannatravelsolo, usually shares content about her travel escapades and recently showcased a classic British dinner. On a visit to her preferred chippy, Suzanna was rather taken with what she found, though the cost of the meal raised eyebrows amongst her audience. She opted for a small serving of fish, accompanying chips, and mushy peas, inviting her followers to divulge the going rate for such a meal in their areas. Additionally, she requested some curry sauce and a bottle of Dandelion and Burdock, followed by the quintessential sprinkling of salt and vinegar before digging in, reports the Mirror. Suzanna queried: "So, how much is fish and chips where you live? We've done this debate before. This was £14 for this, and also I got some bread and butter and a battered sausage, because, you know, I haven't been to the chippy for a long time." Brandishing the meal consisting merely of the fish, chips, and mushy peas, she remarked: "£14 for that." She then prompted her followers to converse on the prices in their locales, especially curious about how it compares to Liverpool's rates. The response to Suzanna's clip included one person commiserating: "£15 last time I had it in SE London." Another shared: "Yorkshire Dales £9.50 fish and chips, £1.30 tea cake, mushy peas £1.70, battered sausage £3.05. Yours looks delicious and a big portion too!" One person responded: "City centre prices are always a bit more expensive, but you can't beat a chippy tea in Liverpool. Couldn't do it without curry sauce, so I'm with you on that one." Another added their two cents, stating: "Kent £10." This was followed by someone else who noted: "£15 for cod and chips near where I'm staying." In the midst of the discussion, Suzanna was attempting to ascertain whether the quoted prices included sides as well, aiming to understand the true extent of the price variations, although it's widely acknowledged that the cost of this beloved dish has soared recently. Reports indicate that the average cost for a regular serving of fish and chips across the UK is approximately £9.88, though there's considerable fluctuation depending on location, with London notorious for the steepest prices, reaching up to £22.50 for a larger portion. Conversely, in West Yorkshire, you might find yourself able to indulge in the cherished dish for a mere £6.70 for a smaller serving. It's worth noting, however, that serving sizes can differ significantly, with some establishments offering up to 12oz of fish and 20oz of chips in a 'regular' portion. It's important to mention that the cost of both cod and haddock has surged by 75% over the past year due to supply chain issues and international events such as the conflict in Ukraine. Despite the potential impact on consumers' wallets, it seems the British appetite for fish and chips remains undiminished. On average, a standard order of cod and chips will set you back about £10.92, while opting for haddock and chips typically costs a tad more at £11.13. Meanwhile, smaller meal portions typically range from £5 to £8, while larger servings could cost you around £11. If you're seeking premium fish and chips, the price can fluctuate anywhere between £25 to £80.


Telegraph
7 hours ago
- Telegraph
The best running vests and hydration packs, tested by a marathon runner
This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service. Have you been left red-faced and parched after a long run because you didn't have anywhere to stash a water bottle, or spent miles lugging one around in your hand instead? Then a running vest will make a world of difference to your next long-distance outing. This small, close-fitting piece of apparel helps you stay hydrated on a run by concealing soft water bottles and larger water bladders within its many pockets. You can pay anything from £30 to £180 for one of these vests from sports or outdoors brands such as Arcteryx, CamelBak and Salomon. The myriad pockets built into the vests can also be used to stash your phone, extra layers, waterproofs, protein bars or any first aid bits you may want to take with you. Many come with a whistle so you can attract attention if you fall. The best running vests: At a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS How to choose the best running vest First, you should consider your run length and how much you have to carry on the trot. For shorter runs that are under an hour or around 10k, you'll probably only need a small vest with two litres capacity. You may need up to 10 litres for longer runs, or more if you're tackling an ultra-marathon. Also, consider what other things you'll want to carry besides water. How much space will you need for energy gels, electrolytes, extra layers, a phone, head torch or other gear? Make sure you get a hydration vest with enough space for everything, but don't get sucked into buying one that's more complicated than you need because extra capacity usually means extra weight. You should also consider your typical terrain; simple road runs usually mean a lighter, minimalist vest works best but if you're running on trails then you may want trekking pole keepers and a whistle for safety. How we tested running vests I'm the author of Running: Cheaper than Therapy and The Runner's Code. I've been a committed runner for 25 years and I've taken part in nearly 200 running events, including four marathons, so I was able to test these vests on a number of outings of varying lengths. A good running vest will make you forget you're even wearing one, and I wore these vests everywhere. From super-pacey 5k dashes to interval runs, 20 milers and everything in between, I ran on smooth pavements in town centres and rocky, hilly trails in the countryside, paying close attention to how well the vests stayed in place, plus how much friction and other irritations they produced. I also took note of how intuitive all the features were. Could I put the vest straight on, load it up and head out? Or would I need to fiddle around with it or scratch my head to find out how it all worked? How easy was it to fill with water and did they leak? Finally, was the sizing accurate? I often get thirsty and hungry when I'm running, so I was keen to test out how much I could stash in the vests to keep myself satiated. Long runs on hot days get sweaty, so I kept note of how well each vest wicked away moisture, too. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The Best running vests of 2025 1. Best Buy Running Vest: Rab Veil 12L Lightweight Running Vest Score: 10/10 We like: The surprising lightness We don't like: The complicated fit system This is one of the more expensive vests on the market, so I couldn't wait to find out if it lived up to its price tag. Spoiler alert: it did. Almost every detail of this garment smacks of top quality. This versatile vest will be a good friend to you whatever distance, pace and surface you run on. It's unbelievably comfortable and fits like a dream. The Mono Mesh Chassis, which is Rab's specialised, translucent mesh, gave me real support, eliminated bounce and hugged nicely to my torso. As well as being comfortable, it's brilliantly practical. I found that the larger volume and bountiful back compartment could fit everything I needed for my training runs and would fit anything I'd need for an event of any distance. A big sales point for running vests in general is that they help you drink or eat without having to stop. So it was important that with this vest, which has more than a dozen pockets, I was able to grab everything I needed without breaking pace. Through hour after hour of running, this remained as comfortable as ever. If you want a vest that will serve you equally well over a short morning jog or a long mountain adventure, this is the one for you. Key specifications: 2. Best Value Running Vest: Harrier Kinder 10L This feels like it's been made by someone who is passionate about running vests, as almost every detail has been well thought out. The stretchy and lightweight fabric is smooth and soft wherever it touches your skin, making it more comfortable than the other running vests I tested. The chest straps are easily adjustable, with silicone grippers for when your hands get sweaty, and it has handy long tabs on the zips. There's no bounce from the packs even when you pick up speed, either. It has no less than 12 storage compartments, including a large back compartment, large zipped mesh side pockets, a zipped phone pocket and inside pockets. There are plenty of places to stash snacks, but the only downside was that the front pockets were a little too tight to fit my water bottles easily. This vest is good for tougher or longer runs where you'll need more supplies, or for battling difficult weather conditions. It's a simple but brilliant running vest and excellent value for its price tag. Key specifications Volume: 10 litres Weight: 230g Soft flask: Compatible but not included Bladder friendly: Yes 3. Best Running Vest for Comfort: Salomon ADV Skin 12 Running vests have so many technical features these days that it's easy for us to lose sight of the most fundamental quality that brands need to get right: comfort. No one wants their vest bouncing around, weighing them down on a long run or giving them a sweaty back. Salomon is a brand known for comfort; the ADV Skin vest has been the jewel in its crown and this latest iteration has been fine-tuned for distance running. The user-friendly 'quickLINK' system on the front of the vest helped make it a cosy fit for me, and putting this on felt more like getting a comforting hug than being strapped into a product. The vest had the best weight distribution of those I tested too, thanks to its innovative mix of stretch and supportive fabrics, with neat shoulder straps. Even as I ran fast along tricky trails, I hardly knew it was there. It comes with two Hydrapak bottles included, which are strong and resilient with a flat back that means they lie comfortably against your chest. There are fewer pockets than on previous models, but I found that there was still enough space to hold food for even the hungriest of harriers, which didn't detract from the feeling of luxury even when at their most rammed. I took this out on long outings and never got even a hint of chafing or any other discomfort. Once I worked out which pocket was best for different bits and pieces I found this the easiest to use of the lot. Bravo. Key specifications 4. Best Running Vest for Racing: North Face Summit Run Vest 5 This is very much a vest for race day. It's basically as stripped back as it can be, making it ideal for those who want to keep items they're carrying to a minimum. It would also be another decent entry choice for people who are new to running vests. It's the simplest vest I tried out; it's easy to slip on and secure the adjustable compression straps make it a stable fit. I found there was no annoying bounce and, like a good football referee, it did its job so well that I hardly knew it was there. I ran in it on particularly warm days and the 'FlashDry' fabric wicked away my sweat like a dream, keeping me cool and dry. the breathable back panel made long runs extra comfortable as I didn't get the build-up of sweat that some models produce. When I tried it on night-time runs the reflective features helped me to feel more safe. It's got a secure-zip chest pocket and several storage compartments, and everything I put in them from keys to food packs stayed in place, even on more hilly and bumpy terrains. I wasn't completely sold on the colour scheme however, which makes it look like parts of the garment have faded and the sides can easily become twisty if you're not paying attention as you put the vest on. But this is a popular brand and the more I ran in it, the more I could see why. Key specifications Volume: One litre Weight: 9oz Soft flask compatible: Yes and included Bladder friendly: Yes 5. Best Running Vest for Specialists: Arcteryx Norvan 7 This is a deceptive vest: my first impression when it arrived was that this was a simple garment, but as I fiddled around with it, I realised that it's actually quite complex. Nerdy runners who enjoy fussy details in their vests would have a field day, but people who just want to crack on might not enjoy it so much. There seems to be no end to the various cords, attachment points, loops and hooks, so yes, you can get a precise fit with this, but you'll need to experiment at length to achieve it. In addition to the front and interior pockets, there are two huge 'dump pockets' at the back, with enough room to carry plenty more gear, including large garments. The 500ml flasks are easy to grab, good quality and come with a no-leak guarantee. Everything stayed in place when I took it out, even when I'd loaded it up with plenty of gear. This breathable mesh vest also kept me cool, so it would also work for long distance summer treks. Time will tell, but this felt like the most durable of the garments I tested. For people who put the miles in on unforgiving surfaces, this one will probably be a friend to you for longer than most of its rivals. Key specifications Volume: One litre Weight: 20.5g Soft flask compatible: Yes Bladder friendly: Yes but not provided 6. Best Running Vest for Beginners: MP Hydration Vest Although it's branded for long-distance runs, this vest felt much better suited for shorter outings because its durable water repellent coating, spacer-mesh lining (a double-layer of mesh) and other details combined to make it one of the thicker and warmer garments I tested. It also seemed a touch large for its sizing. That aside, this was certainly the most simple and intuitive vest I tried. I put it straight on and knew right away what went where and how all the features worked. Despite the sizing issue, it was a comfortable vest to run in and there was absolutely no chafing from it, even when I took it out on a hot 12-miler. It includes two hydration pockets at the front that are designed to fit 500ml bottles and there's space for a two litre water bladder around the back. There's plenty of storage space for anything I wanted to take on outings of any distance – snacks, gels, phone, keys and water bottles. It didn't feel at all heavy, even when I packed it full of gear. The reflective logo helped me stay more visible on evening runs, too. Definitely a good option for your first running vest purchase. Key specifications Volume: Two litres Weight: Not specified Soft flask compatible: Yes but not included Bladder friendly: Yes 7. Best Running Vest for Trail Running: Osprey Duro LT The first thing I noticed was the design. It's easy to say appearances don't matter but most of us prefer to look good, and this design is a class apart. It's also worth noting that it's made with 100 per cent recycled materials. It has plenty of pocket space for flasks, nutrition and any other gear you might reasonably want to carry. The extra-large stretch mesh soft flask and food harness pockets were good for being on the go, even when I went on fast and bumpy runs they kept everything in place against all odds. On the negative side, the vest wasn't the easiest to secure at the front. At the back, there's a single pass-through pocket that can be accessed from either side. It worked pretty well when I used it to store extra garments but wasn't so great for more solid items as they were prone to moving around. The contact surface is comfortable, with a narrow spacer-mesh that rested against my torso and drew the moisture away. It is also extra ventilated which meant my lower back, where I often get sweaty, was more comfortable than usual. I'd say this vest is a good in-betweener for modest trail distances that let you carry plenty without being weighed down by the full-on weight of a traditional vest. Key specifications 8. Best Running Vest for Speed or Long Runs: Camelbak Dart Hydration Pack If any brand is going to reach Hoover-level name recognition in the running vest world, it's Camelbak. It's name has become synonymous with the garments and helped make rear-mounted hydration packs the norm. Firstly, this vest gives you a snug and unobtrusive fit. I tested it at every speed I could manage and it remained comfortable. It's breathable and would be great for reasonably pacey outings over medium-to-long distances. Its tube trap was good at holding the bite valve in place between sips. It also has convenient side pockets, though there isn't a great deal of storage space for non-liquid items unless you remove the reservoir. And why would you want to do that, when it's probably this vest's most significant feature? The main drawback is that the reservoir is difficult to use and it leaked all over me on my first two outings. I've noticed from customer reviews that I'm not the only one that's had a drenching, so a more intuitive system to close the unit would be good in future models. Key specifications Running Vest FAQs Are hydration vests good for running? Yes, they allow you to carry plenty of liquid and other items, including phones, extra layers and snacks. Is a hydration vest better than a running belt? Yes, in the sense that they allow you to store much more liquid and other items. What size hydration vest do I need for my runs? The sizing is fairly similar to running t-shirts but consult the sizing guide for each product.

South Wales Argus
7 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Emma Raducanu enjoys dream doubles start at Queen's
The 22-year-old teamed up with British No.1 Katie Boulter to down Xinju Jiang and Fang-Hsien Wu 6-4 6-2 in the first round of the LTA's HSBC Championships. It is the first time the duo have teamed up to play together, with Raducanu's only previous doubles experience being with Clara Tauson in the opening round of the 2022 Washington Open. Raducanu admitted that she is relishing the opportunity to take to the court once more with Boulter after a first taste of victory in the format brushed off any initial nerves. "I was very nervous before the match, I don't know if Katie could tell but I was probably more nervous than singles because I didn't necessarily know what to do," she said. "I'm really happy once we got out there. Katie made me feel so comfortable and I'm pleased to get a win on the court." The duo got off to a speedy start, immediately breaking their opponents in what looked like the beginning of a dominant performance. Jiang and Wu later broke back and levelled the score to four games all but the British pair held and surged ahead once more to take the set. The pair once again found their form in the second and won three games in a row to take the lead. It meant that they were left to serve for the match and wrapped up their maiden doubles appearance together in style, sealing their spot in the second round. The tournament marked the first time since 1973 that a women's event has been held at the Queen's Club, and Boulter and Raducanu were the first Brits to grace the courts in West Kensington. Raducanu had already tempered expectations coming into the tournament, citing back issues which have hampered her grass court preparation, but shook off any doubts with an opening victory. "It was good to test it out and see how it went in the match," she said. "Hopefully it stays in good shape for tomorrow." Taking to Court One on their Queen's debut, Raducanu also noted how personal it felt to be close to the British crowd, including a memorable fan and player conversation mid-match. "Sometimes on the smaller courts you get a better feel for the atmosphere and the environment because it's mor intimate," she said. "I love playing on those courts as the crowd get into it. "I was filling my bottle up and ended up having a chat in the stands because that's how close it is." For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website