Your training shoes can be your best friend, or your biggest problem.
The easy early miles are behind you, and the distances ahead are going to ask a bit more of your body. That means the kit you're running in starts to matter a lot more than it did on week one. So before the long runs really ramp up, let's look at what matters now, and why getting it right early makes the whole journey easier.
Not every run needs to feel fast.
Most of your training miles won't be race pace. They'll be easy runs, recovery runs, mid-week plods where the goal is simply to get the miles in and come home feeling okay. That's what an everyday training shoe is built for, and it's doing a very different job to the shoe you might wear on race day.
Where a race shoe is designed to feel fast and responsive, an everyday trainer is designed to keep you comfortable over weeks and months of repeated use. More cushioning underfoot to absorb the impact of longer miles. Enough structure to support your foot. Durable materials that won't break down after a handful of runs.
So what should you actually look for?
Sportsshoes stocks a wide range of running shoes, from cushioned everyday trainers like the ASICS Gel-Nimbus and HOKA Clifton to race-day options like the Nike Vaporfly and ASICS Metaspeed, making it easier to compare different styles once you know what your training actually needs.
- Cushioning matters once the miles build up. The longer your runs get, the more your joints feel the impact, and a well-cushioned shoe takes some of that pressure off.
- Leave a bit of room in the toe box. Your feet naturally swell on longer runs, so shoes that feel slightly roomy at the start usually work better over distance.
- Your everyday trainers are going to take a beating over the next few months. So durability is worth paying attention to from the start. Most running shoes last somewhere around 300-500 miles, and your training mileage will add up quickly.
Remember, marathon training changes your relationship with your shoes a bit. A good training shoe should still feel comfortable after 90 minutes on your feet, not just the first five kilometres.
Why runners rotate their shoes during training
You don't need a huge shoe collection to benefit from shoe rotation. Even switching between two pairs can make a real difference to how your training feels over the coming weeks.
Different runs place different demands on your body. A well-cushioned trainer absorbs impact well over longer distances, but that same cushioning can feel sluggish when you're trying to move at a quicker pace. A lighter, more responsive shoe works well for faster sessions, but won't give your legs the same recovery on back-to-back training days.
Did you know… Foam needs time to decompress after a run. Wearing the same pair every day doesn't give it that chance, which means the cushioning breaks down faster and the shoe wears out sooner. If you're building a simple two-shoe rotation for marathon training, Sportsshoes has options for both everyday mileage and faster sessions.
As a rule of thumb:
- Long runs and easy miles - a cushioned everyday trainer with plenty of support underfoot.
- Tempo runs and faster sessions - something lighter and more responsive that lets you find your pace without feeling weighed down.
The rest of your training kit matters too
Despite the name, Sportsshoes offers a range of other race day essentials. As Europe’s #1 performance retailer, they’re here to support every step of the way.
Shorts and leggings
Chafing is one of the most common issues runners face as their long runs get longer, and most of it comes down to kit.
For longer runs, look for shorts or leggings with flatlock seams, a secure waistband that won't roll or dig in, and fabric that moves with your stride rather than against it. Fit matters more over distance, so it's worth testing kit properly before your event.
T-shirts and vests
Cotton holds moisture, on a longer training run that’s not ideal, or comfortable. Moisture-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from the body and dries quickly, which keeps you more comfortable for longer. If you're planning to race in a specific top or vest, start training in it now. Race day is never the moment to find out a seam sits awkwardly on your shoulder.
Socks
Running-specific socks will be your saviour on the day. Blister prevention starts with socks as much as shoes. They’re ideal with helping to manage moisture, reduce friction, and fit closely enough that they don't bunch or slip inside the shoe.
Hats and accessories
Training through the seasons means conditions change day by day. A lightweight running cap handles sun and light rain without slowing you down.
For longer sessions, a running belt or vest keeps your hands free and means you're not relying on finding water on route. And trust us, anti-chafe products like Body Glide are worth keeping in your kit bag.
Building a training setup that works for you
There's no perfect setup that works for every runner. Foot shape, running style, the surfaces you train on, how your body responds to mileage, all of it varies, and what works brilliantly for one person won't necessarily work for another.
Training is the right time to be testing your shoes, your socks and your long distance kit over the next few weeks. Comfort and consistency matter just as much as pace during a training block. A runner who feels good in their kit is a runner who keeps showing up, week after week, and that's what gets you to race day in good shape.
Get the basics right now, and the rest of the journey becomes a whole lot easier.
Kit up with realbuzz Perks
If you're starting to think about your training shoes or refreshing your kit ahead of the next few months, get a 15% discount at Sportsshoes through realbuzz Perks (T+Cs apply).
From everyday trainers to long-run essentials, now's a good time to start testing what works for you before the bigger mileage weeks arrive.
Already have a realbuzz account?
Want access to exclusive Perks?
