Everyone knows an army marches on its feet, and so do runners. Let’s go!

LA SPORTIVA VK BOA

£145 lasportiva.com/gb Tester Laura F

It’s not often you have to look at instructions before putting on a pair of running shoes. But the La Sportiva VK Boa required just that thanks to their lacing mechanism (the Boa Fit System), with which you tighten and loosen the lace (singular) via a dial. It promises an improved fit and definitely delivered on that. The lightweight, sock-like upper of the shoe fits snugly around the foot. Designed with vertical kilometres in mind, this is a shoe at home in the mountains, but offers a good alternative to cross country spikes in winter. The sole is fairly minimal so you can feel the ground beneath your feet, but offers good grip.

HOKA ONE ONE Stinson ATR 6

£140 hokaoneone.eu Tester Claire

If you’re looking for comfort in trail runners, look no further. The Hoka Stinson ATR 6 are like wearing warm armchairs on your feet; they have got to be the most comfy and versatile pair of trail shoes I’ve ever worn. Not only that but they provide the smoothest of rides. The 38mm compressionmoulded foam sole feels soft and protective as well as giving you a noticeable spring in your step, and the wider base gives stability and a greater surface area for more traction on any terrain. Also, although they’re chunkier looking, they’re still very lightweight. I’m certainly enjoyed clocking some miles in these treads.