Here they are! The results of our prized Product Awards. This year, our panel tested a whopping 360 products in 29 categories, each and every one of them battling for Best in Test, Best Value and Editor’s Choice awards.
And this year, we’ve gone one better: not only was this the biggest Product Awards we’ve ever compiled, with more products to test than ever before, but each product was tested by our Women’s Running expert panel. With this panel, we wanted to rflect the women that we have in these very pages, from real runners to the women we know and admire: all of them are women who have inspired us with their passion and their ambition to persuade more women to run. People like us!
Over the summer, we’ve rigorously tested all these products and put them through their considerable paces.Throughout lockdown, we’ve pounded pavements, tested tech, and knocked back enough nutrition to fell an army - all so that you could be sure of our results. And now they’re here. If you want to know the best of the best in running shoes, apparel, nutrition, skincare, tech and accessories, then read on…
The Women’s Running Awards panel
Esther Newman Women’s Running editor
Mel Bound Founder, This Mum Runs
Shareefa J Model and campaigner
Sophie Power Ultrarunner and campaigner
Hannah Lees Run coach
Tina Chantrey Women’s Running fitness editor
Anna McNuff Adventurer
Mara Hafezi Ultrarunner
Chrissie Wellington Ironwoman legend
Megan Gibbings Women’s Running senior ad exec
BEST NEUTRAL SHOE
Adidas Ultraboost
An outstanding shoe from Adidas: Meg was blown away by the design and performance, with the Boost technology impressing her too. “I love the extra cushioning on the heel, they’re made to a high standard and provide very good support. The knit upper provides a cosy sock-like ftt which helps your feet expand during a run. The tight ftt gives you confidence when increasing speed, and you don’t have to rely on your laces pinching or restricting your foot to gain a stable position.”
£159.95 adidas.co.uk
BEST SUPPORT SHOE
Brooks Transcend 7
We were bowled over by Brooks’ latest iteration of their classic support model, the Transcend. Brooks has really ramped up the style as well as the cushioning in these support models. “I usually run in Brooks Adrenaline so I was interested to try a different support model,” said Hannah. “They fitted well and I liked the colours.”
Tina was equally impressed: “The upper felt snug and remained comfortable on longer runs. The guide rail system feels firm at first, so expect to take a few runs to get used to this, but the benefits of this, if you do over pronate, are that your feet feel really stable. And the cushioning is awesome, so much better than you’d expect in a support shoe, and so much so that even after tough sessions or long runs, it’s noticeable how good your legs feel.”
£140 brooksrunning.com
BEST VALUE Asics NOVABLAST
”So bouncy, so light!” enthused Hannah. ”I was surprised by how much I liked these shoes; fi rst run out and they felt good. They’re lighter than normal, but with plenty of support and padding. Excellent value - I would highly recommend these.”
£120 asics.co
EDITOR’S CHOICE New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v10
With their updated fresh-foam features, these trainers are comfy and sturdy. The design is unbeatable - just as fresh as the foam - and this soft-knit trainer will likely become a fi rm favourite. A joy to run in, and the fresh foam provides protection against niggles.
£135 newbalance.co.uk
BEST VALUE Skechers Max Cushioning Elite
You probably won’t fi nd a better value trainer on the market at the moment, according to Hannah. “Really soft and comfortable, like a memory foam mattress for your feet. I loved the colours. Great price and I’d defi nitely recommend these to a newer runner who needs a supportive shoe, but doesn’t want to spend more than £100.”
£85 skechers.com
EDITOR’S CHOICE HOKA ONE ONE Arahi 4
“The Arahi 4 are winning shoes, both bouncy and responsive, and really comfortable, supporting ankles and knees,” said Esther. “The sizing is spot on and there’s room in the toe box for toe wiggle.” HOKA describes this as a shoe that “provides a ride that is smooth and supportive and still prioritises performance” and you can really feel this. Perfect for long races, the shoe has what’s called a ‘rocker’, which allows for smooth impacts, toe-offs and transitions.
£125 hokaoneone.eu