slightly firm forefoot lets it down.Try it on if you liked Asics Gel DS Trainer £80; Nike Air Zoom Elite £80

underneath the foot.In short The essence of the Azura stays the same – a racer for tired legs or long distances, or a second shoe for speedwork . Now it has improved forefoot cushioning.Try it if you liked Asics Gel Lyte DS (£70); Nike Air Skylon (£60

in adidas's Rotterdam Climacool, swap to the Supernova Competition and your marathon time could drop by up to 39 seconds.Asics Gel DS Racer – £75Weight 252gMost pure racing shoes are stripped of cushioning, support and technology. Not the Gel DS Racer

heelstriker, due to the shoe's stability and cushioning.Contact 0161 419 2500; www.adidas.com/ukAsics Gel Verdict DS – £65Weight 289gThe shoe The Verdict DS is a gem. It's a basic shoe with Gel in the rearfoot and a single density midsole, but it does have a

A round-up of the best performance shoes on the market to help leave your rivals trailing... Asics Gel DS Trainer XIII, £85 Weight 286gDS Trainers have long been heralded as an ideal racing shoe for stability-shoe wearers, or an everyday trainer