important since 80 per cent of runners strike the ground on the outside of the heel, with the foot twisted slightly outward. If the heel counter doesn't do its job, this angled footstrike can cause the foot to move and compromise the shoe's support

the foot. We say This has been a must-have sock for fell-runners and off-roaders for years. This upgraded version feels much more cushioned than its predecessors but what hasn’t changed is its duck-like ability to shed water. And it’s great value for money

for runners with medium arches.We say The Ped is built on Brook’s Universal Platform, which seamlessly connects the foot in motion to the shoe in motion, staying in place to help prevent blisters. From tester feedback it’s hard to disagree, with the sock

. This shoe is so light on the foot it feels like a racing shoe, and yet it holds its own through different terrains – including a field of unnervingly sharp thistles – without letting the runner down. The ABZORB technology in the heel and forefoot gives

If you want to know exactly how far, and fast, you've run, then a speed-and-distance monitoring (SDM) watch is an essential piece of kit. Timex, Garmin and Navman produce SDMs that use satellites to trace your steps. They're pretty good, but if you

. Great for compulsive blister-sufferers especially now the socks boast a better fit than before. Runners who felt the previous version was too thick and found the double layers scrunched up on themselves should find the latest version far easier to live

. Breathability Mesh panels allow air to circulate in order to keep the feet cool. Ergonomics Many socks come designed specifically for the left and right foot so that the fit is extra snug, and can also have special cushioning features on different parts

. Its main innovation is its huge rearfoot Gel unit. The rearfoot and outside pods of GEL provide impact protection while the firmer, medial pod helps stability. They're attached to a plastic cradle that extends into the forefoot and helps guide the foot

Running shoes are designed to help protect our bodies from the impact force of each footfall. These forces are proportional to a runner's weight, so a 15-stone person, for example, produces 50 per cent more force with each running stride than

for super-efficient runners – and the mark XIII version is no different. The fit is snug around the heel and slightly broader around the toes, and the breathable mesh upper adds to the general feel of light, airy comfort. The midsole is well cushioned