the arch between the heel and the sole that prevents the shoe from bending in the middle. The footbridge, or shank, supports the foot between the heel of the shoe and the forefoot and supplies torsional rigidity to prevent the shoe from twisting easily

0131 221 2200; www.anatom.co.uk Bridgedale X-Hale £9.50 Fibre content 42% nylon, 28% merino wool, 28% Isofil (polypropelene), 2% Lycra (elastane)They say Suitable for a multitude of sports. Light mesh surrounds the foot, allowing air to circulate

If you’ve never spared a thought for the socks you pull on before heading out for a run, you might be surprised to learn that switching to a running-specific model could be the answer to all your blister- and foot-discomfort complaints. Advances

midsole provides high-impact cushioning, making it an extremely comfortable ride, while its springy rear foot 'X-dome' insert provides support for overpronators while giving your foot a bit of bounce, which helps in the transition. A neat final touch

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

. Comfortable, snug and does seem to help keep feet dry on hot runs.Contact 00800 4543 3467Falke RU4 – £9Falke was one of the first companies to offer socks designed to be worn specifically on the left and right foot. It looked like a gimmick at first

. 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

is one way the body absorbs shock, but too much or too little can lead to aches and pains. Taking a wet test will help diagnose your foot type and determine which shoes are likely to provide the appropriate arch support. Once you know this, you can

, but comfortably roomy in the toe box. Due to the stability features, this shoe is less sleek than some of the others reviewed, but the overall feel is light and dependable – enabling you to concentrate on speed rather than foot placement. Contact www