on their heels.The surprise is that, unlike other good shoes for heel-strikers, the R4 also rides softly and smoothly for lighter runners – and it’s a world apart from Nike’s recent Tuned Air, which was over-firm. In addition to its smooth cushioning, the R4’s

perky heel-strike and the forefoot is nice and flexible. The upper is roomy in the forefoot and relatively heavy – but on the positive side, it has a protective feel. You have to be biomechanically efficient to use it, though, because the scooped

in the heel and forefoot.

lightweight runners need apply. Good rearfoot cushioning comes courtesy of a small Cell pad, heel-to-toe transition is swift and smooth, and the featherweight feel to the whole shoe simply encourages fast running.

Need to save a sole in distress? Massaging your legs may soothe a sore plantar fascia - the band of tissue that runs along the sole of your foot. "The plantar shares an attachment site with your calf muscles in the calcaneus [heel] bone," explains

K-Swiss Men's Kwicky Blade-Light (£80)Kerry says: This is my own shoe of choice – which means if you're like me (average weight; need a sturdy but unobtrusive heel; love responsiveness and low weight; prefer neutral construction with plenty

Lake CX210, £79.99A fibreglass-injected nylon sole and reinforced heel area make this a rigid shoe designed to transfer all the energy from your legs to moving forward. A breathable mesh upper features leather overlays that secure your foot and help

Hot on the heels of cycling's amazing success at the London 2012 Games and Bradley Wiggins' stellar achievement at the Tour de France, the London Marathon team is playing a part at London's brand-new cycling challenge - RideLondon 100.Starting

stability. That’s partly because of the heel’s large centre-of-pressure design, which enhances rearfoot stability. There’s also more midsole foam on the medial (inner) side, which acts as a stability post.But the outsole is particularly innovative. Adidas

of rearfoot stability, thanks to a wide base and an internal stability board under the heel. This year’s version has changed little. Essentially the fit has become a little more snug in the midfoot because the lacing system loops into the Asics logos