and lower lacing sections independently, and the asymmetric ankle collar for maximum support are two examples of the innovation; while a polyurethane layer in the midsole, plastic underfoot plates and external heel counters demonstrate the protection

two pairs of thin socks rather than one pair of thick ones. If you do this, friction occurs between the layers of socks rather than under the foot. 5) If your feet sweat profusely, this can increase the chance of blisters. Try soaking them in surgical

polyurethane rearfoot.The combination of a polyurethane heel and EVA forefoot is a classic one that combines rearfoot durability with forefoot responsiveness; and in this case another layer of polyurethane adds durability in the forefoot. But the Premise has

in its top-end road shoes. This smoothes the heelstrike, and guides the foot through to toe-off. There’s also a two-layer midsole. Asics says that splitting the midsole horizontally provides the heel with some independence from the forefoot. Allied

. This latest version is slimmed down. Adidas has chopped out most of the PU, leaving a relatively slim layer underneath the heel. The rest of the midsole is now made from a more familiar two density foam construction with a big midfoot shank for extra stability

, is the beefier forefoot cushioning. On the lateral side of the forefoot, the Trance has a cushioning layer of durable polyurethane on top of fingers of HydroFlow (called HydroFlow FLX) and Substance 257 EVA.Weartesters gave the new Trance’s forefoot high marks

get three layers of material in the Ultra’s midsole – DMX Foam on top, then the Shear Strip first seen in the FSM and the Road Lite, and, finally, traditional EVA. All of these combine to produce pleasant, compliant cushioning. The Ultra feels plusher

. Cushioning is provided by a rearfoot 3D GRID insert and a soft midsole made from three full-length layers of Saucony's HRC (High Rebound Compound) EVA. Whereas the 3D GRID in Saucony's stability shoes is visible on both sides of the shoe, it only appears

from Puma (technical top, bottom, base layer, Nightfox running shoes, socks and bag) together with £100 each of delicious nutritional products from Clif Bar and For Goodness Shakes. We also have 200 (yes, 200) special customised HellRunner Buff

' or 'kinesiology-taping technology' - what, you may ask yourself, does it all mean? And, more importantly, what does it all do?In essence, compression wear is close-fitting clothing - from socks to base layers and T-shirts - with a high Lycra (or other elasticated