continued from page 2
Where to buy
Sports shops usually stock a wide range of trainers but with little information about products on display - let alone staff who can provide specialist advice or help with fitting. Instead, we recommend the following smart shops:

Sweatshop, seven stores in London (including Selfridges and Harrods), eight around the country, plus mail order (020 8758 0044/www.sweatshop.co.uk): Most branches have the Adidas 'Footscan' system to ensure the perfect fit, and a treadmill to give shoes a test run. Voted sports retailer of the year by readers of 'Health & Fitness' magazine.

Bourne Sports, Church Street, Stoke on Trent (01782410411/www.bournesports.com): A good mail order service with regular special offers. Recommended if you know which shoe you want to buy.

Run and Become, 42 Palmer St, London SW1 (020 7222 1314): Lots of sympathetic advice here from experienced runners. This shop organises the regular Sri Chinmoy races in Battersea Park.

Runners Need, 34 Parkway, London NW1 (020 7209 3413/www.runnersneed.co.uk): Friendly staff know what they're talking about at this mecca for north London runners.

Birmingham Runners Shop,1506 Stratford Rd, Hall Green, Birmingham (0121745 6007/ www.birminghamrunner.com): This running specialist store has a vast range and great special offers.

On the Run, Unit C1, Whitwood Enterprise Park, Whitwood Lane, Whitwood,Castleford (01924 886666/www.ontherun.co.uk): This running specialist store has a fantastic website with news, reviews, a race diary and results.

ivillage uk

Trainer tutorial