Get fit, look fit: Take things up a notch with some specialist running shoes

For when things start to get a bit serious.

If the amount of running you do extends no further than a quick jog up the road or the odd 5k once in a blue moon, then your everyday average pair of runners should be fit for purpose. If you take your running more seriously, on the other hand, then you're going to need an upgrade as factors such as comfort, injury prevention and the need to find a shoe to fit your running style (find out more about that in our focus on gait analysis) increase in importance. We've had a good look around and come up with some suggestions that could be right up your street.

Brooks Ravenna 6 Men's - €115

When you're looking for specialist runners, you want a brand you can trust and Brooks certainly belong in that category. The Ravenna 6 shoes provide a nice blend of cushioning and stability to suit a range of running styles, with a segmented crash pad offering further protection every time your feet hit the ground.

Asics Mens GT-2000 3 - €130

Runners with flat arches often tend to push off from their toes and distribute weight unevenly throughout their feet. If you're one of them, a shoe with a focus on stability is what you should be after. The GT-2000 3 is more suitable for longer-distance runs, it will keep your foot stable throughout and is comfortable enough to provide protection from the blisters that are an unfortunate by-product of time spent pounding the roads.

Under Armour Men's UA Speedform XC Trail Running Shoes - €135

Adventure racing season is upon us and lots of adventure races in this country feature terrain that require running shoes that can stand up to the challenge. We've spoken about our admiration for the Under Armour Speedform runners on these pages in the past and the more rugged versions are just as comfortable, but they can also handle all the mud and puddles that the Irish countryside has to offer.

adidas mens ultra boost - €155

If you have a high foot arch, you could be more inclined to place excess weight on the outside of your foot while running, a style that can easily lead to injury down the line. Running shoes with an emphasis on cushioning help correct that problem and the foam midsole in the adidas ultra boost shoes provide as much cushioning as you're going to need and more. They're a tad on the expensive side, but quality often comes at a price. Besides, although this shouldn't be your top priority when buying a pair of specialist running shoes, they look great too and go well with a pair of jeans if needs be.

Vibram Five Fingers Bikila Evo - €164

A lot of people feel most natural when running in their bare feet and wearing a pair of Vibram five fingers is about as close to that sensation as you're going to get. Trying these out without medical and expert advice is not advisable, but if you're suitable, then they're worth giving a shot for an entirely different running experience.