It is testament to the value of the product when someone takes the trouble to air their views and share their thoughts with others. There is plenty of choice in running shoes, running clothing and of course running spikes.

With this in mind we are pleased to publish some of our customer reviews:

Craft Compression Socks customer review

I had seen other runners wearing knee high socks during events, and as a post event calf cramp sufferer I was looking at ways in which I might be able to overcome the sometimes severe discomfort experienced. Different kinds of stretching before and after running, making sure I was hydrated and experimenting with different formula’s seemed to hit the spot but ultimately the cramps would return. I took the plunge and through some trial and error I find that the Craft compression socks worn immediately after an event, training session or just a run really help me with recovery and have all but ended my calf cramps. Whilst many of the runners at the club I attend wear these socks whilst running and seem to get some benefit from them, for me they are a brilliant recovery item and have become a kit bag essential. I have two pairs now so that I always have a pair fresh to chuck on as soon as I can after an event for an hour or two. They fit very snugly gripping the calf muscles and seem to keep the whole of the area warm; or at least decelerate the rate at which my muscles cool and, I have been told, keep the blood circulating so that waste material build up as a result of ending a run has a chance to flush through as I make my way home. I would recommend these for any serious runner whether comfortable running with them or like me as an aid to post run recovery!

D Spencer – Norfolk – April 2010

Asics 2150 customer review

I have followed this series of shoes by Asics now for some time and it just seems to get better and better. I tried other brands and whilst they were good they have never quite matched the overall performance of the 2150. The new Asics GT 2150 I bought had only changed colour from the previous ones but the changes they have made on the previous models GT 2140 etc were only for the better. A slight change in the height at of the upper around the ankle was a noticeable enhancement. The 2150 is one from the top of the range Asics running shoe for pronator’s but it has everything the pronator would need in abundance. The 2150 is really comfortable for a start and the support stays true. The Asics 2150 really is a confidence inspiring running shoe in my mind. There is a very clever mix of the support and cushioning which just works. I am a reasonably heavy runner and usually change running shoes every 4 to 5 months however I have found that if really need be I can stretch this out a few weeks longer with the 2150’s.

Mark B – Sheffield – June 2010

Lock Laces customer review

My friend is a Tri-athlete and I happened to see his lacing system at an event once. I had always experienced soreness on the top of my foot during running despite trying different makes of running shoes over the years. Whilst the lock laces my friend wore were for easier change over (transition phase he corrected me!) between cycling and running he did say that they allowed a little flex on the forefoot during running. This kind of made sense and I bought a pair the next time I was out. The difference was immediate and I now have them on all running shoes. I find that my running shoes still feel very secure and rather than fiddle about to tie/untie I simply pull and lock into place which I suppose makes the name make sense also! The real benefit for me is that whilst my running shoes are on and firmly in place the elastic element of the lace just gives a little as I push away. This takes just enough pressure off the top of my foot and the soreness (which has led to pain in the past) is now well and truly a thing of the past! Many people at the running club now wear them too.

Simone M – Warrington – Mar 2010

Asics Gel Hyperspeed 4 customer review

I wanted to buy a comfortable pair of light running shoes for faster 10k times at events and have had very good results in the Asics Gel Hyperspeed 4. I was very wary about making this step and they feel very different to my every day running shoes which are Asics 2150’s. Being that they are motion control I was even nervier about changing things around for racing. In comparison they are just so light and I thought that the 2150’s were before I wore these out. The fact that I pronate and wear the 2150’s made me think that the Hyperspeed’s may not be so good for my feet but with some assurances from club members I took the plunge and have not had a problem at all; I have only worn them in particular race conditions and at 10k maximum though. This is a great race flat shoe and should lead you to improved performance come race day, given the design and ultra low weight.

Phil C – Exeter – April 2010

Etonic Praya NC customer review

How would I best describe the Etonic Praya I thought? Low profile, highly flexible, nicely cushioned, lively, responsive, sleek, stream-lined and versatile! I thought I was taking a chance on the Etonic’s as I had only seen them a couple of times out before and in a couple of magazines, so when I saw them I had to try them on. Whilst my initial feelings were that these were different it was soon apparent that these are very well thought out running shoes for the serious runner. The Etonic Praya NC is for neutral runners and in my mind they would best suit someone who wants a combination of distance and speed work. They feel really light and almost make you want to zip forward, in a subtle, on your toes kind of way. Etonic are my brand for a while now unless another shoe makes a quantum leap to change my mind again!

Steve W – Surrey – May 2010

Craft Pro Cool Women’s Singlet customer review

Of all the running clothing I have ever bought I have never felt compelled enough to write a review before. However the fact that this top has served me so well and in different ways, plus it was a very good price I did so! The Craft Pro Cool Singlet is a tight fitted running vest. It has a well designed cut which hugs without pressurising anywhere. It is really light and comfortable and I almost feel supported by it (for want of a better word). It works well on hotter days when I only want one layer on. It does allow my body to breathe and makes sure that any perspiration is taken care of. On cooler days I have worn it underneath other tops and it works just as well this way; again to keep me as fresh and dry as possible. There are clever mesh panels at key areas which do work well to ventilate, keeping me cool as I run.

Amy M – Derby – April 2010

Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 13 customer review

The Mizuno Wave Rider 13 is a great shoe for neutral runners and if you have a slightly wider forefoot like me. I get a real sense that the wave (as they call it) in these running shoes absorbing and distributing the weight of my foot as it strike’s and then guides the foot in the right direction while I’m running. The heel of the Wave Rider feels flexible and is bouncy enough to absorb shock whist giving me assurance that the maximum amount support is being given despite the amount of cushioning.

Sarah D – Washington – June 2010

Craft Performance Run Men’s Tee customer review

The Craft Performance Run T-shirt is a really well thought out and designed running top. It is perfect for spring/summer running especially if like me you do not feel that comfortable in a running vest. It is made from a lightweight, soft diamond structured fabric, rather than the other shiny technical running tops I have and this I think helps to move more moisture somehow. It has a really interesting anatomic cut and fits well especially when running, it kind of knows the action. There are mesh ventilation panels at various areas as well to mirror places you sweat more. This is finished off with flat lock stitching which means no chafing and ultimately comfort when running.

Gordon L – Suffolk – May 2010