The Run Testers Podcast

With many people planning for the first wave of 2026 marathons, there are going to be a lot of running shoes being bought over the next few months. In this podcast (also available as a video) we chat through our top choices for marathon shoe rotations in 2026.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this episode of the podcast, we discuss some of the shoes we're hoping/expecting to see come up over the next few months. From cushioned favourites to carbon plate race shoes, we talk about our views of the current version and what we want to see in an update.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

The latest episode of the podcast is our annual Run Testers Awards ceremony. We pick our top picks for running products across a range of categories: Race shoes, daily shoes, cushioned shoes, trail shoes, watches, headphones, and the audience award for best running shoe.Download, stick your headphones on and make the best of that long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigersProduct links:  Occasionally, we use affiliate links on products we feature. If you click on these links and buy a product we do receive some money in return - but this doesn't come at a cost to you. Our use of affiliate links does not affect what we say about products and if you'd rather not use the links you can find the items using the search engine of your choice.  Garmin Forerunner 970: https://sportsshoes.prf.hn/l/aWoJPNM/Coros Pace 4: https://coros.com/pace4Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: https://www.beatsbydre.com/uk/earbuds/powerbeats-pro-2Apple Airpods Pro 3: https://www.apple.com/uk/airpods-pro/Adidas Adizero EVO SL: https://sportsshoes.prf.hn/l/9ODnB4O/Asics Megablast: https://sportsshoes.prf.hn/l/bxkAVeG/Nike Vomero 18: https://sportsshoes.prf.hn/l/KNOdDOe/Puma Magnify Nitro 3: https://sportsshoes.prf.hn/l/EJDGpoV/Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3: https://sportsshoes.prf.hn/l/bxlvkNa/Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo: https://sportsshoes.prf.hn/l/kV0Zo3W/Asics Fuji Lite 6: https://sportsshoes.prf.hn/l/1eEzqbD/Merrell MTL Matryx Adapt: https://sportsshoes.prf.hn/l/K3wPvwn/ More ways to enjoy The Run TestersSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheRunTesters?sub_confirmation=1Follow Us: https://www.instagram.com/theruntesters/?hl=enWatch The Run Testers Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRunTesters/shorts

In this episode, we’re talking about the Loch Ness Marathon — a race that’s as beautiful as it is tough. Set in the Scottish Highlands, it winds past forests, hills, and of course, the famous loch itself. Tom and Nick cover everything you need to know before taking part in the race, from travel options and where to stay, to what you can expect on the morning of the race.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

This month on the podcast, the team is talking through the first six months of the year in running shoes. What impressed us, what was average and were there any major disappointments?We'll also be talking about loads of other stuff, from our current training plans to the latest products we've been testing.Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

It was a big year for marathons at the Run Testers. Nick and Kieran took on London Marathon for another time and Tom nipped up north to try out Manchester Marathon.  In this podcast (also available as a video on YouTube) we chat through both events, from the course and crowds to the kit we wore on the day.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this series, we dive into some of the world's biggest marathons to give advice and tips for runners taking part.Boston Marathon is more than just a race for many people, it's a celebration of the effort required to get in through the tough qualifier process. As a result, Boston is a hive of activity for the whole weekend, with hundreds of events, pop-ups and celebrations.  In this video, Tom and Kieran talk about their experiences of the race and discuss what you can expect on the the day.If you're running Boston, give it a listen.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this series, we dive into some of the world's biggest marathons to give advice and tips for runners taking part.Between us, we've taken part in the London Marathon more times than you can shake a "Tap to Power Up" cardboard sign at (...probably about 20). In this episode of the pod we talk through everything you need to know before running the race, from when to go the expo to the best places to meet your family afterwards.If you're running London, give it a listen.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

The team answers your running shoe and tech questions in this series from The Run Testers.This week Tom and Nick talk about maintaining fitness between training blocks, how important is shoe drop, strength training for runners and loads of other stuff.If you have a question about running shoes that you want us to answer on the pod, send us an email to [email protected] with "Points of Shoe" in the subject line.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

You're spoilt for choice with the current range of carbon plate running shoes available. No longer is the market dominated by a couple of big brands. Now most companies have a contender for best carbon plate shoe in their collection.  In this episode, Nick, Kieran, Tom and Mike chat through their current top choice for carbon plate shoes, as well as the options we hope to see in 2025.We'll also be talking about loads of other stuff, from our current training plans to the latest products we've been testing.Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

This month on the podcast, the team is talking about their top picks for upcoming marathons in 2025. From easy day shoes and daily trainers, all the way up to our favourite options for the big day, we chat through what we'll be wearing over the next few months.We'll also be talking about loads of other stuff, from our current training plans to the latest products we've been testing.Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

This month on the podcast, the team is talking about the running shoes we're excited about in 2025. From carbon plate race shoes like the Vaporfly 4 and Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 to updates we're hoping to see made to our favourite daily and trail shoes.We'll also be talking about loads of other stuff, from our current training plans to the latest products we've been testing.Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

The latest episode of the podcast is our annual Run Testers Awards ceremony. We pick our top picks for running products across a range of categories: Race shoes, daily shoes, cushioned shoes, trail shoes, watches, headphones, and the audience award for best running shoe.Download, stick your headphones on and make the best of that long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

There's no shortage of great running shoes available in 2024, with most brands now having a wide range of options covering everything from recovery runs to race day. But if you could only choose shoes from the same brand what would be in your rotation?In this podcast (also available as a video on YouTube), we discuss the main brands and select what we think make up their best three-shoe rotations.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this special episode, Tom speaks to three of New Balance's athletes: Kate Avery (20 Great Britain vests and 13 Europe medals across track and cross country), Zak Hanna (5th 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, 5th 2022 European Mountain Running Championships, 1st Matterhorn Ultraks Vertical) and Jacob Adkin (Gold and Silver individual medals at European Mountain Running Championship).As well as chatting through their race successes, we discuss favourite training sessions, their top shoe choices and the events and challenges they'd each love to do.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

Picking the right running shoes as a beginner can be tricky. With dozens of brands all claiming to have the most comfortable, stable and cushioned options, spending your hard-earned money on the shoes that work for you can take a lot of work.In this podcast, Nick, Kieran and Tom chat through the things that beginner runners need to know about shoes, from forking out for the latest models to getting gait analysis.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

Cushioned shoes are big nowadays - and we're not just talking about the stack height. Almost every brand has a selection of chunky options designed to deliver comfort, improve energy return and, in some cases, provide versatility for harder sessions.In this podcast video, we talk about the world of cushioned shoes in preparation for our soon-to-drop best cushioned shoes video. We discuss what's out there, what makes a good cushioned shoe and run through some of our favourites.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In preparation for this year's Best Running Shoes video, we chat through the shortlist across a range of categories: best race shoe, best daily shoe, best cushioned shoe, best all-rounder, and  best value.We also end up having a detailed debate about what each category actually means.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this episode, we speak to performance experts Human Powered Health, a US company that uses leading sport science tools and technology to provide actionable data and insights for athletes.Tom talks to Head Performance Physiologist Alyssa Younker to learn about gait analysis and how it can improve running for anyone from beginners to elites.To find out more about Human Powered Health and the work they do, click here: https://humanpoweredhealth.com/Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

The team answers your running shoe and tech questions in this series from The Run Testers.This week Tom and Nick talk about running watch data, cross-training for runners and what running brand we'd go for if we could only pick one.If you have a question about running shoes that you want us to answer on the pod, send us an email to [email protected] with "Points of Shoe" in the subject line.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this series from The Run Testers, the team answers your running shoe and tech questions.This week Tom and Nick talk about sizing down in race shoes, how to pick a running rotation and training for speed in-between marathons.If you have a question about running shoes that you want us to answer on the pod, send us an email to [email protected] with "Points of Shoe" in the subject line.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this episode of the podcast, we discuss some of the shoes we're hoping/expecting to see come up over the next few months. From cushioned favourites to carbon plate race shoes, we talk about our views of the current version and what we want to see in an update.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this series from The Run Testers, the team answers your running shoe and tech questions.This week Tom and Nick talk about using old race shoes for training, smart rings, alternative cushioned cruisers and some of their favourite interval sessions.For the stretching videos we talk about click here:Tom's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4ZJXhCmORANick's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of2spyCtUkwIf you have a question about running shoes that you want us to answer on the pod, send us an email to [email protected] with "Points of Shoe" in the subject line.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

The Run Testers took part in three of the year's biggest Spring Marathons this year: Boston, London and Manchester. In this episode we talk through the training we did, the races themselves and the kit we tested out during the events.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this series from The Run Testers, the team answers your running shoe and tech questions.This week Tom and Nick talk about remaining neutral when reviewing running shoes, if you need to take your pace into consideration when buying super shoes and if we've ever changed our mind about a shoe after we've reviewed it.If you have a question about running shoes that you want us to answer on the pod, send us an email to [email protected] with "Points of Shoe" in the subject line.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this new series from The Run Testers, the team answers your running shoe and tech questions.This week Tom and Nick talk about running shoe sizes, how long foams last, testing running shoes for different types of runners, and whether you should buy shoes from eBay.If you have a question about running shoes that you want us to answer on the pod, send us an email to [email protected] with "Points of Shoe" in the subject line.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

The TCS London Marathon is one of the most sought-after race entries for runners all over the globe. Almost 600,000 people entered the ballot in 2024 to bag one of around 50,000 spots (including charity places). If you were lucky enough to get yourself a bib then this podcast may be worth a listen We've run many a London Marathon over the years, picking up plenty of experience in everything from the expo to the best places to go after you cross the finish line. Nick, Kieran, Jane and Tom chat about their London Marathons over the years and offer their advice on how to make it a day to remember.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this new series from The Run Testers, the team answers your running shoe and tech questions.This week Tom and Nick talk about old running shoes, the Nike Alphafly 3, the future of running shoe tech, and loads of other stuff.If you have a question about running shoes that you want us to answer on the pod, send us an email to [email protected] with "Points of Shoe" in the subject line.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

This month on the podcast, the team is talking about marathons, from training and fuelling to the kit choices we go for in the lead-up to the big day.We'll also be talking about loads of other stuff, from our current race plans to the latest products including kit, running shoes and tech.Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this new series from The Run Testers, the team answers your running shoe and tech questions.This week Tom and Nick talk Alphafly 3, Puma Velocity Nitro 3, should you buy the latest carbon plate shoes? and loads of other stuff.If you have a question about running shoes that you want us to answer on the pod, send us an email to [email protected] with "Points of Shoe" in the subject line.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this podcast special, Tom chats to six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy about a whole heap of things, from the mental aspects of training at competitive level, to podcasting, comedy and how he became a children's author.Chris hosts the Sporting Misadventures podcast alongside journalist Matt Majendie where they speak to comedians about the world of sport. Well worth a listen if you're looking for something funny and interesting to keep you busy during that long run.Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/is/podcast/sporting-misadventures-with-chris-hoy/id1680181306Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HlxCFrsX21UQ40OLiEVjbBig thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

This month on the podcast, the team is talking about what running shoes are on the horizon in 2024. From the latest carbon plate race shoes like the New Balance SC Elite V4 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 to the most exciting daily and trail shoes we're looking forward to.We'll also be talking about loads of other stuff, from our current training plans to the latest products including kit, running shoes and tech.Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

This month on the podcast the team is talking about super trail shoes: what are they, what are the benefits and are they worth spending your hard-earned money on?We'll also be talking about loads of other stuff, from our current training plans to the latest products including kit, running shoes and tech.Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

The latest episode of the podcast is our annual Run Testers Awards ceremony. We pick our top picks for running products across a range of categories: Race shoes, daily shoes, cushioned shoes, trail shoes, watches, headphones, and the audience award for best running shoe.Download, stick your headphones on and make the best of that long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

This month, the team heads to Chamonix to soak up the atmosphere, check out some of the latest trail kit and cheer on the runners as they cross the finish line.We also talk to journalist and ultra runner Howard Calvert about his experience covering the 106 miles and 10,000m of elevation during the UTMB race.Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

This month on the podcast the team is talking about super trainers; what are they, why would you buy them and what does the future look like in the space?We'll also be talking about loads of other stuff, from our current training plans to the latest products including kit, running shoes and tech.This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Saysky and listeners of the podcast will also get a discount to be used to save 15% at the online store: https://saysky.co.ukPerfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

This month on the podcast the team is talking about cushioned running shoes, from what a max-cushioned shoe is to the sorts of things you should know when you're planning on buying a pair of long-distance cruisers.We'll also be talking about the latest watches from Garmin and the Hoka Mach X and Comrades Marathon.Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this podcast series, we speak to our friends from the world of running about all sorts of stuff, from training and racing to the million-dollar question, "what would be your Frankenstein running shoe?"In this episode, we chat with running content creator Kofuzi. Expect plenty of discussion about midsole foams, the best songs to listen to during a marathon and how to film great running content.To watch Kofuzi's YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/@kofuziYou can also find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/kofuzi/All pod guest song choices can be found in this playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zCyJjbf13KwuShirqq6eL?si=0d1697d0e7f846d6Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this podcast series, we speak to our friends from the world of running about all sorts of stuff, from training and racing to the million-dollar question, "what would be your Frankenstein running shoe?"In this episode, we chat with running content creator Ben is Running. Expect plenty of discussion about midsole foams, the best songs to listen to during a marathon and what brands are worth keeping an eye on over the coming months.To watch Ben's YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/c/BenIsRunningYou can also find him on Instagram at: hhttps://www.instagram.com/ben_is_running/?hl=enPerfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

This month on the podcast the team is talking about the future of carbon plate running shoes, from how the technology will develop to how expensive we can expect them to be.We'll also be talking about the latest watches from Garmin and the Hoka Tecton X2, answering your questions and enjoying some groundbreaking running facts.This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Saysky and listeners of the podcast will also get a discount to be used to save 15% at the online store: https://saysky.co.ukPerfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this podcast series, we speak to our friends from the world of running about all sorts of stuff, from training and racing to the million-dollar question, "what would be your Frankenstein running shoe?"In this episode, we chat with running shoe YouTuber Eddbud. Expect plenty of discussion about midsole foams, the best songs to listen to during a marathon and what brands are worth keeping an eye on over the coming months.To watch Edd's YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Pnc_D6UQfr1hvPtLZLvjwYou can also find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/eddbud/?hl=enPerfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

This month on the podcast the team is talking about buying running watches, from how much you need to spend to the sort of features you can expect. We'll also discuss the London Marathon, Tom's trip to visit Puma in Boston and Kieran's Comrades training, and there's an interview with Puma athlete Edna Kiplagat.Kit we've been testing over the past month includes the Nike Vaporfly 3 and the Garmin Forerunner 295, and there's the return of the London Marathon celebrity finish time quiz.Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

Buying a pair of marathons shoes is a tricky business, especially if it's your first 26.2 miles. Nick, Gill and Tom chat through the things you need to know about when deciding on what shoes to buy, from how much money to spend to whether you really need the latest carbon plate super shoes.We also chat about some of the latest kit we've been testing, including the Nike Vaporfly 3, the Hoka Rocket X2 and the Garmin Forerunner 265, and we welcome the return of running "facts".Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

Chatabix is a daily breakfast podcast from comedians, writers, actors and directors Joe Wilkinson and David Earl, where they talk to each other and to guests about all sorts of stuff. Tom was invited on to speak to them about running, obviously, from how to get motivated to Joe's love of parkrun.NOTE: IF YOU ALREADY LISTEN TO CHATABIX YOU'VE PROBABLY ALREADY HEARD THIS EPISODE. SORRY.If you don't and you like what you hear, there are absolutely loads of episodes available to listen to for free. Click below to dive in:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/chatabix/id1560965008Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ONnCq58dVGXvfhhwJkMs8Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

Running shoe rotations are a staple for runners that cover various training sessions and spend time focussing on races. However, if you're new to running, you may be unsure why you might need one and how it might benefit your running. In this episode of the podcast, Mike, Tom and Nick delve into the world of rotations and discuss everything you need to know.Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this episode, we're delving into the world of Ultra running with Kieran and special guest Hannah Tyldesley (Ultra X, Twice the Health) discussing everything from how to get involved to the kit you need and the best way to plan your fuelling.We also have an interview with ultra runner Damian Hall who discusses the environmental impact of running covered in his book We Can't Run Away From This: Racing to improve running’s footprint in our climate emergency (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cant-Run-Away-This-footprint/dp/1839811161).Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers

In this episode, we're focussing on beginner runners. Tom, Mike, Laura and Nick cover everything you need to know when you're just starting out on your running journey, from the best ways to stay motivated to how much training to do and what type of kit you need to look out for.Perfect for that Sunday long run.Big thanks to Fear of Tigers for the killer intro music. You can listen to more of his stuff over at https://www.patreon.com/fearoftigers