Whether you're an experienced marathon runner, or just starting out on the treadmill at your local gym, having the right running kit is essential. And from running shoes and tops, to shorts, apps, home exercise equipment, nutritional supplements, and physio accessories, there are plenty of products to think about.
This hotukdeals buyers guide will help pavement pounders, ultra-marathon runners, and weekend joggers alike. We'll look at how to find cheap running shoes deals, what kind of apparel to wear, and everything else that can help you get the most out of your running sessions. But first, let's have a quick look at where today's running obsession has come from.
Most of us will be familiar with the tale of Pheidippides, the Greek soldier who was tasked with running from Marathon to Athens to tell the people the good news about victory over the Persians. You could argue that his heroic (and fatal) run was the start of endurance running.
However, modern running, and the technology it relies upon, have much more recent roots. In the 1870s, shoe makers started experimenting with rubber-soled plimsolls, and the first spiked versions appeared in the 1890s. By the 1920s, the UK company Fosters was outfitting elite sprinters like Harold Abrahams, giving them the edge in Olympic competition.
After that, innovations came from all over the world. From adidas' next generation athletic footwear, to Spalding's early basketball shoes, modern footwear was really born just before the war. Still, that footwear was mainly confined to elite players or the rich. We had to wait until the 1970s for everyday runners to receive the same quality product.
When Nike, Reebok, Fila, and other big names started flooding the market with mass-produced athletic shoes, everything changed. Spurred on by a rising trend towards fitness activities, as well as pop-culture's embrace of athleisure styles, these iconic brands made high-quality running footwear a fixture in every gym.
Nowadays, shoes for runners are becoming ever-more specialist. There are designs for specific foot shapes, options for those who run extreme distances, as well as models for sprinters and middle distance runners. There are built-up versions to provide maximum support, and lean versions for professionals who need speed above all else. In short, it's a complex field, and finding the right footwear isn't always easy.
According to a sports marketing survey, over 10 million Brits run regularly, and if you visit our parks at certain times of day, you can definitely believe that. Running is a hugely popular way to stay lean and fit, and it really does work. So it's no surprise to see such massive levels of participation.
The health benefits of running are well-known, and hard to dispute. Firstly, regular runs are a good way to boost your cardiovascular fitness, warding off heart problems and, potentially, conditions like strokes later in life.
It's also an excellent way to maximise your aerobic fitness, keeping your lungs in peak condition and ensuring that you can stay as mobile as possible. And, done correctly, running can help to keep your muscles and skeletal system in good working order. So it's becoming increasingly popular among the over 50s.
Finally, running can be good for your mental health, as much as your body. Many people find that the act of running lets them blank our negative thoughts and focus on the positives. The sense of release caused by running a few miles can “clear” their heads, while providing an injection of self-esteem.
When you add those factors together, it's clear that running is an excellent form of exercise. And if you run with friends, it can also be a great social activity.
Absolutely, it does. The amount burned depends on your weight and speed, but the amounts are significant. For example, a 10 stone woman running a 10-minute mile (which is easily achievable) will burn over 300 calories. Someone weighing 2-3 stone more will burn over 400 calories. So it's an excellent way to offset modern diets, and make dieting more effective.
Experienced runners probably won't need to read this section, but for those who aren't so used to racking up the miles, it's crucial to get a good idea of the types of running products available from hotukdeals. So let's quickly run through the most common products you'll encounter:
Shoes – From premium spikes for elite runners to bargain trainers for using at home on your treadmill, footwear really matters for runners. Running shoes can be expensive, particularly if you go for a top brand, so to find cheap running shoes look out for running shoe deals and sales. Luckily, hotukdeals help by collecting all running shoe offers on our running lisitings.
Tops and Tracksuits – Be prepared for winter evening park runs, summer runs along the beach, and any other conditions with a wide range of exercise apparel.
Caps – When you get into a rhythm and start ticking off the miles, it can be easy to forget the sun blazing down. Caps can protect runners against sunburn, and provide a little rain protection as well.
Wearables – Modern running is a data-hungry activity, from miles run and calories burned, to stride length, heart rate, and blood pressure. Advanced wearables and fitness trackers can put you in the picture.
Exercise Equipment – Treadmills and other running machinery are a popular addition to basements and bedrooms, not to mention offices, all over the country. If you're pushed for time and want to cover a few miles, there's no better way to do so.
Apps – Running is well and truly connected to the social media world via numerous exercise apps. Track performance, compare times with friends, and access detailed route plans to hit your goals.
Underwear – From sports bras to provide women with support, to insulating vests for cool weather training, what you wear underneath running tops really makes a difference.
Physio Accessories – Wear and tear and injuries are going to happen, no matter how careful you are. With the right painkillers, bandages, supports, and balms, you can deal with minor sprains and aches, and stay as active as possible.
Books and Media – Running is the same as all sports. There are some excellent specialist magazines, and no shortage of books from elite athletes. They aren't just good gifts for runners. They can also provide invaluable tips and tricks for newcomers and elite runners alike.
Shoes are likely to be the most essential investment for all serious runners. We need strong support for our heels and toes, and enough comfort to prevent chafing or slipping while we hit our targets. However, given those requirements, there's still plenty of choice, and different runners will choose different footwear styles.
Technically, runners shoes can be divided into three categories, and it's important to know the difference between them:
Motion Control Shoes – Suited to runners with flatter feet, these shoes provide optimal “medial support” around the middle of the foot. They may add footbridges to lift flatter arches, and generally help those who are prone to over-pronation, reducing the risk of long-term injuries.
Stability Shoes – Designed for runners designated as “neutral pronators”, these shoes deliver a mixture of support and cushioning, and aren't quite as restrictive as motion control shoes.
Cushioning Shoes – Made for runners classed as “supinators”, these shoes (unsurprisingly) focus on providing maximum cushioning for every stride. This neutralises shock waves caused by supinated running strides, generally around the heel.
As you can see, the style of shoe you choose will depend on the way you run. Broadly speaking, runners can be over-pronated, neutral, or supinated.
The biological implications of these styles are important, but testing your own style is relatively simple. Wet your feet and walk naturally onto a piece of paper. As this guide explains, the shape that your foot leaves describes your running style reasonably accurately.
When you know what style of shoe to aim for, it's also important to focus on brands you can rely on. There are some household names here, but also a few lesser-known companies. And some brands are strong in certain types of shoe, while they fail elsewhere.
Nike – Probably the most famous athletic footwear brand of all, Nike offers high-quality running footwear for all styles, with ample cushioning and lightweight models both available. Check out Nike Zoom Flyknit for advanced, breathable shoes that will perform well in all conditions.
Salomon – Less famous, but trusted by runners across the world, this French brand is hugely popular among endurance runners. That's no surprise, as Salomon has its roots in outdoor apparel. If you intend to go off-road, models like the S/LAB XT-6 LT ADV will be ideal.
Adidas – Germany's iconic sportswear brand remains a world leader for runners. Its Ultraboost range offers premium comfort and coolness in hot gyms, while Alphabounce shoes provide excellent support for supinators.
Athletic Propulsion Lab (APL) – Another left-field brand with some serious shoes to offer, APL uses a material called TechLoom to craft warm weather training shoes that are ultra-comfortable and light.
Under Armour – American apparel giant Under Armour has started to carve out a footwear niche as well, thanks to designs like its HOVR Sonic 2.0 trainers. A major selling point here is the removable anti-microbial sock liner, which is great for long distance runners.
Reebok – An old favourite but still churning out excellent designs, Reebok's FlexWave collection is probably the finest option for sprinters and explosive middle distance runners. Flexible, comfortable, and good-looking, they will give speed-focused runners the edge.
When finding shoes for running, things are a little different from picking trainers for urban wear. It's worth taking time to find the perfect fit. This may mean heading to nearby shoe stores to try some models on, or being willing to return items that aren't a perfect fit. As the miles pile up, you'll quickly become aware of the costs of making a bad decision.
Actually, attending a shoe store is valuable for other reasons. Most importantly, you can get a 100% accurate foot measurement. Many of us guess when buying shoes, but with running trainers, precision matters.
When you know your measurements, look for shoes that are marginally longer than your feet. This will provide a bit of lee-way as your foot hits the ground, preventing contact with the front of your shoe (and extending their lifetime).
The shoes should feel snug around the heels and at the edges, but obviously not restrictive. A good tactic is to put the shoes on and hold the heel down with your hand. Now, try to raise your heel. If there's space to raise your heel, the shoes aren't an ideal fit.
However, there are some qualifications. If you focus on speed when running, a little bit of extra tightness will be an advantage. Left and right feet can differ in size as well, so don't assume they are both the same. Take care to obtain accurate measurements of both feet, and you'll be in a good position to find the right shoes.
By and large, we would urge buyers to concentrate on finding the ideal style and fit of shoes before seeking out deals. Runners need to feel comfortable and have the correct support for their personal style, and you should sacrifice either to save a few pounds.
Then again, there's no reason to pay over the odds for shoes if you know what you need. Look for brand-specific offers on cheap running shoes at hotukdeals, and you'll find plenty of codes for savings at merchants like Foot Locker or JD Sports.
While footwear takes precedence when putting together a running collection, apparel is almost as relevant. If you've tried to run 5 miles in 30 degrees of heat while wearing a thick t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms, you'll appreciate the value of specialist, high-quality apparel. Here's a quick rundown of the clothing available.
Running Shorts – Shorts tend to trump tracksuit trousers for most UK conditions, as you'll warm up quickly when hitting your stride. But they don't come in one size or style. Compression shorts cling to the body and provide maximum muscular support. Some also believe that they have benefits for promoting circulation. Looser V-Notch shorts will be familiar from watching the London Marathon, giving flexibility and comfort in equal measure. Then there are split shorts, which gives runners maximum freedom to move. When choosing your style, think about materials. Synthetics tend to be preferable for their coolness and all-weather performance. Liners can also be an advantage, substituting for underwear and preventing chafing, while wicking away excess moisture.
Tracksuits – While shorts will be more suitable for long-distance running, tracksuits can be ideal for shorter runs and for wearing over running shorts as you make your way to the track or gym. Well insulated designs with hood protection will let you warm up after wet weather runs, and in between treadmill sessions.
Jackets and Trousers – Alternatively, many runners prefer to create custom tracksuits and running outfits with zip-up jackets and running pants or tights. Technical tops from brands like Odlo will provide an extra protective layer for off-season jogging, and are designed to transport perspiration efficiently, while drying in the rain. Trousers from adidas, Crewroom, or Ronhill will do the same for your lower half, while avoiding chafing that can result from lower-quality pants.
Sports Underwear – Most women who run will need some form of specialist underwear to provide stability. When choosing a model, opt for “high support” versions. Low support bras are commonly available, and are ideal for yoga or gym work, but the demands made by extended running are much, much stricter. Go for designs which mix compression with encapsulation for the right balance of features. The extra support is essential. For guys, running vests from brands like Under Armour will be very handy in cool conditions.
Leggings and Bodysuits – If you prefer leggings for mild or cool weather training, don't just go for the cheapest available. Instead, technical leggings feature insulation pads in strategic locations to trap heat, while using insulating materials that go way beyond standard designs.
Headgear – Standard baseball caps will tend to do the job for runners, but choose models with large enough brims to keep out the sun. And go for caps made from lightweight synthetic materials, not the cotton normally used for baseball headgear. For cold weather running, go for specialist hats with breathable fabrics. You might want to pick designs with high-vis colours. In gloomy conditions, the visibility can be life-saving if you run on the roads.
Now, you're ready to add some serious tech to your fitness regimen. So what should runners go for? There's certainly no shortage of gadgetry on the market, and many products can radically enhance the returns you get from your workouts. Here are some popular options:
Running Machines – If you can't hit the road regularly, a running machine can be a space efficient way to promote your personal fitness. We're generally talking about treadmills here, but not just any treadmills. Go for models with over 2 CHP (horsepower), belts measuring over 50-inches, a 10% incline (adjustable if possible) and a maximum weight rating which suits your body.
Running Apps – Smartphones can be your best friend as you start your running career, if you choose the right apps. For instance, Runkeeper is an excellent running route planner, offering GPS-linked routes across the world. So, if you travel for work and need to keep your fitness plan on course, you'll be able to do so. Strava is also very handy, and has more in-depth data recording features. The FootPath Route Planner is another slick planning app, which intelligently uses Google Maps to trace local routes. Pick a blend which lets you chart your future routes and collect the data you need to understand how you're doing. The Nike Running app is also very popular amongst casual runners as it allows runners to track their runs easily and it also has dedicated training programmes narrated by people like Kevin Hart.
Wearables – When you start running regularly, you'll quickly notice that everyone seems to have embraced running watches, and you'll probably want to do the same. Why? Running watches offer the most accurate way to record your distances (much more so than apps which rely on GPS). They also sync up to phones to take calls or message notifications, and can provide access to fitness advice or plans to enhance your regime. Check out Fitbit's Versa, Inspire, and Charge 2 models for the best running wearables around.
Running Headphones – Running is great, and it's also enjoyable. But one thing's for sure, it can sometimes feel boring. That's why so many runners like to purchase specialist headphones to enjoy their favourite music while they run. If you're happy to clip on your smartphone or digital player to your arm, go for headphones that are sweat resistant, light, resilient, and offer premium sound quality. Brands to check out include Jabra, Anker, and Bose.
Running shouldn't be an expensive form of exercise. After all, when you get down to it, all you need is a pair of shoes, functioning legs, and the will to cover the miles required. However, as we've seen, there are expenses involved. So how can you keep the cost of running down to a minimum, while still enjoying premium quality products?
There's definitely no need to pay full price online or at high street sports shops, so forget about that. Even so, it's worth visiting sports shops to get a feel for the brands available, and to obtain precise measurements.
When you have the information you need, hotukdeals is the place to look for shorts, wearables, tracksuits, and unbeatable running deals. Our listings are full of big discounts for adidas, Puma, Nike, Reebok, Under Armour, and other popular running brands. You'll find up to date savings at merchants like JD Sports, Amazon, Decathlon, or a specialist running shop like Foot Locker, not to mention plenty of smaller online retailers.
From the latest Nike trainers to Fitbit's digital wizardry, everything runners need can be found for less online. If you want to make even bigger savings, consider shopping at the right time of year. Black Friday is a great time to pick up headphones or watches, New Year is great for sports shoes, and Amazon Prime Day could feature discounts for all kinds of running gear.
In any case, if you want to step up your mileage and get into shape, hotukdeals will help you keep pace and meet your goals.
Serious runners soon discover the value of high-quality shoes, apparel, and accessories, but stocking up on these essentials can be costly. There's always a price to pay for high-tech fitness wearables, technical jackets, and cutting edge cushioned footwear. Thankfully, runners can find the kit they require the discounts available from the hotukdeals running listings.
