A super-stylish digital offering with a novel approach in that it attaches to your shoe. Together with accelerometer technology, this makes speed and distance data 97 per cent accurate, according to Nike, and allows for a spot-on average pace mode.

Unfortunately this also makes it impossible to monitor on the move, unless you hop. It's more suited to interval training and for runners who already know the pace they should be dragging the tyre up the hill at.

This state-of-the-art running command centre boasts a watch display, heart-rate monitor and GPS receiver that gives 99 per cent distance accuracy with a clear view of the sky and 95 per cent in most other conditions.

The lightweight GPS unit and HRM send data to the Timex Ironman watch, which displays three lines of information - heart rate, distance/speed and times all at once. If you're still hungry for digits, the watch also has lap data, summary, and timer modes.

This tidy little gadget really stands out from the pack thanks to the addition of an auto-scanning FM radio. But, before you get too excited don't expect quality sound - it's not the loudest and is better suited to parks than rush-hour street dashing.

It's clasp-opening and lightweight but the split-screen display is difficult to read in direct sunlight and the small buttons are not easy to operate at speed. However, if you're a tad clumsy this is one of the cheapest buys around.

This is designed to be as slim-line and unobtrusive as possible. The screen only displays one line of data at a time, including number of steps, distance, burned calories and a clock, but it is clear and easy to read.

It's lightweight but solid and the three buttons can be accessed quickly while on the move. It also features adjustable stride distance and body weight. Non-flashy, non-complicated, but neat and tidy - a middle-middle class monitor.

Despite its chunky, Buck Rogers styling, this is a cleverly designed unit with an upside-down angled screen that's easy to read. Unlike some monitors, you don't have to open it up to view data or change settings.

Great for the runner who likes to log work in progress, it has a good array of features and can switch from metric to imperial measurement. It's dirt cheap price means you get plenty of mileage for your money.