This shoe is probably one of the most technical on the market. It has fluid silicone units to cushion, stabilise and rebound your stride, which means you can run faster than normal. Oh, and it boasts silver-embedded fabric in the upper because, says Brooks, it kills 99 per cent of foot bacteria.

Price: £80
Stockists: www.brooksrunning.co.uk

You could probably jump off a roof and still land safely in these. They have such a high energy return from the shock-absorbing heel that hammering along at speed seems like a breeze. Of course, you only get out what you put in, so these shoes suit heavy, powerful runners.

Prce: £80
Stickists: 0870 2404204 

This shoe is built around an innovative mid-sole frame, which steers your foot into its most efficient bio-mechanical path, improving your running efficiency. The upper is comfortable but feels slightly unstable when changing direction at speed, so it's better suited to the treadmill.

Price: £85
Stockist: www.pearlizumi.com 

Want to look great while beating your PB? Flog that Christmas tat on eBay and buy these. The hi-tech features will keep your feet happy without slabs of chunky cushionung as they subtly improve your running style. And they're so light, you'll soon forget you're wearing footwear at all.

Price: £110
Stockist: 01925 243360

Despite the modest price, these are top-flight running shoes. The impact of the heel strike is reduced with Reebok's DMX Shear Strip, and their stability and light weight aid sprinting. The well-placed Scotchlite material gives all-round reflectivity for night running, too.

Price: £55
Stockists: 0800 305050 

The M1060WO's hard-wearing upper has mesh panels for ventilation and heat transfer. The NLock system links the laces to the bottom of the upper for an even better fit but MF noticed a distinctly heavy footfall. Best suited to lond-distance runners, and definitely not for sprinters.

Price: £80
Stockists: www.newbalance.co.uk

Cushioned trainers should help you attack a run without wincing, and Saucony's Ride delivers. The shoes absorb heel impact, direct your energy forwards for a strong toe-off into the next stride, and are light enough to let you crank out the miles without it feeling like a slog.

Price: £70
Stockists: www.saucony.co.uk