A right pair of shoes can get you going with your fitness regime in no time

The pair from Adidas is possibly the best all-surface running pair one can buy now; just check if you need a bigger size if you're flat-footed

Adidas Running Ultra Boost The all-surface runner

I love shoes with good bounce-back and this pair proved very capable in that respect. The fit seemed a tad snug for a flat-footed person like me, but it was very easy to slip on and off. The heel felt particularly comfortable and while the toebox was snug, never did get sweaty feet in the summer. But the outer cage felt a tad uncomfortable if I laced up tight. 

I went out for a run after some showers had hit the city and the Continental-branded sole provided a lot of grip on the wet roads. I ran on all types of surfaces and the grip and cushioning worked like a charm. The dull khaki colour came to my rescue when I had to attend a semi-formal event. This pair is possibly the best all-surface running pair one can buy now; just check if you need a bigger size if you’re flat-footed.

Price: Rs 19,999

Puma Jamming The all-rounder

This pair’s translucent sole, with its NRGY beads, is a head-turner. But these pebbles are not just for looks; according to the company, these foam pebbles “jam” with each other as your feet hit the sole and with every step, there’s a unique cushioning. I put them on and went to the neighbourhood park, which has a mix of asphalt, gravel, dirt and grass, for a quick run. 

On asphalt, grass and dirt, I got the normal bounce-back expected from such shoes — maybe even more than the Ignite; on gravel, while the grip and comfort was commendable, the bounce felt a tad unstable. That said, it was comfortable to wear this pair for extended periods, sometimes sans socks. This pair is the perfect all-rounder pair at home both on the road as well as in the club.                          

Price: Rs 12,999

Reebok Fast Flexweave: For workouts and outings 

This pair is light and comfortable and I liked its understated styling. The fit was just right, with plenty of ventilation to prevent sweaty feet. I used it for runs and while I liked the stability and grip offered, being used to the energy bounce being offered by the other shoes, I distinctly felt the lack of it in this pair. That said, they offered a fabulous experience during exercise, especially at a gym. And running on the treadmill, too, was quite comfortable. 

I indulged in a little bit of cross-training and some HIIT routines, and never felt happier. That said, it is quite comfortable to walk around malls in this pair — I walked some 6 km within a mall, none the worse for the experience. This pair is perfect for gym visits and extended mall expeditions.

Price: Rs 9,999

Skechers GOmeb Razor 2: For long runs and workouts 

This pair, named after US Olympian and long-distance runner Meb Keflezighi, is surprisingly light. I laced on the pair and the shoes felt a bit too firm on the first run; but eased the more I used them. But every time I broke into a sprint, I felt the enhanced bounce really helped matters. And while the midsole is solid and provides good cushioning, I felt the heel a tad loose when I tried putting them on barefoot; also, if you lace them on really tight, the upper part of the foot feels uncomfortable. There was good all-round grip, especially on asphalt and a low heel-to-toe drop; also, the cushioning provided comfort during long runs and exercise sessions. This pair is perfect for runs and the gym, provided you don’t lace them up too tightly. 

Price: Rs 9,499