Running on the Mornington Peninsula offers incredible variety. Coastal roads, shared paths, rolling hills and trail networks all ask slightly different things of your body and your shoes. Choosing the right running shoes is less about trends and more about matching your footwear to how and where you run.
One of the first things to consider is surface. Road running shoes are designed for hard, predictable ground like asphalt and concrete. They’re usually lighter, more cushioned and built to roll smoothly through your stride. Trail shoes, on the other hand, offer more grip, stability and protection for uneven ground. If you spend most of your time on roads but occasionally head onto gravel or light trails, a hybrid or all-rounder shoe may suit you well.
Fit matters more than brand. A shoe can be popular, expensive or highly reviewed and still be wrong for your foot. Everyone’s feet are different, and small differences in width, arch shape or heel fit can make a big difference over time. A shoe that feels fine in the first kilometre but rubs, pinches or feels unstable later on is a sign it’s not right for you.
You may also hear terms like neutral and stability shoes. Neutral shoes suit runners whose feet move naturally through their stride, while stability shoes offer extra support for runners who need a bit more guidance. Neither is better than the other. The goal is comfort, efficiency and confidence, not correction for the sake of it.
Rotating between two pairs of shoes can also help. Using different shoes for road runs, trail runs or longer efforts can reduce repetitive stress and extend the life of each pair.
At the end of the day, the best running shoe is the one that helps you move comfortably and consistently. Getting advice from people who understand local conditions and see runners move in real time can make all the difference. Running should feel supportive, not forced.
