By Paul Freary The Gaviota 5 is the latest stability running shoe from HOKA and features a brand-new design element, the H-Frame. This new stabilising feature has allowed the brand to use softer midsole foam for cushioning in a deep stack while still being able to provide sufficient control for over-pronators.If you click, or buy from, […]
Paul Freary
Paul has a lifetime of running experience. As an athlete, he competed at the international level and has some pretty impressive PR’s including; Mile 3:56, 5000m - 13min55sec, Half Marathon - 64min 55sec and, although he says ‘It’s not that good’ a pretty impressive Marathon best of 2hr 35min from Chicago in 2002.
Paul was the British Half Marathon Champion as we as World Masters Champion at the same distance.
He says one of his best runs was at the Berlin Marathon last year, where he finished in 2hr 39min at the age of 54 and hopes to go a little quicker this year.
Paul has worked in the running industry for over 30 years, both with brands including Puma, Fila, Adidas and Nike as well as owning his own running specialty store.
He lives in Lancashire in the UK and writes for several leading publications including Athletics Weekly.
Paul Freary | LinkedIn | Strava | Instagram | Athletics Weekly
Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 vs Adrenaline GTS 24 – Brooks Support Shoes Compared
By Paul Freary The Brooks Adrenaline GTS and Glycerin GTS have been running shoe staples for me for several years. Both from a personal perspective and from that of being a running shoe store owner, they have always proved reliable options for runners requiring a good combination of cushioning and support for daily training.If […]
8 Best HOKA Running Shoes for All Types of Runners
By Paul Freary Here, I’ll look at some of the most popular Hoka running shoes and make my recommendations for different runners, from those wanting a lightweight, performance marathon racing shoe or to those that simply want a shoe for everyday easy miles.If you click, or buy from, links on this page, we may receive […]
7 Best Walking Shoes for Overpronation Correction
By Paul Freary I am often asked what the best shoes for walking are by people who overpronate. In many cases, running shoes tend to be the best option as they are specifically the only category of footwear that is available that features different levels of control for pronation.Here, I’ll explain what to look for […]
6 Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
By Paul Freary Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common foot injuries or conditions. Pain in the heel, arch and bottom of the foot is most commonly classified as Plantar Fasciitis and can be debilitating.Here we’ll look at some of the best walking shoes for those suffering from Plantar Fasciitis.If you click, or buy […]
6 Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet With Support
By Paul Freary I am often asked in my specialist running store what the best shoe is for walking for people with flat feet. Running shoes often provide the perfect solution thanks to the variety of models available and the range of support, control and flexibility that they can provide.I explain that people with flat […]
6 Best Supportive Running Shoes for Flat Footed Runners
By Paul Freary Flat feet, or fallen arches, CAN cause overpronation, leading to discomfort and potential injuries when running. For the purpose of this feature, I am looking exclusively at supportive shoes for runners with flat feet. These are shoes that help control pronation as well as provide general support and cushioning for the feet.Finding […]
6 Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Maximum Comfort
By Paul Freary One of the most common questions I get asked by both new and seasoned runners is, “What’s the best cushioned running shoe?”Important considerations such as the runner’s weight, pace and distance all play a factor in making the right selection.For the purpose of the selection here, I have chosen stable, neutral running shoes […]
7 Best Wide Toe Box Running Shoes for High Volume and Wide Feet
By Paul Freary Runners with wide or higher volume feet often face challenges when selecting appropriate running shoes. Standard-width footwear may not accommodate their foot structure, leading to discomfort, performance limitations, and potential injury. Here, I will look at the specific needs of these runners, biomechanical research, and potential injury implications, offering some […]
6 Most Comfortable Walking Shoes with Good Cushioning
By Paul Freary While running shoes are designed for high-impact activity, many people also choose them for walking because of their comfort and support. However, not every running shoe is equally suited for walking. If you are considering using running shoes as your everyday walking footwear, here are the key factors to look for.If […]
