SportsShoes Blog

Witham Running Club - Reviews of Sportsshoes.com running kit

Witham Running Club

Witham Running Club has about 180 members and is based at Bramston Sports Centre Witham. It was formed in 1983 to support those who wish to train, race and run for fun on and off road. Club Colours are Black and Old Gold.

We are a happy Club, which has grown its membership substantially in the past few years, with a mix of good training programmes, a great social environment, but most of all we all give respect, support, encouragement and equality to our fellow athletes regardless of how quickly or slowly they choose to run. We recognise that not everyone can attend all of our training nights, due to family, work or other commitments, but everyone is welcome!

Find out more about us here: www.withamrc.org.uk.

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See below for reviews:

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Nike Lady Element Half Zip Running Top

nike element top

Reviewed by Theresa Montgomery

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

long sleeves and zip up.

Worst Points:

sleeves were too long, just because we’re large does not mean long arms and legs.

Other Comments:

n/a

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Adidas AdiZero Long Tight

adidas adizero tights

Reviewed by Dave Beckerleg

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

Fits like a second skin, warm, highly reflective, perfect  for those winter training nights.

Worst Points:

None.

Other Points:

Keeps muscles warm, less chance of pulls and strains. Good for cold cross country days.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Nike Lady Tech Capri Running Tights

nike dri-fit capri tights

Reviewed by Lynne Lewis

Star Rating (Out of 5): 3

Best Points:

. Colour of black.

. Mesh on the lower back of the leggings- good for ventilation.

. Leggings wash well.

Worst Points:

. Larger zip pocket on the back to hold a mobile phone/ipod/keys

. Leggings rolled up to behind knee as I was running- this felt uncomfortable on the back of my knees.

. Sweat dripped down my legs as I ran and collected behind the knees where the leggings had rolled up- this felt uncomfortable.

. Each leg is seperated into four quarters-Front lower quarter to be same material as either the mesh or the body of the leggings.

. Gusset to be larger.

. More reflective stripes are needed to be seen, on the front and back of the leggings.

. Upper back of leggings have a seam under the pocket- try mesh across the back body of the leggings down from that seam- ventilation for when people have mobile phones in their back pocket. Down from seam for one/2 inches only would be ideal.

Other Comments:

None

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As you know I’m somewhat of a Kanadia fan - my new pair of 4th generation shoes are the 4th pair I’ve had.

Thankfully Adidas have not tinkered with the sole unit which saw a major overhaul when the shoes went from 2 to 3.

The outsole is superb featuring really useful lugs which provide great traction both up and down hill and also make the shoe comfortable on harder surfaces.

Looking at them you could be mistaken for thinking that the shoes would ride too high for true off road use but that’s not the case in practise. The foot feels planted to the ground and very stable despite the good levels of cushioning.

The 4th generation gets a reworking of the upper which is more cosmetic than anything else but I think works well and gives the shoe a classy and expensive look. Inside Adidas have also upgraded the inner sole which is now a little more contoured round the arch.

So, another fantastic shoe from the Kanadia stable which works superbly on almost all surfaces but once again the real treat for the buyer comes when you take them to the till. How Adidas can pack so many features into a shoe at this price when the competitor products are around 20 quid more is beyond me.

Go and try them I’m sure you won’t be dissappointed.

Just be careful with sizing - they still come up very small so you’ll probably need a full size bigger than your normal shoe.      

DAWLISH COASTERS - Reviews of Sportsshoes.com running kit

DAWLISH COASTERS

“We are very happy to welcome new or returning runners to our club nights as well as visitors from other clubs. We run from the Dawlish Leisure Centre at 6:30 pm on Tuesday and Thursday evening’s throughout the year with sessions lasting for approximately 1 hour. Our training schedule is worked out in advance with each session led by a club member. Take a look at the training schedule page on  www.dawlishcoasters.co.uk for more information.

We have a very active social side to the club and we encourage all members to participate in the various events held throughout the year. Details of these will be posted on the notice board in the Leisure Centre and will appear on the Social Events pages of the website.”

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See below for reviews:

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Ron Hill Lady Aspiration Powerlight Tights

Ronhill lady Aspiration Powerlite Tights

Reviewed by Lorna Richards

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

Nice soft feel material that gave good support, very comfortable with high back and handy pocket. The UVR a good feature

Worst Points:

Bit long for summer wear – having reflective strips would be beneficial for darker, cooler running

Other Comments:

Zipped bottoms made them easier to pull on

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Nike 7 inch Tempo Running Shorts

Nike 7 inch Tempo Shorts

Reviewed by Simon Bundy

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

Soft comfortable material – good fit

Worst Points:

Just a little bit too long – felt slightly restrictive

Other Points:

Really nice pair of shorts if could be just a little bit shorter

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Nike Dri-Fit Tech Running Tights

Nike Miler Running Vest

Reviewed by Les Elms

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

Excellent fit, soft fabric, very comfortable for running and movement in general

Worst Points:

Couldn’t think of anything bad to say here

Other Comments:

Already one of my favourite running vests

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Poole AC - Reviews of Sportsshoes.com running kit

Poole Ac

Poole AC activities include road running, cross country, track and field leagues and organising a number of races including The Beast, Round the Lakes 10K and the Wessex 100K relay. We have a thriving Juniors section, with members involved in track & field, indoor athletics competitions and fun runs. We have achieved success at all levels, and run our own club championships.

Why not come along and join in with our activities? Everyone from 8 upwards is welcome, irrespective of ability. All that is required is enthusiasm - we’ll provide qualified coaches, encouragement and a friendly atmosphere. For more information check out our website here: www.pooleac.co.uk/

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See below for reviews:

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Saucony AMP PRO2 Compression Sock

Saucony AMP PRO2 Compression Sock

Reviewed by Jane Neal

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

The socks felt very supportive and comfortable without feeling tight whilst running. Breathable even on hot days.

Worst Points:

I’m used to running in short socks so it took a while to get use to the feel and idea of wearing long socks.

Other Comments:

I tested the medium size which was a good fit although they would fit a larger size foot I’m a Ladies size 6. The socks are unisex, the details on the pack say medium is for a Mens size 6-9 and Ladies 7-10. I haven’t had them long enough to test their recovery and healing benefits however they feel very supportive on tired and sore legs.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

ASICS Level 2 Running Shorts

Asics level 2 Shorts

Reviewed by David Neal

Star Rating (Out of 5): 1

Best Points:

Useful key pocket

Worst Points:

Way too long for running (even with my long skinny legs).  Material feels slimy with an odd feel on the front of your legs when you run.  Expensive.

Other Points:

I’ll only be wearing them in the gym

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Nike Dri-Fit Tech Running Tights

Nike Lady Dri-Fit Tech Running Tights

Reviewed by Rachel Johnson

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

Great material and zips at the back of the ankle are really easy to undo

Worst Points:

Couldn’t find anything!

Other Comments:

These leggings were a very good fit, they look nice and feel really comfortable to run in. Would be fantastic if they did them in other colours as well, especially funky ones! I would certainly buy more. I really loved these leggings and I’ve had some very positive comments from other runners regarding the look and design of them.

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Fife AC - Reviews of Sportsshoes.com running kit

Fife AC

Fife AC was formed in the early 70’s from the amalgamation of several clubs in North East Fife who in turn joined forces with Fife Southern Harriers to form the current Fife AC.  Geographically, it is a widespread club taking in Central and North East Fife, with training groups in Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Cupar, and St Andrews.  Teams regularly take part in the major Scottish events and in recent times the men’s team have performed well in the British AAA’s 12 stage road relay championships finishing twice in the top 20.  The aim of the club is to promote all aspects of athletics - track and field, road, cross country, and hill running throughout the age range to both sexes and for all standards. For more info see fifeac.co.uk/

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See below for reviews:

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Ron Hill - Aspiration Lite Zip Top

Adidas Response Tight Shorts

Reviewed by David Burgess

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

They fit well, look good and give the right amount of support I need for my hamstrings. The zip pocket on the back of the shorts is quite handy for car keys.

Worst Points:

None.

Other Comments:

These are quality shorts. As good as any of the other brands on the market. I intend to buy a few extra pairs.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Adidas Lady Running Vest

Adidas lady Vest

Reviewed by Sarah Legge

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

Lovely looking top which does a good job of keeping you cool. Not too revealing unlike some of the more traditional style of vests. Well-made and good attention to detail.

Worst Points:

Nothing bad to say about this vest.

Other Points:

The usual high quality I have come to expect from the Adidas brand.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Gore Runwear Air Zipped T-Shirt

Gore Runwear Air Zip T-Shirt

Reviewed by Brian Cruickshank

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

A superb wicking top with mesh inserts and the added bonus of a zip for when the weather gets really hot. The shirt fits really well and the material feels good against the skin. The reflective trim should be useful once the darker nights draw in. The red, white and black colour scheme looks classy.

Worst Points:

No bad points to note.

Other Comments:

I am very impressed with this technical t-shirt. In fact it’s such a good looking shirt it feels a shame just to use it for training! A quality piece of clothing well worth paying a little extra for.

Swanley and District AC - Reviews of Sportsshoes.com running kit

Swanley and District AC

They are an established running club with a reputation for being both friendly and competitive. Their members are of all ages and ability. Some of us run to keep fit, some to train for races of all distances, both local and further afield or some just for the fun of it. If you are new to running or a hardened veteran there will always be someone to run with. “S and D” are always happy to see new faces so come along and join us! The clubhouse is located in the picturesque Swanley Park, just off New Barn Road. This allows us to train on some road & trail runs in the surrounding countryside. For more information see: http://www.swanleyanddistrictac.org/

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See below for reviews:

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Ron Hill - Aspiration Lite Zip Top

Ronhill Aspiration Zip Top

Reviewed by Caroline Burley

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

Comfortable to wear & moves over the skin well

Worst Points:

None.

Other Comments:

A spring or autumn layer or with another layer underneath ideal for winter. Finally and a girlie thing but I liked the colour!

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Ron Hill - Womens Vizon Powerlite Tight

Ronhill Lady Vizion Powerlite Tights

Reviewed by Caroline Burley

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

Comfortable & waistband not too tight.

Worst Points:

Zips a bit irritating on outside of legs.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Nike Sphere T-Shirt

Nike Sphere T-Shirt

Reviewed by Andy Dunmall

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

Nice wide fitting, no blisters, very stable

Worst Points:

You only sent me one pair!

Other Comments:

Nice looking shoe, would be very confident in doing a marathon in them after a few weeks running in them.

Horsham Joggers - Reviews of Sportsshoes.com running kit

horsham joggers

Horsham Joggers

Horsham Joggers was set up in 1984 and continues to promote the fun in running. A social running club of around 250 members, we cater for runners of all levels of fitness and ability, from the first time jogger to the sub 3 hour Marathon athlete. The concentration on fun continues with a very active social side to the club with several events taking place throughout the year, including Ten Pin Bowling, Brewery trips, Go-Karting and more.

The running calendar includes varied organised events at all levels - through our membership of the Sussex Grand Prix, The West Sussex Fun Run League and Horsham 10K road race. These are supplemented by locally organised club events such as pub runs, time trials, handicap races, night running, London Marathon training runs and the infamous Xmas mud run. So if you’re into running, whether as a novice or a veteran, come and join us, you won’t be disappointed.

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See below for reviews:

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Adidas Lady Response Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Adidas reponse lady t-shirt

Reviewed by Sophie

Star Rating (Out of 5): 3.5

Best Points:

Cool, breathable fabric.

Worst Points:

Bit too long.

Other Comments:

I liked the colour of the T-shirt, a nice bright blue and it kept me cool even on a 7-mile run on a very warm day. It was a bit too long though and the sizing is very generous, I think a size 8 would have been fine as the 10 is quite roomy.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Nike Dri-Fit T-Shirt

Nike Dri-Fit T-Shirt

Reviewed by Geoff

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

Well made from several panels, with all seams finished so as not to cause chaffing.  A generous size - I tested the large and it was a little bigger than my other similar large t-shirts.  It had very good wicking properties and dried quickly .

Worst Points:

The labels giving size and washing instructions are very big.  Although not a particular problem, some runners may wish to remove the labels to avoid the potential for rubbing.

Other Comments:

The orange colour certainly gave ‘high visibility’.  A colleague on a bicycle saw me from a quarter of a mile away!

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Item Tested and reviewed:

ASICS GT-2160 Running Shoes

ASICS GT-2160

Reviewed by Steve

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

Nice wide fitting, no blisters, very stable

Worst Points:

You only sent me one pair!

Other Comments:

Nice looking shoe, would be very confident in doing a marathon in them after a few weeks running in them.

Folkestone Running Club - Reviews of Sportsshoes.com running kit

Catherine in her Nike Top

Faye in her Nike Top

Folkestone Running Club is a small friendly club for runners aged from 16 years upwards and ability ranging from elite to beginners in Folkestone and surrounding areas in Kent. They have been in existence for over 40 years.

They exist primarily to encourage running at any standard, either with a view to competing in races from 5k to marathon, or simply for exercise and fun. Folkstone regularly compete in local races and team based events and also take part in competitions on road, cross country and track at County, Area and National level.

They have over 80 members of whom nearly half are women. Read more about  them here: www.folkestonerunningclub.co.uk

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See below for reviews:

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Adidas Response DS Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Adidas Response T-Shirt

Reviewed by Dave

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

Good comfortable t-shirt with lightweight feel, breathable fabric wicked away moisture very well, so still feeling good at end of run

Worst Points:

None.

Other Comments:

Overall good quality top that I would recommend.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Nike lady Miler Short Sleeve t-shirt

Nike Lady Miler T-Shirt

Reviewed by Faye

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

The colour & fit.

Worst Points:

Slightly higher neck than I normally wear but nice long length in the body. I didn’t think the material was the most breathable in very hot weather.

Other Comments:

Loved the colour!

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Reviewed by Catherine

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

The material and style and comfort whilst running.

Worst Points:

For a small shirt it is on the baggy side would prefer it more fitted

Other Comments:

Kept me nice and cool whilst running

Orpington Road Runners  Club - Reviews of Sportsshoes.com running kit

Orpington Road Runners

Running through Orpington’s streets and the Kent countryside since 1985! We are simply the friendliest of running clubs, supporting the noble sport of running in and around our little pocket of Kent. Since 1998, we have also organized a very successful series of 10k (adult) and 2k (school) races.

We have regular weekly attendances of close to 100 Yellow Shirts and run every Tuesday, 8pm from outside The Buff P.H., Crescent Way - swarms of yellow shirts departing from the site are a common site for those in the area! Our main aims remain simple;  to provide safe, interesting and challenging running, together with advice  - and most importantly companionship - whenever we meet.

We have strong links with neighbouring clubs and welcome friendly runners of all abilities.  Please enjoy checking out our website and we look forward to running with you! www.orprunners.com

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See below for reviews:

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Puma Ladies Sports Bra

Puma Lady Sports Bra Top

Reviewed by Tonia

Star Rating (Out of 5): 3

Best Points:

Soft on skin, does not chafe, keeps its shape after washing

Worst Points:

Not enough support or structure and does not have adjustable straps, which I prefer

Other Comments:

I feel that this bra would be comfortable enough for walking and light exercise, but for me, not robust enough for running

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Ronhill Running Shorts

Ronhill Running Shorts

Reviewed by Nigel

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

Fabric, fit, reflective strips

Worst Points:

Rather high waistband.

Other Comments:

Not too clingy, for lycra.

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Reviewed by Allan

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

Very comfortable and not at all restrictive while running.

Cool and fresh in warm running conditions.

They don’t shrink and the colours didn’t run in the washing machine.

Worst Points:

Rear pocket is small and the zip is fixed in the middle rather than the top of the pocket. This means that keys etc, are more likely to fall out as you open the pocket.

Waist band is high and tighter than it needs to be compared to the rest of the shorts especially as there is a tie for holding them up.

Other Comments:

The shorts are quite long in the leg so not suitable for those concerned with their tan.

I would recommend them to a friend.

Dulwich Runner’s Club - Reviews of Sportsshoes.com running kit

We are a friendly road and XC running club based in Dulwich, south east London. We have approximately 250 members of all abilities who compete in road, XC, multi-terrain, fell and track races. New runners are always welcome, however fast or slow. Sadly we don’t have the resources to cater for younger runners (under 16). We’re based at the Edward Alleyn Club in Burbage Road and you’ll always find us there on Wednesday evenings. Wednesday at 7:00pm is our main training night but we hold track sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays (in summer). Find out more about us here: http://www.dulwichrunners.org.uk/

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See below for reviews:

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Item Tested and reviewed:

New Balance Short Sleeve Men’s Running T-Shirt

New Balance T-Shirt

Reviewed by Jay

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

This top provides a very easy going running experience!  It is generously cut and provides a loose fitting top: perfect to let the early summer breeze in.  The material is 100% polyester with a medium thickness and mesh like construction. It feels comfortable and the material is stretchable. The stitching appears well constructed and I didn’t feel any friction points.  The style is very minimalist.  I tried on the black version which has a discreet New Balance logo on the neck and chest of the top.

Worst Points:

The material and mesh construction could be a bit too thick for summer running.  The top wouldn’t suit those who like their running tops to have a more fitted feel.  If you are looking for extras such as pockets, panelling, or dashes of colour or reflective material, then this is not the top for you!

Other Comments:

Overall an excellent minimalist loose fitting men’s running top for individuals who prefer a simple and relaxed style.

Reviewed by Peter

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

Soft material, did not chafe, good fit and wicked well on a hot run

Worst Points:

None.

Other Comments:

Seems to have washed well with no shrinkage or change in performance.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Ronhill short sleeve t-shirt

Ronhill Lady T-Shirt

Reviewed by Kim

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

Very easy and comfortable to wear, good fit, very lightweight keeps you dry, no chaffing,  nice colours too

Worst Points:

None.

Other Comments:

I know all socks feel nice when new on, but these really do feel great.

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