Let’s Talk Trainers
Some people collect handbags, But now collect Hoka’s..Guilty!
What started as one loyal pair has quietly turned into a full-blown shoe rotation. Living in the countryside (read: mud, puddles and questionable terrain) means one pair simply doesn’t cut it.
And yes… I am fully embracing the “rotation life”.
My brand of choice? Always Hoka. I just love the choice of colours, they have a shoe for all scenarios and yes I am guilty of buying different colour ways to mix up the fit.
🧡 Stinson 7 – The Country Girl Essential
When you live surrounded by fields, forests and trails, slipping and sliding is not an option.
Enter the Stinson 7.
Mine are bright orange (because subtlety is overrated).
They are sturdy, grippy and completely reliable on muddy trails and wet fields. Solid. Dependable. Zero drama. They are definitely hard underfoot so I don’t like to wear them for very long runs, but they easily work for a 10k. The orange ones are currently sold out but they lots of other lovely options.
A very good buy.
☁️ Skyward X – Speed Days, But Make It Bouncy
For faster sessions I reach for the carbons — the Skyward X.
They genuinely feel like running on clouds (or how I imagine that feels). Super soft, incredibly bouncy and amazing underfoot.
These are my favourites for tempo runs when I want that little extra lift. They just make you feel fast.
Dangerously enjoyable. I have the green ones with the pink/blue way through the soul they look super cool, My plan is to wear these of the Reading Half Marathon coming up on March.
💙 Clifton – The Marathon Workhorse
The reliable one. The sensible one. The new one to my collection.
For any of you Peloton users, the incredible instructor Susie Chan always wears the Clifton so I had to try them out. The Clifton is currently my planned marathon shoe. The heel stack isn’t too high, but they’re still beautifully cushioned.
I bought a wide fit because my feet do swell on longer runs (glamorous, I know). It helps protect my toes and just feels more comfortable deep into mileage.
These are the steady, consistent miles shoe. The ones you trust. I have a blush pink pair with some gold accents. Bling!
⚡ Mach 6 – Short & Sharp
The Mach 6 is my short-run or gym-session trainer.
Not as much support as the others, but lightweight and versatile. Great for a quick 5K or treadmill session.
Not my natural go-to… but a very handy all-rounder to have in the mix. These are my cleanest shoe because they don’t see much of the road, the gym is where these mostly live.
I Just Love Hoka
I love the variety.
I love the colours.
I love that they’re not so expensive that I feel guilty owning more than one pair.
A rotation genuinely makes such a difference:
Trail days feel safer
Speed days feel faster
Long runs feel supported
And honestly? Having the right shoe for the right session just makes training more enjoyable.
No slipping.
No squashed toes.
No excuses.
If you’re building your own rotation, I’d love to know what you reach for 👇
Sylv x
