Need a new pair of trainers?

Trainers, sneakers, runners or pumps – whatever you call them, you have to have good comfortable ones that suit you! Mine are okay, but they seem to have lost their bounce. So I asked around the team to find out what they think are the best running shoes for Singapore, and what they’re currently wearing. Hopefully this helps if you’re looking for some new trainers, too – for women or for men!

Trainers for Women

Verne

Running shoes by Mizuno are my favourites – they’re light, breathable and have a narrower cut that works for my long, thin feet. Their Wave Rider is always a good bet, but I’m not fussy. My big feet (UK 8) mean I generally have to choose from the men’s range – and being thrifty (in some things, anyway), I look out for sale bargains. For gym or walking shoes, it’s got to be Skechers. Their Go Walk slip-ons are fabulous. And for hanging out, I love my super-comfy Superga sneakers.

Lindsay

I wear Nike Air Zoom Winflo trainers for women when I jog. These running shoes have lasted me for over four years and they’re still going strong. They offer just enough cushioning and I like that the material is stretchable, fitting my wide feet without pinching my toes.

Jo

Veja, because they look super-stylish, they’re really comfortable and – most of all – they’re sustainable. The brand uses raw materials sourced from organic farming and upcycled plastic bottles, and opts for environmental and ethical production. And, if they’re good enough for Meghan Markle…

Dee

I’m a fan of the Asics Gel Nimbus Lite running trainer. They’re super lightweight, with gel in the sole to absorb impact and make you feel like you have a slight bounce in your step as you run.

Leanda

I have Nikes, but I recently bought Fresh Foam 1080v10 trainers from New Balance and they’ve been ideal for my frequent running trails. I often do 5 or 10km runs around the neighbourhood, which means a lot of impact on my feet and knees from hard surfaces. The cushioned soles of the Fresh Foams are engineered to absorb a lot of that impact, and they give me a lot of bounce in each step. I’m clocking better times and feeling less strain on the legs, too; a bonus is that I love the colour!

Danielle

I get terrible blisters from shoes as I have a wide foot but a narrow heel – I use the Nike Flex runners as they are light and adjustable, and I can wear them all day without blisters. For dressier occasions, I wear Stan Smiths by Adidas – pretty comfortable, reasonably fashionable and I feel like they are appropriate for a middle-aged woman to wear!

Juliet

I’m a huge fan of Asics trainers for women. I have high arches and the Gel range of running shoes provides just the right amount of cushioning for my feet – and they’re so comfortable! I’ve just bought the Asics GelKayano 27 women’s running shoes.

Anna

I have the Adidas Light runner. As its name suggests, it’s super light and breathable. The shoes are great for running and daily walks, and they come in a hot pink colour. They are an old model though!

Veena

I recently got a pair of Reebok Memory Tech LT trainers. They’re so versatile and incredibly light yet durable. I can use them for short treks, running and the gym as well. And I love how easy it is to slip in and out of them!

Michaela

I wear the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37. During the Circuit Breaker, my shoes decided to fall apart; fortunately, Nike delivery was great in Singapore. My first pair were a little tight – tip: check reviews to see if people say they “run small”. The Pegasus 37 are by far the most comfortable trainers I’ve owned – they add a bounce to every step! They’re great for running or walking big distances.

Susan

I love Nike By You – you can custom-make your own design and choose the colours you want – I have the Nike Blazer Low By You. I also have Converse All Star (white, low-cut), too – they’re super old-school, comfortable and stylish. You can dress them up or down and they’re not too expensive, while still making you feel very hip!

Trainers for Men

Colin

Low-cut Converse All Star are my favourite casual shoes – they work well with jeans and shorts too.

Rey

I wear Nike LeBron Witness 5 EP shoes for basketball. I feel like I’m LeBron James, my favourite basketball player – and my team always win when I’m wearing them!

Kym

My go-to is Reebok’s Zig Dynamica trainers. Apart from the very comfy sole, they’re the only shoes that fit my feet perfectly. I can even wear them without socks on – that’s how comfy they are! I like the zig-zag style of the outer sole too; it looks really rugged. It also  bends smoothly when I do stretches and the shoes feel really soft inside even when running on trails.

Shamus

I’ve always loved Adidas Gazelle (because I’m a Beastie Boys fan from waaay back!), but for exercise I stick with Asics GT-2000 men’s trainers – no bells and whistles, just a great fit.

Want to tell us what you like? We can add it.

This article first appeared in the April 2021 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!

For walking or running in Singapore, here’s a round up of 20 places to walk and hike to try!