A marathon or half marathon experience starts from the ground up: with the right pair of running shoes. Any seasoned runner will caution that the shoes you wear on race day can make or break the experience. Where race routes wind through forest trails, as it does in the iconic Knysna Half Marathon, the importance of your footwear choice is amplified.
According to Gordon Stokes, Product Director at Hi-Tec, there’s no one-shoe-fits-all when it comes to the perfect running shoe. “Much like the runners themselves, the best shoe is personal, purpose-driven and shaped by unique goals,” he explains. “Whether you’re pushing for a personal best or running to revel in the majestic atmosphere of the forest backdrop, your shoe should feel like a natural extension of your stride.”
What to look for in a running shoe
When it comes to gearing up for a half marathon, the right footwear can be your greatest ally! Especially when running a route like the Knysna Forest, where terrain can be as unpredictable as the weather. So what should one look for in a shoe? Support and durability should always be at the forefront of your shoe choice.
“At Hi-Tec, technology is a major factor in how we design our shoes,” says Stokes. “We focus on delivering that sweet spot between performance and comfort, ensuring runners feel supported from the first training run to the final kilometre on race day. A proper fit is essential too. There should be about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe, allowing for natural foot movement and reducing the risk of blisters. Your heel should feel snug and secure, with no slippage as you walk or run. Lastly, there should be no pressure points when trying on a pair.”
Should runners size up for long distances due to foot swelling?
There’s no need for runners to size up, as the shoe’s last has been specifically engineered for the demands of the sport. Stokes cautions that sizing up can actually compromise the fit, resulting in excessive foot movement within the shoe. On uneven terrain, whether you’re navigating climbs, descents or lateral shifts on trails, a secure and glove-like fit is essential. A shoe that’s too loose not only affects stability but also increases friction, leading to preventable blisters.
Features and innovations to consider
Innovation in running footwear continues to evolve, and Hi-Tec is leading the charge with lightweight design. The brand’s v-lite technology delivers maximum support with minimal weight, aided by breathable mesh uppers and cushioning foams that go the distance. Hi-Tec has also partnered with Ortholite, a global leader in performance insoles. This partnership has yielded shoes that are supremely comfortable race after race.
What to know about event specific shoes
It goes without saying that different types of races may require different shoes. Many experienced runners opt for a “shoe rotation”, mixing in different pairs for speed sessions, long runs and recovery days. But if you’re just starting out, and training for a specific race like the Knysna Half and Full Marathon, opt for shoes that are designed for where you’ll be running.
The Knysna Marathon winds through forest trails, so a trail-specific shoe is key when running this race. “Trail shoes are designed with deep outsole lugs to grip uneven terrain, while road shoes tend to have flatter soles for a smoother, more efficient ride on tarmac. Hi-Tec’s Flash Trail shoe was built specifically with this race in mind. We developed the shoe alongside our sponsorship of the Knysna Marathon to meet the demands of the route — 21km of mixed terrain requiring comfort and endurance,” explains Stokes.
Stokes assures that runners who have tested Hi-Tec’s Flash Trail shoe have called it a great-value option that performs just as well as it feels. Right now, it’s his go-to recommendation for conquering the Knysna Half.
How long in advance should you start training in a shoe?
By the time it’s your race day, your running shoes should feel like a trusted companion. It’s imperative to start training in your race-day pair at least three to four weeks before your half marathon. While many modern shoes feel great straight out the box, your feet still need time to adapt. This gives the shoe a chance to mould to your stride and allows you to spot any potential issues, like rubbing or pressure points, long before they become a problem.
Ideally, you’ll want to experience a few long training runs in the shoes before the big day arrives. This way, you’re not only breaking in the shoe, but building confidence in how it performs over distance, on varying terrain, and at race pace. Because when the start line calls, the last thing you want to be thinking about is if your shoes will hold up.
Whether you’re aiming to set a new personal best or just want to make it through your first forest race in one piece, the right shoes are non-negotiable. Train smart, break them in properly, and choose a pair built for the route — your feet will thank you when it counts.