Helen Skelton ran 21km in these bouncy Asics trainers – I've worn them too, and the clever cushioning makes longer runs feel easier
Helen Skelton took on a half marathon over the weekend, running from Newcastle upon Tyne to the seafront in South Shields
Following a busy summer spent with family and exploring the great outdoors, Helen Skelton is back to work - and back in her running shoes. Over the weekend, she took on the Great North Run, a 21km race, raising money and awareness for Breast Cancer Now.
"I've been lucky enough to do quite a few of these mass participation events. [You see] the best of people, the best of humanity. It makes you smile, makes you cry. It's an absolute privilege to be here. I love this event," she said.
The Morning Live and Countryfile presenter is no stranger to long-distance running, having completed an ultra-marathon and the London Marathon several times.
For this road race, she chose the Asics Superblast 3 running trainers. Having worn them myself for a recent event, I can see why. It's a bouncy shoe, designed to be comfortable enough for the pavements, but it keeps a spring in your step as the miles rack up.
Quick review
The Asics Superblast 3 is a comfortable running shoe that does what few others can, blending speed potential with real support. I trained for a 10km race in these shoes, racking up at least 30km per week to prepare for an attempt at a personal best. Pulling them on, I immediately noticed how soft the soles were, with the wedge of lightweight cushioning making it feel like I was running on clouds.
The cushioning has multiple layers, which is how it manages to blend speed with support. FF Leap foam, taken from the brand's line of proper racing shoes and so built to be lightweight with lots of energy return, makes up the top layer. FF Blast Plus foam is at the bottom. This is more supportive. Together, they hold the foot in a natural rocker shape that pushes you forward with every step.
The combination meant it was easy to pick up the pace (and I ran my fastest 10km time ever), but not so easy to run very slowly. They aren't hybrid running/walking shoes either - unlike the Asics Gel Nimbus 28. This shoe is for those who want to get faster running while minimising road impact on their joints, making them a good choice for those who've been running for a while.
The lightweight upper also keeps the shoe breathable. As I tested these in the middle of the last heatwave, it was a real advantage.
The Asics Superblast 3 is a unisex shoe, so the toe box is naturally wider than you'll find in lots of running shoes (including Helen's other favourite, the Asics Gel Kayano 33). My regular size felt a little roomier than usual, but not too big. There's also support along the shoe's sides that prevents any ankle rolling. For an overpronator like myself, this is a win.
Helen chose the Illuminate Yellow/Energy Aqua colourway, but these shoes also come in blue, white, black, and cream colourways.
In the race, Helen paired her Asics Superblast 3 running shoes with a pair of black running shorts, a running belt to store her nutrition and essentials for the event, a pair of bone-conduction exercise headphones, and sunglasses.
Shop Helen's look
The Oakley Corridor SQ are wide-fit sunglasses with a nosepad and grips around the ears to prevent them from bouncing when you're on the move.
These shorts look similar to Helen's, with their seam split to allow for good airflow, a zipped side pocket, and a flat waistband.
Shokz OpenRun headphones work by sending tiny vibrations through the skull to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum, and so allowing you to still hear what's going on around you. Essential for a race!
