GLOUCESTER SPORTS BLOG

Awards for 2012

As we are getting to the end of 2012, I thought now was a good time to dish out the Gloucester Sports awards to the brands who have done well (or haven't!) this year.

Footwear Brand of the Year: ADIDAS - A great year for Adi, who have the complete range of shoes. Their Supernova and Response range of shoes are great workhorse shoes for banging out the miles. The Adizero range of lightweight and racing shoes are far ahead of any other brand for performance, price and fit. Their off-road shoes also come up well (if slightly iffy on sizing), great grip and cushioning without charging the earth!

Most Improved Footwear Brand: BROOKS - It's no longer just about the Adrenaline! Brooks now have a great range of shoes and we have done very well with the Vapors, Summons, Luanch, T7 Racers as well as our best-selling shoe in-store this year, the Adrenaline GTS.

Must Do Better Award: ASICS - Hugely disappointed with Asics this year, prices have shot up with no improvement in the shoes. They have badly let down the independent running stores (on whom they built their reputation) and sold their soul (sole?) to Sports Direct. They have now pulled out of SD but have decided to open their own outlets.

Brand To Look for in 2013: NEW BALANCE - We have already seen the range for Spring/Summer 2013 and the apparel for Autumn/Winter and it looks absolutely fantastic. Good functional shoes and some very competitive prices on the clothing.

Happy Running!