The knees don't lie...

When it comes to measuring trainer quality, I've always had a firm belief that 'the knees don't lie'. If the bounce is running out, the patella is always the first to know about it, or so it seems, anecdotally.

A few weeks ago, when that all-too-familiar 'niggle' started to re-appear mid run, I was quick to point the finger of blame at my circa-2024 footwear. Two years of daily 2ks had clearly not been kind to these quietly flaggling soles!

Coincidently, this realisation arrived on the raft on an invitation. An invitation to try a revolutionary 'women's only' trainer, designed with a laceless system that delivers superior fit and performance. The QLVR Running Slipper's distinctive silhouette is a feat of engineering, with every detail designed to enhance performance by working in harmony with women's biomechanics.

At first, I was septical of the lack of laces, and not least because I prefer my trainers tight, always indulging in an extra tug during bow-tying. That said, the snuggness of the running slipper - even without this process - seemed to perfectly rival the well-tied fit of my standard trainers. It owed - I imagine - to the 'Wing Fit' system, which cleverly wraps your foot in instant comfort. Not only this, the soles were satisfyingly springy. So much so, that a short sprint for size was all the persuasion I needed that lace-free was clearly the way forward. For my long-neglected biomechanic needs... much less my 'niggly' knees!