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There are two things none of our testers want to be given. A long sentence in a Thailand jail and a pair of Hi-Tec shoes. Or so they thought..

The jail definitely still has no appeal. But the Hi-Tec shoes? Things have changed. No, really. Every time a tester has been given a pair of their shoes since Hi-Tec got back into the running market they have looked glum and clearly wished they could have been given some 100 pound wonder shoe instead. But when they report back an amazing transformation has taken place. They're on the guilty pleasures list.

The Hi-Tec Phtera are really well put together and ride far, far better than you'd imagine. You may think that is not such a bold statement as your expectations would probably be quite low. But we're not just saying they're okay if you don't want to spend much, we're saying they're good shoes. They feel far better and far more technical than you'd dream of. Good cushioning at heel strike, nicely guided through the midstance and then you're encouraged into a good toe off position. You never get that for 50 quid! Heck, you don't always get it if you spend more than £70.

If you're a bit of a crowd follower you will stick to the regular brands. But if you want to be the person who is there ahead of time buy a pair of Hi-Tec, tell people how good they are and then remind them of this in a couple of years time when everyone has caught on to the shoes these guys are now putting out.

http://www.shoeguide.co.uk/exec/articles/best_running_shoes_of_the_year_2007