Picking a good running shoe for yourself should have less to do with looking for something to match your new shorts and more to do with getting technical footwear that is built properly for your foot and body type. Each running shoe is designed with a different kind of person in mind. Do you have a flat foot or a rigid high arch? Do have a narrow heel, a wide forefoot, bunions? Do you overpronate? Do you crave the lightest shoe out there or do you need an big ol' Army boot? There was a running shoe built with you in mind, and we want to help you find it. Wearing the wrong running shoe can leave you bruised and achy or, worse yet, injured... Running shoes can be broken into three major categories: cushioned, cushioned-stability and motion-control. We've outlined them here. Take note of the icon(s) associated with the shoe type that best describes what you need, and then look for that icon(s) as you browse the shoes on our site... Keep in mind that these are over-simplified descriptions. Before you make a shoe-decision it's always best to have a knowledgable sales associate from a specialty running store (like GEAR Running Store!) evaluate your needs, and then bring out several options for you to try. Happy hunting...
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Description: The cushioned shoe class (sometimes called flexible or neutral) are shoes built essentially without any specific technology
designed to stop overpronation (excessive inward foot motion while
running). Cushioned shoes are generally softer and more flexible
than stability and motion-control shoes, and the focus is solely
on cushioning (shock absorption).
Best for: Medium to high-arched runners who are neutral (no pronation) or underpronators/supinators (outward foot motion). Some shoes in this class are not great for heavier runners as they will break down the soft midsole materials quickly. Examples: Asics Nimbus, Adidas Boston, Nike Shox, Nike Air Max, NIke Air Max Moto, Asics Cumulus, New Balance 879, Saucony Grid Shadow 7 |
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Description: The cushioned stability shoe class is the most popular
class of shoes. The majority of runners with a normal to slightly
flatter arch seem to run best with shoes in this category. These
shoes that have a little bit of added arch support designed to
help correct mild to moderate overpronantion (excessive inward
foot motion). These shoes are generally more rigid (firmer) than
cushioned shoes.
Best for: Medium to flat feet, Mild to moderate overpronators, runners who want some added support and heavier runners who want some added durability. Examples: Asics Kayano, Asics 2080, Adidas Supernova Control, New Balance 854, Nike Structure Triax |
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Description: Motion-control shoes are rigid, relatively inflexible
shoes that are designed specifically to stop overpronation. Built
on wide stable bases and utilizing "posts" (stiff support pieces),
motion-control shoes are the most supportive class of running
footwear.
Best for: Runners with flat feet who tend overpronate moderately to severly, and heavy runners who need maximum support and durability Examples: Nike Durham |
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