What Are The Three Types Of Running Shoes
People often think there are just three types of running shoes: neutral, stability and motion control. But thats not really correct any longer as we start to look at things like heel drop or even the plushness of the shoe and of course the new carbon fiber shoes.
The 3 commonly known types are designed to position the foot in a neutral stance to limit injuries and increase efficiency.
- Stability
- Neutral
- Motion Control
While others simply offer a variety of personal preferences for speed, amount of cushioning or fit. If you are getting injured frequently then its worth doing a running gait analysis to see if your stride is the issue or changing shoes might help!
Also remember that as shoes breakdown they will change your form. So its important to know how long running shoes last!
Stability Shoes
Stability shoes are designed to correct overpronation in runners. Pronation refers to the inward rolling of the ankle as it hits the ground.
Overpronators tend to run with flat feet or have week hips, which cause their feet to roll inward.
Over time, the excessive pronation can lead to injuries like: Achilles tendonitis, Shin splints, IT band syndrome and Runners knee.
Stability shoes feature additional support in the midsole area, particularly under the arch in order to deter the inward tilt. There is also added cushioning in the midsole intended to maintain neutral alignment of the foot.
Neutral Shoes
Motion Control Shoes
Can I Take Them For A Test Run
Buying running trainers is a big investment, so its important you always test them properly before buying them. Padding around on a carpeted shop floor doesnt quite replicate how the shoe will feel and respond when youre out running in them. Always ask to take them for a test run on our in-store treadmills.
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Where To Go From Here: Starting The Search For Your Best Road Running Shoes
With this all in mind, it can still be tricky to narrow your choices down to just a few pairs you that will suit your needs. If youre still feeling unsure as to what your best shoe looks like, head over to our shoe finder here, answer a few questions and see what results you find for your next new pair. Weve also highlighted some of our road running fan favorites and most popular models below is your next pair one of these?
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How Do You Intend To Use Your New Running Shoes
Are you training for short speedy sprints or longer, steady-paced runs? Or maybe youre looking for a shoe for recovery runs?
Are you going to only be using them once a week on the treadmill, or are you going to run the streets every morning on the way to work?
These are important factors to consider, with most running shoes being particularly suited to certain types of runs.
For example, high-cushioned shoes are great for absorbing impact and supporting your recovery runs or easy miles. However, this extra cushioning also means theyre usually heavier and can slow you down if speedy sprints are your goal.
The right running shoes will be designed with technology that can optimize your goal in a run be it speed, distance, recovery, or otherwise.
In other words, knowing your intended goals and usage will help you identify the best shoe design for you.
How We Chose The Best Running Shoes
We consider several factors when deciding on our picks. From ensuring we judge shoes according to their intended purpose to making sure youre actually able to buy them, here are the things we consider:
- Purpose. Comparing apples to apples
- Performance. How well does it do its job?
- Real-world testing. We put them to the test on real runs
- Price. Is it affordable? Does its performance justify its cost?
- Sales. Best-selling models are best-sellers for a reason
- fit id® data. Our own data shows how shoes fit for different feet
- Availability. It wont be good if you cant buy it
- Designer interviews. We ask the people who made it
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Determining Your Foot Type
Take a look at the bottom of your running shoe. The wear on your shoe will likely reveal your foot type.
- If your shoe shows even wear, you have a neutral arch and are a normal pronator.
- If the inner soles of your shoes are usually worn down, you are an overpronator and probably have a low arch.
- If your shoe wear shows excessive wear on the outer soles, you are an underpronator and probably have a high arch.
How Can I Test My Running Gait Myself
The wet foot test can give you a very basic idea of what shoe could be right for you.
Simply wet the sole of your foot, step onto a piece of heavy duty paper or a dark tiled floor, and examine the footprint you leave behind. The shape of your footprint can tell you whether you have a flat foot, normal, or high arches.
The wet foot test however, should only be used as a preliminary guide as it does not take into account running injuries or foot strike, so we strongly advise you to get a full gait analysis by one of our in-store experts.
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What Surface Are You Running On
If most of your training is on pavements, then road shoes are for you. With more cushioning than trail or lightweight race shoes these will provide shock absorption to minimise your risk of injury.
If youre running through soft muddy trails youre better off in a pair of trail shoes with a deep tread that offer better grip and ankle support, vital for running on uneven terrain. On pavement however, these shoes will be uncomfortable as the studs will press into the soles of your feet, and will wear away quickly.
If youre doing a little of both you should consider a hybrid running shoe. These shoes work well on both roads and mixed trail conditions with a balanced mix of grip and cushioning.
You Need Trail Runners
Congrats friend! By taking this quiz, youve discovered that you were born for the woods and built for adventure!
City views and flat road runs just sound like a big ol snooze fest for your wilderness craving spirit.
Thats rightfor you, mountainous backdrops and a wide range of conditions are what your soul craves. Sunday mornings in your world are best spent running to the tune of natures sounds while your ankles get covered in mud.
So whats the best option for your trail-blazing feet?
You need a runner you can count on for just about any kind of condition. Think: weather protecting finishes, max durability and a super secure fit. Lucky for you, our TrailBlZE line has just what you need to feel stable and protected while you tackle that next terrain.
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Consider Your Running Gait And Recurring Injuries
Running shoes are generally categorized into one of four groups minimalist , neutral, stability, motion control running shoes.
These different groups offer an increasing amount of stability technology and gait correction.
Do you overpronate? Or maybe you under pronate or heel strike? Are you prone to plantar fasciitis or other running injuries? Asking yourself these questions will help you identify the type and degree of stability you need in your running shoes.
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Top 5 Best Marathon Running Shoes
You know a big part of my philosophy is that you need to rotate your running shoes, which means having shoes for different kinds of runs. Today were talking about .
Whats going to have enough cushion, enough structure and enough life to get you through training.
More than that, theres something that gives you a mental boost when you find the right shoe. It just feels good to put it on, it carries you through the miles and come race day youre confident in that running shoe.
Lucky for you Ive run in all of these models, but more importantly have over 3000 of you participating in weekly Instagram Polls giving me additional feedback on what you love and has help fellow runners complete 26.2 with happy feet.
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How Much Cushion Do You Want To Feel
The ride provided by your shoes is determined by two aspects of cushioning: the firmness of the foam and the thickness of the shoe material between your feet and the ground. This material in the midsole is usually a type of foam, typically EVA or polyurethane, that helps absorb the impacts as your feet strike the ground. From maximally cushioned midsoles to ones with no cushion, how thick or firm the midsoles below your feet is a matter of personal preference. Some runners want a plush, soft ride for extra comfort. Others dont want or need that much cushioning, preferring more response from each stride. The best way to decide is to try on a variety of shoes and see how they feel.
Here are your choices when it comes to cushioning:
- Maximum cushion: These maximalist shoes offer thick padding in the midsoles for the ultimate plush feel. Runners may prefer the comfort of thicker, softer foam underfoot when running long distances or multiday races. But super-soft cushioning isnt for everyone. Some dont like the squishiness feel. Further reading:
How Should My Running Shoes Fit
If you’re able to try on shoes before buying them, walk around for a few minutes. Ideally, a running store will let you take them for a quick jog on a treadmill or even around the block. Note any areas that feel too tight or loose or any parts of the shoe that might poke into your feet or ankles as you run. Your shoes should immediately feel comfortable when you slip them on.
Standing in your shoes with your heel against the back of the shoe, you should have about a thumbnail’s width between your big toe and the front of the shoe. Toe movement is key, too you should be able to use your toes for balance and propulsion while running. If you can get a comfortable toe wiggle going, then you’re good.
If you’re shopping online, track down the sizing chart and get a sense of whether the shoes run true to size. Some brands or stores will let you take your shoes for a trial run upon delivery and return them after a certain number of days, weeks, or even months if they aren’t a good match.
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How Running Shoes Should Fit
If youre unsure how running shoes should fit weve got you covered. Theres more to running shoes than meets the eye and not doing due diligence early on can lead to discomfort and potential injury.
The ideal running shoe should feel snug around your heel and leave wiggle-room for your toes, with very little give around the ankle, for maximum support. You need to bear in mind that your left and right foot are likely to have different requirements, and that running shoes are not a one-size-fits-all thing.
We asked a physical therapist and run coach and a Head of Biomechanics to give us their advice on what to look for when buying new trainers.
Want more tips on running? Check out our articles on how to run properly or read our guide on what to eat before a run . Or if you need some suggestions on what gear to use, check out our round-ups of the best sports bras for running and best running watches .
Just Like Walking On A Cloud
Cloudscape was created for the athletically minded and was born from one simple vision: to deliver a world class shoe that is centred in performance and comfort.
John Clarke is a man of many passions. With countless hours of triathlon training and marathon runs under his belt, theres almost no sneaker that hasnt made its way to his feet.
After his many years of longing for the perfect shoe, he found himself strolling down the Squak Mountain Trail here in Seattle while staring up at the clouds. The thought then dawned on him: if only there was a shoe as comfy as a cloud with support as sturdy as the West Seattle bridge. That one thought alone is why Cloudscape exists today.
Cloudscape seamlessly blends a comfy cool lifestyle look with the kind of support you thought only your best friend could give. Using the technology of DUROMAX combined with synthetic leather and mesh panellingeach unique Cloudscape design offers a sturdy foundation with a light as air feel.
As our pal John likes to say: Your feet will thank you.
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Reebok Floatride Energy Glow
Weight: 9.6 oz , 7.7 oz Drop: 9mm
Sustainability is a key story for most brands in 2021, but Reebok was leading the charge back in 2019. Reebok now focuses on two planet-friendly initiatives: ReeCycled and ReeGrow . The Floatride Grow falls into this second category. Its upper uses a knit material made from Eucalyptus bark, and the outsoles natural rubber has no petroleum-based additives. Oil extracted from castor beans forms the Floatride Grow foams beads. Compared to the standard materials used on the regular Floatride Energy, the Grows updated materials perform generally well. The outsole doesnt skimp on grip, but the eucalyptus tree upper doesnt maintain its shape quite as well as the traditional synthetic material. Still, testers said it felt just as breathable and comfortable after a few runs.M.P.
Weight: 12.0 oz. , 10.9 oz. Drop: 10mm
Weight: 8.9 oz. , 7.9 oz. Drop: 12mm
What Terrain Will You Use The Shoes In
Running shoes broadly fall into two categories trail and road.
There are several key differences between road running and trail running shoes, but in general, trail shoes have more grip and tread on the sole, whereas road shoes have flatter, more efficient soles.
Choosing running shoes according to the terrain that you run on most is important to minimize injury and optimize your running performance.
Running on hard and uniform road surfaces puts more strain on our knees, ankles, and other weight-bearing joints when compared to softer surfaces. For this reason, road running shoes usually feature shock absorption and support features to protect you from injury.
Trail running shoes, on the other hand, are designed to respond to unpredictable terrain, prioritizing grip, traction, flexibility, and cushioning. They often also feature a sturdier, more durable upper to protect your feet against rocks, nettles and
If you plan to do a bit of street running and a bit of trail running, opt for trail shoes that have comparatively little tread.
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Most Common Types Of Running Shoes
With these things in mind, here are some details about the most common types of support and cushioning available in running shoes:
Neutral Running Shoes
Neutral runners evenly distribute weight down the center of the shoe and tend to have medium-height arches.
If you find that the wear pattern on your old shoes is centralized on the ball of the foot and heel, you may want to look into shoes with neutral support. These shoes do not include the added support of stability shoes, instead neutral shoes focus on absorbing shock to help you put on miles comfortably.
Bonus Tip: How Do I Become A Better Runner
The answer to that question lies within my Runners Blueprint System.
Why?
My system was specially designed for beginners who either want to start running or take their training to the next level, but have little clue on how to do it.
And dont worry, my ebook is written in a conversational, jargon-free, style. All you need to do is download it, follow the simple instructions, then start seeing results ASAP.
Heres what it includes :
- How to quickly and easily get started running
- How fast should you go on your first sessions
- The exact 13 questions you need to answer before you a buy a running shoe
- The seven most common running injuries.how to deal with them before they progress into major ones!
- The quick standing stretching routine that keeps you flexible even if youre busy as hell
- The 10-minute warm-up you must do before any session to get the most of your training
- And much, much more.
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Get Started By Walking
Walking is a great way to get active and even to slowly work yourself into running. While some brands do create specialized walking shoes, running shoes are equally good to walk in. The cushioning and close fit of a running shoe provides support to your foot as it moves, regardless if you are walking or running.
Read more about using running shoes for walking.
Five Tips For Trying Running Shoes In A Shop:
#1: Comfort is king.
How to pick the right running shoes? Look for comfort.
More than any other possible factor, a shoe that feels right is the one for you. If a shoe rubs or irritates you in the store, that will only get exponentially worse when you go out for a run with them.
#2: Dont assume your size.
Dont assume you know your size every brand varies slightly. You want a thumb space between the longest toe and the shoe box.
This avoids the repetitive motion of the toe hitting the toebox, which leads to sore toes/lost toenails.
At the same time, if the shoe is too big your foot will move inside it and your toes will strike the toebox anyway so its important to find the correct size in the middle of these two situations.
#3: Look for immediate comfort.
When trying on shoes, look for immediate comfort. Whereas some boots and harder shoes can be a little uncomfortable at first before being broken in, running shoes should feel comfortable and pleasant as soon as you put them on.
Of course, running shoes will also break in and mold to your foot shape and gait, but the breaking-in process should not be painful.
If the shoes give discomfort, friction, pain, or feel too solid/hard when you try them on, theyre not right for you. If you experience any of these the first time you try them on, they will likely give you a runners feet issue if you continue to run in them.
#4: Trial them.
#5: Listen to your gut.
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