Running shoes can be classified into three simply categories. The difference between the categories is decided by their intended performance. The three types of shoes you will see when at the store to get your shoes are neutral running shoes, stability running shoes, and motion control running shoes. See any similarities here? Think back to the three foot types I wrote about in the past.
The neutral running shoe is the most common type to be found and will inevitably have the most options in most any store. It is best suited for the supinator or the neutral foot type, yea I know you didn’t see that coming did you? In this category the primary performance focus is cushioning. These shoes are also referred to as neutral cushion trainers as well. Cushion in these models will have a very wide range of feel underfoot. There will be the super plush, pillow soft trainers. Then right next to it will be a firm snappy responsive cushion shoe. Which types you get all depend on personal preference. Almost everyone likes some sort of responsiveness to their shoes though and this is a feature you can ensure while still getting a good shoe that you feel comfortable in over the long haul by following a couple simple rules of thumb. In neutral running shoes the higher your weight the firmer the shoe you’ll want to cushion your running. While the lighter your frame the softer the shoe you can get away with without losing responsiveness.
The middle of the ground shoe and second most common yet the most widely needed by the general public is the stability/support running shoe. The support shoe is best suited for the mild to moderate pronator, or the neutral foot type looking for a little more support from their shoe. The support in these shoes is most commonly supplied through a dual density midsole insert placed on the medial aspect of the shoe usually under the arch and heel. In the photo above it is the grey foam. The level of support is adjusted by the density and amount of this foam added to the shoe and fine tuned by how far forward or back the foam sits. This style shoe does still supply just as much cushion as the neutral shoe’s but it focuses on support and is more likely to sacrifice cushion for support. Just like the neutral shoes the support you need is personal preference. It is however very closely related to pronation in that the more you pronate the more support you will need to attain the goal neutral gait.
The final style of shoe you’ll run into is much less common, usually only being two or three models available in a store. The motion control shoe supplies maximum stability and support. This shoe is best suited for those with severe pronation or ankle instability. They are built up for maximum support with much more dual density foam and usually some sort of internal structure which supplies additional support. The dual density midsole will usually wrap entirely around the medial and lateral aspects of the shoes heel. When in comes to motion control shoes many times a shoe this beefed up can be avoided with a custom foot orthotics in a mild to moderate support shoe. This is a great option for anyone looking to get away from the confines of the motion control category. If not, like I said this type of shoe is always limited on selection so try all the models you can and listen to your body for the best fit.
This finally concludes my complete overview of running shoes. As always I hope everyone gets something out of this and lets me know any questions or critiques they may have.
Endurance = Strength = Speed
Hope everyone had fun and active weekends
Matt V.
Mveiga86@gmail.com
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