Choosing your style of Running shoe
To help you with the purchase of your new running shoes we have organised our shoes into categories
- Cushioned running shoes
- Motion Control running Shoes
- Racing and performance running shoes
- Off Road running shoes
- Stability running Shoes
- Fell running Shoes
You will see the word Pronation ,what is pronation ?
As you are running your foot and leg will go through some motion.
As your foot approaches impact it will turn outward and become more rigid to prepare for the force of impact.That’s why most people land on the outside edge of the heel.After impact the foot loosens and rolls inward this is called pronation.
Pronation is this natural inward rotation of the foot which allows the foot and body to adapt to surfaces and absorb shock.
In most cases the body uses pronation as a shock absorbing mechanism.
Following pronation the foot becomes rigid again as the body weight is transferred to the forefoot to allow toe off.
Runners will show three styles of motion.
- Under Pronation – rigid and immobile requiring a cushioned neutral shoe.
- Neutral Pronation – foot usually has a high arch and requires a stability shoe.
- Over Pronation – A foot which overpronates creates a severe angle and puts high stress on the joint which controls the rotation of the rearfoot. Resulting in excessive inward motion,a low inflexible arch (flat footed) .Runner requires a Motion Control shoe.
Cushioned shoes
These shoes have the excellent shock absorption and are usually built with a semi curved shape and slip last construction.
They are designed to promote normal foot motion,which is helpful for underpronators.
Underpronators have rigid immobile feet and usually a high arch.
Suitable for the efficient runner - who does not overpronate and does not need any extra medial support.
Models include :Asics Nimbus :Adidas Supernova Cushion:;Nike Pegasus;Brooks Glycerin;Brooks ; Reebok Premier Ultra DMX;
Motion Control Shoes
These shoe are the most rigid and are designed to control the excessive motion of the foot(or slow the rate at which the runner overpronates).Foot has a low inflexible arch or flat foot.
Features built into the shoe would include a medial post or footbridge to offer support.
Suitable for the over pronator.Or the heaver runner who needs durability and control.Also those who wear orthoses and require a firm midsole and deep heel counter.
Model available include : Adidas Supernova Control;New Balance 1122 ; Brooks Beast;Reebok Premier Control DMX
Stability Shoes or Structured Cushioning Shoes
This style is for the runner with a neutral style of running who does not have any severe motion control issue.
They require a cushioned shoe with some medial support as Duomax midsole on Asics shoes.
These shoes allow the foot to pronate naturally.
The shoe compresses at a slower rate because of the extra support and supports the foot better than a shoe without this reinforcement.
Suitable for the average runner who does not have severe motion control problems,who requires a shoe with some medial support.
Models include : Asics GT2100, Asics Kayano,:New Balance 1050;New Balance 855; ;Reebok Premier Road Plus:Brooks GTS
Racing and Performance Shoes
These are more responsive lighter weight shoes designed for racing or fast paced training.
Some models feature a stability feature.
For racing the models are designed for different distances form 10k to the marathon.
Often in this category the choice of shoe is determined by the runners preference and what style they have found perform best for them.
Not suitable for the heavier runner.
Models include ;Adidas Adistar Competition;Adidas Adios Lightstrike;Nike Marathoner
Fell Shoes
These are lightweight shoes designed for fell running.
They feature abrasion resistant materilas and flexible outsoles to grip the terrain.
Off Road Shoes
These shoes are for the runner who runs on/off road and requires extra traction for the off road element of the run.
Shoes feature more durable uppers and outsole s that flex and grip on various terrain.
Some models will have medial support.
What type of foot do you have ?
To determine your foot type you can try the wet foot test.
Dip your foot into water and then stand on a surface that will show your foot print.
You could use a towel,a piece of paper or cardboard.
On your footprint the darker areas show the areas of impact.
Flat foot type-Overpronator-Motion Control
Low arch which flattens out leaving a print that looks like the complete sole of foot.
Overpronated foot which strikes on outside and rolls excessively inwards.
Best shoes – Motion control shoes.
Normal foot type-Neutral –Stability shoes
Have a medium arch which leaves a footprint where the forefoot and heel are connected by a broad band.
Foot lands on outside and rolls inwards to absorb shock.
Runner is biomechanically efficient.
Best Shoes - Stability shoes with moderate control features.
High Arched foot type-Underpronator-Cushion shoes
A high arched foot often has a high instep showing a footprint with a very narrow band or no band at all connecting forefoot and heel.The Foot is generally supinated or underpronated.
The foot does not pronate enough and is not an effective shock absorber.
Best Shoes – Cushioned shoes which are flexible to encourage foot motion.
Tips to ensure a good fit
- Try on shoes late in the day or after a run.
- The heel should fit snugly with no slipping.
- Forefoot should be roomy and you should be able to wiggle your toes.
- Your midfoot should be under the arch.
- Allow some space between the end of your big toe and the end of the shoe. Usually a vertical thumbs width will be adequate space
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