When you walk into a shoe store, you’ll see hundreds of pairs to choose from. From barefoot running shoes to a $ 200 pair of Nike. The fact is that there is no such thing as the “perfect” running shoe. Everyone needs a different type of shoe, and when it comes down to it, choosing the right shoe is more about what’s comfortable, not about price.
What is the difference between a running shoe and other shoes?
You can run in any footwear you want, but a shoe made specifically for running is best. Running shoes usually have a flexible sole and enough structure and cushioning to support your feet if you keep hitting the sidewalk.
Unlike basketball and tennis shoes, which offer lateral support, running shoes do not have lateral stability because you don’t move your foot back and forth as you run. The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends that you purchase a sport-specific shoe if you participate in a sport on a regular basis. So, if you love running but also play basketball, your feet will be happiest when you buy individual shoes for each one.
It is possible to buy running shoes from a general shoe store or sports store. However, your best bet is to visit a store that specializes in running shoes. You won’t be distracted by other options, and you have a much better selection of the different types of running shoes that are out there.
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The main difference between different types of running shoes
So you stand in the shop and stare at a thousand different shoes. What’s the difference between all of them? Essentially, running shoes are typically marketed in four different styles:
- Motion control or stability: Stability shoes are recommended for people who overpronate. This means that your foot will roll inward as you run. Motion control shoes are usually the stiffest and heaviest shoes out there. Stability shoes are less so. If you have flat feet, you can be directed to them.
- Padded: These shoes don’t try to greatly affect the movement of your feet, but they do tend to have extra cushioning. People who are heavier or have high arches prefer these.
- Neutral: As the name suggests, neutral shoes are for people with a neutral gear. Usually they have a little bit of cushioning.
- Minimalist or “barefoot” shoes: These shoes tend to have little to no cushioning or support. You should imitate to run barefoot as accurate as possible and at the same time offer the protection that many people need.
What does all of this mean for you as a buyer? Not that much, actually.
What really matters is how you feel when you run
Many shoe companies shy away from the above rigid categories because a number of studies showing previous ideas about the type of foot and the type of shoe you need aren’t as accurate as you think. A series of studies of the The US military has shown that the shoe type is no longer as injury-related as we used to think. Additionally studies by the University of British Columbiaand the British Journal of Sports Medicine show that the way shoes are prescribed and sold is usually too simple and not based on evidence. Basically, the way running shoes are sold doesn’t exactly correlate with injury prevention or comfort.
Scientists, shoe companies and runners have spent the last decade grappling with this topic. The truth is, there isn’t a best practice way of telling you which shoes to buy.
When it comes to shoe types, the safest thing to do is stick to something neutral unless you’ve tried neutral shoes and you know they’re not for you.
When you go to a running store and talk to a representative, they may examine the shape of your footprint to see if you have high or low arches and may ask you to run on a treadmill while they analyze your gait. But after all that, their recommendation may not be any better than if they happened to have picked a neutral shoe off the wall.
The nice thing about this process, even if unscientific, is that you and the run store rep have time to chat about what you’re looking for in shoes. Tell them what you like and dislike about your current shoes and whether you have had a pair that you loved in the past. When it comes to shoe types, the safest thing to do is stick to something neutral unless you’ve tried neutral shoes and you know they’re not for you.
How to choose the right pair
Once you’ve figured out the differences between all of these different types of shoes, it’s time to pick the pair that is best suited for you. This is a surprisingly difficult task.
If you’re new to running or having problems with your shoes, you may need to reconsider what type of shoe you need. For this purpose, it is a good idea to go to a specialized running shop and get advice and fit from them. When you are there they will take a look at your posture, age, and physique. Then combine that with your goals, your training intensity and the place you run to find the right type of shoe. If it’s your first pair of running shoes, it’s a good idea to skip ordering online and pick them up in person so you actually get the right fit. (That said, there are options for Choose the fit when ordering online.)
Fit is most important, and that means the heel is snug, you have enough room for the ball of the foot to move a little, and enough room to wiggle your toes. For a few more tips to help you find the right fit, Visit the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeon’s Guide to Athletic Fitting to make sure you try them on correctly. Don’t be surprised if you have to buy your running shoes half a size larger than your street shoes. most of us do.
As for the price, it probably doesn’t matter. Certain shoes may be better made than others, but comfort and fit are more important than anything on the price tag. And to be clear, “comfort” means how they feel when you run, not only when you are in the shop. Ask to jog on the treadmill or run around the block. They usually let you.
From a technology standpoint, no two shoes are exactly alike, and a pair of shoes a friend swears by may not work for you. When shopping for shoes, think about the main goals: comfort, support and fit. That’s all that really matters when it comes down to it. As many runners often say: the best running shoe is the one you never notice.
This post was originally published in 2013 and was updated on March 12, 2021 to add information, update links, and to adapt to current Lifehacker style.
