What To Look For
There is no single "best" shoe for all runners as shoes depend completely on your body. You must pair your foot with the right category of shoe. Running shoes outside of racing and trail shoes are split into three main categories: neutral, stability and motion control. Neutral shoes are for those who have normal to high arches and natural strides. Stability shoes are for those who overpronate--turn the foot inward as they run. Stability provides cushioning and control without a lot of added weight. Motion control shoes are reserved for heavy overpronation and tend to contain a lot of padding and weight. In all three categories, Asics brand running shoes tend to come out on top yearly.
Common Pitfalls
Splitting shoes and feet into three main categories runs the risk of overgeneralizing. Choosing a shoe based on arch and pronation neglects other issues such as troublesome hips or knees. If you experience any pain in running, choosing your shoe based on foot arch may not be ideal. Speak to your physical therapist for alternative choices based on your body type.
Where To Buy
Top neutral shoes include Asics Gel Nimbus 12, Brooks Glucerin 8 and Nike Zoom Vomero 5. Top stability shoes include Asics Gel Kayano 16, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 and Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 13. Top motion control shoes include Asics Gel-Evolution 5, Brooks Beast/Ariel and Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS. All Nike shoes can be purchased at the Nike factory website and in some Nike factory stores as well as all Brooks and Saucany products. Asics, however, can not be purchased from the factory website and must be obtained through a dealer such as Road Runner Sports, REI or Footlocker.
Cost
The Asics listed here average between $120 and $140, with very little chance of sale prices on current editions even at local or private-owned stores. The Brooks Glucerin 8 and Beast/Ariel run at $130, while the Adrenaline GTS 10 retails for $100. The Nike Zoom Vomero 5 retails for $130 and the Saucany ProGrid Stabil CS at $115. In general, across all brands and models the cost is about even for top quality.
Insider Tips
There is no way to know exactly what shoe is right for you until you have tried it and tried others, and know what you like and dislike about shoes. Runners who don't fit into one category of shoe or another with individual issues such as hip problems or knee injuries often run in shoes that fit into none of the categories listed above--such as minimalist running shoes or "barefoot" running shoes like the Nike Free. Minimalist shoes offer little support, cushioning and added "science" which results in a weight-less shoes that requires the wearer to use the muscles in the foot and legs that top-line recommended shoes do not. If you cannot find the right shoe for your needs, the Nike Free running at $85 is a good experiment for under, medium and over pronators.
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