What To Look For
Look for neutral running shoes if you have a medium to high arch and need the kind of support that won't change your stride, as running with motion control or stability shoes will. The best shoes for neutral runners will feature a soft midsole to allow for arch support that doesn't put too much stress on other parts of your foot. Their materials are flexible and give your foot its full range of motion. Most running manufacturers offer neutral running shoes; some of the best include those by ASICS, New Balance, and Saucony.
Common Pitfalls
Neutral running shoes will not feature the stiffer materials of a stability shoe, and so will only work well for efficient runners who do not pronate. In addition, runners best suited to neutral running shoes are light, not overweight, and have no recent history of injury. If you have recently had a running-related injury, such as plantar fascitis, shin splints or stress fractures, look into shoes that address these particular injuries by providing more cushioning and support for different parts of your feet.
While many runners think they are neutral, they may actually under- or over-pronate. By looking at your running shoes, you can tell if you are a neutral runner; the shoes of neutral runners will show no more wear on the inner or outer tracks of the shoe than on the middle part.
Where To Buy
Running shoes are the big-ticket item in your running wardrobe. Therefore, it's really important to try them on and make sure that they are comfortable before you buy them. Go to your local running or athletics store to try on a variety of neutral shoes before choosing a pair to purchase; locally-owned stores tend to have more knowledgeable salespeople, but prices are usually higher than they are at chains such as City Sports.
Once you know your exact size and preferred neutral running shoe, purchasing online can save you a lot of time and money. Sites such as Running Warehouse or Road Runner Sports offer neutral shoes at a heavy discount.
Cost
At a retail running store, expect to pay around $100 for a pair of neutral running shoes. The general range of prices runs from $80 to $125 or even higher, depending on the materials and manufacturer. Online, expect to pay less, though you will have to pay around $10 for shipping. You can often find neutral running shoes on sale between $50 and $80; however, don't buy a pair of running shoes simply because they are on sale. The most important thing is they are the right pair of shoes for you and your stride.
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