Good Shoes for Running

Running is a great exercise and requires minimal equipment. Running shoes are the most important piece of equipment runners will need. There are many makes and models of running shoes on the market. Finding a running shoe that fits your foot and works with your body mechanics is important, since the wrong shoe can lead to injuries.

Stability Shoes

Stability shoes are for runners who tend to roll their ankles inward when running. Employees at running stores should be able to tell you if your roll your ankles by watching you run. Some runners may roll their ankles in minimally or severely, either of which could lead to injuries. Stability shoes are made with a medial post or dual-density midsole, which helps prevent your ankle from rolling inward. Not wearing stability shoes can result in Achilles, knee, hip and spine injuries, reports the Sports Injury Clinic.

Racing Shoes

Racing shoes are made with breathable, mesh fabric and have minimal cushion to make them lightweight -- which makes them perfect for running races. If you are a competitive runner and have a efficient running stride and no injuries, racing shoes may be the shoe for you. Racing shoes offer minamal stability features and thus should only be worn during races. Wearing racing shoes, or racing flats as they are sometimes called, during training can lead to injuries such as shin splints, Runner's knee and plantar fascitis, writes Matt Fitzgerald, author of the book, "Complete Triathlon Book."

Cushioned Shoes

Runners with high arches often have ridged foot movements and generally do best in cushioned shoes. Cushioned shoes are made with the least amount of stability in order to promote foot movement. These shoes also provide the most amount of cushion than the other types of running shoes. Plantar fascitis and Achilles tendinitis are two common running injuries that can result from wearing improper shoes, reports the Sports Injury Clinic.

Trail Shoes

Trail shoes are ridged and do not allow a lot of movement in the foot. This ridged shoe stabilizes your foot on uneven ground and provides traction when running on trails. Wearing trail shoes when running off-road can help prevent ankle sprains, strains or fractures. Trail shoes are also made from durable and weather-resistant materials to withstand the mud, water, rocks and other elements that the trails provide.