Wearing appropriate footwear while you're running is essential in preventing skeletal muscular injuries that can affect your foot, ankle, knee and hip joints. There are typically three major types of running shoes available, and the one that's recommended for you depends on your foot structure and how you run.
Considerations
The best shoes for you to run in are the ones made to accommodate your running biomechanics. The three types of running shoes are made differently in order to support your running style. The type of shoe that's recommended for you depends on whether you run neutral, with a healthy arch, or if you're flat footed or have a high arch.
Types
The three types of running shoes include low-, middle- and high-arched. Low-arched running shoes, also referred to as motion-control shoes, are made to prevent your arch from collapsing as you land from each step. Those who have flat feet need extra support in the arch to prevent excessive inward rotation, also called pronation. Low-arched shoes feature a harder, stiffer bottom to prevent movement. Runners who have high arches typically land near the middle of their feet when they run and thus require more cushioning in their shoes. They need cushioned shoes that more shock absorbency. Those with a neutral foot without an arch that's too high or that collapses are considered middle arched and thus need a stability running shoe, which are made to absorb shock and prevent movement, but not as extensively as motion-control and cushioned shoes do.
Testing
Most running shoe stores offer free analysis of your running style. An employee will watch you run from behind and be able to tell, depending on how your feet are landing, what type of shoe you should be looking for. They will then likely bring out an array of those types of shoes to try on so you can pick the one that feels the most comfortable to you. Once you choose a shoe, you may want to try on a size smaller or larger to ensure the shoe fits appropriately. Many stores also offer a trial period, where you can purchase the shoes and run in them for a set period of time, with the opportunity to return them if unsatisfied.
Brands
There are numerous brands of running shoes, with top suppliers including Saucony, Brooks, Asics, Adidas and Nike. Each brand provides all three types of running shoes. Runners typically find the brand they prefer and stick with them, but there are different options if you're unsatisfied.
Member Comments