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| Shoe Type | Description | Foot Type/Best for: |
| Motion Control | Motion-control shoes are the most rigid, control-oriented running shoes. Designed to limit overpronation (or slow the rate at which a runner overpronates), motion-control shoes are generally heavy but very durable. They may include features such as a medial post (for pronation control), a polyurethane midsole (for midsole durability) and a carbon rubber outsole (for outsole durability). Many are built on a straight last, which offers stability and maximum medial support. | if:
you
are an overpronator who needs control features and places a premium on
durability.
if :you wear orthotics and want a firm midsole and deep heel counter. if: you are a heavy runner who needs extra durability and control. Runners with flat feet often do best in motion-control shoes. |
| Stability | Stability shoes offer a good blend of cushioning, medial support and durability. To provide stability, these shoes often have a medial post or dual-density midsoles. They are usually built on a semicurved last. | if: you are a midweight runner who doesn't have any severe motion-control problems and wants a shoe with some medial support and good durability. Runners with normal arches often do fine in stability shoes. |
| Cushioned | Cushioned shoes generally have the softest (or most cushioned) midsoles and the least medial support. They are usually built on a semicurved or curved last to encourage foot motion, which is helpful for underpronators who have rigid, immobile feet). | if:you are an efficient runner who doesn't overpronate and doesn't need any extra medial support. Runners with high arches often do best in cushioned shoes. |
| Lightweight Training | Lightweight training shoes are lighter versions of standard trainers. Usually built on a semicurved or curved last, lightweight trainers are for fast-paced training or racing. Some lightweight trainers are relatively stable; others are not. | if:
you are a quick, efficient runner who wants a light second shoe for fast-paced
training.
if: you want a racing shoe, but want more support and cushioning than you'd get from one of the pure, superlight racers. |
| Trail | Trail shoes offer increased outsole traction, midsoles similar to those of stability shoes and uppers with toe bumpers and reinforced stitching for more durability. | if: you do a lot of off-road running and need shoes with extra traction, more durable uppers and extra protection from stone bruises. |
Many websites are available to help you determine your foot type and which type of shoe would be best for you. Also, an educated and informed sales person can be very valuable. The following links can provide valuable information about shoe selection and foot type.
A
shoe for every foot - be sure to look at the table which links
to this site
Running
Shoe Database - provides some information free and for a small
fee, you can send in answers to a questionnaire along with an outline of
your foot and they will recommend shoes for you
RunnersWorld
Shoe Guide - very beneficial to us in developing this website
Roadrunner
Sports - shoe dog will "fetch" the right shoe for your foot
after you answer a few questions
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