Selecting The Best Pair Of Running Shoes Whether you’re an Olympic athlete or a periodic pavement pounder, happy feet can make all the difference. For runners, selecting running shoes is akin to purchasing a house or a car; you’re going to spend a lot of time in them, so you want something you really like. In addition to a comfortable ride, shoes can play a major role in keeping you running strong. “Without a doubt, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and other issues can be helped by the right shoe,” said Robert Smith, owner of Robert’s Running and Walking Shop in Huntington, W.Va. As you set out to find the best shoes for the job, you should first consider the shape of your feet. “Looking at a runner’s foot leads us to what type of shoe they should be in,” explained Smith. The three main foot types are flat, neutral and high arches. Flat feet tend to have fallen arches, making them flexible and prone to overpronation, an inward rolling motion. Neutral feet are the most biomechanically sound variety, putting them somewhere in the middle.

High-arched feet are essentially the polar opposite of flat feet. nike jordan shoes collectionWhen the arches are particularly defined, the feet end up being rigid, leading to supination, or landing on the outside edges of the feet.new nike shoes spring 2015 RELATED: Top-5 Shoe Buying Tips For Runnerscheap authentic nike and jordan shoes As a result of the variety of foot shapes, shoe companies have developed models to accommodate runners of all strides. good shoes for running with bad kneesIn the selection process, be sure to align your foot type with the proper shoe category. best trail running shoes north face

Flat-footed harriers tend to gravitate to a higher stability shoe, as they help prevent overpronation. best mens winter shoes gqNeutral runners can often run in many types of footwear, but most commonly go for a moderate stability shoe. Runners with high arches are best suited for a cushioned shoe, providing midsole padding with flexibility. Once you are directed to the correct category, try on several pair. Most runners need to go up a half size from their street shoes, allowing for one-fourth to a half inch of wiggle room in the toebox. While you want to be able to move your toes around, be sure your heel is snug and secure, avoiding any unnecessary slippage. In the end, most runners know when they have found the ideal shoe. “Once you are in the right category, you should choose what feels best to you,” said Smith. It should literally feel like a part of your foot, working in concert with your natural foot shape and biomechanics.

Whether you’re an Olympic athlete or a periodic pavement pounder, happy feet can make all the difference. The Kinvara is marathon-running royalty, with previous editions beloved of runners the world over. The latest batch keeps the 4mm heel-to-toe drop, lightweight feel (218g) and flashy looks. However, it runs a little firmer than its predecessor, which some runners may dislike. A “Pro lock” system keeps the laces tight in the middle as well as the top, and the shoe achieves the difficult feat of feeling quick and comfortable. All in all, a great option for efficient runners who are still pushin’ for some cushion. Long live the Kin, indeed. Pearl Izumi E:Motion Road N2V2 Pearl Izumi’s ‘no bells and whistles’ approach has garnered a loyal following. And fans of its neutral running shoe range will be pleased to know that the latest addition, the N2 V2, maintains the breathable, lightweight upper – made using 3-D print technology (no seams) – and just enough energy-returning cushioning.

The traction is limited but, as the name suggests, this is very much a road-only shoe. For those looking for a highly dependable option, the N2 V2 will ensure over the 13.1 miles are drama-free. Adidas Adizero Adios Boost 3 Lightweight, flexible and snazzy, this shoe will score highly with the speed snakes among you. Like a Formula One car, everything unnecessary has been stripped away in a bid to reduce weight and boost speed. This translates to a perforated upper and a responsive Boost midsole. A slightly roomier toebox would be a welcome addition, while the 9mm heel-to-toe drop will displease members of the minimalist mafia. However, there’s a reason this shoe is the weapon of choice among many top runners: it’s a fast, fuss-free delight. If you’ve already run in the Clifton, you’ll be pleased to see its latest addition, with a firmer toe box and heel cushioning plus a no-sew Speedframe upper design. This neutral shoe is packed full of cushioning to absorb the shock of hard tarmac surfaces, but is equally at home off road.

We found them supportive and comfortable – you still get 29mm of EVA cushioning under the heel – but also unbelievably light to run in. The over-sized midsole might look cumbersome, but believe us when we tell you that it’s something of a joy to run in. New Balance Fresh Foam Zante Easy on the eye, with comfort to boot, the Fresh Foam Zante is a neutral-shoe lover’s dream. Fresh foam technology cushions the foot, without restricting movement or speed. A thick, structured upper lends itself to stability, but does come at the cost of flexibility, although that’s a minor concern for an otherwise impressive design. New Balance’s latest release is a rare blend of comfort, style and performance – acting as a lightweight racing shoe for PB-getters, while doubling up as a durable and supportive option. The Brooks Launch 3 is a sub-300g shoe that punches above its weight in terms of stability (despite being a neutral shoe) and relative cushioning. This leaves it sitting somewhere in between a high-mileage training shoe and an out-and-out racing flat.

Most of the weight-saving has come from the upper, which is thin and breathable but reinforced in the right places for durability. As well as having a roomy toe box, this is the type of shoe you could race a marathon in without sacrificing too much comfort. The Fate is Newton’s first truly neutral trainer, offering a little more underfoot protection than some of the line’s slinkier models. The heel-to-toe drop, though, remains a relatively minimal 4.5mm – making the shoe a useful option for those looking to transition to a more natural style. Newton’s trademark ‘pop’ wedge on the outsole aims to encourage a mid/forefoot strike, but it feels less obtrusive than in previous versions. The toe box is roomy and the upper breathable without feeling flimsy. A great half-marathon option. Asics Gel Hyperspeed 6 If you’re a PB hopeful, or just a generally pacey runner with designs on a speedy marathon time, you might take a chance on the Asics Gel Hyperspeed 6. Flexible, feather-light and with great traction, these things are built for speed.