Just as runners come in all shapes and sizes, so do their feet. Luckily, so do running shoes. Finding the right fit for your feet is critical to your success as a runner. Before you buy your next pair of running shoes, get to know your feet and don’t settle for anything but the perfect fit.

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There are a wide variety of running shoes. The main types are motion control shoes, stability shoes and cushioned shoes. Regardless of the type of running shoe, the constant pounding will wear out the midsole cushioning before the rest of the shoe. The impact at heel strike is typically 2.5 times or more your body weight. This is the same force that is translated to the ankles, knees and lower back. Running shoes are specifically designed to redistribute and absorb shock to preserve the health of these joints. It is recommended to change running shoes every 350-500 miles or every 6 months to maintain proper shock absorption and help prevent injury.

Weight of running shoes is also significant in competitive runners. It has been shown carrying 100 grams of excess weight on each foot while running can decrease energy expenditure by 1%. This may seem insignificant, but it can add one to two minutes to the time required to run a competitive marathon.

Motion control shoes are made to control overpronation. Many of these shoes have rigid devices made out of plastic or fiberglass in the midsole. They are often built on a straight last and are either combination or board lasted. Straight lasts with more medial support and a wider base in the heel significantly reduce maximum pronation. Flat-footed, as well as heavy runners, do well in these shoes. Recommended shoe is the New Balance 1012 – Men or Women.

Stability shoes aid with mild pronation. They provide stability with extra medial (arch-side) support and usually higher density foam. This is apparent on most shoes by the gray colored foam on the medial aspect of the shoe. They are usually built on a semi curved last and combination lasted. This provides rearfoot stability and forefoot flexibility. These shoes are good for runners with normal arches and only mild motion control problems. Recommended shoes New Balance 760 (Men or Women) or New Balance 850 (Men or Women).

Cushioned shoes have little, if any, motion control properties. They are the softest of all the running shoes. They are built on a curved or semi-curved last and are usually slip lasted. This construct provides minimal rigidity with optimal cushioning. Runners with high arches and rigid feet do well in these shoes. Recommended shoes New Balance 1064 (available in store) or New Balance 758 (Men or Women).

If you are unsure of what kind of shoe you need or the structure of your foot, stop in to an area New Balance Twin Cities location and speak with one of our fit experts.