Know Your Shoe Categories

There are four types of shoe, so work out which one fits your need before parting with your hard-earned cash.

Running shoes come in four main categories: neutral cushioned, motion control, stability and performance.

Heavier runners (women over 72kg, men over 85kg) usually need a stability or control shoe, but your arch type and how much you pronate (the inward roll of the foot that helps the body dissipate shock) will help determine which category best fits your feet.

Match up these characteristics to the categories below to find the perfect pair for you.

Neutral cushioned

Recommended for runners who need maximum midsole cushioning and minimum arch support.

These are best for biomechanically efficient runners and midfoot or forefoot strikers with high or normal arches.

Motion Control

Recommended for runners with low arches who are moderate to severe overpronators and who need maximum stability and support on the medial side of their shoes.

Best suited for bigger runners who need plenty of support.

Stability

Recommended for runners who are mild to moderate overpronators and have low to normal arches.

These runners tend to need a shoe that has a combination of good support and midsole cushioning.

Performance

Recommended either for racing or, if you’re biomechanically efficient, for training.

They have varying degrees of support and cushioning but they’re light (most weigh around 250-300g) and fit like a glove.

One Response to Know Your Shoe Categories

  1. Peter NAICKER 3 January 2013 at 5:16 am #

    Hi I did a scan of my feet, and found out tht I am medium arch, can u please advise what shoe will be best for me.

    Thank you.

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