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Running Shoe Types

There are 3 running shoe types. They're specially designed for running and more specifically the running action of certain foot types. This is vital to prevent common injuries that occur with certain foot types when running with a normal training shoe. For this reason before running and buying running shoes you should determine your foot type so you can choose the best fit of the running shoe types.

Motion control running shoes

Motion control running shoes are designed for people who have low arches or flat feet , these are feet with a very low arch if any arch at all. Runners with this foot type when running will usually strike the ground on the outer edge of the foot.

The weight then transfers from the heel up the foot and the foot excessively rotates inward, this is called overpronation. This needs a specialist running shoe as overpronation can cause injuries as the weight transfers unnaturally.

Motion control running shoes help a runner with this foot type as the shoe is more rigid and prevents the excessive rotation. It does this by having a medial post in the sole, the shoe will have a slightly wider sole and be slightly bulkier to prevent the excessive rotation.

The runners action is not affected but they may notice less pain and strain in the feet after the run and will see less injuries in the long term. For this reason motion control running shoes for this foot type are essential.

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Stability running shoes

Stability running shoes are designed for people who have normal or medium arched feet. There is an arch to the foot and in height is around the level of the toes. The foot would leave a print like the one on the left.

When running the foot strikes the ground at the middle to outside of the heel. The weight then travels along the foot and rolls slightly inward on to the ball of the foot and leaves through the toes. This is a totally natural running action for the normal foot type.

Stability running shoes support the running action as the runner has a normal pronation or foot rotation when running. These shoes are still required and will enhance the running action far better than a lateral motion shoe such as basketball or tennis shoes.

The stability shoe has elements of all types of running shoes in them. Some rigidity is required but not too much so normal pronation is allowed. Some cushioning is required to absorb the shock. These elements will help prevent injuries that the wrong footwear can cause. For this reason stability running shoes are essential.

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Cushioned running shoes

Cushioned running shoes are designed for people who have a high arched feet. Their foot print will leave a thin band at the edge of the foot. Some will not have a band at all and the arch will expand the whole way across the foot.

When running the weight travels from the heel strike along the outer edge of the foot and through to the small toes which bare the brunt of the lift off. The foot has barely any rotation and this is called underpronation or supination.

The lack of rotation creates allot of shock on the joints. The cushioned running shoe will absorb this shock. The shoe will be flexible and allow more natural pronation as it contains no devices like medial posts found in other shoes to prevent rotation.

Runners with this foot type will find they get shin splints and knee problems allot more than other runners lack of shock absorption their foot type causes. For this reason cushioned running shoes are essential.

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