Foot & Ankle Associates

RUNNING SHOE GUIDE

There is no "one best shoe" out there, but there is one best shoe for your foot. Shoes and feet come in three main shapes: semi-curved or neutral (regular arch), straight (flat foot), and curved (high arched). Finding a shoe that is a similar shape (or last) to your foot is one of the most important aspects in finding the correct shoe. Make sure you have both feet measured for width and length even if you think you know your size. Also, if you wear orthotics, bring them with you to try on shoes. To identify your foot type, look at your footprint on the bath mat after you step out of the shower. The three foot types are described below:

DESCRIPTION: Normal feet have a normal-sized arch and leave an imprint that has a flare but shows the forefoot and heel connected by a wide band.

FOOT CHARACTERISTICS: A normal foot lands on the outside of the heel, then rolls inward (pronates) slightly to absorb shock. Runners with a normal foot and normal weight are usually considered biomechanically efficient and don't require motion control shoes.

BEST SHAPE / LAST OF SHOE: Semicurved

BEST SHOES: Stability shoes with moderate control features such as a two-density midsole (a durable outer sole).

DESCRIPTION: Flat feet have a low arch and leave a nearly complete imprint. That is, the imprint looks like the whole sole of the foot.

FOOT CHARACTERISTICS: This imprint usually indicates an overpronated foot that strikes on the outside of the heel and rolls inward (pronates) excessively. Over time, this motion may cause various overuse injuries.

BEST SHAPE / LAST OF SHOE: Straight or semi-curved.

BEST SHOES: Rigid, motion-control shoes , or stability shoes with firm midsoles and control features that reduce the degree of pronation. Stay away from highly cushioned, curved-lasted shoes that lack stability and control.

DESCRIPTION: High-arched feet leave an imprint showing a very narrow band connecting the forefoot and heel.

FOOT CHARACTERISTICS: A curved, high-arched foot is generally termed a supinated or underpronated foot. This type of foot usually doesn't pronate enough, so it's not an effective shock absorber and needs a soft, cushioned shoe.

BEST SHAPE / LAST OF SHOE: Curved.

BEST SHOES: Softer, cushioned shoes , which allow more foot motion.

2005 Running Shoe Guide

Brand	Model	Price	Motion Control Straight Last	Stability Semi-curved Last	Cushioned Curved Last	Comments
*ADIDAS*	GFF Revenge	$100	X	XX		Moderate Overpronators
1-800-448-1796	Response Cushion	$75		XX		Light, cushioned
www.adidas.com	Supernova Cushion	$85			XX	Narrow, curved last
	ClimaCool Revolution	$100			XX	No support ; Cushion only
*ASICS*	Gel-Kayano XI	$135	X	XX		High mileage, stable
1-800-678-9435	Gel-1100	$75	X	XX		Fits women well, snug
www.asicstiger.com	GT-2100	$90	X	XX		Stable, cushioned, best buy
	Gel-Foundation	$90	XX	X		Roomy fit; Supportive
	Gel Cumulus VI	$85			XX	Best Buy-Cushion
	Gel-Landreth	$90			XX	Cushion w/mod. stability
	Gel- Evolution	$110	XX	X		Motion Control / Heavy heel strike
*BROOKS*	Trance NXR	$130	XX	XX		Excellent stability/High mileage
1-800-227-6657	Addiction 6 / ASR5 (trail)	$85	XX	X		Stable, affordable
www.brooksrunning.com	Beast/Ariel	$110	XX	X		Big, heavy, stable
	Adrenaline GTS 5	$90	X	XX		Versatile, stable
	Epiphany	$130		X	XX	Stable, high mileage cushioned
	Glycerin 3	$100		X	XX	High miles, soft FF
	Dyad 3	$90				**Straight last cushioned shoe
*MIZUNO*	Wave Maverick 4	$85		XX	X	Lightweight, lower arched feet
www.mizunousa.com	Wave Rider 8	$90			XX	Light, cushioned rearfoot
*NEW BALANCE*	587	$100	XX	X		Stable, basic
1-800-253-7463	833	$92			XX	Lightweight cushion
www.newbalance.com	766	$92	X	XX		Stable, good all around
*multiple widths	856	$95	XX	X		Medial support, snug fit
	718	$75	X	XX		Great buy, functional
	754	$85		XX	XX	Light, snug fit
	890	$80		XX	XX	Normal / High Arch / Roomy Toe
*NIKE*	Air Max Moto	$85		XX		Moderate Cushion / Stability
1-800-344-6453	Air Structure Triax	$90	X	XX		Medial cushion w/stability
www.nike.com	Air Pegasus	$80		X	XX	Efficient runner, good buy
	Althea	$80		XX	X	Wide forefoot; Woman Only
	Shox FSM	$110	X	XX		Moderate overpronators
	Air Max Solas	$120		XX	XX	Bigger runners / Soft
	Air Zoom Shift	$90		X	XX	Good for Racing / Speed work
*REEBOK*	Premier Ultra II	$110			XX	Cushioned
1-800-843-4444	Premier Plus II	$85		XX		Flexible stability
www.reebok.com	Premier Road DMX	$80	X	XX		Lighter stability, good buy
*SAUCONY*	Grid Trigon 3	$90		XX	XX	3 levels of cushioning
1-800-365-4933	Grid 3D Hurricane 6	$120	X	XX		Large runners, heavy heel strikers
www.saucony.com	Grid Stabil	$90	XX	X		Stable
	Grid Tangent	$100		XX	X	Stable, lightweight trainer