How to Choose the right running shoe!

Running Shoes Advice

There is no single best running shoe in the world because everyone has different attributes and requirements as a runner. Our video guide on pronation offers some helpful running shoe advice, allowing you to make a more informed decision when choosing running shoes which are right for you.

Pronation refers to the natural side-to-side movement of the foot as you walk or run. You can have a neutral, mild or severe pronation type.

If you ignore your pronation and run in shoes that don’t offer you the right support and put yourself at risk of multiple joint issues, IT band syndrome and Plantar Fasciitis.

How to do the wet footprint test to find your pronation

As our video shows, to find out what type of running pronation you have, you just need to do the simple test.

• A bowl of water
• A dark piece of paper (a brown or manila envelope is ideal)
• Your feet!

1. Dip the sole of your foot into the water, shake off any excess

2. Press your foot onto the paper/envelope as if you were walking over it

3. Match the imprint left behind to the symbols used below to find out what type of runner you are

Once you know what shoe you need you can use our 'running shoe finder ' and even try out our free online gait analysis service.

WHAT YOUR FOOT PRINT TELLS YOU

  Cushioned

If you're a neutral runner or an underpronator, your footprint will leave a thin band or gap between your forefoot and heel on the outside of your foot. If you're a neutral runner, you'll have an efficient running gait and you're likely to have a normal arch. If you're an underpronator, your foot doesn't pronate (roll inwards) enough during the gait cycle. You're likely to have a high, rigid arch. Both of these types require a cushioned shoe which won't hinder the natural pronation of the foot.

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  Support

You're a mild to moderate overpronator, your footprint will leave around half of the footprint on the outside of your foot. This means the arch will collapse through the gait cycle and the foot will roll inwards excessively. 60-80% of all runners overpronate, so don’t worry if you are an overpronator - this is normal! Support shoes are characterised by additional support features on the inside of the shoe.

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  Control

You're a severe overpronator. This means the arch of your foot will collapse through the gait cycle and the foot will roll inwards severely. If you're this type of runner, you're likely to have a flat arch. Only 10% of runners need this type of shoe. Motion control shoes are particularly suited to heavier runners who need more support and cushioning. Motion control shoes are characterised by built in support on the inside of the shoe and tend to have wide soles for additional stability.

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We also stock insoles that add support to the foot which can be housed in both a Support and a Neutral shoe. Shop our range of insoles here.

Weight

The weight of shoes vary from brand to brand and so does the size that they use to provide the approximate weight.

The weight we provide will be provided by the brands on their Mens and womens average size shoe which is usually Mens uk 9 and Womens uk 6 unless stated, but will always be approximated.

BENEFITS OF LOCK LACING

Having problems with heel slip & foot movement whilst running? Try this simple fix - The Lock Lacing technique might be what you need!