If you are wondering what type of running shoe is best for you, there are a lot of factors to consider:

• How active are you?
• What sport/activity do you participate in the most?
• What is the structure of your foot? (ex. high or low arches)

For the best type of running shoe, go to a specialty running shoe store or be evaluated by a physical therapist. There are a lot of factors that make up the structure of a shoe. Here is a rough guideline on the different types of running shoes.

Neutral

• “Standard” running shoe

Stability

• Stiffer than neutral shoes - more supportive
• For over-pronator or low or flat arches
• Have medial post on inside arch - hard, dense foam from the middle arch to back of heel

Guidance

• Similar to stability - have medial post, but generally less support and shorter post
• More for only moderately low arches, or mild overpronation

Motion Control

• Heavy, dense shoes that don’t allow any movement inwards or outwards
• Long, heavy medial post and are very stiff
• Made for those who have no arch and need lots of support - generally not recommended

Minimalist

• Supposed to mimic running barefoot