The Categories of Running Shoes Explained

Until recently shoe manufacturers used three categories to describe their shoes. These categories were motion control, stability and cushioning and although they sound as though they may be easily discerned the great number of models that have been created means that the lines between each category are somewhat blurred.

The following is a brief description of what the shoes in each category do and a few of the shoes that fall inside them.

Motion control shoes are suited for severe overpronators or heavier runners who weigh more than 180 lbs who are moderate overpronators. The shoes created as motion control shoes are designed to offer a great deal of protection and durability. This is a fairly small group of runners and you will find that the majority of runners will not fall into this category. Some of the shoes in this category include: Asics Gel-Evolution, Brooks Beast, New Balance 1012, Nike Zoom Nucleus MC+.

The stability category of running shoes is where the majority of shoes manufactured today can be found. These shoes have been designed to minimize overpronation but still give the runner some flexibility in the construction of the shoe. A shoe that is classed as a stability category shoe will also contain a significant level of cushioning too. Some of the shoes in this category include: Asics Gel-Kayano, Asics GT 2150, Brooks Inifiniti, Mizuno Wave Alchemy, New Balance 760, Saucony Progrid Omni and Nike Structure Triax+.

Shoes in the cushioning segment of the market are generally designed for neutral runners who don’t require a lot of stabilizing features. However, these runners may tend to hit the ground particularly hard due to the lack of pronation and require added cushioning in their shoes. Some of the shoes in the cushioning category include: Adidas Adistar Ride, Asics Gel Nimbus, Asics Gel Kushon, Brooks Glycerin, Brooks Ghost, Mizuno Creation, New Balance 1064 and Nike Air Pegasus+.

If you can find out what type of runner you are and you know the way your foot hits the ground you can select a running shoe in the category most suited to you.