Ask any orthopedic specialist and they’ll probably tell you the question they answer most often from patients is about which running shoes are best for running fast, far, and without injury.
brbrChristina Morganti, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center and AAMG Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists, says this is a difficult question to answer because there are so many variables, such as running goals, history of injury, type of running surface, etc.
brbrDr. Morganti offers the following general guidelines to get you off on the right foot when it comes to running shoes.
1. The shoes should feel comfortable in the store. Don’t expect you’ll be able to “break in” the shoes later.
brMost running shoe stores organize their shoes in broad categories, including cushion, lightweight cushion, forefront cushion, motion control, and neutral. In recent years another category—minimalist shoes—has been introduced. Here’s what you should know about each category:
brbrDr. Morganti recommends trying on multiple pairs and going with what feels good after walking around the store. “Many stores have a treadmill so you can try running in the shoes. Some even allow video analysis to check for stability,” she says.
Provided by Anne Arundel Medical Center
brbrChristina Morganti, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center and AAMG Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists, says this is a difficult question to answer because there are so many variables, such as running goals, history of injury, type of running surface, etc.
brbrDr. Morganti offers the following general guidelines to get you off on the right foot when it comes to running shoes.
1. The shoes should feel comfortable in the store. Don’t expect you’ll be able to “break in” the shoes later.
br2. Your heel should not slip out of the shoes.
br3. Your toes should not hit the front of the shoes.
br4. The shoes should fit your arch type and foot mechanics. Ask for help, if needed.
br5. The shoes should be light and flexible, but also with a slight degree of stiffness for support and durability.
brMost running shoe stores organize their shoes in broad categories, including cushion, lightweight cushion, forefront cushion, motion control, and neutral. In recent years another category—minimalist shoes—has been introduced. Here’s what you should know about each category:
Cushion
- brProvides heel-to-toe comfort
- brBest for heavier runners
- brTends to be heavier material
- brGood for runners with joint degeneration
Lightweight Cushion
- brHas thick soles made of lighter weight material
- brNewer technology, offers less “feel” for the road, but more cushion without the weight
Forefoot Cushion
- brHas less cushion in the heel relative to the forefoot—the opposite of traditional shoes
- brDesign encourages a foot strike pattern more on the midfoot than the heel
- brTake some time to work with this option and adapt to your new gait pattern carefully and gradually
Motion Control
- brSpecially designed with performance elements for stability
- brBest for runners with excessive motion in the hind foot
Neutral
- brGood for runners without serious biomechanical issues or for use with orthotics
- brLess expensive and lighter than other options
Minimalist
- brLighter weight, less heel cushion
- brAdapt to these shoes carefully and gradually to avoid injury
brbrDr. Morganti recommends trying on multiple pairs and going with what feels good after walking around the store. “Many stores have a treadmill so you can try running in the shoes. Some even allow video analysis to check for stability,” she says.
Provided by Anne Arundel Medical Center
