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Good Running Shoes: How to Choose Good Running Shoes
Whether you’re looking for women’s running shoes or men’s running shoes, the requirements will be the same – you need something that is suited to the running you’re doing and your running style.
To get the right running shoes for you, you need to look at your bio-mechanics and get a good grip on what your running style is.
Running Biomechanics
Pronation: It is natural for your foot to pronate because it is absorbing shock. When you run your foot will normally fall on to the outside of the heel and then roll inwards until flat. When your foot strikes the floor in this way it cushions the impact and moves it through the foot.
However, it isn’t uncommon to have issues with your biomechanics that leads to you rolling on the foot too much or not rolling enough.
Over-Pronation: When your foot strikes the floor on the outside of the heel it then rolls inwards in to the middle of the foot. If it rolls too much you’re over pronating. When you do this, it puts more pressure on your foot, ankles and muscles in the legs.
SuperPronation:
When your foot strikes the floor on the outside of the heel and doesn’t roll in enough you’re under-pronating. This can put excess pressure on your arch, your ankle and the lower leg.
Both these pronation conditions can be corrected with the right running shoes.
How to Find Out About Your Pronation:
There are gait analysis tests available from professionals, but these usually come with a price tag! A cheap, quick and effective way to check your pronation is to look at your old running shoes. Put them on a level surface and look at them from the back – when you do this, you’re looking for the way they are worn.
If your trainers stand upright and straight, then your pronation is neutral. However, if your running shoes lean in to the middle, it means you over-pronate. Alternatively, if your running shoes lean outwards then you’re super-pronating.
The formation of your arch can also effect your pronation this can affect the type of good running shoes that will be suitable for you
Running Style:
Along with pronation, when you run, there are also different ways your foot can hit the floor and this is often referred to as your ‘Running Style’.
You can change your running style with work, but if your running style suits you then you can get running shoes to support your style.
Forefoot Strike:
This type of running is usually used by sprinters and people who tend to run faster because when the forefront of your foot hits the ground first you get better propulsion and can use a quicker pace. If you’re a forefoot runner you’ll require a running shoe that gives you increased cushioning to the toe area as this will be absorbing a lot of impact.
Heel Strike:
A heel strike running style is when the heel hits the ground first and you then roll on to the forefoot and push off the toes. This is a more common running style and is also found in the majority of long distance runners. A lot of runners recommend this style of running as the most natural. If you’re a Heel Runner then your running shoes will need proper cushioning on the heel and support through the arch.
Midfoot Strike:
A Mid-foot Strike running style is achieved when the heel and the forefoot hit the ground simultaneously, creating an even distribution of weight over the foot. This style is recommended by certain running groups, but is notoriously harder to practice and for most people will require a change to their current style and biomechanics. Mid-foot Runners will need good running shoes that will support them through the arch and encourages a even distribution of weight over the foot.
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Shoe Type: Cushioning and Motion Control
Running Style: Encourages and facilitates Heel-to-Toe Running Style
Extra Benefits: Earth’s Negative Heel Technology also corrects posture
 Earth Footwear have specifically developed good running shoes to include their world famous Negative Heel Technology. This design physically positions the heel lower than the toes by including a 3.7 degree incline from heel to toe in the sole of the shoes.
This technology naturally encourages a positive heel-to-toe running style, but also cleverly negates the need for excess cushioning around the heel by using Negative Heel Technology to engage the calf muscles more rather than putting high impact on the heel.
Clinical studies from the NY College of Podiatry have shown that this technology, although naturally placing the heel lower than the toes, doesn’t put more pressure on the heel than normal running shoes. In fact the pressure on the foot is evenly distributed over the foot and the technology ensures there are no peak pressure points on the foot whilst wearing Earth shoes.
Earth Running Shoes also incorporate a firm arch and metatarsal support and a torsion shank for motion control.
Earth Footwear Customer Reviews
 "I intend to continue buying these as my new sports shoe. I exercise: run, gym and walk 60 mins into work and back everyday - after just one month, Earth trainers have amended my posture significantly. My back and neck are damaged following a car accident and I suffer ongoing pain. The earth shoe has pushed my shoulders back, but chest forwad and my spine is aligned for the first time in 10 years. Feel great and haven't stopped wearing them since I bought them one month ago - I immediately feel pain in any other shoe. Going to be an expensive time for me!" - Sarah
"Bought these trainers as already own Earth shoes. I suffered from shin splints when jogging o thought Id give them a go. They are fantastic, no more aches and pains and my cellulite really has improved. Well worth the money" - Tammy Stewart
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Shoe Type: Neutral
Running Style: Encourages Mid-Foot Strike, can also be used for a forefoot sprint.
Extra Benefits: If you want good running shoes that give you ultimate freedom then FiveFingers are for you - they are the closest thing to running barefoot apart from running with no shoes on! Therefore the naturally encourage a mid-strike running style.
 Vibram FiveFingers have been designed to offer the same physical and visceral sensation as going barefoot. They are made by Vibram who spent years developing a sole that would offer superior endurance whilst connecting the foot with the ground in a way that can only be done by going barefoot and recent clinical studies show they’ve been very successful in creating good running shoes that offer better muscle engagement and protection than typical running shoes.
Typical running shoes position the heel higher than the forefoot. In FiveFingers both the heel and forefoot lie on the same plane, so there is no cushioned heel. This positioning encourages mid-foot striking, meaning that your heel and forefoot contact almost simultaneously to share weight load.
For many the style of running encouraged by FiveFingers will take some getting used to and result in a bio-mechanical change, but it is most likely for the better as a mid-strike running style is said to result in fewer injuries, and offer a more efficient distribution of energy and weight.
 As FiveFingers offer such a change from normal running shoes they will take some getting used to. If you have further questions about their suitability then Vibram do have an expert Bio-mechanics team that addresses FAQ’s here
Vibram Fivefingers Customer Reviews
"I love these they are so comfortable, you dont realise you have anything on you feet! a must for barefooties ( people that like walking about bare foot)" - Diane
See our Vibram Fivefngers here
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Shoe Type: Cushioning and Stability
Running Style: Encourages Mid-Foot Strike, can also be used if you heel-strike.
Extra Benefits: These good running shoes feature DSS Spring Technology in the heel which will cushion your feet whatever running style you use to reduce the impact on your joints and they reduce the braking action which can be a consequence of excessive heel striking.
 Aura Performance Trainers offer superior shock absorption and give a smooth heel to toe transition with an enhanced level of responsiveness. Unlike traditional midsole materials, the springs in Aura trainers have been tested over the equivalent of 1000 miles and have shown not to deteriorate making Aura much more durable.
 DSS Spring Technology returns energy at a rate of 90% to the wearer which enhances the performance and efficiency when running. The springs also provide unrivalled cushioning and dissipate shock to protect the legs, back and joints which reduces fatigue and improves recovery time.
Aura Performance Trainers don’t require a break in period and they will provide a uniform level of performance. Unlike other materials which can soften in the heat or firm up in cooler temperatures, DSS Springs are unaffected by changes in the weather.
Aura Customer Reviews
“The main thing that drew me to these trainers is how great they look. Usually if trainers look too good they dont perform that well but these are the best of both worlds, love the colour and love running in them. I have definitely noticed the difference with wearing these - I can run for longer and Ive noticed less impact on my joints. I would definitely recommend these if you go running or if you just want some great looking trainers!” - Melissa See our Aura Running Shoes here
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Shoe Type: Neutral
Running Style: Encourages Mid-Foot Strike, can also be used for a forefoot sprint.
Extra Benefits: Being barefoot trainers, Kigo are minimalist, good running shoes which allow you to experience the same connection to the ground as if you were actually barefoot. The ultra flexible sole encourages a mid foot strike.
 Kigo Footwear is a great option for running in, the shoes weigh 5oz each meaning that they reduce leg and foot fatigue and don’t add any extra strain on the body when running. The thin, flexible upper gives the feet the freedom to sit in their natural position while the thin sole lets the feet connect with the ground and giving good grip.
Kigo footwear can be used in all weathers but it is especially good for running on trails and in cooler weather. The rubber bumper at the toe protects them from rocks or other debris while the traditional design holds the toes together keeping them warmer in cold conditions.
Customer Review
“Im a big fan of Fivefingers and was unsure of how these would compare but after reading some reviews I thought they were worth a go. Im glad I gave them a try as they are excellent barefooting shoes, they are very flexible and lightweight and thanks to their feminine mary jane style even my sister wants a pair now to take on holiday with her. If you want to try barefooting then these are an excellent pair of "first" shoes!” – Rachel
See our Kigo Running Shoes here |
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Shoe Type: Neutral
Running Style: Encourages Mid-Foot Strike, can also be used for a forefoot sprint.
Extra Benefits: Designed by Vivo Barefoot, Evo are good running shoes and as the name suggests they give the same experience as if you were barefoot but they have an ultra thin, puncture resistant sole that is only 4mm. This gives protection from both the elements and any debris on the ground.
 The barefoot style will promote a mid foot strike and will encourage a more natural style of running. The thin, flexible sole results in maximum performance and responsiveness while the TPU cage feature allows the feet to breathe.
Evo running shoes allow the body to work a nature intended, when running you land mid-foot first, the heel rests and then you push off with the toes. In standard trainers the sole isn’t always flexible enough to allow this natural movement which can hinder performance.
Vivo Barefoot Evo Customer Review
“Im new to barefoot running so I am trying these to begin with. I have already noticed my feet moving differently when I run and they dont ache as much the morning after. Im doing a 10k run in the next few weeks so Im interested to see how they perform.” - Ollie See our Evo Running Shoes here
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Shoe Type: Neutral
Running Style: Encourages Mid-Foot Strike, can also be used for a forefoot sprint.
Extra Benefits: Feelmax footwear is one of the lightest on the market and each shoe weighs less than 100 grams. The shoes are designed to fit the foot as snugly as a sock which makes them comfortable to wear. Feelmax trainers allow you to return to the natural way of running as they simulate the experience of running barefoot. The positive effects of walking barefoot include increased operation and control over the feet and subsequently the whole body.
 Feelmax shoes feature a high quality, extremely thin sole which is approximately 1mm thick. Made from a special, puncture resistant fabric, this sole protects the foot without restricting its movement and this allows for complete natural control over the foot. By moulding to the foot like a sock, Feelmax are comfortable to wear when running as they reduce fatigue.
When wearing Feelmax good running shoes the feeling in the feet remains natural and this allows you to feel changes in the ground which strengthens the supporting structures of the foot, in particular the muscles and ligaments. In the same way when walking barefoot, when wearing Feelmax shoes the entire sole of the foot is placed on the floor evenly unlike in standard trainers where the heel tends to be higher. This even placing helps to position the pelvis and spine more naturally and the control over the toes increases indicating the positive effects throughout the whole body.
Feelmax Customer Review
“I didn’t really know what these shoes were meant to do when I first ordered them, I only bought them because they looked good and I had read some running reviews on them. They are so snug though and feel like socks they’re that light – perfect for running in! I’ve already ordered the boots for when I go to Switzerland.” - Iain See our Feelmax Shoes here
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Earth Footwear: 
FiveFingers:
Aura Running Shoes:
Kigo Barefoot Trainers: 
Vivo Barefoot Evo Running Shoes: 
Feelmax Shoes: