Best Rated Running Shoes - What to look for in your running shoes

The best rated running shoes for you may differ from your neighbor, and this is due to different types of foot mechanics.

Most people tend to concentrate on the brand of shoe, and that is not the best way to approach buying shoes. Especially if you will be running in them for miles on end.

When I started running I had no clue why my knees hurt all the time. My family has been patella placement, so we really are not great runners. I would buy any old shoe. Well that all changed on day in college when I decided to actually buy my first pair of expensive running shoes. They were the Saucony Hurrincanes (pictured right) and they cost me $120 but were they worth it!

It was the first time I could run without having excrutiating knee pain later that evening or the next day.

The moral of the story is, take the time to find out what the best rated running shoes are for you. It can really save your knees a lot of pain.

What Are You Foot Mechanics?

You will first need to determine whether or not your foot has a high arch, a normal arch, or whether you are flat footed. You will then need to see how your foot strikes the ground. Do you strike with your heel, mid-foot, or forefoot? Last, but not least, your need to know something about your stride pattern. Do you pronate, supinate, or do you have a neutral stride pattern?

Your may look at these questions and say I haven't the slightest clue. Do not worry, neither did I. You can use our guide below to help you answer these questions. If not, your local podiatrist will be able to help you determine this. I myself am an overpronator with a smaller arch and heel strike. I learned this by going to the doctor and asking them specifically what I needed to do to make running better for me.

Knowing the answer to these questions will help you find the best rated running shoes for your feet. This will help you maximize your running potential, and in my case, save you a lot of money on advil.

Determining the Best Rated Running Shoes for You

What Foot Type Am I

Normal Arch:

The normal arch is the most common foot type as is marked by seeing about half of your arch on the paper. You are lucky because your feet are great for balancing your body weight and you can wear just about any shoe on the market. You may be best suited for stability shoes that provide moderate arch support.

If you want a lighter shoe, you could opt for neutral cushioned shoes without added support or a peformance training shoe that provides some support but are lighter for a faster feel.

Flat Foot (low arch):

If you can see almost your entire foot, then you have a flat foot. This means you do not absorb shock properly and can be prone to roll your ankles due to a problem in stabilizing your body weight. If your pronation is mild to moderate, your can use stability shoes or motion-control shoes. These have built in devices that reduce pronation and allow for better support of your body weight. The more severe your pronation and the heavier you are, the firmer your support devices have to be.

High Arch:


If you see the ball and heel of your foot connects by a thin line on the ouside of your foot, then you are an underpronator. This leads to too much shock travelling up your legs. The best rated running shoes for you would be neutral cushioned shoes with softer midsoles are recommended for you. You should not run with a shoe that has a stability device.

Now this test is not fool proof. It does not work for everyone and if you get a pair of shoes and you are getting a lot of running related injuries like shin splits or knee pain, then go talk to a professional who can watch your gait patterns and point you in the right directin.

What's My Stride Pattern and Foot Strike

Normal pronation:
• The outside section of the heel makes intial contact with the ground.
  
• The foot "rolls" inward about 5% and comes in complete contact with the ground allowing for bodyweight support
  
• The foot rolling inward helps to evenly distribute the force of impact for shock absorption
  
• You push off evenly from the front of your foot at the end of your cycle
  
• Foot-strike is neutral. Your feet roll slightly inward then slightly outward again during the time it is contact with the ground allowing for proper body alignment

Over-pronation:
• The outside section of the heel makes the intial contact with the ground
  
• The foot "rolls" inward more than 5%
  
• The foot and ankle are unable to properly stabilize the body and shock is not absorb efficiently
  
• The foot pushes off unevely using the big toe and second toe at the end of your cycle
  
• Foot-strikes that roll too far inward place the body in poor alignment and increase the risk of running related injuries. You tend to have overly flexible arches and muscle strength imbalances.

Under-pronation (supination):
• The outside heel makes initial contact with the ground
  
• The foot "rolls" inward less than 4%
  
• Forces of impact concentrate on the smaller portion of the foot and are unevenly distributed.
  
• At the end of the cycle, most of the work is done by the smaller toes
  
• Foot-strikes are supinated, with a lack of inward roll. Impact is not well absorbed, increasing your risk of injury.

How Foot-Strike Affects Shoe Selection:

Neutral-strikers:
You can wear any shoe as long as it does not detract from the way your run naturally. Motion control shoes are not recommended.

Over-pronators:
You need a shoe that has the right amount of support to keep your feet from rolling inward. The support of the shoe increases with the firmness of the shoe. This will help to keep your body properly alligned. If you like softer shoes, you can try replacing the insoles with more supportive ones.

Supinators
Soft and flexible shoes are the way to go for you. Supination is more a problem with shock absorption and is best to have shoes that provide plenty of protection.

Sources: "The Best Shoe For You", Runners World Magazine and "Pronation, Explained", Runners World Magazine.

Hopefully you have learned all your need to know about the best rated running shoes for the mechanics of your foot. Like I said, you may want to talk with a podiatrist to help you determine the best rated running shoes for you.

Podiatraists can help make fitted molds called orthotics to put inside your running shoes to help with stability in pronators. I have these for my shoes and they work great. Unfortunately, not all insurances cover orthotics, but you can call your insurance company and find out.

Good luck in your search for the best rated running shoes!