Understanding and selecting shoes is an important part of your success in any type of physical activity. Here is a breakdown for all types of activities and foot types. If you need more shoe information, please visit AAPSM.org.
Young Runners
High school and college-aged with no history of injuries.
- ASICS GT-2000 & Cumulus
- Hoka One One Clayton
- Nike Pegasus
Joint Problems and High Arched Feet
You need shoes with good cushioning.
- Adidas Supernova
- Altra Escalante
- Asics Nimbus (width options)
- Brooks Glycerin, Levitate, Dyad
- Nike Vomero (width options), Zoom Fly
- Hoka Bondi & Clifton (width options)
- New Balance 1080 (width options)
- Saucony Freedom
For Stability
If you have mild to moderate over-pronation
- Adidas Supernova
- Asics Kayano
- Brooks Adrenaline, Transcend
Hoka Gaviota - New Balance 860 & 880 (width options)
- Nike Air Structure Triax (width options)
- Saucony Guide
For Motion Control
Heavier individuals, severe over-pronators posterior tibial dysfunction
- ASICS GT 3000 (width options)
- Brooks Beast/ Ariel (width options)
- Saucony Redeemer (width options)
Walking Shoes
- ECCO
- Dansko
- Merrell
- Mephisto
- ARA
- Clarks
- SAS
- Sketcher Memory Foam
Sandals
- OOFOS Vionic/Orthoheel
Trail
- Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed
- Altra Torin (width options)
- ASICS GT 2000 Trail
- Hoka Strinson ATR
- Nike Wildhorse
Theories and evidence for shoe recommendations are emerging. Flat feet no longer necessarily need a “motion control/ stability shoe.” More experienced runners who have proper foot strike and strength can use less supportive shoes. Those new to running, especially if overweight, may benefit from more support shoes.
Arthritic knees tend to do better with more cushioned shoes. Those with kneecap problems (patella-femoral) tend to do better with lower heel to toe ratio, whereas those with Achilles issues do best with a higher heel to toe ratio.
Shoes with a rocker sole (i.e. Hoka One One and Nike Zoomfly) are better for forefoot problems, especially big toe arthritis (Hallux Rigidus), neuromas and midfoot arthritis.
Research has shown the most critical factor in selecting shoes as the “right” shoe is perceived fit/comfort, so make sure you try the shoe on using your usual running socks at the end of the day so your feet are as swollen as possible.
