Part 1: Find the perfect running shoe for you.

Choosing the right running shoe can be tricky with so many options out there, our Find the running shoe for you, guide is designed to help. 

Over the next few weeks, we will include a series of blogs to help you find exactly that. 

What will we cover?

What is a running shoe, what does it do, the benefits it can offer you and the materials it is made up of. We’ll look at the different types available and how to choose the right shoe for you.  

Then other pieces of running kit and essential running accessories to complement your shoes and to help you make the most of every run you complete from couch to 5k to a marathon.  

We’re here to make running feel easier and keep you running in comfort for longer to help you reach your goals whatever they may be.  

What is a running shoe? 

What makes a running shoe, a running shoe? Why can’t I run in any kind of trainer or fashion shoe? 

A running shoe is designed just for running.  

Depending on your running style or where you are running you may need a road shoe a trail shoe, a neutral shoe or a stability shoe.  

When we work from the bottom or sole of any running shoe, right up to the laces at the top, we can see the individual characteristics that make a running shoe just that.  

To keep you stable, the sole of the shoe tends to be on a wider base than a fashion trainer or training shoe, with an outsole (the part of the sole that touches the ground) made from a tired and tested rubber to provide stability in wet conditions. For off road running a trail shoe has deeper treads or lugs to give you greater grip. 

To absorb the impact of the repeated motion of running, a running shoe has more cushioning than fashion trainers and more in the middle of the sole (midsole) than a training shoe. It would also usually have more cushioning in the heel section of the sole to help absorb the impact when your heel hits the ground.

The types of cushioning may change from midsole to heel and between different brands to make shoes that feel softer or firmer. The cushioning will protect your joints higher up your legs, and your ankles, knees and hips will benefit from the extra protection offered by choosing a running shoe that suits your own unique running style.  

The upper is usually made of a breathable mesh to keep the shoe lightweight and your feet cool. Some shoes may have an overlay to give more structure to the upper as well as often providing some reflectivity as a safety element. 

The laces are usually held away from the foot with a padded tongue to protect the feet from friction. The lacing system may change for different types of shoes.  

Finally, the running shoe will be purposely made out of lightweight yet durable materials to withstand impact over many miles and give you plenty of comfortable and enjoyable runs wherever your running ambition takes you.  

Support shoes may have stability modules built into the inside of the side of the midsole to prevent your ankle rolling inwards. (More on this when we look at different types of running shoes available). 

For more information on running shoes, call into one of our 29 shops across the UK and ask one of our team for advice or try a free gait analysis. Or try our Shoe Finder online here.