Can someone please explain running shoes to me?

Question

I need to know different types of stability, motion control, and high arch shoes for work. Can someone help me out please.

I'm beginning work at a sports store, that sells running shoes, so I'd like to know what I'm selling...

Answer 1

All the shoes differ in that they have different levels of support for specific foot types.

Neutral Shoes:
Generally for people who have high arches or who don't pronate. These shoes are primarily for cushioning and flexibility. Runners with high arches will fit into this shoe because their arches are pretty rigid and so the cushioning and flexibility will help give them a softer ride.

The Asics GEL Nimbus is a good example of a Neutral Shoe:
http://www.asicsamerica.com/product.asp?PRODUCT_ID=240005556&TITLE_CATEGORY_ID=250001175&BACK_CATEGORY_ID=250001173

Stability Shoes:
These shoes have a little bit of support (or 'correction' as some would say). Typically these shoes are for pronators or people with lower arches. The support is usually provided by a 'Dual-Density midsole' or 'Roll-Bar' (A piece of plastic on the inside of the foot).
Both of these technologies help support to foot and prevent the runner from pronating. If you look at the shoe's midsole, you'll see two different colours. On the medial side of the shoe (inside of the foot, right around the arch) the midsole will be coloured grey. This grey area is where the shoes provides the support. If you squeeze this grey rubber and squeeze the white rubber of the midsole you'll notice a difference in stiffness. They grey rubber will be harder! A majority of the runners will be in this category.

A good example of a Stability Shoe is the New Balance 767:
http://www.newbalance.com/productbrowser/product_details.html?g11n.enc=ISO-8859-1&feature=Training&gender=Men&segment=&product=M767ST&product_type=shoe&sport=Running

Motion Control Shoes:
These shoes are for severe pronators. It has both the dual density midsole and plastic roll-bar. They are also the shoes with the straightest and widest soles. These are for people who need a lot of support typically people with flat-feet. These shoes are the stiffest out of the three kinds.

A good example of a Motion Control shoe is the Brooks Beast:
http://www.brooksrunning.com/prod.php?k=23675&p=BSI41154

I used to work at a SportingLife for 4 years selling footwear to professional runners. I hope this explanation helps.

Answer 2

Running shoes are designed for various features of a runner's stride.

Some people under or over pronate when the they run. They have a shoe for that.

Some people have really high arches, while others have pretty flat arches. They have a shoe for that.

Some people need lots of ankle support, others like more flexibility. They have a shoe for that.

Some people want a soft sole, while others want a hard one. they have a shoe for that.

Basically any need you may have, there is a shoe. If you are looking for a pair of running shoes, the best idea is to go to a running store, one that specializes in running. When you walk in, you should just see running shoes and running clothes (maybe some swimming and biking gear). The workers there should be very knowledgeable about running and shoes. They will help you find a shoe that fits your foot.

Answer 3

well when you speak of running shoes are you talking about shoes for running or are your referring to sneakers.

what type of work are u doing? do u require a steel toe or plate?

sneakers/running shoes/cross trainers/track shoes/football cleats/soccer cleats/ golf cleats/ tennis shoes

they all have different bottoms and different slopes for different applications

track shoes for example tend to have thicker heels and thinner toes

cross trainers are more all around

basketball shoes are usually high tops with lots of bounce

if you are standing alot, you should probably get a good walking sneaker like an airwalk or reebok walker

probably best to go to a shoe store and describe your need/use, I am sure they will help you

and yes, air is worth the extra, no matter which shoe/type you need or choose

Answer 4

Well...let's see. I have the Nike Shox Running and the regular Nike Shox. The regular Nike Shox are made for walking, they are not as stable as the Nike Shox Running, but they're super comfy. Nike Shox Running, are flat, stable, which gives you perfect contact with the ground below you, with these shoes, you can feel everything, from an ant to a rock. Compare the Nike Shox Running to a Lamborghini, the lambo is flat, aerodynamic, and really stable, doesn't elevate from ground, stays firmly on it. Now, compare the regular Nike Shox to an Escalade, high, not-so aerodynamic, high off the ground, made for cruising, which are perfect for walking long distances. Motion control: Nike Shox Running, it stops when you want it to stop, it turns when you want it to turn, and it moves when you want it to move, firmly. Regular Nike Shox, not so firm, not so stable, but great for walking. Im not sure if I explained what you wanted me to explain, but I think i've made my point clear.

Answer 5

In the old days, converse were made to jump high and run fast. They still make them, but there are way better brands now.

Answer 6

well i say the mark that i think are good and that i use in cross country for racing are ascis and avia shoes
also new balance i use New Balance for practice

Answer 7

new balance are the best.

Answer 8

use nike