Motion-control shoes are designed to control foot motion and prevent overpronation. Therefore, they have a rigid construction. Many have a firm midsole and are built on a straight last, both of which provide support and help reduce pronation. Motion-control shoes often have technical devices built into inner or arch side of the shoe to stop your foot from rolling in too far. Because motion-control shoes are heavier and more durable than most, they are a good choice for heavy runners.

The name stability creates some confusion as a category of shoes alongside the motion-control category because motion-control shoes are the most stable but provide a bit more cushioning than motion-control shoes do. Cushioning refers to the softness of the midsole. A softer midsole will absorb the force of impact better than a firmer midsole will; it also allows more foot motion.

Shop at a specialty running store where the salespeople have the knowledge to help you find the best shoe and right fit. And replace your shoes regularly. When the midsoles-the supportive layer of the shoe between the bottom of your foot and the outsole-break down, your foot motion during will be affected, which in turn can place stress on the tendons and ligaments of your legs and lead to injury.

Whether you are an overpronator, an underpronator, or normal pronator is one of the most important factors in choosing the right shoe. How do you determine your degree of pronation? It is not like you can observe your own foot motion as you run. In figuring out what type of shoe is best for you, it helps to understand the basics of what your foot goes through during running.

The shoe should have about a thumbs' width of space more than the full size of the feet. The middle foot area should have a secure and comfortable resting place beneath it. Also, be sure to try on both shoes. On many people one foot is usually bigger than the other foot. Inside the shoe is a stiffened cup encasing the toes known as the box, or block? The place over the toe is called the vamp, the opening near the toes is called the throat of the shoe.

Having read about all the categories of shoes, you probably have a pretty good idea which type of shoe you should consider. Runners with no pronation problems who rarely experience injury and who enjoy the feel of a light shoe on their foot can consider lightweight training shoes.