As a runner, you’ll know that your running shoes have a big impact on the health of your feet as well as on your performance. Whether you’re a regular marathon runner or you’re working on a Couch to 5K challenge, you’ll find that wearing the right shoes can improve your comfort and give you the boost you need to go further and faster.
Whether you should wear stability or neutral running shoes is a question that relates to your gait – the way that your body moves when you run – and getting this right will set you up for success in your leisure or competitive running. Understanding your gait can help you run more efficiently and choose shoes that really suit your feet, keeping your feet in great shape for longer.
Understanding Your Gait
Your gait is unique to you, and it refers to the way your body moves when you run or walk. It includes the way that your foot lands on the ground, which is known as foot strike, and whether your heel, your toes or the ball of your foot strikes the ground first.
Gait also looks at the way your feet roll, and whether they tend to roll inwards towards each other, which is known as overpronation, or outwards, away from each other, which is known as supination. If your feet overpronate, you may need to try stability running shoes in order to correct this and protect your feet while you are running. Pronation is natural, and it is not necessarily a problem when you are running, but the degree of pronation varies, and if your feet roll significantly, you will probably find stability shoes helpful.
What Are Stability Running Shoes?
Stability running shoes are designed specifically for runners who tend to overpronate, to correct the significant inward roll of the feet while running. If this tendency is not corrected, it is likely to put stress on the ankles, knees and hips over time, and this can lead to pain and health problems that could even stop you from running in the long term.
Wearing stability shoes enables your feet to be supported in a more neutral alignment, giving you more control over your foot position as you run and improving how your feet feel during and after your run. Stability shoes usually offer additional support using foam to provide the structure you need, and this may include additional support on the inner side of the shoe and contouring to promote smoother transitions from heel to toe. You may need to try several types of stability shoes to find the best fit for your feet, and our experienced team can help you to optimise your running position and find the comfort you need.
What Are Neutral Running Shoes?
If you have a natural running position that distributes weight evenly through your feet and your feet only roll slightly inwards, it is likely that you will be well-suited to neutral running shoes. These do not aim to correct the position of your feet, but offer the flexibility and cushioning you need to support the feet in natural movement.
Neutral running shoes are ideal for you if you underpronate, which is also known as supination. This is where the feet roll outwards slightly when you run, and this requires a focus on absorbing impact rather than controlling the movement of the foot. Neutral running shoes are often lighter and more flexible than stability shoes, and many runners love the versatility they offer, especially for longer distance running or speed training.
Which Running Shoes Do You Need?
While it can feel complicated to work out your gait and which running shoes you need, it doesn’t have to be. Our professional team can provide gait analysis to help you find the best options for your running shoes, which usually involves running on a treadmill while being recorded or observed, and analysing the feet to ascertain foot strike and movement patterns. When we have gathered information about your gait, we will be able to recommend the best shoes to suit your unique biomechanics and enhance your running experience.
As well as a professional gait analysis, there are other clues you can use to understand your gait, including:
- Looking at your old running shoes. The soles of your old running shoes can give you information about your gait, so it may help to look out for areas of uneven wear. If the inside edges of your shoes are worn more heavily, your feet likely overpronate when you run, while wear on the outside edge may suggest that your feet are underpronating.
- Watching a video of yourself running. You can ask a friend to observe you running from behind you, or to take a video of you so that you can see how your feet and legs move while you run. It is important to note whether your ankles are rolling inwards or staying straight, as this will give you an indication of whether your feet are overpronating when you run.
- Noticing the way your body feels. Learning to listen to your body can give you a head start in understanding your gait and finding running shoes that work for you. If you are experiencing pain in your knees, ankles or the soles of your feet, it is possible that this is due to overpronation or a lack of support in your running shoes.
Foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis are common amongst runners, and you can help to prevent these by ensuring that your running shoes, whether they are neutral or stability running shoes, have a good amount of cushioning and support inside them.
Buying New Running Shoes
When you’re buying new running shoes, you should always shop at the end of the day, when your feet have naturally expanded, and you should look for options that are suited to the terrain you like to run on. You’ll need all-weather shoes if you’re running here in Ireland, so look out for reliable grip and durable materials for your soles and uppers.
Whatever your running preferences, comfort is key. You will not be able to run safely in uncomfortable shoes, so be sure that they do not squash or put pressure on your feet. You should be able to spread your toes comfortably and to move naturally, and your shoes should provide the support and cushioning you need to stay comfortable throughout your run. The good news is that this doesn’t mean compromising on style, as our range includes great new designs from all the leading brands.
Quality Running Shoes in Ireland
At The Edge, we know that your running shoes can protect your feet and improve your performance, and we are here to help you find the best pair for your running habits and your budget. We also have an excellent range of running clothing for men and for women, and all the accessories you need to streamline your training routine.
Pop in and see us at The Edge, where we stock high-quality equipment for running, cycling, swimming and triathlon. We have all the essentials for your outdoor sporting activities, and we’d love to hear about your adventures!
