Running Shoe Recommendations

1.      Running shoes come in three general classifications- neutral, stability, and motion control types.  If you feel you need a motion control shoe, you would likely benefit more from a custom foot orthotic, rather than just the motion control afforded by the shoe. Some running shoe companies also make “minimalist” shoes which are extremely lightweight. Minimalist shoes are not supportive, and we recommend avoiding these as they put you at risk for training-related injuries like stress fractures, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.

2.      A neutral running shoe tends to be more cushioned, but still gives good support.  If you weigh more than 170, a neutral shoe is probably not supportive enough for you.

3.      A stability running shoe tends to be more supportive, and is firmer, but still has some cushioning.  If you weigh over 170, you want to be in this type of running shoe.

Some recommended shoes:

1. New Balance– they do not name their shoes, rather they number them.  These numbers change regularly.  Based on your weight (see above), try their neutral or stability models.
2. Brooks–
   1. Neutral- Ghost, Transcend
   2. Stabilty- Adrenaline, Addiction, Glycerin
3. ASICS–
   1. Neutral- Gel Cumulus, Nimbus
   2. Stability- Gel Kayano
4. Altra– especially good for patients with bunions, hammertoes due to width
   1. Neutral- Torin
   2. Stability- Paradigm, Timp, Lone Peak (Timp and Lone Peak are trail running shoes)
5. On Cloud-
   1. Stability- Cloudflyer
6. Hoka– particularly for patients with pain in the ball of their feet
   1. Stability- Carbon X