Long gone are the days when only one running shoe manufacturer existed and runners had limited options in their choice of footwear. The market for running shoes is ever-increasing, which explains why so many makes, styles, colors, and models are available. Now, more than ever, a running shoe exists for every type of runner, from elite athlete to hobby jogger. The most popular types of running shoes are listed below, as well as a brief description of their merits and who is most likely to wear them.
Neutral Shoe
As the most common type of running shoe, the neutral shoe is the go-to for all
kinds of runners. “Neutral” simply means
that the shoe is meant for someone with a normal foot strike, meaning one where
the runner’s weight is evenly distributed across the foot on landing and
push-off. If unsure whether a neutral
shoe is right for you, any running store employee can help you in the
determination.
Corrective Shoe
A corrective shoe is for the non-neutral runner. Runners typically discover corrective shoes
after suffering from a string of injuries that are caused by poor running
mechanics. A corrective shoe corrects
pronation (turning in) or supination (turning out) of a runner’s foot fall. A shoe store employee or podiatrist can tell
you whether a corrective shoe is right for you.
Minimalist Shoe
The minimalist shoe craze was spurred by the belief that a shoe with as little correction,
padding, or support as possible would result in a stronger foot and more
efficient form. Believers of minimalism
promised fewer injuries and faster race times would result from lighter weight
foot wear with a heel to toe drop less than 3 mm (whereas the heel to toe drop
in neutral shoes is typically greater than 7 mm).
Maximalist Shoe
The counter to the minimalist craze, maximalist shoes provide 2-3x more
cushioning than the average running shoe.
Geared towards ultrarunners, trail runners, and chronic injury
sufferers, many people have found the maximalism trend to be
revolutionary. However, maximalist shoes
are still relatively light weight, and also have the low heel to toe drop generally
associated with minimalism.
Barefoot Shoe
Barefoot shoes were in many ways the precursor to minimalist running
shoes. These shoes, which looked more
like heavy duty toe socks meant for aquatic adventures, promised to improve
foot strength and general well-being while chiding typical running shoes as
being unnatural. However, because these
claims were not backed by science, one of the largest barefoot shoe
manufacturers, Vibram USA, recently was involved in a class action lawsuit.
Lightweight Trainer
Different from minimalist shoes, lightweight trainers are lighter versions of
neutral shoes, typically without the low heel to toe drop of minimalist shoes and
also with more cushioning. Typically,
competitive runners wear lightweight trainers to help them feel fast during
speed workouts or simulate the feel of racing shoes while still providing the
support of typical running shoes.
Racing Flat
Racing flats are worn by serious runners who prefer a light-weight shoe for race day. A racing flat is lighter than a lightweight trainer and has a lower heel to toe drop (4 – 7 mm), but is still more supportive than a minimalist shoe. May racing flats are developed with the needs of an elite athlete in mind, and can withstand the relentless pounding of a longer race while providing the lightweight feel a racer desires.
In addition to all of our running inspired articles we also have an excellent eBook (PDF) format for download available. Here is the link to our running eBook that is chock full of helpful running information for beginners. Enjoy!