Fitting Guide
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Our helpful running shoe fitting guide can help you find the best shoes for you. Know what you want? See all our running shoes.
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There's not necessarily one single 'best shoe' available, as everyone's needs are different and we're
all unique in our own lovely way. All kinds of things like your weight, your biomechanics, the running surface,
and obviously the shape of your feet, mean that one person's ideal running shoe could be the totally wrong fit
on someone else. What everyone should consider, however, is firstly what type of feet you have.
Feet shape and form in relation to running shoes are generally categorised in three ways:
Neutral feet,
those which Over-Pronate, and those which
Supinate.
Cushioned Running Shoes for Neutral Feet
If you need these type of runners, you'll join approximately 20% of females.
This means that you're more than likely to have 'normal-sized' arches (lucky you!), and your foot will generally land on the outside of the heel, then pronate (roll inwards) - just the correct amount, to absorb the shock. (Arches are the body's inherent shock absorber and naturally 'collapse' as your foot hits the ground to create flexibility, and in turn prevent less vertical shock travelling up the leg).
If you're neutral you'll have what's called 'central placement' of the feet, and move through the step (the gait) with the proper amount of movement - basically not rolling in or out too much. This is often referred to as having a normal gait pattern. You'll also usually have good flexibility in your feet and toes, and bounce out of your step in a level position.
If you're a neutral runner you should look for shoes with excellent cushioning in both the heel and forefoot, with cushioning technology in the midsole (the foam or rubber material which provides the protection between your precious feet and the road, that also has added rebound qualities).
Cushioned shoes tend to have good flexibility too, but equally important to all the technical features is to go for a shoe that feels naturally comfy.
Two of our recommended cushioned choices are the Asics Gel Nimbus but take a look at our complete range of cushioned running shoes suitable for neutral runners.