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For runners at every level, picking the right running shoe is essential for performance, safety and health; therefore, a small amount of research is recommended. There are several reputable sources for running shoe reviews; however, not even an award-winning shoe will fit every runner foot. Instead, the best running shoes are generally designed to suit specific types of feet and runners.



The first step to choosing a running shoe is to establish what category your foot falls under. There are three primary types of feet: the normal arch, the high arch and the flat arch. The second important factor to consider is pronation, or the action of the foot during movement as the body weight strikes at the heel and moves through to the toes. Runners with normal or neutral arches are generally normal pronators. Runners with high arches tend to be underpronators, which means the foot rolls outwards and distributes the body weight to the outside of the foot rather than absorbing it correctly. On the other hand, runners with flat arches are usually overpronators, which means the foot rolls inwards too much.

Both underpronation and overpronation can lead to sports-related injuries and should be corrected as much as possible. The appropriate running shoe exists for each foot type, and this is where research comes into play. Like the three main foot types, running shoes can be classified accordingly: stability shoes, neutral-cushioning shoes and motion-control shoes. Shoes that fall under the stability category are a good fit for normal arches and are usually designed to discourage overpronation and give extra support. Neutral-cushioning shoes are typically recommended for runners with high arches who need additional mid-sole cushioning. Overpronators and heavier runners are directed toward motion-control shoes because they provide extra support for the arch side of the foot and are generally durable.

If you are looking for the best rated running shoes, Runner World Magazine is one of the most respected sources for reviews. For the publication latest Summer 2009 Running Shoe Guide, the shoe quality was evaluated based on cushioning, flexibility and responsiveness while considering its dual ability to minimize the shock of the heel strike and still permit the foot to move naturally. The Editor Choice award was given to the Saucony Omni 8 for its comfortable support. Other featured shoes were the Mizuno Wave Nirvana 5 and the Asics Gel-Cumulus 11. The Mizuno Wave Nirvana 5 provides more stability with a stiff lining and is recommended for runners with low arches. The Asics Gel-Cumulus 11, a neutral-cushioned shoe, is praised for its well-cushioned support.

Another report issued by Consumersearch.com lists the best rated running shoes in each of the three shoe categories. The report presents the Asics Gel-Kayano 15 as a favorite in the stability category with its Women Adventure Magazine Editor Choice award. In the neutral-cushioning category, the site chose the Mizuno Wave Rider 12 as a runner-up, and this shoe also received the Runner World December 2008 Editor Choice award. The Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS was featured under the motion-control category and earned the Runner World Best Update award.

There are many other sources online for researching the best running shoes for women and men, and you can also find very helpful sites for purchasing all the quality running shoes, including Brooks running shoes, Asics running shoes and Mizuno running shoes.