The concept of ‘the best running shoe’ is definitely one of the most popular aspects associated with running performance, both at elite and recreational level. To this date, there is a number of professional athletes who claim that a specific type of running shoes allows them to push boundaries and run more efficiently. Not surprisingly, this topic initiates a lot of heated conversations, both amongst sport scientist, as well as runners who are looking to get faster and smash another PB (Personal Best). 

What we know for sure, from years of biomechanical analysis of running gait (simply one’s running style) is that every runner is different, so what might be ‘normal’, ‘efficient’ or ‘fast’ for one person, might not be the same for someone else. Unfortunately, it has been found that there are a lot of both internal and external factors that influence how people run. Gender, flexibility levels, injury history and training habits being only a few of them. As a result, it is unlikely that one particular type of shoe will affect all runners in the exact same way and result in achieving identical outcomes in running performance… it is rather all about finding the right shoe for a specific individual!

Running footwear can affect a number of internal variables and biomechanical parameters associated with ones running style. Efficiency of the push off, type of landing pattern, as well as how quickly a runner turns over his/her feet can be hugely affected by the type of shoes a runner is wearing. Furthermore, there has been a lot of evidence to suggest that certain shoe traits and design features (type of the outer sole, material of the upper, shape of the shoe) can enhance specific aspects of people’s running form, which over time might allow the runners to run further, faster and with more efficiency.

Carbon plates, shoe geometry, shoe drops, as well as midsole thickness are only a few innovative techniques being currently utilised by brands to develop the lightest, most ‘technical’ running shoe without compromising its structure in holding the foot in place or impairing overall comfort perception of the runner. 

Before you invest in your next pair of your running shoes, make sure that rather than ordering shoes online, you visit a running store that offers a gait analysis as part of the shoe buying process. Understanding how your feet move through a video analysis provided in slow motion, as well as being able to try out different pairs of shoes on the day is essential for your decision-making process. Shoes has been designed to fit as many feet as possible and considering how many different running shoes are currently available on the market, it really is hard to know what is most appropriate for you. 

Running shoes can be soft under the foot, firm, lightweight, neutral, supportive – which means that some will be more or less suited for your running style. Interestingly, different brands are also offering shoes in certain shapes and geometries as part of their unique design. What this means is simply that depending on your foot shape, you might find that specific brands feel more or less comfortable! The only way then to figure out what feels good and is suitable for you as a runner is to trust someone who understands your biomechanics and can prescribe appropriate shoes for your running gait.