No two runners are the same, so a shoe that performs ideally for one runner can be a nightmare for another. On the whole, each and every runner will fall into one of three categories regarding their main needs from a shoe. Depending on your running style you will need to choose your shoe from either one of the three main shoe categories.

DISCOVER YOUR RUNNING STYLE

Each and every running shoe on the market today will fall into one of these three main categories:

Structured - for those with a regular arch foot

Motion Control - for those with a flat foot

Neutral - for those with a high arch foot

PRONATION
Ideally a runner's foot should be encouraged to move through its most efficient natural gait. Landing on the outside of the heel, the foot should roll inwards to absorb shock, whilst bodyweight shifts forward to take off on the next stride through the toes. The way in which your foot behaves during the running motion (see Pronation and other terms) will determine which category you should choose your shoe from. Pronation is now seen as a good thing because it helps your feet and legs absorb shock.

LOOK AT YOUR FOOTPRINT:
In order to categorize yourself and determine whether you should be choosing from either the Structured, Neutral or Motion Control groups, it is useful to know more about your basic foot shape. To do this simply study your own footprint printed wet on a dry bathroom floor or in paint on a piece of paper, as this footprint can help determine the amount of stability you will need in your shoe.

FIG 1) REGULAR FOOTPRINT - STRUCTURED SHOES
This footprint is the most common and can suggest that you may well not need to seek shoes with special requirements. Often this foot type provides good natural cushioning by landing on the outside of the heel and gently rolling inwards a small amount to absorb the shock. This is natural pronation. If this is the case try cushioned structured shoes like these...

FIG 2) FLAT FOOTPRINT - MOTION CONTROL SHOES
The Low arch, flat print in this foot type can be associated with overpronation in your running style – this is when the foot strikes on the outside of the heel and rolls inwards too far. Overpronation can cause further problems if allowed to go unchecked so if you suffer from excessive overpronation then try shoes with Motion Control characteristics like these...

FIG 3) HIGH ARCHED FOOTPRINT - NEUTRAL SHOES
The least common of the three types of feet, if your feet fit this category then it is likely that you underpronate and may need help with cushioning as your style of running is not naturally absorbing shock.
To gain cushioning and to allow natural movement try cushioned, neutral shoes such as these...