Typically, running shoes provide more cushion and support than other types of shoes. You can walk in running shoes but you should not run in walking shoes. NOTE: The above information applies to "training" shoes. Racing shoes are all curved and have little or no cushion or support.They are "minimal" shoes for competition only.

Submitted to Sportsmedinfo.net by Bil Lis, Owner of Runner Bill's Sports
13569 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113

When you run, there are only three things your feet can do

1. = roll off the balls of your feet evenly or slightly inward > This is neutral or mild pronation gait
2. = roll inward severely > This is overpronation gait
3. = roll outward > This is underpronation gait

People also tend to have different foot shapes

1. = semi-curved > This is normal arch
2. = very curved > This is high arch
3. = straight > This is low to flat arch

Running shoes are made for one or more of three basic foot-types and corresponding typical running gait:

1. If your Foot-Type = Normal Arch and your Gait is Neutral or Moderate Pronation

Your Recommended Running Shoe is Stability :

• Midsole = single or dual density.

• Shape of shoe = semi-curved

2. If your "Foot-Type" = High Arch and your Gait is Underpronation

Your Recommended Running Shoe is Neutral Cushion:

• Midsole = single density.
• Shape of shoe = semi-curved or curved
• Construction of Last = slip

3. If your "Foot-Type" = "Flat-Foot" (Rigid or Flexible) and your Gait is overpronation

Your Recommended Running Shoe is Motion-control:

• Midsole = dual density or single density with plastic post/support

• Shape of shoe = semi-straight or straight

Other factors that determine running gait besides foot-shape are your hip alignment, leg-length (if one leg is shorter than the other it can cause one foot to pronate differently), flexibility (of leg muscles, ankles, feet, etc.). Each running shoe is designed for a foot shape and stride/gait. Find the right match and run happy!