How to Find the Best Cushioned Running Shoes

Buying running shoes can be confusing – especially since the running shoe companies seem to be introducing new technologies all the time. What you don’t want to happen is to go into a shop – or worse still buy a shoe over the phone or the internet – without a good idea of your foot type. The shoes you buy might be the best cushioned running shoes, but if you pronate when you run it will only be a matter of time before you’re injured.

Buying a running shoe is not the same as buying a smart shoe for work. Too often naive runners will not realise the different choices on offer, and go with either the cheapest shoe they can find, or fall for the running shoe salesman’s line that “more cushioning is better because it will protect your knees from the impact of running”. That is what he wants you to believe because it is his job to sell you running shoes, and the shoes at the high end of the market (priced in the UK at £80 to over £100) have more cushioning, and logically speaking should be the better shoe. Why else would they cost so much?

They will not be the better shoe for everyone. Of course, they will suit some people and enough people must be buying them each year for the running shoe companies to continue to make them, but don’t be seduced into thinking that because they are the most expensive they are automatically the best.

Even if a cushioned running shoe is the right choice for you too much cushioning can lead to problems with your running style, and possible injuries. Of course if you are 6 foot 3 and built like a rugby or American football player the best cushioned running shoes for you could be the most expensive, but try different shoes on first to discover which ones feel the best.

A shoe that is mid-priced might feel better on your feet, and if this is the case will probably be a better choice. Many specialist running shops do a video gait analysis, which basically involves you running on a treadmill for a few minutes. They can then playback the video and analyse your running style. Running shops that are staffed by fellow runners, who have been well trained can advise you on the best running shoes for you simply by looking at an old pair of shoes, or by the way you stand when you are barefoot.

It is definitely worth investing the time and effort to find the best running shoes for you instead of buying a shoe that is either the cheapest or the most expensive. I hope this has helped you in your search for an excellent pair of running shoes that should serve you for many miles to come.