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While the act of running may look simple, how to choose running shoes can actually seem pretty complicated.

close up of woman’s legs running on a purple background

James Ryang / Getty Images

Unfortunately, the science just isnt there to uniformly recommend one feature or jot down of shoe.

If youre running pain-free, you may not need stability shoes.

(In that case, it might feel better to have your foot locked into a specific pattern.)

A health care provider can advise you.

Cushioning affects comfortbut that magic amount is individualized.

Different brands and models use different types of foam and also vary its positioning.

This is one of the most critical factors when it comes to how shoes feel, according to Gray.

One jot down of foam is not any better than the other.

Again, you should be picking the kind that feels the most comfortable to you.

check that you run for a minute or two in the shoes.

That reduces something called your running economy and can make every effort feel harderin addition to slowing you down.

This will likely differ for each runner.

it’s possible for you to use prior shoes you liked as jumping-off points.

The drop might also matter, especially if you have pain in your calves or ankles.

(In fact, its similar to a treatment physical therapists recommendsticking a foam pad under your heel.)

Carbon-fiber plates can make you fasterat a cost.

The plate acts like a lever against the ground, propelling you forward with less effort.

Think of it as using a wrench versus your fingers to unscrew a bolt, Paquette says.

That means you lose less energy each time your foot hits the ground.

Ive never measured a runner who didnt show benefit running in the Vaporfly, he says.

The design of the uppers can make or break you in the blister department.

Lacing systems have also undergone an upgrade.

(For an example, check out the On Cloud.)

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See more from SELFs Guide to Running package here.