All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
In reality, though, these terms dont make or break a shoeor your experience with it.
JackF/Adobe Stock
I dont think any one attribute is going to necessarily be the right thing, he says.
Still, as you start your search, its helpful to understand some of the categories and features.
Now, something similar is available to the masses: super shoes.
Thats why some people use them for hard training runs, not just races.
Still, theyre not a perfect solution.
Unlike the plates in super shoes, theyre for safety, not performance.
Others can alter the way your foot moves, potentially protecting against or managing injury.
Though some amount of inner rolling is normal, it may cause foot and leg problems if its excessive.
Often people with flatter feet and lower arches are more susceptible, Dr. Canzanese says.
Some studies show theystrengthenthe muscles in yourfeetand may ease stress on theknees, potentially decreasing the risk ofknee pain.
However, they may increase the risk of otherproblemsincluding stressfracturesespecially if you dont slowly adjust to them over time.
But theyre not always great for long miles on the pavement, Dr. Canzanese says.
Important: More cushioning isnt necessarily better.
Try several different brands and models to find just the right amount and quality of cushion for you.
Its usually made of either stretchy, supportive knit or breathable mesh.
Some newer materials combine properties of both.
These are other materialssuch as strips of plastic or rubber logosthat cross over the upper material.
Theres aton of different ways to lace the shoe, Dr. Canzanese says.
This firmer material surrounds your heel, reinforcing and supporting it so your foot doesnt slip or slide.
Some shoes also have extra padding around this area; thats known as the heel collar.
The tongue provides protection so the laces dont pressure or irritate your foot, Dr. Canzanese says.
Others are free or just connected at the bottom.
This is the bottom part of the shoe, which comes in contact with the ground.
This takes some pressure off your forefoot, Dr. Willy says.
Theyre a good choice for people who have conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or arthritis.
Like in a burger or a sandwich, the meat of the shoe is in the middle.
But below are a few commonly accepted ways to pinpoint the amount and the qualities of foam.
Some brands are now using carbon fiber plates in daily trainers as well as their racing shoes.
Others feature nylon plates, which are more flexible and durable than carbon fiber while still propelling you forward.
This thinfootbedsits snugly between your sock and the midsole, adding a little extra cushion.
Its typically made of foam or a moisture-wicking material.
This is the three-dimensional model the shoe is built around, and what gives it a specific shape.
So how can you put this all together?
That said, smaller shifts between slightly different models can be a good thing.