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In reality, though, these terms dont make or break a shoeor your experience with it.

running shoe display

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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.

Nike Invincible 3 Women’s Road Running 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.

Women’s Altrafwd Experience

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.

Saysh running shoes

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.

Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite Running Shoes

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.

Hoka Mach X

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.

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3

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.

lululemon blissfeel trail women’s Running Shoe

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.

Salomon Ultra Glide 2

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.

Hoka Speedgoat 5

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.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe

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?

Adidas Adistar CS Running Shoes

That said, smaller shifts between slightly different models can be a good thing.

Asics Gel-Kayano 30 Running Shoes

Saucony Omni 21 Running Shoes

Tracksmith Eliot Runner Shoes

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes

Xero Shoes HFS II Lightweight Road Runner Shoes

Vibram V-Trail 2.0 Shoes

HOKA Bondi 8

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13

On Cloudswift 3