“Barefoot Running” and “Forefoot Strike” seem to be the key words for runners in 2009. In the last months an increasing number of articles has appeared on newspapers, blogs, forums with a common central theme: traditional running shoes promote a non-ideal running form and running barefoot is what we were created for. At the same time we are seeing more and more Brands launching and promoting shoes that promise to improve your running style, either by creating a barefoot feeling or by promoting midfoot and forefoot strike.

Until relatively recently, the common approach from sportswear companies towards women’s running shoes was the now sarcastic motto “shrink ‘em and pink ‘em”, as womens running shoes were no more than a mens shoe in feminine colours.

The Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet – Summer 2009. An overview of the special needs of runners with flat feet and a selection of the best running shoes to address flat feet running.

This image illustrates the main components of a running shoe, and can help us as a visual reference for the future.
A running shoe is primarly divided in two main components

a shoe upper, which is the mesh/leather/synthetic part  you insert your foot in and lace up;
a sole unit, which is itself split into a midsole and an outsole.

The two parts (upper and sole unit) are produced separately and hand glued together at the end of the production process.
Although the upper plays a big role in the soundness, fit, comfort and performance …

When it comes to running biomechanics, there are three types of runners (click here to find out what runner type you are).
No matter what brand (be it Asics or Nike or NB), running shoes are divided into three main silos, each one addressing the specific needs of one of the three types of runners.

Runner Type
Shoe Type
Explanation

Motion Control Shoes
(check our Motion Control Running Shoes Reviews!)
Motion control footwear emphasizes medial support by having dual density midsoles, roll bars or foot bridges. This medial (inside support) support slows the rate of over pronation. …