Neutral running shoes are designed to help people with the pronation of their feet. Pronation is a natural part of your foot movement when your foot naturally rolls inward. This occurs when your weight is transferred from your heel to your forefoot. As this action occurs, your arch is flattened or straightens out as your foot rolls forward. This helps to naturally add shock absorption to your foot. When your foot naturally straightens too much, it is called overpronation. When someone overpronates on a regular basis, this person many times is considered to be flat footed. When pronation happens in some people’s feet and pain occurs, this can be very painful for people to walk let alone for those who love to run. The overpronation can also be very painful and will sometimes keep a runner off of the trails for a while until the pain subsides. Overpronation can cause a variety of different injuries especially to those who run. This can create injuries to more than just your feet. As a runner it is very important to make sure that you select the proper neutral running shoes to help support your muscles and tendons in your feet to protect yourself and keep you on the running trails.
Top Neutral Running Shoes Comparison Chart
| Product | Material | Sole | Price | Where to Buy? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10 Running Shoe | Mesh | Rubber | $$ | Check Price On Amazon |
| 2. Brooks Women’s Ghost 11 | Fabric | Rubber | $$$ | Check Price On Amazon |
| 3. Asics Women’s Gel-Nimbus Running Shoes | Manmade,Mesh | $$$$ | Check Price On Amazon | |
| 4. Skechers Go Run Ride 7 Running Shoe | Textile | Rubber | $$$$ | Check Price On Amazon |
| 5. New Balance Women’s 1080v9 Fresh Foam Running Shoes | Textile | Rubber | $$$$ | Check Price On Amazon |
| 6. Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 | Rubber | $$$$$ | Check Price On Amazon | |
| 7. Adidas Men’s Pureboost DPR Running Shoe | Synthetic | Rubber | $$$$$ | Check Price On Amazon |
| 8. Asics Men’s Gel-Nimbus 20 Running Shoes | Textile | Rubber | $$$$$ | Check Price On Amazon |
| 9. Saucony Men’s Progrid Mirage 2 Running Shoe | Synthetic/Mesh | Rubber | $$ | Check Price On Amazon |
| 10. Brooks Men’s Ghost 11 GTX | $$$$ | Check Price On Amazon |
Neutral Running Shoes Buyers Guide
Neutral running shoes are designed to give the runner optimal support during the pronation stage of your running experience. These shoes are designed to help prevent injuries to a runner during this process. Overuse of these muscles, ligaments and tendons can cause a runner great pain and even can cause them to overpronate due to improper support. A neutral shoe is designed to give you support in the proper locations and allow your foot to move naturally. It is different than a minimalist or barefoot shoe that basically will just protect the bottom of your foot from debris. The neutral shoes are designed to move with your feet while offering support and helping to keep your muscles and ligaments from overstretching during the running process. With the added support from a properly fitting neutral shoe, it will help prevent the overuse of the muscles and helps to prevent overpronation during the pronation process in your movements. There are several things to consider and to watch for when purchasing the proper running shoes for the protection of your feet.
Proper Sizing
When selecting the proper sizing of a neutral running shoe, it is important to make sure that it fits your foot properly. Always check to see if the manufacturer has a sizing chart with measurements on the shoe that you are thinking about purchasing. Carefully measure your feet and go by their measurements, even if it is a different size than you would normally wear. Make sure that the arch and the heel line up properly so that you can get the support where it is needed on your feet. If you do not have these areas lined up properly you will not get the support where it is needed and it could cause injuries to your feet, legs, knees and back.
Materials
Most quality running shoes are made from quality materials. A common type of material for the upper part of neutral running shoes is mesh. Most of this mesh has been engineered to be able to stretch with the movement of your feet. This will help offer your feet added support and comfort. Some actually are designed to fit the upper part of your foot like a glove giving you the freedom to move naturally as your shoe moves and offers support right along with your foot. The mesh has been engineered with pores in the fabric some have even added diamond shapes to them making them more fashionable. These pores allow the airflow inside of the shoes to circulate and allows the shoes to be breathable.
Breathability
A shoe is known to be breathable when the fabrics that it is made from is porous. Not all fabrics are porous, fabrics such as leather and fabrics are solid and make better rainboots keeping all moisture away. A breathable shoe allows the air to circulate helping to keep your feet cool and dry. As a runner is running, their feet are naturally going to sweat. This moisture will build up inside of the shoes and can create bacteria that can cause foul odors and can also create infections to your feet. With the airflow that circulates through the shoes, it helps to dry the inside of your shoes keeping your feet more comfortable and healthy.
Overlays
Overlays are strategically placed over the mesh to help to give them support and to make the upper part of the shoes more durable. The overlays are normally designed to be lightweight and most are synthetically made material. There are some that are actually printed from a 3D type of printer and are then placed on the shoes. These overlays are not only a functional part of the shoes but are also used to create the design or style of the shoe. These overlays basically are used to decorate the shoes.
Outer Soles
The outer soles of most neutral shoes are designed to be supportive and flexible. Most of the soles are designed from rubber and have either ridges of rubber or some other type of material that will help the runner to keep their traction on the trails or running surface. Some go even farther and add what they call crash pads on the bottom of the soles to help to offer cushioning making more shock absorption for the runner. With the added shock absorption this helps to give the runner a smoother and more controlled run, easing the jars to your body as your foot hits the ground.
Shock Absorption
The neutral shoes have been designed to offer shock absorption for the runners. This is an important support detail for these shoes, allowing a smoother run. This may be implemented in the form of a variety of cushions in the insole or even designed in the outer soles of the shoes. As your foot makes contact with the ground during your run, it hits the ground with force. This force creates a jolt to your feet, ankles, knees, les and back. With the added crash pads and cushions this helps to soften this jolt, keeping from causing injuries to your muscles and joints. This added cushion is placed strategically in your shoe to offer the proper protection in the proper places. When selecting your running shoes, it is important to find the perfect pair for you to help to protect you and to keep you running on the trails.
Insoles
The neutral running shoes offer insoles to give the runners the ability to run naturally but also gives them a medium style of support. This style works well for runners with medium to high arches and also for those who have a mild issue with overpronation during their run. With the added support of the insoles, it allows a runner to continue to run, without as much foot pain. These insoles support the muscles and ligaments in the foot keeping them from stretching and losing their support during the pronation stage of your natural foot movement. In the quality neutral shoes, there is a variety of different technology that has been designed to offer this support helping to allow the runner to have a more comfortable run. Some of the most important aspects of a neutral running shoe insole, are the facts that they offer responsiveness, energizing, and springy soft support for your steps in a variety of different levels. These levels to help a runner to keep from overpronating will vary upon the individual runner. Getting the level of support that each runner needs, will vary, depending upon the support level that they need. These also help to offer more stability and control to the runner and again, the levels will vary for each individual runner.
Midsoles
The midsoles of your shoes have been designed to help support mainly the arch area or the mid part of your feet. This is an area where many of your muscles, ligaments and tendons run through your foot, helping your foot to move properly and naturally. Having proper arch support or midsole in your shoe is very important. When selecting your running shoe, this area needs to fit your foot properly to give your foot the proper support that it needs. One of the high-quality and most popular designed midsoles seem to be the EVA midsole that are used by a variety of different quality manufacturers. The support level for the midsole of your shoe, depends a lot on what type of arch that you have. There are many runners that have a low or a high arch, requiring them to select a midsole that matches their arch style. Using the wrong type of arch support in any shoe can cause additional damage to your feet. When a midsole is designed from foam, there are many varieties of designs that work well in the beginning. In time these will squish flatter with continued use. It is important to replace the foam more frequently with proper fitting supports. The foam will and cannot hold up and create continuous support as long as some of the rubber or plastic type support or orthotics. What you decide to use, will depend upon the individual runner and what choice works the best with your feet.
Padding
Many of the neutral running shoes offer additional padding on the tongue and around the collar of the shoe. Many times, this is made of a foam and covered with a soft fabric. The collar is around the top of the shoe mainly in the heel area. The purpose of this is to keep the shoe from rubbing or to pad the area where some people may have problems and may sometimes get blisters. The padding makes the area soft and helps to protect the skin in that area. The padded tongue also helps the pressure that is sometimes felt on top of the foot. These padded areas will also help the shoe to fit more securely, by helping to hold the shoe in place more firmly.
Inside Lining
Many of these shoes are designed with a soft fabric to help to help the shoe feel comfortable on the inside. With the soft lining it has been designed to help to keep the shoe from rubbing against the skin, preventing blisters or sore spots on the runner’s feet.
Best Neutral Running Shoes Reviews
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Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10 Running Shoe
This women’s running shoe by Saucony has been selected as an Amazon a Choice in Women’s Neutral Running Shoes. This means that the shoe is fairly priced, has good reviews and is ready to be shipped out when it is purchased. The upper of this shoe is made from 100% mesh which makes it breathable, allowing the airflow to go through the shoe. This helps to keep your feet dry and comfortable from the moisture that builds up inside of your shoe. The airflow allows the moisture to dry rapidly and helps to protect your feet and the inside of your shoes. The outer sole is designed from rubber and has added the Grid technology system to help with traction and stability of the shoe. It offers a cushioning support to give your feet the protection they need. An injection molded EVA midsole has been added to help with additional support and comfort. The shaft of this shoe measures 2.5 inches from the arch to give a comforting fit while you are running. This shoe has been designed to give you added stability and comfort while you are on your daily run. This shoe is worth its price for the added stability and comfort that it offers.
Pros
- Quality design and construction for a woman’s neutral running shoe
- Offers Grid technology for added stability on the sole
- Made from quality mesh to allow your shoes to be breathable
Cons
- Don’t feel like they offer the support that other Saucony shoes have offered for some
- They do not seem to offer the comfort that many of their other shoes have offered for some
- Size seems to run smaller than normal for some wearers
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Brooks Women’s Ghost 11
This women’s running shoe has been designed as an Amazon Choice product in women’s running shoes. The upper of this shoe has been designed from a manmade engineered mesh that offers quality breathability and stretch that is often needed. Lightweight synthetic overlays help to add needed support and stability for the shoe. The inside lining has been designed from a soft fabric for a comforting feeling to your feet. The insole has been designed to be removable so that it can be replaced as necessary. The insole has been designed with a Brooks technology to help to add support and comfort for a medium to high arch. The overall design of this shoe has been created to offer a smoother running shoe from heel to toe to allow you the comfort to be able to run without a lot of pain. The outer sole of the shoe has been created from rubber and creates a traction to help you to keep your grip on the trail. With its high energy cushioned support and its neutral support this shoe is a great neutral women’s running shoe. Its design offers strategically placed crash pads to help eliminate and to perform quality shock absorption as your feet hit the ground. It is worth its price allowing many to be able to enjoy their run with stability and confidence.
Pros
- Quality design with manmade engineered stretchable mesh
- Designed with Brooks technology to add support and stability
- High energy cushioned and crash pads to help with shock absorptions
Cons
- Toe box area seemed to be too small for some wearers
- Do not seem to offer a good arch support for some wearers
- Feet seem to slide around inside of this model for some wearers
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Asics Women’s Gel-Nimbus Running Shoes
This Asics Neutral Running shoe has been selected as an Amazon Choice for women’s running shoes. This shoe has been created from a manmade mesh with a seamless construction to prevent rubbing and uncomfortableness while wearing. This was created to help to make the shoe more comfortable without seams pressuring into the foot or skin. The manmade mesh has made this shoe breathable and comfortable for wearing all day or for running on your normal workouts. This mesh is designed to stretch and move with your feet’s natural movements allowing comfortable movements. The 3-D printed overlays are placed over the mesh to help add support to your movements. This design helps this shoe to offer a glove like fit to help to add comfort and stability. The insole has been created from a FLYTEFOAM Technology cushions that will give support to any level of a neutral runner. Gel Technology cushioning systems line the forefoot and the heel area of this shoe to offer a quality shock absorption system for the runner. This quality constructed and designed shoe offers comfort and support from your toes to your heel, helping to reduce foot pain and allowing you to continue to run. This shoe is well worth its price for all of its quality and comfort that it offers to most any runner.
Pros
- Quality construction and support
- Design to offer comfort for most any neutral runner
- Special designed shock absorption cushions for the forefoot and heel
Cons
- The cushioning is not as good as other Gel-Nimbus for some wearers
- Shock absorption does not appear to be as good as their other styles for some
- These shoes seem way to narrow and uncomfortable for some wearers
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Skechers Go Run Ride 7 Running Shoe
This women’s neutral running shoe has been designed with a knit upper. This makes this shoe breathable and soft for comfort and support. The tongue has been designed with a gusset so that it helps to hold it in place, keeping it from sliding and rubbing on top of the wearers foot. The rubber outer sole has been designed with traction grooves to help you keep your footing on the trail. It has also been created for durability to make it last longer and to give your feet more support as you run. Reflective details have been added to the outside of this shoe for wearing in a not so lighted area. This will help to make your move visible keeping you safer after dark. The insole has been created with a special responsive Flight Gen cushioning system to give you comfort and support helping to reduce foot pain. These shoes have been designed to be lightweight and supportive. They help your feet to move naturally and seem to be a great women’s neutral running shoe. This shoe is worth its price and has impressed many runners.
Pros
- Quality constructed and designed
- Flight Gen cushioning system adds great support and comfort
- Outer sole offers a good traction and durability for this shoe
Cons
- Shoe seems to run too narrow for some wearers
- Shoes may not offer enough support for some wearers
- Toe box area is too flat for some wearers
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New Balance Women’s 1080v9 Fresh Foam Running Shoes
This women’s running shoe has been designed to help people that need neutral running shoes. The upper has been created from a no sewn mesh allowing no seams or stitches to rub against the skin creating skin irritations or blisters. The mesh allows the airflow to circulate through the shoe keeping it cool and allowing the moisture on the inside to dry rapidly. The outer sole has been designed from rubber with quality traction designs to help you keep your footing on the trail. Ultra-heel and bootie construction to help to support and to hold the heel in place inside of the shoe has been added to make this shoe of a higher quality. The insole has been created with a full-length fresh foam cushion along with the midsole creation to give the runner more comfort and support. This shoe offers an 8 mm heel to toe drop to help offer more support and easier lift off when running. The inside offers an ortholite sock liner, that has been designed to help to hold your feet in place and allows the air to circulate inside of your shoes keeping your feet dry and comfortable. The design of these shoes allows extra ultra-cushioning to offer support and comfort for the long run. These shoe offer quality, comfort and support making them worth their price for many runners.
Pros
- Quality designed women’s neutral running shoes
- Quality mesh upper design to allow airflow and comfort
- Fresh foam cushioning lines the full length of the bottom of the shoe
Cons
- Shoe felt stiffer than other versions for some wearers
- The heel area seems too narrow for some wearers
- The comfort that is normally offered with these shoes seem to be missing for some
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Brooks Men’s Ghost 12
The latest neutral Brooks men’s running shoe seems to be getting good reviews. The upper of this shoe has been made from engineered mesh and has been designed and support with 3D printed lightweight overlays. This special mesh allows stretch and support and allows your feet to move naturally with your shoes. The overlays add extra support to hold your feet and shoe in sync as you move together during your run. The outer sole has been designed from rubber with improved crash pads and traction giving the runner a smoother and more secure run. The inside cushioning works together with the outer sole and crash pads adding more support but still allowing the shoe to be responsive and durable. The cushioning level of this shoe allows for a soft and supportive cushion to help to comfort the runner’s feet. This shoe has been recommended for long distant runs, treadmills, roadways, and cross training offing soft and comfort with every step. The quality design of this shoe and the technology used has given this neutral running shoe high ratings from many customers. It can be purchased in a variety of different colors to create your perfect running attire. This shoe is worth its costs as it will keep you on your running trails.
Pros
- Quality men’s neutral running shoe
- Designed upper from quality mesh and 3D overlays
- Rubber sole with quality traction and crash pads for shock absorption
Cons
- The width seems to be narrow for some wearers
- The rubber on the bottom of the soles started peeling off for some wearers
- The toe box area seemed to be too big for some of the customers
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Adidas Men’s Pureboost DPR Running Shoe
This men’s neutral running shoe has been designed to offer a partial natural running sensation with enough support to help to take away foot and leg pain. The upper of this shoe is made from Aramis, a knit that has been engineered to offer support and a more comfortable fit where it is needed on your feet. This knit allows your foot to move naturally, moving with it supplying a sturdy fit to support your foot. The outer sole has been designed from rubber with traction patterns on the bottom to help give you the traction that you need for the running trail. This design has been created with a webbed bottom of the sole allowing you the traction and the flexibility that you need to keep your footing safe and secure. An Added heel counter that will help to secure a natural fit while it allows the natural movement of the Achilles. A wider foot platform has been designed to help with stability for your run. The inside footbed has been created from the boost cushioning system, giving your shoe the most responsive footbed that Adidas has created. This helps to give you the energy that you need as your foot hits the ground it helps you to bounce back into your next step. All of this comfort and technology that has been used in the design of this shoe makes this shoe a very comfortable and stable choice for neutral runners. This shoe is worth the price for many runners.
Pros
- Designed with a quality knit upper for comfort and support
- Boost footbed cushioning system making it easier to run
- Quality rubber outer sole with traction to help keep your footing on the trails
Cons
- The tongue of the shoe does not stay in place for some wearers
- The toe box is too big for some wearers
- The width of the shoe seems narrow for some wearers
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Asics Men’s Gel-Nimbus 20 Running Shoes
These men’s running shoes have been designed to cater to neutral runners of all levels. This shoe has been designed with FLUIDFIT technology has been used to create the upper part of this shoe. This technology uses a multi-directional stretch knit mesh that fits to the foot. This creates a fit that fit your foot like a glove, allowing your foot to move with natural movements as it adapts and moves with your foot. The 3D overlays have been strategically placed over the knit to help offer support and to make the shoe more durable. With the use of FLYTEFOAM technology this shoe offers quality responsiveness and bounce back. This is made possible with the help of special foam cushioning in the forefoot and the heel. The midsole of this shoe also offers the same technology helping with the pronation issues when you are running. With all of this special cushioning, this shoe offers quality shock absorption, helping to protect your feet, knees and legs. This shoe comes in a variety of colors to choose from to match most any outfit or your personality. This shoe is worth its price for many runners.
Pros
- Quality design that can fit your foot like a glove
- A neutral running shoe that provide optimal comfort
- Above normal shock absorption
Cons
- Stiffer than other nimbus shoe for some wearers
- Some wearers felt they skimped on quality with this shoe
- Some wearers had problems with getting holes in their shoes early on
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Saucony Men’s Progrid Mirage 2 Running Shoe
These men’s running shoes have been designed for the runner who deals with a neutral to mild overpronation. The upper of this shoe has been designed from 100% synthetic mesh, offering a breathable but supportive shoe. The mesh has been designed in diamond shapes and has added overlay supports. A HydraMax wicking collar has been added to help prevent rubbing against the skin on the back of the foot area. The outer sole has been designed from rubber with quality traction designs on the bottom, creating what is called the TX-900 Compound Outsole, allowing you a quality footing on the trail. This soft rubber sole helps to add extra cushioning while keeping them lightweight and supportive. The design of this shoe offers a 4 mm drop from heel to toe. An HRC Strobel board has been added for advanced comfort and cushioning. With an EVA foot liner also inside, this shoe adds more comfort and support for the runner. This shoe is available in a variety of colors to match most any outfit. It is worth its price while offering quality construction and style and giving the runners the support that they need.
Pros
- Quality neutral men’s running shoe
- Quality diamond shaped mesh uppers
- Rubber outer sole designed to provide traction and support
Cons
- Shoe doesn’t seem to fit like other Saucony shoes for some wearers
- The comfort does not seem as good as some of their shoes for some wearers
- Toe box seems too big for some
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Brooks Men’s Ghost 11 GTX
These neutral men’s running shoes are designed with comfort and quality for those with pronation issues allowing them to fulfill their love of running. The upper of these shoes are made from engineered mesh giving the shoes the ability to stretch with your foot’s natural movements. The mesh also allows you shoes to be breathable, meaning the mesh allows airflow to circulate through your shoes helping to keep your feet cool and dry. The GTX stands for the waterproof membranes that have been added to this shoe to help to keep the moisture out on a wet day. The mesh also has been supported with strategically placed lightweight overlay, adding more support and durability to the shoe. A plush tongue and collar have been added for additional comfort to keep the skin from becoming irritated during your run. The outer sole of the shoe has been designed from rubber with soft blown rubber added to create additional crash pads, designed to add shock absorption and traction. The inside has been lined with soft fabric to make the inside of the shoe smooth against the runner’s feet. The footbed has been designed with special cushioning to help make your run smooth and comforting. Omega Flex grooves have been added to help the foot move comfortably with the support of the shoe. The combination of the paddings from the support to the crash pads, offers a superior support system and allows extreme comfort for the runner. This shoe is worth the price for many runners for the comfort and support that it offers.
Pros
- Quality design
- Waterproof membranes added to the mesh helps to keep the moisture out
- The rubber outer sole has been designed with crash pads and flexibility to help protect your feet
Cons
- Width seems to be too narrow for some wearers
- Quality does not seem enough for some wearers
- Support seems to stretch out some and does not last very long for some
Conclusion And Final Neutral Running Shoes Recommendations
When selecting your new neutral running shoe, the purpose of this shoe is to allow you to have natural movements from your feet, but still have some support. The minimalist shoes are considered to be like running barefoot but having the sole of the shoe to protect your feet from the debris on the running trails. The neutral shoes offer the same protection and qualities but also offer the support to protect and support your feet during the pronation stage of your natural foot movement. When the muscles and ligaments in your feet are overused, they can stretch and cause an array of injuries to your feet, legs, knees and back. This can cause pain during the pronation stage of your foot’s natural movement sometimes keeping a runner from being able to run. It is very important to have the proper support for the type of feet that you have. This varies from your muscle strength in your feet to the type of arch that you have. Getting the proper support to protect your muscles while you are running is vital to help to keep your feet and your natural movements healthy. There are many quality neutral running shoes that are available on the market. I believe that if I was going to start running, I would choose the Brooks Ghost 11 Running Shoe. This shoe is available in both men’s and women’s styles. I feel starting out with the support would offer me protection and help to prevent future injuries. This shoe is designed with a breathable mesh that offers enough stretch to add the necessary support and comfort. The outer sole has been designed from rubber with a quality traction and flex to allow the natural feeling but also the support to protect your natural movements. The insole also adds the support for your pronation stage of your movement helping to protect your muscles. I feel the quality and technology of the design of this shoe would make me confident to know that this shoe would offer the protection that I need. Another important aspect would be to consider your budget. Make sure that the shoe that you select does not take away from other aspects of your budget. If it does, maybe wait until after next payday to make your selection, keeping your budget on track.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neutral Running Shoes
Why would I want to purchase neutral running shoes instead of tennis shoes to run?
Purchasing the wrong type of shoes to run in can actually cause damage to your feet. The neutral running shoes are designed to help to support the muscles that your feet use during their natural movements when running. When muscles are not supported and strengthened properly, they can create overpronation causing many injuries to your feet, legs, knees and back. With the proper support and type of shoe many times this can be prevented. As the muscles are supported and are allowed to move naturally, they will strengthen and not be damaged. This is the purpose of neutral running shoes. Make sure that you not only select a quality running shoe, but it is vital to select one that offers the level of support that you need to protect your feet. You must also select the proper size of the shoe so that the support is in the right places on your feet. These shoes are designed with support placed strategically where it is needed based on the size of the shoes. Regular tennis shoes are not styled and designed specifically for running. Many of these offer support to the arch area and different paddings, not saying they are bad, they are just not designed to be a running shoe and offer the support that the neutral running shoes will offer.
Why might I need an orthotic in my running shoe if the neutral shoes offer support?
Most orthotics are prescribed to a runner by a specialized foot doctor. Some people have more problems with their feet than what a neutral running shoe can support. If you have a major overpronation and have extreme foot pain, then you would need to seek medical attention and will probably be recommended to use a specialized orthotic that has been designed for your specific medical condition. The neutral shoes are designed for runners that have a neutral to mild overpronation and with the proper support can strengthen their muscles with the ability to make natural movements with some support. An orthotic that is made for your specific condition has had to be designed to help to correct or support your situation. So, to answer your question, there are some runners that will be required to wear orthotics in order to correct a medical condition or to offer the amount of support that that person needs to help them to be able to run. Other runners do not need the added orthotics and the neutral running shoes give them the support that they need to be able to continue their love for running.
Are all neutral running shoes made for all type of running?
No, there are many different levels of support for neutral running shoes. If you are going to run a long-distance race or run, you need a neutral shoe that is specifically designed for long distance. There are some that are designed for shorter runs and offer support for just that. When a runner runs long distances, they will need a neutral running shoe that offers them the support and comfort that has been designed for long distant running. There is a difference in the level of support and energy that has been created in these shoes. It is important to match your needs with the proper level of support that the running shoes offer. Make sure to know what your needs are before you take off and start doing things that your muscles and your shoes are not designed to accomplish. This is not always easy for beginners to know. Make sure to talk to accomplished runners or coaches or even your foot doctor to make sure you do not cause damage to your muscles, that may take a long time to heal or correct.
Does the type of outer sole on these shoes really matter?
Yes, there are a variety of different sole that are put on different neutral running shoes. These have been designed to go along with the different levels of support for the different shoes. Different manufacturers will also use different types of outer soles. Some will use their own engineered synthetic materials to create the sole of these shoes. Many of these shoes have rubber soles. Rubber seems to hold up well and gives the neutral shoe the flexibility that it needs. There is also a different stiffness of the rubber, that will offer different levels of support and stability that a runner will need. Some runners do better and have more stability and control when they are using a stiffer sole, while others do better with a softer sole allowing them to feel more contact with the ground and making them feel more in control. Some outer soles have also added things like crash pads designed in the sole to offer more shock absorption, to protect from the jolts that you feel as your foot makes contact with the ground. The level of traction to help keep a runner from slipping on the tracks or running trails also makes a difference and are designed differently on various shoes. Some of these soles are designed wider while others are narrower. The wider soles offer more stability for some runners while other do not need the added stability. From what I have researched, the more natural that you can keep your neutral shoes, the better abilities that it will give you. Do not overcompensate with added support that your feet do not need. This can also cause damage to your feet.
How do I select the proper size of running shoe?
It is always wise to look for a sizing chart on the seller’s or manufacturer’s site if you are going to order your neutral running shoes. Make sure that you order the proper size per their chart. Realize that it may not be your normal size that you are used to wearing. Different shoes will many times run different sizes. When selecting a shoe to give you support it is very important to know it is going to fit properly, so that it will give you the support that you are paying for. Another way is to go to a local shoe store and have them measure your foot for a proper size running shoe that you plan on purchasing. If you have found a better price online, as long as it is the same brand and style you should be okay to order your new purchase online.
