It is not entirely clear where this model of shoe selection came from. It’s conception may have been based upon the work of Colonel Harris and Major Beath, who performed an army foot survey back in 1947, and whilst doing so invented a new method of assessing footprints.

However, as we begin to research running shoes and the effects on running style and injury risk, we begin to realise it is not as straight forward. The way we assign shoes based on foot type is inappropriate as assigning shoes in this way does not reduce injury risk.

If we look at some of the research published in recent years, it should be clear to us why this is still such a topic of discussion and is lacking in absolutes.

So how do we make sense of it? How do we use it to apply an evidence informed approach to recommending a shoe to a new and uninjured runner? It’s not easy, as the research is so varied in its conclusions that you can almost do whatever you want and find a paper to support it.

If that seems a little confusing, my advice would be as follows (with keeping the above in mind):

• if someone is brand new to running, has no injury (or history of injury)
• cares little about their performance/times (initially at least)
• is applying good principles of load management
• and is dedicating some time to strength training

Then perhaps to simply buy two pairs of different stability shoes which they personally find very comfortable.

Running shoes can also be prescribed based on the presenting pathology/ condition.

For example:

Morton’s neuroma (nerve entrapment in the forefoot)

• Requires a wide toe-box
• Try the extra-width fitting from New Balance or get a pair of Altra’s

Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy

• Requires increased rearfoot control and support
• Try ADIDAS SuperNova, ASICS Gel Fortitude, BROOKS Adrenaline GTS, NEW BALANCE 860 or NIKE Air Zoom Structure

Achilles Tendinopathy

• Requires a high heel drop
• Try using a shoe with a heel drop of no less than 1cm

As we understand, the heel drop of a running shoe can alter running style. The lower the heel drop, the higher the tendency to run more forefoot and visa versa. The higher the heel drop of the shoe, the more heel to midfoot contact there will be. Bear in mind however, if you are a forefoot runner you can increase the demands on the achilles tendon/ calf whereas a heel striker may have increased load through the knee.

The terrain can depict which shoes to run in such as off road would require more grip of the outersole and would advise on a trail shoe. Other factors would be running distances, for example short sprints should be done in racing flats (which tend to have a low midsole stack and are minimilistic in nature). For longer distances such as a marathon, a runner may want a slightly more stable shoe as it may help with fatigue.

It is important to choose function over fashion as a runner. There is also no superior brand, and although challenging its important to understand your running needs (injury profile, biomechanics/ running style, personal goals, etc.) and what each brand offers in terms of their technology and specs of the shoe. This can be a mind-field and if in doubt see your local sports podiatrist.

To summarise, as most runners know, it can often be a little bit of trial and error with regard to finding the ‘right’ shoe. Once you’ve found what works for you then don’t change it.

Running injury is complex and multifactorial, and will never be just about the shoe worn.
There are probably far greater ‘wins’ with respect to reducing injury risk than shoe selection.

• sensible load management
• strength training

Ultimately your decision should be based on one main factor: comfort. Believe it or not comfort has been linked to injury frequency reduction and is thought to be the most important variable for sports shoes.