MOTION CONTROL
Recommended for runners with low arches who are moderate to severe overpronators and who need maximum rearfoot control and extra support on the medial (arch) side of their shoes. Also best suited for bigger runners who need plenty of support and durability.

STABILITY
Recommended for runners who are mild to moderate overpronators and who generally have low to normal arches. These runners tend to need a shoe with a combination of good support and midsole cushioning.

CUSHIONED (NEUTRAL)
Recommended for runners who need maximum midsole cushioning and minimum medial support. These shoes are best for biomechanically efficient runners (minimum pronation) and midfoot or forefoot strikers with high or normal arches.

PERFORMANCE TRAINING
Recommended either for racing or, if you're biomechanically efficient, for training. They have varying degrees of support and cushioning, but what characterizes them is that they're generally lighter (most weigh around 10 ounces) and have a snug fit.

SPIKED
Spikes are best suited for runners doing speed workouts on soft surfaces or competing in track or cross country races. These shoes built low to the ground with a glove like fit and are designed for speed. They offer no support and very little impact protection.

RACING
You should wear racing shoes if you have a biomechanically efficient stride, don't have any current injuries, and want an exceptionally fast, lightweight shoe for races. Many runners use performance training shoes or their regular training shoes for races.

TRAIL
You should wear trail shoes if you are a runner who frequently runs off-road, and are looking for rugged shoes with great outsole traction and some weather- and water-resistant qualities. Many trail shoes are built low-to-the-ground for added stability on rough trails.

Normal Pronation: The outside part of the heel makes initial contact with the ground. The foot "rolls" inward about five percent, comes in complete contact with the ground, and can support your body weight without any problem. The rolling in of the foot optimally distributes the forces of impact. This movement is called "pronation," and it's critical to proper shock absorption. At the end of the gait cycle, you push off evenly from the front of the foot.

Overpronation: As with the "normal pronation" sequence, the outside of the heel makes the initial ground contact. However, the foot rolls inward more than the ideal five percent, which is called "overpronation." This means the foot and ankle have problems stabilizing the body, and shock isn't absorbed as efficiently. At the end of the gait cycle, the front of the foot pushes off the ground using mainly the big toe and second toe, which then must do all the work.

Underpronation: Again, the outside of the heel makes initial contact with the ground. But the inward movement of the foot occurs at less than four percent (i.e., there is less rolling in than for those with normal or flat feet). Consequently, forces of impact are concentrated on a smaller area of the foot (the outside part), and are not distributed as efficiently. In the push-off phase, most of the work is done by the smaller toes on the outside of the foot.