You can find examples of this on the website: Xero Shoes HFS II, Vibram V-Trail 2.0
On the opposite end of the spectrum sit these cushy, plush models, which came into favor as the controversy over minimalist shoes began brewing—and, thanks to the boom in popularity of the Hoka brand, are even seen as stylish off the run. They’re padded with plenty of foam in the midsole, creating either a soft or bouncy feel under your feet. Some have a rocker bottom sole that makes your ankle and foot do less work as you move from heel to toe.
Important: More cushioning isn’t necessarily better. Antush says that heavier shoes will likely reduce your cadence (or the number of steps per minute). That, combined with the fact that you can’t sense the ground underneath you, may actually cause you to land more heavily, increasing the forces traveling through your feet and legs.
However, some runners will prefer a more pillowy experience, especially those who’ve had pain or other problems in the forefoot, Dr. Canzanese says. Older runners and heavier runners may fare well in maximalist models, as have those who’ve had ACL tears or joint replacements, Antush says.
You can find examples of this on the website: Hoka Bondi 8, New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4
Dr. Canzanese states that the majority of modern shoes fall into this category. They range from minimalist to maximalist. You can try different models and brands to find the perfect amount of cushioning for you.
Examples: On Cloudswift 3 Fresh Foam 1080v13s
Shoe Parts
Shoes are divided into three major sections—uppers, outsoles, and midsoles—and there’s a lot going on under the surface in each.
This is, quite literally, the upper part of the shoe—the fabric that covers your foot and attaches it to what’s underneath. It’s usually made of either stretchy, supportive knit or breathable mesh. “Neither one is better or worse, they’re just providing different ways of going about a safe and secure and breathable upper experience,” Zielinksi says. Some materials are combining both properties.
These are other materials—such as strips of plastic or rubber logos—that cross over the upper material. They may provide additional support and structure, add reflection or simply add style (or a mixture of all three).
These secure the shoe to your foot and help you fine-tune the fit—but you might not realize just how much adjusting them can matter. “There’s a ton of different ways to lace the shoe,” Dr. Canzanese says. The eyelet is the term used for the holes that they wind through, while the plastic or metallic bits at the end of the shoelace are known as aglets.
This firmer material surrounds your heel, reinforcing and supporting it so your foot doesn’t slip or slide. The size of the heel counter usually corresponds to the level of support overall—motion control and stability shoes tend to have larger, stiffer counters, while minimalist shoes have lighter, smaller ones, Dr. Canzanese says. Some shoes also have extra padding around this area; that’s known as the heel collar.
The front of the shoe will allow your toes to bend and splay naturally, as you run. Getting one that’s the right shape and size is important—if it’s too short or narrow, you risk blisters, chafing, and damaged toenails, Dr. Canzanese says. Note that size-wide shoes don’t always have a wider toe box; certain brands (such as Altra) and models are designed to be roomier up front, so you may want to seek those out if you have bunions, arthritis, or another reason you need to allow your toes more space.
The tongue provides protection so the laces don’t pressure or irritate your foot, Dr. Canzanese says. Some tongues are gusseted, meaning they’re connected on all sides; this better secures your foot and also keeps dirt and rocks from getting into your shoe. Some tongues are attached at the bottom or free.
This is the part of the shoes that comes in contact to the ground. The treads on the bottom are what gives you more or less traction; what you need depends on your preference and the surface you’re running on.
This is a design feature baked into the midsole and outsole, which curves up at the toes and heels—yes, like a rocking chair—to make it easier to roll through your stride. Dr. Willy explains that this relieves pressure on your forefoot. They’re a good choice for people who have conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or arthritis.