American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine - Footwear - Running Shoes

Running Shoes by Level of Stability
Maximum Stability | Stability | Neutral
Customizable Running Footwear | Minimalist Running Footwear
Running Shoe Anatomy | Manufacturer Web Sites and Runner's Resources

Vibram FiveFingers

Vibram FiveFingers

It’s somehow fitting that the company known for making rubber outsoles for the world’s largest footwear manufacturers, has produced its own shoe that is nothing more than an outsole sewn to an upper. Initially developed as footwear for water sports, the barefoot and minimalist running communities have embraced FiveFingers. Those who participate in yoga, Pilates and martial arts have also discovered these unconventional shoes.

FiveFingers are minimalist by design – there are no cushioning or stability features. Basic construction consists of rubber outsole, microfiber footbed and fabric or neoprene upper. The shoes are visually striking because of the “toe slots”. They are approximately half the weight of conventional running shoes largely because they lack a midsole.

Newton

Newton

Newton is the first footwear manufacturer to produce a shoe for a specific running style. Newton’s website promotes forefoot/midfoot running and claims that its cushioning technology provides energy return that optimizes this gait pattern. The company produces cushioned and stability shoes which use conventional running shoe midsole, outsole and upper materials but have their own unique cushioning technology.

The forefoot cushioning system is comprised of a membrane which is stretched over four “actuators” or lugs under the metatarsal heads. The company’s website claims the actuators are more efficient returning energy than other midsole cushioning technologies.

Nike Free

Nike Free
Nike

Legend has it that Nike was inspired to develop the Free after observing the Stanford University track team doing their weekly barefoot workout on the football field. Nike introduced the Free with the intention of making it lighter, less cushioned, less supportive and less structured than conventional running shoes. The upper has less stitching and the toe bumper and the heel counter are absent. The EVA midsole is semi-straight in shape and has multiple curvilinear grooves oriented in both a longitudinal and transverse direction. The outsole is absent although some models have a small pad of carbon rubber in the lateral rearfoot and medial forefoot. The result is a light, flexible shoe that still retains much of the feel of a conventional running shoe.

Included in the shoe box at purchase is an instruction pamphlet explaining how to adapt to the Frees and suggesting workouts. For example, Nike advocates using the shoes for a 20-30 minute workout on a natural surface once weekly.

Customizable Running Footwear | Minimalist Running Footwear
Running Shoe Anatomy

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