People are different. And, so are their feet. In fact, for most of us there is a slight difference between our right and left foot. Which is why it’s so difficult to find the perfect running shoe – for both feet. As far as running is concerned, all sorts of things come up for consideration – your biomechanics, body weight, the surface you run on and the shape of your feet. It stands to reason, that no one shoe will suit every type of runner. Yet, there are running shoes that leap out from the crowd. To help you find your perfect fit, we have reviewed a few shoes that might fit your particular needs and feet.

Find your perfect running shoe

Three important categories that you need to consider before you buy a running shoe.

• Weight: Lighter shoes have less cushioning, making them feel faster. But, if you’re a long distance runner, the extra cushioning of a heavier shoe might the right option.
• Drop: This is a measure of how much your toes drop below your heel. A higher drop means more heel striking. Most shoes have a drop between 8 and 12 millimetres, some have less than 6mm and a few have zero drop. Check before you buy.
• Cushioning: Cushioning offers impact absorption. Check out the cushioning measurements in the heel and forefoot.

When choosing running shoes that will fit you best, keep in mind

• The type of running you do and your running style
• Select the category of shoe and features that match your requirements
• Try on shoes till you find the one that fits you the best. Walk around the store when doing so

What is your running style?

Check the wear pattern on the soles to help figure out your running style.

Pronation: The wear pattern is centralized to the ball of the foot and a small portion of the heel. It shows the foot’s natural inward roll preceding the heel striking the ground.

Overpronation: This is identified by wear patterns along the inside edge of your shoe. It affects the majority of runners, leaving them to suffer knee pain and injury. They need stability or motion control shoes.

Supination (also called under-pronation): is distinguished by excessive wear along the outer edge of the shoe. It is caused by outward rolling of the foot resulting in uneven impact reduction at landing. Those who have this condition need shoes with plenty of cushioning and flexibility.

Types of running shoes to suit your running style

Neutral shoes: These are best for neutral runners or people who supinate – the tendency to roll outward. These offer some shock absorption and medial (arch-side) support.
Some, with super cushioning, provide as much as 50% more cushioning for even greater shock absorption.

Stability shoes: Ideal for runners with mild to moderate overpronation. These typically could include a firm “post” to reinforce the arch side of each midsole, an area affected by overpronation.

Motion control shoes: Great for runners who have moderate to severe overpronation, offering features such as stiffer heels or a design built on straighter lasts – to negate overpronation. Now, let’s look at what the latest running shoes for 2018 have to offer us.

Best Neutral (Cushioning) Running Shoes

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35

This shoe offers outstanding value for money. The Pegasus is now 35 years young and this latest iteration has been changed quite a bit without losing its reputation for being good for any type of runner. This new model:

• Is 30g lighter than previous versions
• Has bouncier cushioning, with its full-length Air unit
• Has a bootie construction and a raised heel section for a locked-in fit

New Balance 890v6

The 89v6 is really a lightweight do-everything shoe. It has the right amount of cushioning and protection for most runners to use as the everyday trainer. This running shoe:

• Offers the perfect blend of breathable and pliable upper materials
• Has lightweight and responsive midsole foams
• A simple yet effective fit and construction

Saucony Ride ISO

Comfort combined with a innovative design makes this shoe a good choice for daily training.
This shoe runs into new territory for the Ride line, improving on fit, comfort and running efficiency. These shoes live up to what they promise, which is a comfortable ride in fit and in cushioning.

Best Support (Stability) Running Shoes

Hoka ONE ONE Gaviota

This is a very supportive running shoe with amazing cushioning, a low drop that makes it very streamlined and doesn’t weigh as much as its competitors.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 14

A very comfortable shoe for runners with flat feet, nicely cushioned and very responsive because of its wave plate. It feels lighter than it is. The Mizuno gently but surely grips your feet, offers stability, is soft when you land but responds quickly when you take-off as your toes hit the ground.

Best Maximal Running Shoes

Skechers GoRun Ultra R2

The shoe is a maximal trainer meant for logging miles while staying light on the feet. You want to push the pace? It is light and springy enough to go with you. You want to slow down and log a long run? It is ready to keep pace without hurting or tiring out your feet.

Saucony Triumph ISO 4

A top-of-the-line trainer that can log miles and miles. The sole uses the EVERUN midsole – creating great energy on return while pushing the runner forward. The upper uses a new version of the ISOFIT technology that expands and collapses during the run.

Best Lightweight Neutral Running Shoes

Saucony Kinvara 9

The performance-driven design of the Saucony Kinvara has lasted for nine years. True to its principles, this new model provides a lightweight, soft, and responsive ride. The Kinvara 9 is reliable, versatile and inspires confidence stride after stride.

Skechers GoRun Ride 7

This is a smooth riding, lightweight shoe, offering great cushioning and rebound. Combined with a breathable and comfortable knit upper. This is a running shoe that bests most of the other shoes in its class, occasionally at half the price.