For runners, feet come first – and that’s why we’re proud to partner with Brooks: experts in running shoes and happy feet.
As our official footwear partner, Brooks have a wealth of knowledge and expertise on how to find the best running shoes, and your perfect fit, even if foot problems make it tricky to hit the ground running.
Whatever you’re facing in your training – achy knees, flat feet or arch support – Brooks are on hand to help. Read on for Brooks’ top tips on finding a running shoe that meets your needs.
Best running shoes for knee pain
Knee pain is a common issue, and one that can make runners worry that they’re doing their body serious damage. But while running is a high-impact exercise, running can actually strengthen knees and reduce your chance of developing knee osteoarthritis.
Getting to the route of why you’re suffering with knee pain is essential. Heading to a specialist running store for a running gait analysis is vital to work out what’s going on – take a look at the Brooks store locator here.
Perhaps you’re overpronating (feet rolling inwards when you run) or supinating (the opposite – feet rolling outwards). The former can cause your knees to cave inwards, while the latter can cause pain on the outside of your knees. Overpronators can benefit from trying a high-support shoe, whereas supinators may find neutral shoes give them a boost.
Our top tip? Take a look at the soles of your existing running shoes and see if they’re particularly worn down on the inside (a sign of overpronation) or the outside (a clue that you’re supinating).
If you’re a heel striker suffering with knee pain (i.e. you land on your heel with maximum impact while running), shock absorption shoes are the ones for you. And whatever kind of runner you are, if your joints are feeling it, take a look at shoes with cushion technology. You’ll feel like you’re running on air in no time.
Best running shoes for arch support
Foot arches generally fall into three categories – low (or flat-footed), medium or high. Understanding which best describes your feet can be a little tricky, but can make all the difference when it comes to finding a pair of shoes that fit like a dream.
Try wetting your bare feet, then stand on a surface where you clearly see the footprints you leave behind (e.g. a paving slab). Left with a print of your whole foot? Sounds like your arches are at the lower or flat footed end of the scale. Whereas seeing a thin line connecting your smaller toes to your heel indicates a higher arch – and somewhere in between? Medium it is. But be warned – the ‘Wet Test’ isn’t scientifically rigorous, although it might give you some insight.
If your arch is lower, you’re more likely to overpronate, putting extra stress on your ankles and knees. Whereas if your arches are higher, you might find you have the opposite problem.
But there are no hard and fast ‘rules’ – you need to listen to your body while you run and check in afterwards – any niggles? Any pain? If the answer is ‘yes’, try the following:
Motion control shoes. Great for lower arches and flat-footed runners who obviously overpronate. They have a wide base for stability and balance and offer extra support under your foot arch and heel.
Neutral shoes with cushion technology. Medium-arch feet? These shoes are bouncy and supportive but come with minimal arch support, meaning your feet are free to move more naturally.
Stability shoes. Medium to low-arched feet with a tendency for a little overpronation? Stability shoes will keep you on the straight and narrow thanks to a guide rail running through the arch and into the heel. No more ankle-rolling!
Best running shoes for flat feet
“Being flat-footed doesn’t automatically mean you’re going to have a problem with ‘normal’ running shoes,” says a Brooks expert. “Sometimes runners jump to the conclusion that being flat-footed automatically means you overpronate – and that might not be the case at all.”
The best advice Brooks can offer? Try, try, try before you buy. And if you’re at all concerned, make an appointment with a podiatrist. It might be that there are exercises you can do to help build up strength in your foot and arches – toe yoga, anyone?!
If you’re in the market for new trainers and you’re flat-footed, here are a few shoes you might want to try – the Brooks Ariel or Addiction GTS are both good options. Or the Glycerin GTS is packed with cushioning, plus feature guide rails for even more support. And all three are available in men’s and women’s ranges and a whole host of different colours, so there’s zero compromise on style.
Whatever foot issues you’re facing – and whatever your style – there’s a pair of Brooks for you. Take the five minute Brooks Shoe Finder test and discover your perfect fit today.
