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In the UK, there is now a greater choice of running shoe brands and styles than ever before. From the everyday and fashion-focused at one end to recreational sports, high-performance and elite at the other – and all manner of niches in between – each manufacturer has its own trademark style, fit and materials.
‘Sports’ running shoes
Focusing specifically on the sports end of the spectrum, the running shoe market offers shoe types for every runner, ability, and surface.
Here are four key categories:
1) Classic Road Running Shoes
Every day running shoe models such as the New Balance Fresh Foam 860, Brooks Ghost, and Saucony Ride fall into this category.
Each brand features its own ‘last’ – the form on which its shoes are built – with nuances in shape, contour and volume. Some are a narrow fit, some wider in the toe box. Upper fabrics and sole composition can vary considerably, and the overall ‘feel’ of the footwear can be surprisingly different from shoe to shoe.
Designed for the recreational runner who runs anything from a few kilometres, 5km Parkrun, 10km, up to marathon.
2) Trail Running Shoes
Rugged terrain models with more aggressive treads for improved grip and traction when running cross country and over mixed terrain. Generally these shoes feel stiffer and heavier but are more robust and durable. Try Gore-tex® uppers if you’re facing wet conditions
Designed for off-road, country trails and rural landscapes, these shoes are more grippy, have stiffer soles to tackle rocks and uneven tracks. Ideal for adventure trails and wet, slippery conditions.
3) Speed & Tempo Shoes
For more advanced runners and faster sessions the next step up are shoes designed for speed, efficiency and comfort. The Saucony Endorphin Trainer or Adidas Adizero Evo are good examples. These shoes help increase efficiency and performance, require more strength to wear, and are the ideal interim trainer for those looking to move up to Super Shoes.
Designed for the challenge runner aiming to up their speed and performance. These shoes are lighter than the classic running shoes and often feature performance fabrics, rocker soles and state of art materials.
4) Carbon-plated “Super Shoes”
You’ll have heard of the original Nike Vaporfly worn by Kipchoge for his sub 2 hour marathon, which started the Super Shoe trend. Now we have the Saucony Endorphin Elite, the Adizero Adios Pro and the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite amongst others. These shoes are clearly defined by their thicker rocker soles visible in profile, and often enhanced with carbon plates.
Aimed at elite or serious racers these can boost efficiency by ~5% in elite endurance events, but beware, these super springy but unstable shoes are not for everyone. You need to be strong to wear them or may risk injury.
Worn by the cream of elite runners who are used to covering significant mileage with strength and agility. These super lightweight shoes can crank up your speed and squeeze out that extra level of performance.
How do I know which shoe is the right shoe for me?
Trying on different shoes is essential
Because of the difference in fit and function between manufacturers and models, identifying and trying on appropriate shoes is essential. It’s the only way to find the right shoe for your feet and gait style.
Areas of variances between shoes include:
- Toe box width
- Mid foot volume
- Heel shape
- Heel drop
- Upper fabric
- Sole composition and materials
- Carbon plates
- Stiffness and flexibility
- Softness and cushioning
RUNRIGHT-3D Shoe Analysis at Profeet
At Profeet, our staff (led by senior Podiatrist, Paul), are trained and/or qualified often up to Degree and Post Grad level, in disciplines such as Sport Science and Biomechanics. We go beyond the majority of high street stores and utilise the RUNRIGHT-3D shoe analysis system, which was developed in conjunction with the Profeet Team.
We can confidently state that even our ‘entry-level’ shoe fitting service is head and shoulders above our competitors. Our technicians will perform a manual assessment of your feet, and then our RUNRIGHT-3D system will identify the correct shoes for you from our extensive range. Preloaded with detailed data, the system scans your legs and feet as you run on the treadmill and then determines the shoes that will work best for your gait and running style.
Three shoe options will then be provided for you to trial on the treadmill to get a good feel for the shoes and allow you to home-in on the best option for you.
More about RUNRIGHT-3D
Want to know if you’re wearing the right running shoes?
Get next-level customisation with our Pro Run Assessment
Take your running shoe fitting to the next level with our Pro Run Assessment. During this service there is dialogue and a more detailed analysis with your technician, who will discuss any specific issues or challenges you face when running. Then your technician will make a manual assessment of your feet and lower limbs, take a dynamic foot scan and create Custom Insoles to achieve the optimum fit, enhance function – and fine tune your footwear to your feet.
This is the gold standard of running shoe fitting and is endorsed by both our recreational customers as well as our elite ambassadors who are active at a GB representative level. Whether you’re running 5km or a marathon or beyond, Profeet’s Signature Assessment is the optimum service. It aims to improve comfort, increase performance and help prevent injury.
What our customers say…
“My knees hurt when I run. I wasn’t sure what difference changing my running shoes would make, I didn’t even know where to start with all the shoes available. The RunRight analysis was really useful, it picked out shoes I wouldn’t have – and it was free (when shoes are purchased). I’ve being telling anyone who’ll listen – go to Profeet!”
Nick R.
“I wanted to try the elite shoes to see what they were all about. I am a keen runner and enter events a couple times a year so thought it might be worthwhile. It was helpful to be able to try on the different shoes with expert guidance and I had quite an in-depth discussion with the member of staff. The upshot was I went for the level below ‘super shoe’ – still an elite shoe but kind of bouncy but more stable. Happy with my choice – shaved 13.5 mins off my marathon PB. Thanks!”
Aaron W.
“I had started to have bouts of plantar fasciitis. The analysis and foot scan showed that my arches were collapsing and the longer I ran, the worse it got. My custom insoles now provide support for my arches, I’ve changed my running shoes, and the difference is just so much better.”
Karen B.
“I honestly wouldn’t be able to run without my custom insoles. I am a biomechanical wreck apparently, born with knock knees and dodgy hips, but a visit to Profeet provided the answer. I have never looked back, and my custom insoles last years – I just put them in my new trainers.”
Jo S.
What our ambassadors say…
Team GB Triathlete, Harry Leleu“I’d like to thank Profeet for all the support they have given me over the years, helping me stay free of injury, despite a heavy training load… on an ageing body!”
Duathlete/Ultra Runner, Iain Martin
“Profeet customised insoles are fantastic for any endurance event, but they have an even more important role in a long multi-stage race as they allow for improved comfort, better performance, lower risk of blisters and faster recovery.”
Coastal Challenge Costa Rica Winner, Pierre Meslet
OUR SERVICE IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Profeet’s services are by appointment only, please call or book online in advance