What is the Best Running Shoe for Me?

Running  •  Thu 24 Jul 2025

As a Podiatrist and Ultra Runner, I often get asked, “What is the best shoe for me?”

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer.

Choosing the right running shoe can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with the ever evolving technology. 

Whether you're training for your next marathon or just getting into running, understanding the different types of running shoes and what they’re designed to do can make a world of difference in performance, comfort, and injury prevention.

In this blog, I will breakdown some of the most common types of running shoes, along with their pros and cons.

1. High Cushioning / Max Stack Height Shoes: Hoka Bondi

These shoes feature a thick midsole (stack height), designed to offer maximum shock absorption. 

Often favoured for long distance running, they provide a plush underfoot feel.

Pros:

• Excellent shock absorption for high mileage runners
• Comfortable
• Beneficial for runners with reduced fat padding or compressional type foot injuries

Cons:

• Reduced ground feedback
• Reduce lateral stability
• Heavier feel compared to minimalist or racing shoes

 

2. Low Profile / Zero Drop Shoes: Altra Escalante

 

These shoes have little to no height difference between the heel and the forefoot (“zero drop”), promoting increased ground feedback.

Pros:

• Encourages midfoot/forefoot strike, reducing knee load
• Lightweight
• Increased ground feedback

Cons:

• Not suitable for all runners, especially without gradual adaptation
• May cause Achilles and Calf injuries
• Minimal shock absorption

3. Rocker Sole Shoes: Asics Glideride

These shoes feature a curved sole (usually at the forefoot) that assists with forward propulsion.

Pros:

• Reduces load on the forefoot
• Useful for runners with Hallux Limitus, Plantar Fasciitis, or Midfoot Arthritis
• Promotes smooth transition from heel strike to toe off

Cons:

• Takes time to adapt to the rocker feel
• Reduced lateral stability
• Can feel unstable, especially on uneven terrain

4. Carbon Plate Racing Shoes: Nike Vaporfly

These cutting edge shoes use a stiff carbon fibre plate embedded in the sole, paired with responsive foam, to maximise

  propulsion and energy return.

Pros:

• Improves running economy and performance
• Ideal for racing and PB attempts
• Lightweight and highly responsive

Cons:

• Expensive
• Less durable

So, What is the Best Running Shoe for Me?

There’s no one size fits all when it comes to running shoes. 

The ideal choice depends on your foot structure, running goals, injury history, and training load. 

As a Podiatrist who specialises in running, I help runners make informed footwear choices based on detailed biomechanical assessment, strength, injury history, and gait patterns.

If you're unsure which shoe is right for you, book a running assessment today. 

Together, we can match your biomechanics with the right footwear to help you run stronger, safer, and smarter.