This article is part of our Sports Injuries series at Back and Body Pain Relief in Springfield, NJ. For the complete overview, see the full guide:
→ Sports Injury Treatment in Springfield, NJ — The Complete Guide
This post is part of our complete guide to Sports Injuries. Browse the guide for more in-depth information on treatments, exercises, and recovery strategies.
How to Identify What are the Best Running Shoes
Running is a great and cheap way of getting into shape and staying that way. Compared to other forms of fitness or sports, it’s comparatively cheap in that really all you need are a pair of shorts, t-shirt and running shoes. How easy is that? Well, pretty easy, but we would recommend spending a bit of money and investing in a good pair of running shoes if you are going to be doing this consistently. So what are best running shoes that you can choose?
As you can imagine, shoes manufacturers have put in a good deal of time and investment in trying to the ideal running shoe. They are succeeding because we consistently see professional athletes and runners posting record times and breaking records. The quality in shoe is a factor in this along with superior fitness regimes, dietary habits and of course injury treatments.
So what are best running shoes?
Running shoes can be broken down into four main categories. Neutral, cushioning, stability and motion control.

Cushioning
This type of running shoe is perfect for people with a more high arched foot. Normally, the footprint leaves an impression at the top of the metatarsal heads which can impact on the foot. The solution is to provide a cushioning effect to help absorb this load and help the foot. They are able to absorb extra shock and help prevent injuries to the metatarsal.
Stability
This type helps low arches and ankle instability as repetitive stress may affect knees and hips. There is extra cushioning to absorb this shock and help to provide a comfortable feeling on the foot.
Neutral
These shoes are the most common type of foot shape and mechanics. When running, the foot is able to disperse the force evenly. They provide no extra support and normal even wear throughout.
Motion Control
This type of shoe build is perfect for runners with little to no arch and potential ankle instability. They counter the effects of stresses that could be a hinderance on other parts of the body such as the hips or knees. The motion control design shoes add extra foam around the mid sole area thus slowing this issue.
When considering what are best running shoes for you, try and identify your foot type so that you can best match up with the most appropriate footwear. If you are having problems with this, we can help with this as well as providing extra tips for your running activities.
Again, while running is one of the cheapest forms of exercise, it is well worth considering what are best running shoes for you and to spend a little extra to get a shoe that will enhance your running rather than leaving you with problems.
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Dr. David Perna DC, CCSP, CCEP is the founder and practice overseer at Back and Body Pain Relief in Springfield, NJ. A graduate of Life University Summa Cum Laude, Dr. Perna holds certifications in Active Release Technique (ART), Graston, SFMA, Neuro-Diagnostics (NCV/EMG), and Manipulation Under Anesthesia, among others. He is a Board Certified Sports Physician, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a United States Olympic Committee Sports Medicine Volunteer.
A competing athlete himself — a 2x Ironman 70.3 finisher with a background in Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, and martial arts – Dr. Perna brings firsthand athletic experience to his patient care.
He has treated presidents, royalty, diplomats, and professional athletes across MMA, baseball, tennis, and football, and has appeared on Dr. Oz demonstrating chiropractic therapies. His approach is diagnostic-first, combining evidence-based chiropractic care with rehabilitation to help patients get out of pain and back to full function.
Further Reading: Sports Injury
- Should You Have Surgery? Get an Unbiased Second Opinion First
- How We Treat Runners, Weekend Warriors and Athletes in Springfield NJ
- Lindsey Vonn ACL in Knee Brace for ACL Injury
- How Can Lindsey Vonn Compete with a Torn ACL?
- Top Injuries We See in Hyrox Athletes
→ Complete Guide: Sports Injury Treatment in Springfield, NJ — The Complete Guide
