What is Supination?

If you arrived on this page you probably know what Supination is in the context of running. Specifically in the context of foot types and running gaits. For a quick review let’s briefly define what supination is.

Supination is technically defined as the lack of the proper amount of inwards roll of the foot from its outside part to the inner part during each foot strike on the ground.

The proper amount of inward roll or pronation is said to be around 15%. If your ankle forms and angle less than this in relation to your leg then you are said to be technically underpronating or supinating.

Who suffers from Supination?

Supination is somewhat rarer that its counterpart overpronation. Generally speaking runners with high arches tend to suffer more underpronation. Although some flat footed runners or normal arches runners can suffer supination this is generally rarer.

Something to note about supination is that it is a biological inefficiency (as opposed to defect) that high arch runners are at risk of developing.

What are the risks associated with Foot Supination?

Shin splits are a common complaint amongst runners who have not gotten shoes for supination. At more extreme cases it is not uncommon for uncorrected runners to develop bow leg. That is, the legs curve outside and the runner almost exclusively runs on the “rails” of his outside foot.

What are Supination Running Shoes?

Supination Running Shoes are shoes that are designed exclusively for undepronators. The idea is that they should encourage the foot to roll sufficiently enough to save the lower leg from the high stress impacts of running.

Running shoes for supination are characterized by being well cushioned, light and flexible especially in the middle. This flexibility should give the foot some freedom to roll by itself during each foot fall.

How can Supination Running Shoes help me?

Some people exaggerate the effects of things on their lives. And truth to be told even the best running shoes for supination will not work on extremely inefficient runners. The same way motion control running shoes cannot correct an almost wadding running gait.

But it the right running shoes for a runner’s particular gait is essential to save him from pain, irritation and injury. By all means high arched runners should get running shoes for supination. However it is best to supplement it’s with some stretching exercises and a conscious correction of gait for those who have extremely bad cases of underpronation.

Recommended Supination Running Shoes

There are many great products out there that solve the problem of supination. However since supinators are an order of magnitude less than overpronators it may be more difficult to find the perfect shoe. The following shoes are known to be the best supination running shoes.

1) Nike Zoom Vomero+ 4

Check Lowest Prices

2) Asics GEL Nimbus 11

Check Lowest Prices

3) Adidas Supernova Glide 2

Check Lowest Price

What about supination insoles?

Orthotics has become popular in the recent years. And there are orthotics for supination that has been developed for those people who require it. They can be expensive and take several visits to your podiatrist to perfect.

Most people will not need them with the proper shoes, proper running technique and proper strengthening exercises for their feet. So if you are considering getting these insoles try and make a conscious effort to fix your supination first.

Did you know that running shoes for supination are more popularly known as cushioned running shoes? Find out more great shoes by reading below.

• Best Cushioned Running Shoes 2010

• Best Cushioned Running Shoes 2009
  

• Cushioned Running Shoes for Women

  
  

What should we really call these running shoes for neutral feet?

In light of our little editorial above we will discuss briefly how we should call this type of shoes. To oversimplify things runners with high arched feet need shoes that do not control pronation. Pronation is a natural rolling motion of the foot that relieves your lower body from the stressful forces it goes through when running.

So what exactly do Neutral Running Shoes do for (over)pronation control?

Zip? Nada? Nothing. Or at least that is how I felt when examining with my own hands dozens of them over the past few months. What these shoes for supinators possess however are generally more pliant soles when it comes to twisting.

This supposedly allows neutral shoes to coax the foot into that much needed pronating. The absence of motion control elements and the relatively soft pliable sole are designed to encourage the foot to roll towards the inside (from outside to inside).

A few would argue though that a neutral running shoe is all about the absence of pronation control rather than it actually coercing pronation. I’ve talked to a few runners who felt that even the best neutral running shoes never really guided their feet to pronate at the proper levels.

Does this mean that Neutral Running Shoes are useless?

Of course not! Although they do not actively encourage pronation, (hence the term “neutral” aka, it does not do anything) they also do not prevent it from happening. A runner with a high arch who suffers from supination (the opposite of overpronation) will very quickly find discomfort in shoes that actually stop pronation. Long term use of shoes meant for the anti thesis of neutral running shoes will often lead to injuries.

So now we know why supination running shoes are called Neutral. To recap: The absence of motion control elements that prevent the excessive rolling of the foot makes them impassive or inactive or Neutral. Hence the name, Neutral Running Shoes.

Next. Why is there confusion using the term Cushioned Running Shoes and Neutral Running Shoes.

Cushioned Running Shoes – Why they are called that way?

Because shoes meant for a supinator are almost always softer than normal (Stability or Motion Control) they generally are considered to have “cushioning” properties. A high arched runner will often require cushioning and a softer platform to press their feet on because they generally lift off larger portions of their feet before they even touch the landing surface.

This is opposite to an overpronator whose foot will almost always leave a complete and powerful mark on the surface. Too much cushioning (or softness) on the shoes will mean that the ankle will collapse into the middle too much. So they need more a stiffer platform to support their collapsing ankles.

This is probably why most manufacturers refer to their shoes for underpronators as cushioned running shoes. Cushion, Cushioning and Cushioned terms you should look out for when looking for shoes like this.

The confusion comes in when people think of the term cushioning. Outside of running shoes “cushioning” would mean a plush, soft, cottony or relaxing feeling. So a lot of people make the mistake of thinking that their feet need “cushion” and therefore Cushioned Running Shoes.

Older runners particularly seek out softer insoles in the mistaken notion that it alone will solve running foot pains. The reality is that getting the right type of shoes for your gait, whether overpronated, normal or underpronated is the biggest contributor to a comfortable and pain free running career.

Yes, too much cushioning or softness can actually be bad for MOST people. Why MOST People? Because only a very small minority (around 5%) of people actually underpronate or supinate. So too many people buy cushioned running shoes when they would actually be needing motion control (for overpronators) or stability (for people with normal arches).

You may want to make sure if you really need these shoes by reading

• Know quickly If  you need Cushioned Running Shoes?
• and find out the Best Cushioned Running Shoes of 2010

Let’s educate you more about this type of shoes. Let’s start with the word cushioning. Almost all modern running shoes are more or less “cushioned.” That is, there are elements within the inner sole that are foamy or rubbery to give everyone’s foot a “cushioning element” to land on.

If you are old enough you will remember shoes with cloth like interiors that weren’t at all mushy and had little give or bounce. Modern day insoles are made of superior foams which absorb the impact of each foot fall. Today most people call them insoles (however, to be accurate these are not insoles. Insoles strictly speaking are orthotic devices that add an extra layer of “cushioning”)

People generally think that cushioned running shoes are shoes that have these inner “insoles” that will help in well… cushioning their feet. This, as most people’s common sense would tell them, would make a shoe much more comfortable to run in. After all a softer shoe is better right?

Wrong, for walking softer shoes are nicer. The plush feeling is great to have and makes walking more pleasant compared to your very hard dress shoes. But for running softer may not at all better. Why? Because for running you need to get shoes that are right for your foot type and gait.

Generally speaking feet are divided into three types. First, we have flat feet where the arches of the medial inner part of the foot are very low or virtually non-existent (Flat). Next we have those with normal arches. Then we have the opposite of flat feet, the ultra high arches. All of them require different shoes.

Forget about “cushioning” for a moment and let’s concentrate on the running shoe requirements for each foot type first. Flat footed people have a tendency for have their ankle roll in too much with each stride. This action is called overpronation and causes all sorts of nasty inconveniences and injuries to your foot. To stop this excessive motion people who possess this kind of feet will need shoes that control motion.

Next are the normal people. If you have normal feet then you will most likely have gait that is within the bounds of normal pronation. Still people will be mildly overpronated or slightly underpronated but fall into that “safe” range. Almost all people with normal arches will require shoes that are designed for stability.

Lastly are those people who have very high arches. Their total amount of area that the foot lands on is vastly less than that of a flat footed person. Basically people like this will have a tendency to underpronate. That is, their foot refuses to roll inwards (towards the center) enough to disperse the energy generated on each foot fall. People like these will need cushioned running shoes.

Cushioned running shoes are shoes that encourage pronation or at least have no elements to prevent the motion. The absence of such is believed to encourage pronation. Then why are they called cushioned running shoes?

They are called that way because they generally are more cushioned than either motion control running shoes or stability running shoes. But that does that mean that those shoes do not have cushioning. The confusion lends itself to the popular use of the term cushioned running shoes.

These shoes are also called the following.
1) Neutral,
2) Light Neutral
3) Supination Running Shoes
4) Cushion Running Shoes
5) Cushioned running shoes
6) Cushioning Running Shoes
And even 7) Neutral Cushion Running Shoes

It is important to note that the term Cushioned is generally dismissed on model names but used in all types of shoes in describing their ride. A shoe maybe well “cushioned” but not be a Cushioned Running Shoe. Adidas has been known to stamp “for Cushioning” or “Cushioning” on the insoles (inside soles) of their previous line of shoes. But this has been removed recently.

Are you still confused? Just think of it this way, Cushioned Running Shoes are shoes meant for Underpronators (most of all High Arched Runners). But motion control shoes and stability shoes (basically all modern running shoes) have some cushioning elements.

If you are looking for some examples on the best “cushioned” shoes for each type look at this.

1) “Soft” Cushioned Running Shoes (for people with High Arches)
Nike Zoom Vomero+ 4

2) “Soft” Stability Running Shoes (for people with Normal Arches)
New Balance 1225

3) “Soft” Shoes that feature Motion Control (for people who have Low Arches or Flat Feet)
Nike LunarGlide+

A lot of people really mean “soft” running shoes when they search out for cushioned running shoes. Although more and more people are now beginning to distinguish “Cushioned Running Shoes” as running shoes meant for people who have high arches. Now you really know what this type of shoes are check out the best cushioned running shoes for this year.

Brooks Glycerin 8

Brooks is fast becoming a trouble for Nike. The whole running community already considers them to have a stranglehold of the Motion Control Running Shoes sector with the Brooks Beast Running Shoes and now they are gaining a following with their Glycerin Series.

The new Brooks Glycerin features a new GEL Cushion system that is what they call non-Newtonian. That simply means that the cushioning system adjusts to how hard you drive the shoe. This new innovation makes the Brooks Glycerin 8 quite a formidable cushioned shoe that will prove more than its place on top of this list.

Adidas Supernova Glide 2

The Adidas Supernova Glide 2 is the successor to the very successful Glide 1 which was itself successor to the legendary Supernova Cushion series. We all know how much the Supernova changed the landscape for cushion running shoes.

This year’s version of the Adidas Supernova Glide is better than ever. They changed it somewhat to be able to provide some stability which is a welcome feature for those who aren’t extremely high arch. All in all the Adidas Supernova Glide 2 is looking good and with its expanded range and low price looks like the best seller of 2010 when it comes to cushion running shoes.

Mizuno Wave Creation 11

The Wave Creation 11 from Mizuno makes itself known! It has overtaken its usually better selling brother the Mizuno Wave Rider series. This new cushion running shoes from Mizuno has gotten good feedback with its new DynamotionFit which allows this running shoe to adapt to the changes of your foot while it is in-motion. This dynamic fit is a breakthrough compared to the competitions more “static fit.”

This is also very good for beginning runners are it offers more protection for those with higher arches. The heavier weight and wave plate make it easy for the Mizuno Wave Creation 11 to accomplish this.

We are going to maintain this list for the whole year of 2010. Check back for more. The running shoe industry is a very competitive landscape and we expect a couple of additions or changes as soon as we get more feedback.

Also the Best Cushion Running Shoes for 2009 is still a very good lot. In fact if you are looking for more go read it at http://www.cushionrunningshoes.com/cushion-running-shoes/best-cushion-running-shoes/. The shoes on the 2009 list are extremely good and are not obsolete at all ( the list was last updated on December 2009 ).

Running is a hobby that really does not require much preparation. Technically you can run immediately when you decide to. Unlike other fitness hobbies running needs close to no preparation time. Power runners have also begun taking this fact to another level.

If you are pressed for time and need to run to meet your fitness goals then read on. We list a lot of interesting places you can run at. Chances are you’ve never thought of them too.

Hotel Fire Exit

An interesting place to run able that is popular with fitness people while travelling is at the stairs of the fire exit. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself mentioned this as his way of performing his daily cardio sessions while travelling.

This is a good way for you to isolate yourself from distractions and concentrate on your fitness goals. The extra challenge of running upwards on stairs will give even the most advanced athlete a very good work out.

Around the House

Imagine yourself at your garage getting ready for work. You realize that you still have about 5 to 10 minutes to spare and you need a metabolism boost. Has it ever occurred to you that even a small home could provide you with enough room to run on?

Provided that your home is free of clutter and dangerous things you could run into you can run 10 or 20 times quickly. This will give you a very quick and intense workout. This will give you more energy than a cup of coffee.

To Where You Take Lunch

Running before lunch is one of those things that have gained a lot attention lately. Your body will be in a state conducive to getting rid of fat since you have used up your breakfast. The mind is prepared to temporarily forget about work and most of all you have at least an hour to spare.

Making use of this time to run is great you only need your running shoes. Even if you jog to McDonalds at least you have allowed your body to be in state of burning calories. If you do this you will notice that you will not feel sleepy after eating.

Along Your Office Hallway

Some offices have hallways that are sparingly used. If you don’t find one on your floor ask security if you could go to a floor that does not have much foot traffic during some parts of the day. If you ask nicely you might be permitted to do some sprints.

Keeping your foot falls silent is the key to running around hallways. If you can’t find a hallway without traffic then your own hallway before or after office hours will be great. Go to work half an hour early or leave half an hour late. It’s a very convenient way to save time and be able to do sprint training.

To the bus station or subway

Running with your running shoes on the way to bus station or subway is a habit many people are beginning to adapt. It makes travelling to and from your work much faster. You may get a few looks but you’ll notice a lot of other people doing the same.

As a bonus you get to leave your dress shoes at work. Leaving the home with your running shoes on and walking home with them will do wonders for your foot too. Sneakers are much more comfortable than leather dress shoes.

Follow this quick guide on knowing whether or not you need Cushion Running Shoes.

Do you know if your foot has a high arch, medium arch, low arch or no arch at all?

If you don’t take this simple test. You’ll need a sheet of paper ( or a brown paper bag ), someway to get your foot wet and of course your foot!

1. Place the Paper on a dry surface . Make sure its long enough to fit your foot!
2. Dip your the sole of your right foot ( or left if you want ) in water.
3. Shake off the water so your foot isn’t soaked
4. Step on the peice of paper your prepared
5. Make sure to step a bit lightly. Just enough to get your print on it. Do not put your weight on it
6. Check to see what kind of foot print it left.

Flat Footed

If your print is full with all the foot leaving a mark you are a flat footed person. Most likely, You DO NOT NEED CUSHION RUNNING SHOES. This will hurt your foot and lead to injury. Find out what the best motion control running shoes is for you.

This is Asics Interpretation of the Flat Foot*

Normal Foot

If your print is normal, you should see the inner curve of the middle part of your sole clearly dividing the foot into two. Generally, the width of the bottom part of the foot print is equal or near the size of the center. You will want to wear Stability Running Shoes.

This is Asics Interpretation of the Normal Foot*

High Arch

If your print is SEXY, that is, the majority of middle part of the foot is likely invisible from the foot print. The middle part of the foot print may be very thin. In my case it is only an inch wide! You are more than likely to need Cushion Running Shoes.

This is Asics Interpretation of the High Arch Foot*

Are you needing shoes for Underpronation?

The second part is for people who are exceptions to the rule. Normally a flat flooted person, Overpronates. Simply put they need Stability or Motion Control Running Shoes. The normal footed person will feel comfortable in a pair shoes that has Motion Control. But the sexy feet, er, High Arched person will almost always need Cushioning Running Shoes.

There are rare exceptions to the rule. For example:

1. Flat Footed Overpronators
2. High Arches Underpronators

To be sure you need to get an analysis of your gait on a treadmill. But be careful though, an expert might see you underpronate on a treadmill but you may actually Overpronate on the road. So aside from having an analysis on your gait on video try to actually run on your normal running path. It should be very easy to detect within a few hundred meters if you underpronate or overpronate. If you feel that the majority of the impact is carried by only the outer sides of your soles then you definitely are Underpronated and need Cushion Running Shoes. Don’t be conscious when you run. Just take your natural strides speed up and speed down. Take your time to really feel how your gait is.

Here’s a video I found on YouTube on Pronation

Underpronating for sure? Evidence is in your SOLE!

Lastly, if you have an old pair of running shoes this would be the best indicator. The more worn it is the more you’ll find out if you need Cushion Running Shoes.

Take a look at this Pictures.

1) Overpronator

The overpronator will feature most of the wear on the inner sides of the shoes. It can be as much as the whole inner side of the sole in some cases. In most cases the wear if concentrated on the bottom heel and the inner top area of the sole because The overpronator propels his feet with the “thumb” portion of his forefoot. A Cushioning Running Shoe is not needed for the OverPronator. What he needs instead are a motion control running shoes.

2) Normal Pronator

Normal Pronators are more common the Overpronators although not by much. These people have it easy because there shoes age so much more gracefully. Note the patterns of wear on the center of the shoe. Both sides will wear out easily. People with normal pronation need Stability Running Shoes. Read more about them by clicking the link to the right.

3) Underpronator

Ah, yes sexy foot has to pay the price. You will notice the other side of your soles getting worn out much faster than the inner sides. For almost a decade my shoes wore out almost exclusively on the outer side.  If you are wearing out your shoes this way you definitely need Cushion Running Shoes. Take note that the shoes featured in this picture is a Cushion Running Shoe. You’ll notice the thicker rubber outsole compared to the inner red part of the sole. The heel design also encourages the foot to move from outside to inside upon impact. This helps pronate the underpronators foot more.

I hope you don’t get confused. Its actually quite simple to know if you need Cushion Running Shoes. Don’t fret out and think that you need a high tech shoe or you are actually a very rare individual that needs a special kind of shoe ( although there are biomechanically challenged actually runners who need special shoes, but most of us should find a good Cushion Running Shoe ). Run and Enjoy your new Cushion Running Shoes!

References:
*http://www.asicsamerica.com/sports/running/shoeFitGuide.aspx

Welcome to the site dedicated to Cushion Running Shoes and their owners! Sexy-foot or High Arch Underpronators! To make it easier for you to navigate the site we’ve prepared this list to help you know more about cushion running shoes.

• Best Cushion Running Shoes 2010
  

  Our new entries are finally in! Find out which of them we chose as the best for high arch runners like you!
  

• Best Cushion Running Shoes

  If you are looking for the top cushion running shoes
  

• Cushion Running Shoes for Women

  For the ladies looking for the best shoes
  

• Do I need Cushion Running Shoes?

  If you are still wondering about needing a pair of neutral kicks..
  

• Why You Need Cushion Running Shoes?

  If you already know you absolutely need one and want to know why.
  

The menu on the right side of the page will help you navigate the site easier. Also make use of the tags to search faster. If you have any comments on the site feel free to email us at admin @ cushion running shoes . com. ( take out all the spaces ). We’d be happy to hear from you! Thanks!

These are the:

Asics Gel-Nimbus 11

The highly rated Asics GEL-Nimbus 11 is never absent from anyone’s list of best cushion running shoes. And for good reason, this running shoe is a good combination of comfort, speed and control. Many runners swear by the GEL-Nimbus 11

Asics Gel-Landreth 5

Although the Gel-Landreth is the least known of Asics Cushion Running shoes it is a quickly responsive shoe thanks to the technological updates Asics has poured into it.

Asics Gel-Cumulus 11

The Asics Gel-Cumulus 11 has played catch-up with its famous sibling, the Gel-Nimbus 11. They are very similar and people who do not underpronate extremely may feel more comfortable with this pair.

Asics Gel-Pulse

The Asics pulse is a shoe purely for underpronators. Unlike the Cumulus or Nimbus line which “overlaps” well into the slight overpronation line this one’s a bit narrower. This trainer should suit anyone who underpronates.

Asics Gel Speedstar 3

All these Asics Cushion Running shoes are lightweight compared to equivalent running shoes from other brands. But the Asics Gel-Speedstar 3 is in a class of its own. Weighing less than 9 ounces this featherweight doesn’t give up in performance what it does in weight. In fact, this is the highest performance cushion running shoes in the Asics lineup.

1)  Nike Zoom Vomero+ 4

The Nike Zoom Vomero+4 has won the hearts of many runners because of its cushioning that has been described as heavenly, luxurious, plush. Read More Here: Nike Zoom Vomero+ 4 Review

2) Asics GEL-Nimbus 11

The Nimbus 11 is a high tech shoe that features “memory foam” that neatly conforms to your feet. Read More: Asics GEL-Nimbus 11 Review

3)  Adidas Response Cushion 18

This Adidas cushion running shoes is a great value for those runners looking for pleasant cushioning at a price they can’t resist. More in the Adidas Response Cushion 18 Review

4)  New Balance 758

Featuring all the latest high technology advancements from New Balance the 758 is the centerpiece of New Balance Cushion Running shoes. Read more: New Balance MR758 Review

5)  Mizuno Wave Rider 12

Many runners who have experienced running with a pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 12 will tell you that that “Smooth Ride” technology isn’t all hype. One of the most advanced shoes in this round up. Find out more this cushion running shoes at Mizuno Wave Rider 12 Review

6)  Nike LunarGlide+

Sleak, beautiful and amazingly adaptable. The Nike LunarGlide+ is Nike’s squadron leader when it comes to running shoes. Our Nike LunarGlide+ Review will tell you more about it.

7) Adidas adiSTAR Ride 2

Adidas placed it best shoe forward with the Adidas adiStar Ride 2. Check the review at Adidas adiStar Ride 2 review

Nike for instance has several criteria for providing you the perfect shoe.  First would be the surface you will run on, your foot arch, and by your stride.  For the purpose of this article, we will only go with the foot arch classification which more often than not is tied to your stride.  That is, high arch equals under pronation; flatfoot equals over pronation.

It is generally accepted that running shoes can either be cushion, stability control, and motion control.  The tendency of the foot to pronate usually is the main criteria in classifying running shoes.  Generally speaking feet with high arches require cushion running shoes.  People with normal feet or arches require stability control running shoes.  And for the flat footed runner a pair with motion control is ideal.

Confusion happens because different manufacturers have different ways of calling their shoes.  For example cushioned running shoes can be called neutral, cushioning, cushion, light-neutral, and even structured cushioning.

Worse there are even new shoes that provide both cushioning and support.  This is the case with the newer Nike models like the Nike Lunarglide+. So it can be really confusing for even the most seasoned running shoe reviewer.

This article aims to make sense of the different brands terms when it calms to classifying their shoes.  Take note that we are only looking at a subset of running shoe classifications namely that which takes only pronation or gait.

We’ll start with Mizuno.  Mizuno running shoes feature the one of most comprehensively segmented product lines. Interestingly, Mizuno does not feature shoes for under pronation.  Instead of the term they use for under pronation is normal pronation.  Their literature for running shoes does not mention under pronation.  Their pronation scale starts from normal pronation, then continues to moderate over pronation and finally stops at severe over pronation.

Mizuno Wave Rider 12

For normal pronation Mizuno offers neutral running shoes.  The Wave Creation 10, Wave Rider 12, and Wave Precision 10 all fall into their neutral category.

For moderate over pronation Mizuno offers their support running shoe line.  The Wave Nirvana 5,
Wave inspire 4, Wave Nexus 3 and the Wave Elixir 4 are all part of the Mizuno support running shoes line.

For severe over pronation Mizuno has two models of running shoes.  The Wave Renegade 4 and the Wave Alchemy 9 complete this Mizuno Roundup of running shoes.  Mizuno calls them control running shoes.

ASICS GEL-Nimbus 11

Asics offers three kinds of running shoes for different gaits.  We’ll start off with structured cushioning.  ASICS offers these shoe type for people who slightly over pronate and have a normal arch.  The GEL-Kayano 15, GEL-300 are some of the running shoes ASICS brands as structured cushioning. For people with high arches ASICS provides cushioning running shoes. The most popular of ASISCS Cushion Running Shoes are the GEL-Nimbus 11 and the GEL-Cumulus 11.

Surprisingly the shoes under this category are designed to meet the needs both of under pronators and mild over pronators. Lastly they offer maximum support for runners who overtly pronate. The GEL-Evolution 5 and GEL-Fortitude are among the models that ASICS offer for this type of running shoes.

New Balance 758

New Balance offers a more traditional classification for their running shoes.  Cushioning, motion control, and stability meet the needs of under pronators, normal pronators, and over pronators respectively.  The New Balance MR758 is the top model for cushioning new balance running shoes.  For motion control running shoes New Balance has the MR800. Lastly, for stability new balance has to MR905.

Adidas Response Cushion 18

Adidas has a much simpler classification for their running shoes.  They lumped together cushion running shoes with neutral running shoes.  Probably the most famous cushion running shoes to be Adidas Supernova Cushion family leads what Adidas calls Neutral/Cushion running shoes.  Equally as famous is the Adidas Supernova Sequence Control family represents Adidas Stability/Control running shoes.

Nike Running shoes are a bit broader. Their shoes seem to be targeted as all arounders instead of being specific for a certain foot type. This is especially true with the models that are prominently featured everywhere. Another thing that really makes Nike different from everyone else is that they define cushioning literally as the property of a shoe to absorb impact. This is technically correct but most references to cushion running shoes refer to shoes that meet the needs of high arch under pronators (i.e. neutral cushion running shoes).

Nike Lunarglide+

When looking at the Nike product catalog they seem to have done away with segmenting the market by gaits ( Under Pronation through Over Pronation ). Instead they have developed shoes that can cater anyone, under pronators or Over pronators alike. These models include the much revered Nike LunarGlide+. The Nike Air Zoom Elite+ 4 also is a jack-of-all-trader. Other shoes like the Nike Vomero+ 4 cater to a broader range of foot types too.

Brooks Running has a line-up that is comprehensive and somewhat opposite to that of Nike’s. Brooks Running Shoes boasts of finding the perfect ride for your stride. Kind of catchy isn’t it? Brooks divides Pronation into four different levels: None, Mild, Moderate and Severe. For these they offer several types including Neutral, Guidance, Support, and Control.

Brooks’ website states that people who require Neutral Running shoes are biomechanically efficient. This leads me to believe that there is an absence of a Brooks running shoe specifically aimed for Under Pronators. The Brooks Glycerin 7 is an example of Brooks’ Neutral Running Shoes.

Brooks’ Guidance Running shoes are the Ravenna, Infiniti 2 and the Switch 2. These shoes are for those who mildly overpronate. While the Brooks Trance 9 and the Adrenaline GTS 10 are Brooks Running shoes in the Support category (a touch of support with great cushioning ).

Brooks Beast

Finally the most FAMOUS of them all is the Brooks Beast Motion Control Running Shoes: Brooks’ flagship motion control running shoes. This may be even the flagship of all Motion Control Running Shoes.
There you have it: A confusing array of terms from different manufacturers. As someone needing a shoe that encourages pronation it is extremely difficult for me to find shoes that are perfect. I’ve always wondered if shoes were actually being designed for under pronating high arch runners at all. It is always as if Cushion Running Shoes are defined by the lack of a mechanism to stop excessive pronation. I hope that the shoe companies design ( or market them properly if they are already here ) shoes that encourage pronation for us under pronating runners.

Doubtful, since there are too few high arch runners but maybe some company out there can fill this niche of ours. The only advise I can get it so research your cushion running shoes first before buying them. And by all means do not trust the online retailers classifications for their products. It is a mess! I’ve been the most supportive of shoes sold under “for Cushion.” This is seriously dangerous and can damage a runner’s biomechanics. Check out this site particularly the Best Cushion Running Shoes article so you can decide which is the best for you. We’ll keep writing our articles and cover among the best motion control running shoes soon too.

Good luck and keep on running!

Its flat powerful sole is able to withstand even the heaviest runners with extreme pronation. It is often a solution for motion control freaks who cannot stand even the slightest ounce of forgiveness when their feet overpronates.

It has gained a reputation of being a true heavy duty shoe for even the most demanding runner. Although its heavy weight has made the smaller runners complain about it. Designed for the flat footed to low arch runners it has been lauded as having great shock absorption and extreme stability while being breathable and surprisingly comfortable.

Best for heavy runners demanding supreme motion control.

Brooks Beast

Weight: 15 oz
Price: $ 130
Read Our Review on the Brooks Beast

Brook Addiction 8

Weight: 14 oz
Price: $ 100

Adidas Supernova Control 10

Weight: 12 oz
Price: $ 95

Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS

Weight: 13 oz
Price: $ 115

Mizuno Wave Inspire 4

Weight: 11 oz
Price: $ 100

New Balance 817

Weight: 14 oz.
Price: $ 90

Asics Gel-Evolution 4

Weight: 13 0z
Price: $ 110

Under Armour Revenant

Weight: 13 oz.
Price: $ 120

In the case of Underpronators this is especially true. Because only 5% of the population are underpronators, most shoes on the rack at your favorite shoe shop will not suit you. Just today October 12, 2009, I went over to our local adidas shop and found just 1 pair out of dozens that were right for me. I asked the sales person why and they told me they were being pulled out because they never really sold well. I asked for the lastest Adidas Response Cushion 18, Adidas Supernova, Adidas adiStar Ride 2 , Adidas Supernova Glide. There were none. They only had a 3 year old model of the Supernova on sale. That was it.

So how did I know which pair I needed? Well I’ve spent the time researching and asking around shoe shops. Why? Because for more than a decade I ran on the wrong pairs of shoes. I never could stick to my running for more than a year because of the pains that I went through. I ran, experienced pain, took a break, braved running through the pain, run until I couldn’t walk to work anymore then stopped. Then after a number of months run back again and go over the cycle all over again. Imagine going through this cycle for more than a decade. It was only about 3 years ago that I thought about it. When I was jogging I saw a very well built runner wearing a very very nice pair of New Balance running shoes. I loved the way it looked and had to get one ASAP! So I rushed to my local sports shop and asked for the same shoes. It was expensive costing more than $ 120+ mainly because it was the latest model. I couldn’t wait to try out the shoe and rushed to their mini indoor track to try it.

I was bitterly disappointed when I started to run because it felt all wrong and I felt like my logs were bowing on me! Fortunately, I was so intent on getting a new pair that I tried about 12 to 15 pairs of running shoes! This is when I discovered the Adidas Supernova Cushion Running Shoes. When I first wore it I was sure it was the right shoe for me. I ran and Ran and RAN! It was miles better than any pair I had for more than a decade. I had asked the store how every shoe felt wrong and why the Adidas Supernova felt wonderful. They simply said, “Get shoes with Cushioning”. So ever since I got shoes were Cushion Running Shoes. All I knew was that if it had the word “cushion” inside it would suit me. This worked well until a couple of months ago when I went out to get another Cushion Running Shoes pair. Since I had been accustomed by the Adidas brand I went straight there and looked for a pair. Now call me paranoid, but I do sometimes think that most sales people at shoe shop don’t know what they are selling( they just want to sell you the most expensive one ).

This is most especially true among the Brand Shops like Adidas Shops or Nike Stores. So I just picked shoes and peeked inside if they had the word “Cushion”. Imagine to my horror that NO SHOES were labelled with the word Cushion inside. The Sales Rep told me that Adidas had abandoned writing the word Cushion inside. So I demanded for their shop brochure and found out that this was actually true. The Cushion Running Shoes were no longer labelled Cushioned or Cushioning inside. Fortunately I was presented with the Running Shoe brochure Adidas normally gives to their shops. I got a few pairs and realized that Cushion Running Shoes were no longer labeled the way they were before. This made me realize that there was more to be done in educating the minority of underpronating runners who need Cushion Running Shoes. I started this site on Cushion Running Shoes in the hope that less of us High Arch Runners with an Underpronating Gait will have to go through what I did for a decade.

Feel free to browse around the site and Make sure you read the “Do I need Cushion Running Shoes?” page. Thanks and Happy Running Al. M. Kind Running to Lose weight!

Cushion Running shoes for women can vary considerably from the men’s versions. Because of the differences between body mass, gait and cushioning requirements from the men’s shoes, women’s cushion running shoes have very distinct features. Among them are softer cushioning and heel supports, lighter materials to shave weight, and relatively broader bases to correct underpronation more.

This list has similarities to the men’s Best Cushion Running Shoes but has some pretty fresh faces too! Women’s shoes are so much more colorful with pastel and pink and generally feature less contrast to the men’s versions.

To view more reviews of the shoes click on their respective pictures or Find the Best Deals on CushionRunningShoes.com’ Amazon Powered Store.

New Balance 1063

Nike Air Pegasus+ 25

Asics Gel-Nimbus 11

Nike Zoom Vomero+ 4

New Balance 758

Under Amour Apparition

Puma Complete Velosis

Specs

The adidas RESPONSE™ Cushion 18 running shoe amps up every move in your run with a smooth FORMOTION™ ride, dynamic adiPRENE®+ for propulsion, adiPRENE® cushioning and the TORSION® SYSTEM for midfoot support.

• FORMOTION™ adapts to the ground to ensure the smoothest, most comfortable run possible
• Air mesh upper for maximum ventilation
• Anatomically molded EVA insole for comfort
• adiPRENE®+ in the forefoot maintains propulsion and efficiency; TORSION® SYSTEM for midfoot integrity
• adiPRENE® under the heel for superior cushioning at impact
• adiWEAR® outsole offers the ultimate in high-wear durability; Blown rubber outsole for lightweight grip and cushion Imported

Other Colors: Price: $ 85 Weight: 12.3oz

Again that would be:

1. Flat Feet
2. High Arch
3. Normal

What is Pronation?

Quickly, pronation is the inward roll of the foot after your heel strikes the ground when you take a step or run. That is when looking from behind your foot “twists” or rolls from the outer side towards the inner side.

This is perfectly normal and reduces the shock to your feet, knees and legs.
So what does this have to do with Cushion Running Shoes?

A foot with a high arch is considered generally to underpronate or supinate. That is the foot doesn’t roll enough or doesn’t roll at all towards the inside during each step. This leads to too much of the energy being absorbed by the outside portion of the foot alone.

Running with underpronating feet will cause injuries like knee problems, swelling of the foot particularly around the heel area, and Achilles tendinitis.

Unfortunately, the High Arch feet ( generally lacks pronation and thus also  called Supinator or Underpronator ) is the least common foot type and shoes are normally designed to provide a stiff inner sole to stabilize the foot.

Therefore just going out and buying any kind of shoe you see would actually increase the chance of injury.

Cushion Running Shoes saves the day

This is where you need Cushion Running Shoes. These shoes encourages your foot to roll inward at the right amount during each step. This is mainly done through the different distribution of materials along the sole. And more importantly lacks the stiff inner support material towards the inside of the sole.

Whenever visiting a shoe store demand for the running shoe brochures which are supplied by companies such as Nike, Asics, Adidas, Saucony, New Balance and more. You’ll notice that running shoes are divided into the following:

1. Neutral Cushioning
2. Stability
3. Control

You should ask for more cushioning especially if you’ve noticed severe underpronation.

If you shop online for Cushion Running Shoes then look for Neutral Cushioning shoes such as Adidas’ Supernova Glide or the  new Adidas Response Cushion 18.

To find out which shoes top our list Check our  Best Cushion Running Shoes list for 2009.

Nike Zoom Elite+ 4

2) Nike Run Avant+ Review

Nike Run Avant+

3) Nike Lunarglide+ Review

Nike Lunarglide+

4) Nike Zoom Vomero+ 4 Review

Nike Zoom Vomero+ 4