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Runner's World Shoe Finder

Match up your needs and preferences to help find the perfect running shoe for you

Posted: 17 February 2011

Buying a running shoe can be a bewildering experience. The Runner's World Shoe Finder tool is designed to give you a head start by matching up your needs and preferences with some running shoe suggestions.

Whether you're a 14st runner who needs a very stable shoe and prefers a firm ride, or a forefoot striker who wants a fast everyday trainer, the Shoe Finder should have the trainers for you.

Updated following each issue of the Runner's World Shoe Guide, released in spring and autumn, we hope the Shoe Finder will help you head to the shops with confidence.

We've tried to keep the technical talk to a minimum, but a few references to your biomechanics (the way your foot moves) are inevitable. If you find you can't tell your insole from your outsole then this plain English jargon-buster will help.

Happy hunting!

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Discuss this article

jennn

Men and women require different shoes- don't they? why is this not a question in the trainer finder?
Posted: 06/08/2009 at 00:50

M...eldy

Not that different .. will just be the same model of shoe in a men or a womens style/colour

Questions will be the same

Posted: 06/08/2009 at 00:54

jennn

Maybe its just me, but I have found them to be different when I have worn them- womens trainers tend to be narrower at the heel so my foot is less likely to slip and narrower all over (but not to such a degree as at the heel). Womens trainers also have a higher instep and more support there then the mens.

Just would be good to get a womens trainer recommendation as not all the types suggested are available in both male and female types.

Posted: 06/08/2009 at 04:29

M...eldy

yes they will be different in that respect

but the questions are based on the stability and cushioing et.c which IMO doesnt differ? I dont think a womens model will differ in structure to the mens although I am prepared to be wrong

I spose its luck of the draw if they come in a womens variety or not ....

Posted: 06/08/2009 at 04:39

PloddingOn

Agree with M...

My shoes are typically blokes shoes because they are wider and have a bit more space.

In terms of stability and cushioning, can't see any difference.

Posted: 06/08/2009 at 07:09

I have girlie narrow feet but long toes, so I tend to run in small canoes.
Posted: 06/08/2009 at 07:56

Shimmy shimmy

Don't laydees shoes have different arch support?

But yep, the questions to find your trainer would be the same.

Posted: 06/08/2009 at 08:58

Wilkie

I use whichever I can get in my size.

Having big feet, I can get men's or women's versions, but you can't always get an 8.5 in one or the other (especially when they're on special offer!)

I've never noticed any difference between the two in fit.

Posted: 06/08/2009 at 09:36

Curly45

I wear mens sometimes too for my wide feet - ladies shoes can be too narrow!!Never felt any difference apart from that...

Wilkie your feet are HUGE , I feel positively tiny with my 7/7.5s - its good for sale shopping though have a weird size as loads of stuff is usually available!

Posted: 06/08/2009 at 10:28

Gazmanmeister

Manufacturers construct a specific model for women because the anatomy of a womans foot is different to that of a mans and in general it will be narrower at the heel, lower in profile, thinner and require different support, cushoning and control.
Ladies who require wider shoes have the big problem because manufacturers seem to stop at 2E
Posted: 06/08/2009 at 10:44