Shoe Types - Definitions

The best way to find out which type of shoe is right for you is to visit one of our stores where our highly trained staff will be able to assess your running style and advise you on which shoes are suitable.

Most branches of Sweatshop have an Adidas footscan, which is a computer program and electronic pad with 8000 sensors that analyses the pressure that your foot exerts on the ground as you walk or run on it. This enables staff to more accurately recommend the best footwear for your needs. We also offer video gait analysis in our Harrods store which allows you to watch slowed down footage of your running style in order to identify any strengths and weaknesses.

As a guide, shoes fit into the following categories:

Designed for biomechanically 'neutral' runners, cushioned shoes have less added stability than motion control or stability shoes. If you have high foot arches and don't over-pronate when you run, then cushioned shoes are suitable for you.

Offer mild to moderate support to runners who slightly overpronate and are looking for shoes that provide cushioning and durability. Pronation is a natural inward rolling motion of the foot but many runners will find that they overdo this motion and therefore need trainers to help prevent this. Stability shoes are for runners with normal foot arches who don't have any major problems with motion control.

The most supportive and rigid shoes available with heavy-duty stability and control features. Designed for people with low arches and over-pronators - runners with excessive inward rolling of the foot. Motion control shoes are also suitable for heavier runners needing high durability in a shoe.

Lighter trainers are designed for faster-paced training and racing. More responsive than standard trainers, some lightweight shoes are suitable for everyday training and still offer some cushioning and stability features. Racing shoes are extremely lightweight with hardly any cushioning/stability features and are designed for light, fast runners.

If you do a lot of running 'off-road', such as trail or fell running, these shoes are designed to protect you when running on different terrains by offering increased traction and durability features.

Nike have invented a new category of shoe with their Nike Free trainer. This shoe moves as though you are running barefoot in order to 'train' your feet. Over time, this will strengthen your feet and improve your performance. These shoes are not designed for severe over-pronators and should be introduced gradually into your training.