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How to choose running shoes (without the hype)
Fit and comfort beat "pronation" marketing for most runners.
Short version: The best running shoe is the one that feels right on your foot for your distance. Comfort and fit predict injury risk better than the old pronation-category system.
What actually matters
- Fit — a thumb's width at the toe, locked heel, no pinching. Feet swell when running, so don't buy snug.
- Cushioning to your taste — max-cushion feels plush; lower-stack feels connected. Neither is "correct".
- Use case — daily trainer (most people need just this), then maybe a lighter shoe for speed and a trail shoe if you go off-road.
What to ignore
The shop treadmill "gait analysis" upsell into "stability" shoes has weak evidence behind it for most runners. Comfort is the better guide. Replace shoes around 500–800km when cushioning packs out.
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