cushioned or structured?

[wizzbang]

Hi all

Been googling! I see most trainers are either cushioned or structured. I was curious what were peoples' preferences and why.

I myself, I prefer a more cushioned shoe, mainly because it feels softer on my feet when I land.

[misswobble Graduate]

Apparently wearers are either neutral or have exaggerated pronation. A gait analysis test at the running shop determInes which camp you fall into. If you are neutral you are easier suited. Over or under pronators have differing needs so will be steered towards a control or structured shoe depending on the extent of the pronation. Once that's determined then you choose cushioned or not. It's best to get to a proper running shop, at least initially

the shoe you start off in won't necessarily suit you further down the line 😀

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Trail running shoes for me as I'm an off road runner. Love those lugs.

And ideally minimalist - I do better when I can feel the ground.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I have Brooks Ravenna 6 which are both. Apparently I need more stability when I run over 10km and even though I have neutral foot and I specified I needed cushioning as over 14km the ball of my left foot hurt. So I was recommended the shoes which have been great.

[Yorkshirerunner Graduate]

I'm using minimalist Freets after reading Born to Run and other research on barefoot running. Letting my feet do what evolution has designed them to do. Need to read up and slow down to adapt for a time - perfect with C25k.

[Mummytotwo Graduate]

I wear Brooks Ravenna 6 which is a structured shoe as I over pronate slightly. Couple of years ago I was having knee problems so saw a physio who recommended a gait analysis and the Brooks turned out the best for me. I've had no knee problems since and I have just ordered my 3rd pair of Ravenna 6

[misswobble Graduate]

I now prefer less shoe, and have transitioned down to a 4mm drop from 12 mm. I like a really light shoe bit still with some cushioning.