Running Shoes | Stability Vs. Neutral | Which is Best for You? (Part 2)
In our previous blog post on this subject, we focused on overpronation and presented our Best-In-Class stability runners. In this Part 2 of the same blog series, we focus on supination/underpronation and neutral pronation. We showcase our best-in-class 2022 neutral running trainers based on expert ratings and reviews. So, if your 'Gait Analysis' falls into any of these categories, Read On!
Neutral Running Shoes
Brooks
As a quick reminder from our previous Blog post on this subject, if you are a supinator (meaning you underpronate), you have a minimal inward foot roll upon impact and your weight distribution tends to fall on the lateral side of your foot. A quick and straightforward way to figure this out is to examine the soles of your running shoes, where do you notice the wear and tear? If it is mostly on the outside edge of your shoes (the lateral side of your foot), chances are you are a supinator!
In their most recent article on neutral running shoes ‘Best Neutral Running Shoes 2022’, the Runandbecome.com running experts explain
“In our experience only 20% to 30% of runners need neutral running shoes. A very small percentage of those are supinators – i.e., runners whose feet roll outwards. A supinator would also use a neutral shoe with plenty of flexibility.”
Based on their expert analysis, the main benefits of a specialist neutral road running shoe are as follows:
- Promotes soft, responsive cushioning for comfort
- Absorbs shock from running
- Enhances neutral foot strike
- Encourages smooth transition from foot strike to toe off
- Offers flexibility for a natural easy ride
- Uppers hold the foot securely
- Lightweight feel
Here at Finn Footwear our Brooks Ghost Trainer is one of the best neutral running shoes on the market and we are delighted to feature both men’s and women’s options.
The editorial team at Runnersworld.com (Dengate, Furrer & Petruny) voted Brooks Ghost (commonly referred to as Ghost since it is so popular), as one of the 'Best All-Around Running Shoe for 2022' in their review ‘The Best Running Shoes of 2022’ (May 2022).
Intrinsic to the fabrication process of the Ghost is DNA LOFT cushioning which perfectly blends foam, rubber, and air for softness that’s also light and durable. The Ghost now delivers more DNA LOFT for a smoother, softer run with less distractions.
In this Runnersworld.com review, the experts explain what makes this updated version; Ghost 14 so fabulous.
“Neither quality nor performance was compromised in this update. Brooks removed the BioMoGo DNA portion of the midsole, so the Ghost 14 has only DNA Loft foam, just like its plusher counterpart, the Glycerin. Our testers found this adjustment doesn’t change the Ghost’s ride noticeably. “It had a nice balance of cushioning and firmness during turnover,” said a tester” adding that the Ghost felt more responsive than the Glycerin and Adrenaline GTS".
At Finn Footwear Our Brooks Ghost 14 Men’s Running Trainer comes in a bold BlackRed/White Colourway and our Brooks Ghost 14 Ladies Running Trainer comes in a striking Pearl/Black/Pink Colourway.The Ghost 14 features DNA Loft Cushioning with a uniform midsole which boosts softness and smoothness underfoot and smoother transitioning from heel to toe leading to a comfortable more responsive trainer. A 3D Fit Knit upper adjusts to your foot for a secure distraction-free fit. The Ghost 14 offers a soft, light ride, now with an even lighter footprint. This is Brooks first Carbon Neutral Shoe so if you want the best in a neutral running trainer plus being a stalwart ambassador for the environment then this is the style for you!
Saucony
Saucony have been a global brand in the fabrication of running shoes for over 100 years and their focus on innovative design, cushioning, support, and responsiveness makes their range hard to beat. if you are looking for a neutral running shoe, Our Saucony Ride 14 running shoe is one of the best around. We offer 3 different options for ladies, Style S10650-18 in beautiful Gold/Violet, Style S10650 in a Razzle Pink, and style S10650-45 in classic Charcoal/Black. The Saucony Ride 14 Men’s Running Shoe Style S20650 is available in Royal Blue.
Saucony Ride 14 Ladies Trainer S10650-18
So, what makes the Ride so special?
The evolution of the reliable Ride 14 combines the comfort and cushioning you’d expect with a new bolder, faster design you’ll want to wear well past the run.
Runrepeat.com gave the Ride 14 a superb rating in its review of 2021 highlighting that
“The Saucony Ride 14 is a daily trainer that impressed us with its utilitarian and consistent ride. It stays nice and stable from short to long-distance runs, giving us that peace of mind to run with confidence from start to finish! It's neither too soft nor too firm and can handle just about any type of run - from daily runs, recovery days, and even tempo paces”.
This positive endorsement of the Saucony Ride was further reiterated in Solereview.com's critique ‘Best Running Shoes for Supination or Underpronation', the Saucony Ride series continues to be a major highlight with the most recent version being a clear winner in the ‘Firm Running Shoes for Underpronation Category’ (April 2022).
Click Here to view our full range of Ladies and Men’s Saucony Trainers.
New Balance
The New Balance 880 series is one of the best options for Supination as recently rated by runandbecome.com (Oct 2021) who voted the 880v11 edition as one of the 'Best Options for Heel Strikers’Our New Balance Ladies Fresh Foam 880v11 Trainer, Style W880R11B comes in a bold Garnet/Pink Glow and provides a super soft underfoot ride and was built to provide consistent performance for Neutral Runners. Additional Features include:
- Precision Engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning delivers an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Engineered double jacquard mesh upper for breathability
- Moulded external heel counter helps control heel movement
- Moulded footbed increases comfort
- Blown rubber outsole at the forefoot for superior durability
- Reflective details designed to catch the light
- Lace closure ensures a secure fit
- 10 mm drop; due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 10 mm drop are approximate
- 221 grams (7.8 oz)
New Balance Ladies Fresh Foam 880v11 Trainer W880R11B
Our Men’s New Balance 880v11 Style M880V11 is available in a Sulphur Yellow Colourway and is EE Wide Fit for more space.
New Balance Men’s Wide Fit Trainer M880V11
Our New Balance Men’s Dynasoft Nitrel Trainer Style MTNTRCE4 comes equipped with AT Tread outsole for traction on both on and off road surfaces. A responsive DynaSoft midsole and foam insert provide a soft feel while the engineered mesh upper adds breathability to help feet stay cool and comfortable. Rated recently by experts at runrepeat.com in their review ‘New Balance Nitrel V4 Review 2022, Facts, Deals’ this style trainer was their 1st pick in the ‘Best New Balance Trail Running Shoes’. Moreover
“Given the price of elite model shoes easily entering the triple figures, it is nice to see something as versatile as the Nitrel line at less than $100. If you are looking for a shoe that can handle the road, dirt, mud, and gravel that you can run in then I would highly recommend checking out the Nitrel v4 for your go-to budget running shoe”
- DynaSoft midsole couples ultra-responsive performance with plush comfort
- Synthetic engineered mesh upper for air flow and breathability
- AT Tread outsole provides versatile traction during both on and off-road activities
- Upper features no-sew construction for added durability and a sleek fit
- EVA foam insert increases comfort
- Adjustable lace closure for customise fit
New Balance Men's DynaSoft Nitrel Trainer MTNTRCE4
Stay tuned to our Blog 'Between Shoe And Me' for future posts on 'Footwear Trends', 'New Season Styles', 'How to Tips' and and ALL things Shoe!
Leave a comment