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On our wall, just about every shoe is made with some kind of etheylne vinyl acetate (EVA). During the history of the technical running shoe, EVA has become the preferred material for midsoles and sockliners. EVA is the prominent material in most technical running shoes. It’s a foam that can compress without flattening under large…

I have a 1970’s memory of my mom using the washing machine to clean my shoes. (Don’t ask me what kind of shoes they were, I didn’t know if I was wearing dirty running shoes or basketball shoes or tennis shoes–as long as they weren’t the dreaded bobo shoes!) They didn’t fit exactly like before…

I have a high regard for the companies that manufacture technical running shoes, which are shoes made specifically for running. There are not many of those companies that are recognized around the world. Under Armour is now among their number. Making a durable technical running shoe is hard because running causes forces that punish shoes.…

Here are the three kinds of insoles that are commonly put into technical running shoes, in descending order of importance: manufacturer’s insoles, orthotics, and off-the-shelf insoles. The manufacturer’s insole is the most common type. Manufacturer’s put insoles into almost all technical running shoes. Of the 62 different styles of technical running shoes that we currently…

HOKA ONE ONE, like every other shoe manufacturer, boasts a number of different technologies. HOKA shoes have one, very recognizable feature: a very large amount of cushioning underfoot. They also shape their midsoles to mimic a rocker, so that the shoe helps drive you forward.   The main advantage     But the technology that…

Arch supports probably don’t hurt your feet. Size and width explain much of what makes shoes comfortable and also explain much of what makes shoes painful. Pain, even in the arch, is most likely due to too little room, not to arch supports. A foot has three arches Biomechanists sometimes describe the foot as having…

Run currently stocks 31 different styles of shoes and each one of them supports the arch. Whether you have high arches, low arches, or something in-between, it’s practically impossible to buy a shoe that doesn’t give some kind of arch support. The construction of the upper, the materials selected for use in the midsole, and…

The best way to deal with blisters is to avoid them. The best way to avoid them is with a proper fitting sock, made from the right materials, designed for your activity, and worn inside a properly fitting shoe. Socks should fit Look for socks with sizes. Just like you want shoes to match the…

You can race in training shoes, if they are still alive. Shoes don’t last forever. And when they’re dead, they’re done. That’s a fact that doesn’t occur to everyone. Those that do realize it, have some questionable ways of deciding when a shoe needs to be replaced. Some will look at the outer sole to…

Get help! If you have the help of a knowledgeable retailer, you shouldn’t be concerned about buying running shoes before a race. The shoes will fit right out of the box. Because special attention will be paid to the shoe’s length, width, and comfort. When those three things are correct, the shoe will be ready…