Guide to running shoes glossary.

Motion Control - Type of running shoes designed to control overpronation and lessen the stress on runner's legs.

Outsole - Term applied to the bottom of running shoes. The area of the training shoes that makes contact with the running surface. Material is typically carbon based rubber. Some running footwear outsole is made with a carbon compound mixed with air. The benefits of running shoes built with carbon rubber is longer life of the athletic shoe.

Supination - This is the outward rolling motion of the running footwear during toe-off. It's a natural movement of the runner's foot. Running injuries occur when the foot stays on its outside edge too long. It is unusual for an athlete to underpronate which means his foot does not absorb shock from impact very well. The underpronater should choose cushioned running shoes.

Upper - Term for the material on running shoes that covers the runner's foot. The upper aids the training shoes to control and stabilize the foot. The best running shoes will have a properly fitted upper.

Normal pronator - Your feet turn outward in a normal manner. This is the most common foot type. The best running shoes for this runner would be "stability" type. An average amount of impact is absorbed by the runner's arch so neutral running shoes would rate best.

For more running information, take a look at the following menu topics:

Running Shoes | Trail Running Shoes| Women's Running Shoes | Running Shoes FAQ | Running Shoes - Terms