The Best Shoe ‘Technology’ Ever… Or, At Least This Week
Get ultra flexible barefoot shoes!
Get stiff carbon racing shoes!
Nah, stick with old tried and true designs!
No wait, get mega cushioned shoes!
We always say it’s a great time to be a runner because of all the great footwear options available. But it’s also a very confusing time to be a runner for the same reason! The ever-evolving running shoe market always seems to be chasing the next best thing. In almost two decades of assessing runners at SoleFit, we’ve seen many injured by simply wearing the wrong shoes. For something like running—which humans have done since the dawn of our existence—it’s remarkable we still haven’t reached a consensus on what kind of shoe is best!
Evolution, Environment, and the Runner
Our modern environment is vastly different from the one we evolved in—no savannahs, lots of pavement. Our lifestyle has shifted too, from hunting and gathering to sitting and screen time. Naturally, our biomechanics have adapted, which means our footwear should too. Are we getting closer to the ‘best’ shoe with today’s trends? Let’s take a look.
…it’s quite something that we haven’t come to a consensus as to what kind of shoe is best!
Shoe Design Trends Over the Decades
1970s–1990s
The running boom spurred innovation. Foam midsoles, air cushions, and impact-absorbing materials became the norm.
1990s–Mid 2000s
Structured midsoles with density variations and plastic supports emerged to control foot instability and guide mechanics.
2005–2015
The minimalist wave hit. Inspired by Born to Run and barefoot mechanics research, Vibram FiveFingers and natural running became mainstream.
2009–2020
Ultra-cushioned shoes like HOKA entered, promising joint relief and comfort over ultra distances. Maximalist designs took center stage.
2017–2020
Nike’s sub-2-hour marathon project popularized carbon-plated shoes for elite performance. Stiff, curved rockered soles promised improved propulsion and energy return.
Throughout all of this, we’ve seen gimmicks like pump-up shoes, micro-chipped cushioning, and heel-less designs. While innovation is constant, so are injuries when trends are followed blindly. At SoleFit, we help runners choose based on their unique needs—not hype.
Keep It Simple. Be an Individual.
The question “What’s the best shoe?” sounds simple but invites complexity. It really depends. Different runners have different needs. Below, we break down the most common shoe types and who they’re best suited for.
Conventional Running Shoes
What are they? High cushioning (stack height), elevated heels (drop), and often dense midsoles and support structures.
What do they do? Designed to cushion heel strikes and offer structured guidance. Various models offer different levels of motion control.
Who are they good for? Runners needing immediate support or cushioning, or those using orthotics. These shoes can be a short-term aid for biomechanical issues.
Carbon-Plated Running Shoes
What are they? Shoes with carbon fiber plates from heel to toe, built with rocker soles for propulsion.
What do they do? Promote energy-efficient toe-off and forward momentum, mainly in elite performance contexts.
Who are they good for? Experienced, efficient runners seeking marginal performance gains. Not ideal for everyone—especially those with poor form or injury history.
Maximalist Shoes
What are they? Shoes with thick cushioning (30–40mm), often paired with flatter heel drops.
What do they do? Offer plush comfort and shock absorption. Initially used in ultra-marathon communities, now widely available.
Who are they good for? Runners with temperamental joints or those exploring alternatives. Can suit both biomechanically sound runners and those transitioning from supportive shoes.
Minimalist/Barefoot Shoes
What are they? Lightweight, flat, flexible shoes mimicking barefoot anatomy. Wide toe boxes, thin soles, and low or zero drop.
What do they do? Promote foot strength, proprioception, and natural gait. Meant to get out of the way and let your feet do the work.
Who are they good for? Those willing to invest time in improving form and foot strength. Not ideal for injured or structurally challenged feet without a transition plan.
Conclusion
Like most things in health, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. There isn’t one “best” running shoe—just the best shoe for you. Every shoe type above can work for someone, depending on their biomechanics, injury history, goals, and preferences.
At our SoleFit clinics, we love helping runners find the right shoe (and yes, the right and left 😉) based on their individual needs—not marketing hype. Whether you’re chasing a PB, running your first 5k, or simply staying active and injury-free, we’re here to help you put your best foot forward.
