Running Shoes + 1 layer gel heel-to-toe insole + 1 layer 'toe bed' + 'toe tubes' = lighter-weight solution for no pain?

Thursday during the day I did not get a chance to scout around town over the phone, finding out which stores had a big selection of foot padding type stuff.

Thursday evening I visited the local CVS and Walgreens stores looking for foot padding type stuff that would provide an improvement over the two layers of heel to toe gel padding solution used Wednesday night, which was a heavy solution. Seemed as if both stores carried more items of this type of stuff than they used to previously.

Possible buys I found at Walgreens:


Ball of foot:

Gel padding $2.60 on sale
Covers ball of foot area only. Hard to believe that it would not slip out of place during use. One suspects that the reason the prices for this thing have been repeatedly slashed, is that it slips out of place.

Fore-foot

'Toe Beds', gel padding for ball of foot and toes area, 1 pair, $5.50

Toes

Gel corn-protectors pair for $6.50

Gel toe protector 1 for $6.50

Toe bandages, 3 4" tubes $4.50

Heel-to-toe insoles

Dr. Scholls gel, $15

Aero 3 gel, $12.50

Walgreens gel, $10

Lightweight foam padding, $3


Possible buys I found at CVS:

Ball of foot

LifeFitness gel pad, pair, $8

Toes

Gel corn-protectors pair for $6.00

Gel toe protector 1 for $6.00

Foam toe bandages three approx 3" bandages (diameters 1 small tube, 1 medium tube, 1 large tube), $5
Seems like great deal given you get a narrow tube, a mid width tube, and a wide width tube and you can then cut these tubes up and fit them over your toes.

Heel-to-toe insoles

CVS Lightweight foam, $2.5-4

Lifefitness Gel insoles, $11-13

CVS gel insole, $11

Dr. Scholl's gel, $ 15

Aero $14

SoleX, on sale, $23

Time was running out and I had to make a decision fast before Walgreens closed, so that I would be able to mount a worthy experiment in foot padding during the night's run. What would be the wise decision in terms of what to buy tonight?

I decided in the end to make just one relatively inexpensive purchase: the 'Profoot' brand 'toe beds' sold at Walgreens ( http://profootcare.com/p-toe-beds.html ). These 'toe beds' pad the ball of the foot and the toe areas, which are my problem areas pain-wise.

The instructions on the package were to remove the protective wrapper and glue the gel 'toe bed' to the shoe. I did not want to glue it to the shoes as I fantasize about the possibility of returning the shoes to the store to obtain something better instead. I glued the toe beds to these heel-to-foot, gray and blue gel insoles; I did not want to glue them to the blue and orange gel insoles that I use in my indoor soccer shoes, because I am not sure I need such ball-of-foot and toes gel padding in the indoor soccer shoes.

I felt as if it was a stroke of genius on my part that for for the Thursday night Feb 12 run, in the shoes I put the detachable insole that came with the Adidas Adistar Control 5' shoes ON TOP of the blue and gray gel insole to which I had glued the 'Profoot' brand 'toe beds'. This produced a smooth surface and decreased the possibility of the gel 'toe beds' being forced out of place due to the running.

Night of Thursday February 12 I jog-walked the outdoors 5 mile Main and Moody course in 98 minutes; I was able to jog in my natural style featuring heel and ball of foot striking the ground almost simultaneously, without pain for the three miles run during the five mile course--except that during the third mile there was some pain in the left big toe and in the index and middle toes of the right foot. For most of the five miles the feet in the balls of the foot area felt numb and tingly. The run was done in what I call an 'under-the-weather' physical state, Thursday was the third day in a row on which I had run this five mile course.

Although during the run it felt like an annoying prominent ridge of padding was under the big toe of each foot, and it felt as if the padding and/or the socks had gotten irritatingly crinkled up under the ball of the left foot--apparently such perceptions were merely sensory illusions.

When I got home and sat down I was suprised to find that it no longer felt as if there was an elevated prominent ridge of padding under the left and right big toes; and I no longer felt as if the padding and/or sock under the ball of the left foot had gotten irritatingly crumpled up (I noticed this sensory illusion phenom on a previous run).

After the run I found that the 'Profoot' brand 'toe beds' that I had glued to the gray foam side of the gray and blue gel insoles, had maintained their affixed position on the gray and blue insoles, they had not been moved out of place.

I conclude that a possible solution to the pain problem would be to combine the padding used Thursday night Feb 12, with toe tubes or toe caps over the left big toe and the middle and index right toes. This would be lighter than the first solution that eliminated pain, the two layers of heel-to-toe gel.

Thursday I could not help but notice, that Adidas seems to be foolish, in that in the 'Adistar Control 5' they combined very thick 1 and 3/4 inch thick padding in the heel area, with only 0.5" thick padding in the toe area, creating a HIGH-HEELED shoe featuring inadequate padding in the ball of the foot area; this despite the fact that even a novice upon beginning to investigate the foot-padding mysteries, immediately notices that ball-of-foot padding is especially made for, targetted at, and needed by, women who wear HIGH HEELED shoes, due to the pressure placed on the balls of the feet by the high heels. All this despite the obvious fact that in the state of nature, the heel and the ball of the foot are level in altitude.

Hey Adidas genius MBAs and engineering Phds, here's an idea that you somehow apparently missed: create a shoe that is the Adistar Control 5, except with half an inch of padding added to the toes area and a half an inch of padding removed from the heel area, creating a shoe with 1.25" thick padding in the heel area and 1" thick padding in the toes area. Name it the 'Adidas Wehumblyreturntocommonsense 1 running shoe'.

Stroke of genius: what shoes that are not so-called 'running shoes', have this kind of distribution of padding, 1.25" in the heel area and 1.0" in the toe area?...those could be the best so-called 'running shoes' for me.

Could be I should not allow feelings of irritation to arise within me with regards to such matters, but I feel irritated that it should take me so much time energy and money to solve the problem of footwear that allows me to run a few miles in my natural style of running on a sidewalk, without feeling pain. Seems like the shoe producing corporations and other corporations are churning out too much low quality in terms of goods, services, customer-service, and user-manuals.

Related Links:

http://davidvirgil.blogspot.com/2009/02/running-shoes-2-layers-of-padding-no.html

http://davidvirgil.blogspot.com/2009/02/running-shoes-and-gel-cushioning.html

Running shoes + 2 layers of padding = no pain (imperfect solution number 1 & possible better solutions)

For background to this post see my earlier post, "Running shoes and gel cushioning insoles have padding in the wrong places" at http://davidvirgil.blogspot.com/2009/02/running-shoes-and-gel-cushioning.html .

Wednesday night Feb 12, I again ran the five mile course on Moody and Main, the first third and fifth miles jogged, the second and fourth miles walked. The time this time was 94 minutes (again under-the-weather disadvantaged, as has been case since Feb 5). I ran in the 'Adidas Adistar Control-5' running shoes, with two layers of gel heel-to-toe padding in each shoe. I found this resulted in elimination of pain that was experienced in the balls and toes of the feet with zero or one layer of gel padding added to the "Adistar Control 5' shoes. The pain was Wednesday night replaced with a tingly numbness.

Wednesday night I felt grateful that I was able to run every yard of the three miles run in my natural style--heel and ball of the foot hitting the ground almost simultaneously, without pain; this resulted in a jogged-miles-jogged- fast, walked-miles-walked-slowly type of night.

However the time wednesday night was not very impressive; this imperfect solution elevates the feet in the shoes to a level--3/8 of an inch additional elevation due to the two layers of gel sole padding--where they should not be, excessively high in the shoe; and it adds significant weight to the shoe. But as some famous American general whose name I forgot said, an imperfect solution is better than no solution.

Researching the subject on the internet, I came across foot-care products that I had never seen before, products that I did not know even existed, that could replace and improve upon the two layers of heel to toe gel padding:

Toes Padding

Footsmart Gel Toe Crest, $9 each
http://www.footsmart.com/P-Footsmart-Gel-Toe-Crest-ea-40110.aspx
My Adistar Control 5 shoes already contain a built-in, pronounced, toe-crest of this type.

Footsmart Gel Toe Cap, $10 for two, $5 each
http://www.footsmart.com/P-Gel-Toe-Cap-Set-of-2-98122.aspx
Capping each toe would cost $5X10=$50 with this product!

Footsmart Gel Toe Tubes, $9 for two 4.5" tubes (each cuts up into more than one toe tube/cap)
http://www.footsmart.com/Product.aspx?ProductId=2323&cm_re=xsell-_-product-_-1
This way I could cap two toes and tube eight toes for only $10, much cheaper than the Gel Toe Caps.

Ball of Foot Padding

Silipos ball of foot cushions, $16/pair
http://www.footsmart.com/P-Silipos-Ball-of-Foot-Cushions-40021.aspx

Ultra Gel Forefoot Wrap $20/pair
http://www.footsmart.com/P-FootSmart-Ultra-Gel-Forefoot-Wrap-Pr-40298.aspx
This pads the ball of the foot not the toes

FootSmart Gel Forefoot Pads, Pair $9
http://www.footsmart.com/P-Peda-Bella-Gel-Forefoot-Pads-40013.aspx
Seems this pads ball of foot only

Forefoot Padding

Forefoot Pad with Metatarsal Dome, Pair $20
http://www.footsmart.com/Product.aspx?ProductId=65&cm_re=xsell-_-product-_-2
This pads from the middle of the ball of the foot to the tips of the toes.

Silicone Forefoot Insoles, Pair $12
http://www.footsmart.com/Product.aspx?ProductId=262&cm_re=xsell-_-product-_-1
These pad the area from the ball of the foot to the tips of the toes. They pad the entire ball of the foot not just the middle of the ball of the foot. The blurb at the footsmart site is extraordinarily enthusiastic about this product. This product seems like the best deal in foot comfort for me now.

A remaining task for me now is a task I have found so far, to be surprisingly difficult: to find what local retail outlets sell this kind of stuff. I have never bought this stuff before, to me it seems reasonable that the first time you buy something you buy it at a retail outlet. Buying from a retail outlet: I don't have to wait a few days to take delivery and go through confusion and worry, for example, re will the delivered stuff be stolen from the hallway; I establish someone I can ask questions of, who could be indebted to me for being a customer; and, it is easier to return stuff that does'nt work out.

At a time like this when we are staring into an abyss of a terrifying future featuring an attempt to survive without money in a non-agricultural, cold-temperature, high-population-density environment, people probably think, how could someone be getting into detail re jogging-shoe-add-ons at a time like this?'

I get into this matter in detail because my perspective is: that improved aerobic fitness results in improved performance in 'important' tasks related to survival in difficult environments; jogging on a treadmill strengthens different muscles compared to running on ground and is boring; jogging on a track is impossible during snowstorms and results in interesting encounters with a relatively narrow segment of the population; since I could be a star in soccer and sports similar to soccer if my aerobic/anaerobic fitness improved running is the reasonable path to aerobic fitness for me; improvement in aerobic fitness for me is impaired as a result of pain in the feet.

Running shoes and gel cushioning insoles have padding in the wrong places

On Monday January 26, 2009, I bought a pair of the 'Adistar Control 5' ( http://www.netsweat.com/Running/Online_Running_Store/Category/Mens-Road-Running-Shoes.htm ) ( http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpageMRS-ASTCT5M.html ) running shoes at Marathon Sports in Cambridge MA ( www.marathonsports.com ) (617-354-4161). The shoes cost $130.

On Sunday Feb 8 (13 days after I bought the shoes) I wore them outdoors for the first time; while wearing them I ran this outdoors course that I run on Main and Moody Sts in Waltham on the sidewalk, five miles, the first third and fifth miles jogged, the second and fourth miles walked--my time was 92 minutes 2 minutes worse than my personal best of 90 minutes. The course features a run uphill on Moody St going south on the fifth mile, and a walk uphill going south on Moody St on the second mile. On Tuesday Feb 10 I ran the same course a second time, this time with one gel insole ( http://www.paragonsports.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category_Insoles%20&%20Pads_10551_10051__20523_-1_1.htm ) for padding in each shoe. The second run my time was 94 minutes, 4 minutes worse than my personal best of 90 minutes.

Since Thursday Thursday Feb 5 I had been in a way 'under the weather', which impaired my performance. Conversely, On the Feb 8 and Feb 10 runs the clothing I wore was lighter than it was when I did my 90 minutes personal best.

I bought the shoes because I estimated that my time for this run had reached a plateau of 90 minutes, and not gotten any faster than 90 minutes, because at the 90 minute speed the pain factor became significant--along this line, the slower you run the easier it is to minimize pain.

One could reasonably theorize, that the time at which the difference produced by a new shoe is most clearly felt, is during the first few hundred yards run in the shoes. While running the first few hundred yards I ever ran in these 'Adistar Control 5' shoes I could tell right away, that the shoes (compared to the cheaper Adidas cross-trainers) made it easier to generate and maintain momentum, similarly to the way a wheel makes it easier to maintain and generate momentum.

However after the first mile on the first run, during the second mile jogged on the first run, I noticed that there was pain in the toes that was slowing me down. The first run in the end my time was 92 minutes, 2 minutes slower than my personal best run in the Adidas 'Powerpoint' cross-trainers.

The second run, run using the gel insoles, combined with the 'Adistar Control 5' shoes, there was pain in the front sole section of the foot again, this time the pain was in the ball of the foot and also the toes, not just the toes; and the pain in the second run started during the first mile jogged not the second mile jogged. Compared to the first run, the pain was more inhibiting during the second run; it got to the point that I switched from my natural style of the heel and the ball of the foot striking the ground at the same time, to the heel striking the ground before the ball of the foot strikes the ground, which is a style that I find to be unnatural dainty and inefficient.

I was disappointed that the Adistar Control 5 shoes failed to provide the level of cushioning support that I need. Seems to me that the shoes and also the gel insoles (from some company that was not Adidas), have not distributed the padding in a way that corresponds to my personal needs.

The Adistar control 5's sole is 1" thick at the ball of the foot, 1.75" thick at the heel, and approx 0.5" thick at the extreme front end of the toe. The gel-padded insole is thickest in the arch of the foot area and the heel, and thinnest in the ball of the foot and the toes area. The Adistar Control 5 shoes like most shoes, force the foot into a position wherein the heel is (compared to barefoot) unnaturally high.

By way of contrast, my feet while running in the Adistar Control-5 shoes both with and without the added gel insole, need padding in the balls of the foot area and the toe area, and have more than enough padding in the heel area.

When I run long-distance type running the heel and the ball of the foot hit the ground at approx the same time. I estimate given my state of knowledge as of now, that this is normal for long-distance running; running on the balls of the foot is the style used for sprinting not long distance running. The heel striking the ground before the balls of the feet strike the ground is characteristic of walking, characteristic of a clumsy type of running.

Alternatives I face now: replace the shoes; get yet another pair of shoes; find gel insoles with padding in the right places; create gel insoles with padding in the right places using scissors etc makeshift style.

I suspect that my tactic of buying the motion control shoe that had the most padding amongst motion control shoes, may have been erroneous. Perhaps I should have just gotten the shoes with the most padding period, and to hell with 'motion control'.

Now I'll find out exactly what Marathon Sports meant when they said that they could let me try out another pair of shoes if these shoes did not work out.

How I used internet to intelligently find running shoes right for me

My progress stalled in terms of the times for my six mile jog/walks in which I jog the first third and fifth miles and walk the second fourth and sixth miles. I got to 90 minutes after the fifth mile for this hilly road course around town, and then progress in terms of time stalled (I never put in 100% effort on any of these runs, remembering what the US athlete Edwin Moses said about never going all out in practice). I began to skip the runs. I began to realize that as my speed increased, my feet took more of a pounding jog-walking the course, the result was increased physical pain, the pain led to inhibition in terms of the style of the steps taken during the runs, the pain slowed down the walks in that I was slowing down the walks as a way of recovering from the pain in the feet produced by the runs. I decided that I had better get me some running shoes that provided maximal cushioning.

I got on the internet and flailed around getting nowhere attempting to find info useful re which running shoes should I buy. Then I put the phrase "shoe finder" into the Google search engine and immediately found more than enough info of the type that I wanted.

By inputting "shoe finder" I was looking for these programs that take input from the user and thereby help him to decide which of several products of a given type the user should buy.

I estimate the premier shoe-finder program out there is at the Runners World website. There I found an expert who declared that as persons get older their need for cushioning in the running shoe increases. This solidified my inclination to find shoes with maximum padding.

While searching for the info on the internet it occurred to me, that one cannot change a 'motion control' type shoe that is designed to produce one kind of 'motion control', for example the tendency to use the inside of the foot, into another kind of 'motion control' shoe, say a show designed for those who use the outside of the foot when running. However, one can purchase high quality shoe sole padding and put them inside the shoe to increase cushioning.

On the internet I discovered that my foot: is 3.4" wide, which is narrow; I am somewhere between normal and flat-footed; and, I am an over-pronator, emphasizing use of the inside of the foot while jogging. Apparently those with less arch in the foot than normal, always tend towards over-pronation, and those with more arch than normal always tend towards 'under-pronation'. At this point I realized that I needed a shoe that combined 'motion control' with cushioning.

Using the Runnersworld shoe-finder engine, I noted that almost all the shoes that feature a high level of cushioning, are designed for those who have feet with high arches.

Immediately using their shoe finder engine I discovered that the Adidas Adistar Control 5, a 'motion control' type shoe, is the 'motion control' type shoe that provided the most cushioning out of all the shoes tested by Runnersworld. Right away I knew that I was going to end up buying the Adistar Control 5, because Runnersworld was the only site containing a 'shoe finder' program whose 'shoe finder' program provided numerical ratings for flexibility, cushioning, and responsiveness in shoes. Though Runnersworld does not provide such numerical ratings for every shoe that they list and describe, I felt impressed enough by the competence of Runnersworld to trust that they made wise decisions in terms of which shoes they tested so as to be able to provide numerical cushioning, flexibility, and responsiveness ratings for the shoes tested.

I wanted a shoe that was not just moderately powerful in terms of cushioning power, but extremely powerful in terms of cushioning power. My attitude was: if I am going to buy a shoe that cushions my feet for jogging, I might as well get a shoe that stands out dramatically from all my other shoes in terms of cushioning power, as opposed to a shoe that is barely distinguishable from the other shoes in terms of cushioning power. With a shoe that provides extreme cushioning I would be better able to learn the unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of cushioned shoes.

Still to be on the safe side I tested other shoe-finder engines. These other shoe-finder engines were all for one reason or another inferior to the Runnersworld shoe-finder engines (Runnersworld has two different ones). Yet they provided interesting results that differed from the Runnersworld results and used criteria different from the criteria input by the user into the Runnersworld shoe-finder engines. I noted down all the shoes these other shoe-finder engines returned as results, looked these shoes up on the Runnersworld site, and noted down the Runnersworld description of these shoes. The Runnersworld descriptions are more complete than the descriptions at the other sites, Runnersworld always tells you what kind of foot-arch a shoe is good for.

At the end my conclusion was what it had been earlier, to get the Adidas Adistar Control 5 shoes, due to the fact that Runnersworld had definitively stated that these shoes provided the most cushioning power out of all the 'motion control' type shoes tested.

At Adidas I found a list of stores in the area that have Adidas shoes. I started calling these stores and one of them referred me to the store where I bought the shoes, Marathon Sports.

Very few shoes are available designed for the narrow foot. The salesman at Marathon informed me that Adidas shoes generally have a relatively narrow build. The Adistar shoes fit me well when I tried them on so I felt disinclined to sacrifice their advantages for the rare narrow shoe.

The only remaining inhibiting factor was the price, these shoes cost $130. I asked the salesman what the average shoe of this type cost he said $100. He said that the extra $30 covered the cost of the cushioning built into the shoe. To me it seemed obvious, that
the extra $30 for padding was worth it.

Still at this point (I bought the shoes but have not used them) I have a couple of lingering doubts about this shoe.

I consider myself to be in certain ways an excellent running, for example, 15 yards sprint from a standing or jogging start. I wonder, are the shoe-makers being pompous by accusing my of being guilty of 'over-pronating'? Could it be that whereas they should be building shoes that accomodate a runner's tendency to 'over-pronate', they are instead building shoes that attempt to 'correct' a runner's tendency to over-pronate? Could it be that people have their own individual styles of running that feature unique advantages and disadvantages, which shoe-makers should accomodate but instead attempt to 'correct'.

Also, having narrow feet I wonder whether the women's Adistar Control 5 would be a wiser choice...but I suffer from the common male syndrome of feeling weird buying the 'women's' version of something even if the 'women's version of the thing is identical to the 'men's' version of the thing.

Notes I took while searching for the shoes:

Marathon Sports Retail Store
www.marathonsports.com
1654 Massachusetts Ave # A
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 354-4161

no narrow shoes in the runners world 2008 shoe guide at
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-400--12428-1-1X2X3-4,00.html

tower of babel of shoe widths
http://shoes.about.com/od/fitcomfort/a/mensshoeletters.htm
narrow in men is called a b or a c or a n, medium is called a d, or a m.

width sizes
10.5 c narrow 3.8"; d standard 4.1"; e wide 4.3";
-- http://shoes.about.com/od/mens_size_charts/a/men_width.htm
3 7/16 3.4" I have a narrow foot size C

sports authority has one motion control shoe in a narrow width,
the 10.5 b new balance,
New Balance 993 Stabilty Running Shoe Mens
Our Price:
price $139.99
in size 10.5 b

---------------------
The updated Adistar Control is wider through the midfoot, thanks to a new last (the footform around which a shoe is constructed). It comes with a thicker sockliner that supplies a cushier feel underfoot. This helps make the Control 5 the softest motion-control shoe in this guide, according to RW Shoe Lab tests. Adidas also replaced the previous version's hard outsole material with softer rubber, since the old outsole was too noisy on pavement. Recommended for lightweight runners with low arches.

-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1321,00.html
---------------
Note:
cushioning can be added to a shoe, however a high arch shoe cannot be changed into a low arch shoe

shoes in the cushioned category invariably for high arches
-------------

Brooks Men's Beast Running Shoes (D Width)
(Motion Control Shoe)
A true leader in the motion control category. The Beast™ comes to the rescue of runners with low or flat arches and excess pronation. It's built to absorb impact shock and enhance resilience, provide maximum support and deliver smooth cushioning.
$95
-- http://www.runworldwide.com/SKU/41199/Brooks+Mens+Beast+Running+Shoes+(D+Width).aspx?Source=Search&ParentTabID=52
Runner's World Shoe Lab Test Results
This is the most stable shoe in running. New wider overlays and extra midsole foam wrap up onto the upper to hold the foot over the supportive sole. These changes add to the shoe's stability but make it nearly an ounce heavier. While Brooks has made the Beast (the women's version is the Ariel) softer and more pliable in recent years, it's still the stiffest shoe in this guide. Recommended for heavy runners with pancake-flat feet who need maximum support.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1534,00.html

Saucony Mens Grid Stabil 6 (Med) Silver/Gray
(Motion Control Shoe)
The Grid Stabil6 is built to provide the smoothest, most comfortable ride available in a control shoe.
* The SRC crash pad brings unexpected cushioning and ride to a motion control shoe.
* Midsole: Triple Density Compression Molded EVA provides ultimate protection against severe overpronation
* SRC Impact Zone provides shock attentuation and sets up the foot for a smooth transition.
* HRC Strobel Board increases cushioning and comfort.
* Premium Sockliner improves step-in comfort and cushioning.
* Arch-Lock provides snug midfoot fit.
* Triple Density Midsole provides a smooth ride while slowing pronation.
$60
-- http://www.runworldwide.com/SKU/29043/Saucony+Mens+Grid+Stabil+6+(Med)+Silver-Gray.aspx?Source=Search&ParentTabID=52
??? runners world

Mizuno Men's Wave Alchemy 7 (2E)
(Motion Control Shoe)
Provides control, cushioning, transition, and comfort.
* Mizuno Wave® offers SmoothRide Engineered, Composite Double Fan Wave for the perfect blend of control and cushioning while providing an unsurpassed ride.
* SmoothRide engineering approach to minimize the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the foot during transition, creating the smoothest ride possible.
* AP Mid Sole Lightweight, responsive, yet durable cushioning copolymer.
* VS-1 Shock-absorbing cushioning compound found in the heel and forefoot.
* Mizuno Intercool Full-length midsole ventilation system reduces heat and humidity build-up inside the shoe.
* AIRMesh Provides the utmost in breathability and comfort of the upper.
* X-10™ The most durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear in high impact areas and supplements traction at heel strike.
* Outsole SmoothRide Engineered, solid rubber forefoot outsole design for durability and flexibility.
$90
-- http://www.runworldwide.com/SKU/410279/Mizuno+Mens+Wave+Alchemy+7+(2E).aspx?Source=Search&ParentTabID=52
We Say: A great update, the Alchemy is built on a roomier new last and slightly wider midsole for better support. Mizuno also redesigned the lacing pattern for a more customizable fit, and the outsole under the heel to better manage impact. The only disappointing news: a $10 price increase. This is due in part to the new durable foam that surounds the Alchemy's Wave plate. We recommend the Alchemy for average-weight runners with normal arches looking for a stable, everyday training shoe
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1225,00.html

-- http://www.runworldwide.com/Home/SearchResults/tabid/52/Search/SHOE+MEN+MOTION+CONTROL/Default.aspx
----------------
the sports authority shoe finder returned 64 shoes in
cushioning alone, they do not mention arches etc with regards
to shoes, 13 motion control shoes:

Brooks Trance 8 Stabi...
Our Price: $139.99
Product Info
The Brooks® Trance 8 Stability men's running shoe delivers exceptional motion control and stability during your run. It features the brand new BioMoGo midsole, an environmentally friendly midsole that delivers exceptional cushioning and peace of mind
We Say: Brooks improved the ride of this outstanding update by angling the forefoot slightly upward for a more natural feel at toe-off. It's also a half-ounce lighter. The plastic arch support of the Trance now lies below a layer of foam, which helps smooth out the feel underfoot. What's more, the outsole grooves under the heel have been repositioned to isolate and disperse impact forces more efficiently. We recommend it for runners with low to flat arches looking for a shoe with a smooth ride.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1215,00.html

New Balance 993 Stabi...
Our Price: $139.99
Product Info
Packed with New Balance® comfort technology, the 993 men's running shoe offers a lightweight, well-balanced ride. Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and forefoot is springy and responsive, and the N-durance® outsole provides stable traction on a variety of surfaces. The C-Cap® midsole enhances the foot's natural motion for a smooth transition.
The 993 is an old-school running shoe. While the material under the heel is made of softer cushioning foam, the 993 is the firmest shoe in this guide. The new material shaves nearly 1.2 ounces off the shoe's weight, but at 13.5 ounces it's still heavy. Also, a few overlays have been removed for a better forefoot fit. Some testers complained that the retro synthetic leather overlays that remain aren't breathable. Recommended for runners who want a shoe for winter runs or for doing warmup miles before a gym workout.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1550,00.html

Saucony ProGrid Hurri...
Our Price: $129.99
The Saucony® ProGrid™ Hurricane 10 men's running shoe provides the perfect blend of cushioning and stability for runners seeking pronation control and a plush ride. It incorporates ProGrid™ with Respon-Tek™ for cushioning and support, and Dual Density SSL EVA and a medial MCD to support and guide the foot through every phase of the gait cycle.
Runner's World Shoe Lab Test Results
Saucony has improved the Hurricane's soft cushioning with more independent outsole segments under the heel to better isolate impact force. Flex grooves under the forefoot are deeper to improve the shoe's pliability, and RW Shoe Lab tests showed the 10 to be slightly more flexible than the 9. Saucony has also softened the arch wrap material for a better fit. Recommended for lightweight runners looking for a soft daily training shoe.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1354,00.html

Mizuno Wave Renegade ...
Our Price: $119.99
Product Info
Designed for the way that you run, the Mizuno® Wave Renegade 4 men's running shoe delivers performance and stability in one smooth package. Mizuno Wave® technology controls overpronation to protect your foot, and the air mesh upper is lightweight and breathable. The X-10™ outsole offers an unbeatable combination of traction and durability.
Runner's World Shoe Lab Test Results
Super stable, the Renegade 4 uses three columns of foam to reinforce the substantial plastic Wave plate on the inside of the shoe. This works with the softer exterior plate to direct the foot to the outside so it has less time to overpronate. A strip of stretchy fabric on the shoe's collar helps isolate the ankle's outward motion. A few testers who noticed this feature complained about heel slippage. Recommended for bigger runners with flat feet looking for an everyday trainer.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1466,00.html

Brooks Beast Stabilit...
Our Price: $119.99
Product Info
The men's Beast™ from Brooks® is a trainer for runners with low or flat arches and excessive pronation. It features a MoGo midsole for increased energy return and enhanced cushioning, plus e-1™ and e-2™ technology for shock absorption. Additionally, the MC-Pod™ offers maximum motion control and flexibility, while the sockliner with X-Static® provides moisture management and thermo-regulation.
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adidas adizero Tempo ...
Our Price: $109.99
Product Info
The adidas® adizero Tempo Stability men's running shoe is a fast and lightweight trainer featuring a natural, ForMotion® ride. It's constructed using perforated upper materials that allow superior breathability, while the adiPRENE®+ heel and forefoot cushioning systems provide excellent propulsion and efficiency.
Runner's World Shoe Lab Test Results
For a performance shoe, the new Tempo (and its sister shoe the Tempaya, right) has a lot going on underfoot. The midsole is built around two plastic heel plates that slow side-to-side movement, giving the shoe additional rearfoot support. A firm section of foam in the shoe's forefoot provides a solid base for toe-off. Recommended for faster-paced runners with high arches who want a lightweight trainer or those with normal arches looking for a speedwork or race-day shoe
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1318,00.html

Mizuno Wave Alchemy 8...
Our Price: $99.99
Product Info
Designed to enhance your running, the Mizuno® Wave Alchemy 8 men's shoe delivers performance and stability in one smooth package. Mizuno Wave® technology controls overpronation to protect your foot, and the AP midsole offers exceptional cushioning. The X-10™ outsole delivers an unbeatable combination of traction and durability.
Runner's World Shoe Lab Test Results
The upper is the focus of this update, but the changes are minor. In the heel, Mizuno added a stretchy section of material to the collar, which helps isolate the ankle's outward movement. Testers didn't notice the change, yet they did find the heel to be a bit firm (this was backed up by our lab tests). The upper also features wider bands over the arch for a better midfoot wrap. Recommended for bigger runners with normal to low arches looking for a trainer with a good overall fit.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1475,00.html

Mizuno Wave Alachemy ...
Our Price: $99.99
Product Info
The Wave® Alchemy™ is back in the Mizuno® Wave® Alchemy™ 7 men's running shoe, offering its trademark stability with all the latest technologies. The Mizuno Wave™ cushioning system is SmoothRide™-engineered to provide the perfect blend of control and cushioning while delivering an unsurpassed ride. An added VS-1™ compound in the heel enhances shock absorption.
We Say: A great update, the Alchemy is built on a roomier new last and slightly wider midsole for better support. Mizuno also redesigned the lacing pattern for a more customizable fit, and the outsole under the heel to better manage impact. The only disappointing news: a $10 price increase. This is due in part to the new durable foam that surounds the Alchemy's Wave plate. We recommend the Alchemy for average-weight runners with normal arches looking for a stable, everyday training shoe
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1225,00.html

Brooks Addiction 8 St...
Our Price: $94.99
Product Info
Get the ride you crave in the Brooks® Addiction™ 8 men's running shoe. The full-length MoGo midsole delivers exceptional cushioning and stability, while a combination synthetic/mesh upper ensures lightweight breathability and outstanding support. The outsole features HPR™ Plus technology for high durability and abrasion resistance.
Runner's World Shoe Lab Test Results
This update offers a slightly different approach to midfoot stability. It uses a repositioned overlay in the forefoot and a section of midsole foam along the inside of the shoe to hold the arch in place. This works with a support column in the midsole to keep the foot from rolling too far inward. The more supportive design results in a relatively flexible shoe that is the firmest in this guide. Recommended for bigger runners with flat arches who prefer a somewhat flexible forefoot.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1424,00.html

Brooks Axiom 2 Motion...
Our Price: $89.99
Product Info
Take control of your next run in the Brooks® Axiom 2 men's running shoe. The HPR™ outsole offers exceptional durability and traction, and the combination of synthetic and mesh in the shoe's upper provides outstanding breathability without sacrificing support. Hydroflow® technology in the heel and forefoot delivers lightweight, responsive cushioning.
Runner's World Shoe Lab Test Results
The latest Axiom is surprisingly durable for a shoe that's so lightweight and flexible. Lying underfoot is a new midsole foam that offers more resilient cushioning (according to our lab tests). This update is also built on a new last that curves upward slightly in the forefoot for a more natural feel as the foot moves from footstrike to toe-off. Recommended as a race-day shoe for runners with lower arches, or an everyday trainer for efficient runners with normal arches
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1471,00.html

adidas Response Contr...
Our Price: $79.99
Product Info
The adidas® Response® Control 6 utilizes a slimmed-down construction featuring lightweight ProModerator™ for comfort and stability during your everyday training. The Torsion® System solidifies the midfoot along with an adiPRENE® midsole for protection from harmful forces. The adiWEAR® outsole delivers the best durability in high-wear areas.
Runner's World Shoe Lab Test Results
This update is roomier than its predecessor. It's built on the same new last as the Adistar (left), but in the Response 7 the entire shoe has been broadened to a men's 2E and women's D. Not only does this supply more room for wide feet, but the larger midsole also provides the Control 7 a broad base of support. Also new are small plastic plates in the midsole under the heel. They give the shoe added stability by slowing the speed of the foot's side-to-side movement at impact. Recommended for runners with wide, flat feet looking for a good bargain.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1324,00.html

Reebok Premier Contro...
$104.99 Our Price: $69.97
The Premier Control III running shoe from Reebok® for men combines motion control with cushioning comfort. The medial TPU post provides stability, and the transition bridge allows for a smooth heel-to-toe transition. DMX Shear enhances vertical and horizontal cushioning, reducing the stress at heel impact. The polyurethane sockliner can be removed to accommodate orthotics.
??? runners world
----------------
Your answers
Gender:Male
Weight:165-190 lbs
Miles Per Week:21-40
Injury:No
Orthotics:No
Surface:Asphalt
Arch Type:Flat
Biomechanics:Moderate / Severe Overpronator

Motion Control - Performance Cushioning

You have next to no arch and need some magic. These trainers are ideal for the severe overpronator who wants the maximum amount of active stability with lots and lots of cushioning. You'll want to wear these shoes all the time—they're that good!

New Balance MR1123MC - 130454
Winter Sale
New Balance MR1123MC
[4.5 Stars, 45 Reviews]
Color: White/Navy
Sizes: 7-16
Sale: $124.99
Reg.: $148.95
Save: 16%

Asics GEL-Evolution™ 3 - 117051
Winter Sale
Asics GEL-Evolution™ 3
[5 Stars, 6 Reviews]
Color: White/Black/...
Sizes: 8.5-12
Sale: $94.99
Reg.: $109.95
Save: 14%

Etonic Minado MC '07 - 112135
Clearance!
Etonic Minado MC '07
Color: White/Gold/B...
Sizes: Limited
Sale: $69.98
Reg.: $99.95
Save: 30%

-- http://www.onlineshoes.com/running/shoefinder.asp

after few mins of flailing foolishly, found the pages i wanted through simply, "shoe finder"

Using jogging shoes in the weight room can damage the cushioning and support ...

somewhere between flat and normal on foot\
overpronator

Recommended for runners with low arches who are moderate to severe overpronators and who need maximum rearfoot control and extra support on the medial (arch) side of their shoes. Also best suited for bigger runners who need plenty of support and durability.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/typeresults/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-0,00.html

cushioning...
as a general rule, if a midsole is too soft, it will compress easily, and lack durability and support. If it's too firm, a midsole won't compress easily enough or absorb shock well.

flexibility...
Generally, heavier runners require stiffer shoes, while lighter runners tend to need more flexible shoes because they lack the body mass to flex stiffer shoes.

Responsiveness: ... how smoothly a shoe moves with your foot from heel-strike to toe-off. ...shoes that emphasize cushioning and/or flexibility will be less responsive. Lighter, more efficient runners tend to prefer these shoes because they take less energy to bend, whereas heavier runners enjoy higher responsiveness because they have the body mass to flex these shoes and in turn these shoes offer a more stable base of support.

-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefind_info/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-0,00.html

SHOE TYPES EXPLAINED

MOTION CONTROL
Recommended for runners with low arches who are moderate to severe overpronators and who need maximum rearfoot control and extra support on the medial (arch) side of their shoes. Also best suited for bigger runners who need plenty of support and durability.

CUSHIONED (NEUTRAL)
Recommended for runners who need maximum midsole cushioning and minimum medial support. These shoes are best for biomechanically efficient runners (minimum pronation) and midfoot or forefoot strikers with high or normal arches.

-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_description/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-0,00.html

The updated Adistar Control is wider through the midfoot, thanks to a new last (the footform around which a shoe is constructed). It comes with a thicker sockliner that supplies a cushier feel underfoot. This helps make the Control 5 the softest motion-control shoe in this guide, according to RW Shoe Lab tests. Adidas also replaced the previous version's hard outsole material with softer rubber, since the old outsole was too noisy on pavement. Recommended for lightweight runners with low arches.

-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1321,00.html

-------------------------
cushioning 5= soft, flex, 5=pliable, responsiveness, 5=high

Gender: Male
Weight: 185 pounds
Shoe Size: 10.5
Use: Road Racing
Motion Mechanics: Overpronator
Arch: Flat
results: reccs performance training shoes
Shoe Advisor Results
Gender: Male
Weight: 185 pounds
Shoe Size: 10.5
Use: Road Racing
Motion Mechanics: Overpronator
Arch: Medium
http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/typeresults/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-0,00.html

Nike Air Zoom Hayward 3+
Shoe Type: Performance Training
Reviewed in: Mar 2008 Shoe Guide
Average Reader Rating: 4.5 stars 5 stars (1 review)
4-4-1
$80
Recommended as a racing shoe for efficient runners who like the retro look and flexible feel.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1368,00.html

Reebok Premier Bislett
Shoe Type: Performance Training
Reviewed in: Mar 2008 Shoe Guide
4-4-1
$85
A true racing shoe, the Bislett is recommended for longer races or as a speedwork shoe for efficient runners with high arches.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1372,00.html

Puma Complete Eutopia
Shoe Type: Performance Training
Runner's World Awards: Best Debut
4-4-1
$120
Recommended for efficient runners with higher arches looking for a unique aesthetic.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1370,00.html

also recced racing no shoes in this categ

-----

Shoe Advisor Results
Gender: Male
Weight: 185 pounds
Shoe Size: 10.5
Use: Training
Motion Mechanics: Overpronator
Arch: Flat
recced motion control

Shoe Advisor Results
Gender: Male
Weight: 185 pounds
Shoe Size: 10.5
Use: Training
Motion Mechanics: Overpronator
Arch: Medium
recced motion control

Adidas Adistar Control 5
Shoe Type: Motion Control
Reviewed in: Mar 2008 Shoe Guide
Average Reader Rating: 4.5 stars 5 stars (2 reviews)
4-2-3
$120
The updated Adistar Control is wider through the midfoot, thanks to a new last (the footform around which a shoe is constructed). It comes with a thicker sockliner that supplies a cushier feel underfoot. This helps make the Control 5 the softest motion-control shoe in this guide, according to RW Shoe Lab tests. Adidas also replaced the previous version's hard outsole material with softer rubber, since the old outsole was too noisy on pavement. Recommended for lightweight runners with low arches.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1321,00.html
---------
the running shoe finder and the shoe advisor are two different search engines using different criteria, the search engines both have the same name shoe finder but take different inputs

find shoes by name does not work in their damned search engine

see type a and type b, favs in firefox, at 1:10 PM 1/26/2009
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running shoe finder
There are 51 matches for your search. Gender is Male. Size is 10.5. Type is Neutral-Cushioned.

Reebok Premier Fusion II
Shoe Type: Neutral-Cushioned
Runner's World Awards: Best Buy
Reviewed in: Dec 2007 Shoe Guide
Average Reader Rating: 4.5 stars 5 stars (1 review)
5-4-1
$75
Recommended for efficient runners with high arches looking for a basic trainer at a very reasonable price.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1307,00.html

Reebok Premier Cushioning V
Shoe Type: Neutral-Cushioned
Reviewed in: Dec 2007 Shoe Guide
4-1-5
$75
Recommended for runners with high arches looking for a durable everyday trainer.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1305,00.html

Saucony Grid Shadow 11
Compare
Saucony Grid Shadow 11
Shoe Type: Neutral-Cushioned
Reviewed in: Dec 2007 Shoe Guide
4-4-3
$75
What they did comment on was the shoe's stability--a result of a midsole that's filled in under the arch to provide more surface contact with the ground. Recommended for bigger runners with normal arches or those looking for plenty of room to accommodate orthotics.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1309,00.html

Adidas Supernova Cushion 7
Shoe Type: Neutral-Cushioned
Runner's World Awards: Best Update
Reviewed in: Mar 2008 Shoe Guide
Average Reader Rating: 4.5 stars 4.3 stars (7 reviews)
4-5-2
$90
Recommended for runners with normal to high arches looking for a soft shoe with a good midfoot wrap.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1356,00.html

Mizuno Wave Rider 11
Compare
A high-quality, high-value shoe that incorporates features or technology usually found in shoes at higher price points.
Mizuno Wave Rider 11
Shoe Type: Neutral-Cushioned
Runner's World Awards: Best Buy
Reviewed in: Mar 2008 Shoe Guide
Average Reader Rating: 4.5 stars 3.5 stars (6 reviews)
4-4-1
$95
Recommended for runners with high arches seeking a lightweight and flexible shoe.
Wear Tester Reviews
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1360,00.html

Adidas Adizero Tempo
Shoe Type: Neutral-Cushioned
Reviewed in: Dec 2007 Shoe Guide
Average Reader Rating: 4.5 stars 4 stars (1 review)
5-5-1
$110
Recommended for faster-paced runners with high arches who want a lightweight trainer or those with normal arches looking for a speedwork or race-day shoe.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1318,00.html

Brooks Glycerin 6
Shoe Type: Neutral-Cushioned
Reviewed in: Mar 2008 Shoe Guide
Average Reader Rating: 4.5 stars 4.7 stars (3 reviews)
4-1-2
$120
Recommended for runners with higher arches who want a soft, stable, neutral shoe.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1358,00.html

New Balance 1062
Shoe Type: Neutral-Cushioned
Reviewed in: Mar 2008 Shoe Guide
Average Reader Rating: 4.5 stars 5 stars (4 reviews)
5-?-2
$120
Recommended for bigger runners with normal to high arches who want good cushioning with a bit of added support.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1362,00.html

Reebok Premier Ultra KFS V
Shoe Type: Neutral-Cushioned
Reviewed in: Mar 2008 Shoe Guide
3-2-4
$120
Recommended for bigger runners with high arches looking for a durable everyday training shoe.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1364,00.html

Saucony Progrid Triumph 5
Shoe Type: Neutral-Cushioned
Reviewed in: Dec 2007 Shoe Guide
Average Reader Rating: 4.5 stars 4.4 stars (5 reviews)
3-4-2
$120
Recommended for runners with high arches who wear down their heels.
-- http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoefinder_detail/1,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-1311,00.html
----------
running shoe finder
Search Results
There are 19 matches for your search. Gender is Male. Size is 10.5. Type is Motion Control.

Adidas Response Control 7
Shoe Type: Motion Control
Reviewed in: Mar 2008 Shoe Guide
3-2-2
$80

Nike Cesium 2
Shoe Type: Motion Control
Reviewed in: Dec 2007 Shoe Guide
2-4-1
$120