Best Running Shoes (2024): Asics, Hoka, Nike, On Running

Rocker? the end? drop? What do these terms mean? Here’s a quick rundown of some common running terms you’ll see both in this segment and on the road and trail.

Midsole Rocker: Many shoes now feature a rocker where the midsole slopes upward toward the toe, heel, or both. Rockers encourage a smoother rolling motion for a more efficient transition from heel strike to toe-off and can help improve both your running economy and comfort.

Carbon/Nylon Plate: In recent years, we have seen more and more brands Add their shoelaces. The main role of a plate is to add firmness, control and spring to the shoe’s soft, light and bouncy foam. Each brand adopts different designs, from spoon-shaped or footlong plates to winged plates. D Adidas Adizero Adidas Pro ($250)For example, Adidas calls the Energy Rods 2.0 with multiple carbon rods under each toe to create a more flexible, natural ride. Plates are typically used in fast race shoes or fast training shoes, but they have also appeared in shoes designed for everyday miles and trail running.

Power Return: The amount of bounce or spring that the midsole returns from each foot strike. The more energy returned, the bouncier the ride. Faster shoes shoot for higher energy returns, but this may cost durability.

Stack Height: It is the thickness of the midsole, measured from the ground to the footbed. You will get two measurements, one at the heel and one at the forefoot. Higher stack heights generally provide increased cushioning and shock absorption, while lower stack heights maintain better ground feel and stability. This is also related to…

drop: Also called heel-to-toe drop or offset, it is the difference between heel and fore stack height. Drops range from 0 to 12 millimeters, with most shoes in the 6- to 10-millimeter range. Higher-drop shoes impact the heel, offering more cushioning for heel strikers. Lower-drop shoes encourage a midfoot or forefoot strike and put more stress on the calf muscles. But be aware—and yes, I appreciate this all sounds a little complicated—rockers can also change the effect of the drop.

Additional Pronunciation: If you overpronate, the foot rolls excessively inward while running, putting extra stress on the arch and inner foot. If you’re new to running, visit a running specialist and ask for an evaluation on a treadmill. They’ll be able to see if you’re over- or underperforming, or neutral.

Low Pronunciation: Sometimes called supination, an underpronator’s foot rolls outward. This can reduce shock absorption and put more stress on the body.

Stability: Stability shoes provide more support to under- or overpronators. Features such as a low stack height, firm midsole, medial post or guide rail align the foot, helping to distribute impact more evenly and reduce strain.