What’s the Difference Between Neutral and Stability?
Every person has a unique fingerprint, and that uniqueness extends to our feet. It might shock you to discover that no one else has feet quite like yours! Like a fingerprint, your feet have their own unique shape, from the heel to the toes. It doesn’t stop with physical traits, either. Every person has a preference when it comes to the feel of their walking and running shoes. Plus every person has a unique stride. These are some of the main reasons why St. Pete Running Company carries the top running shoe brands in the country. Because a shoe model and brand that works for someone else might not work for you.
So, what are we talking about when we’re discussing neutral running shoes and stability running shoes? Read on to get the scoop.
Get a Proper Shoe Fitting
This first step is very important: get a proper shoe fitting at your local running store. At St. Pete Running Company, our shoe experts will take you through our one-of-a-kind StrideSmart Shoe Fitting. This FREE shoe fitting is for walkers and runners alike. Plus it’s not just about feet. We take a full body approach to evaluating your gait and stride to help you understand how to properly run while avoiding injury. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been running for a long time, come in to the store and we’ll help you find the best running shoes for you.
So, what are we talking about when we’re discussing neutral running shoes and stability running shoes? Read on to get the scoop.
Neutral vs. Stability: Do the Differences Matter?
Neutral versus Stability: what does it mean, and why do the differences matter? Let’s start off with neutral. In the running shoe world, neutral is referring to the type of shoes built for the natural alignment of the hip, knee, and foot. Stability is referring to the type of shoes built for overpronation and/or misalignment.
Why do these differences matter? Because running shoes are made for different applications. There are models that are specifically designed as a neutral shoe, and other models that are designed specifically as a stability shoe. These types are not interchangeable, although many brands offer a variety of levels when it comes to stability shoes dependent upon the severity of the misalignment or overpronation.
That’s just one of the reasons why a proper shoe fitting is so important. Because unless a shoe expert can take a look at your gait, your stride, and a few other key factors, you won’t know which type of model (neutral or stability) is the ideal for your unique stride.
Many runners and walkers have made a critical error when selecting running shoes. They pick running shoes based on factors that have nothing to do with their fitness goals or the uniqueness of their physicality and stride. They select a shoe because they like the style, the colors, their best friend has the same shoes, etc. The return rate for online running shoes is as high as 50% from certain online retailers. At St. Pete Running Company, our 7% return rate demonstrates the superiority of customer satisfaction that can be found in a proper shoe fitting.
So please take our advice and don’t base a running shoe purchase on appearance or the recommendation of a friend who likely has very different feet than you do. Instead, come in and spend a few minutes letting us help you get the perfect model and size for YOU. Trust us, you’ll feel the difference! Remember, we’re here to help PLUS our prices are the same as the big websites.
Do you have more questions about neutral versus stability running shoes? We can help! Call or come into the store where our shoe and running experts are ready to provide the high-quality customer service you expect from a Top 50 Running Store in America.
