From the March 2012 issue of Runner’s World

In search of the shoe that perfectly fits your running profile? Let the all-new RW SHOE FINDER lead you to it

For nearly three decades, at Runner's World we organised shoes and reviews into categories: Motion-control, stability, neutral-cushioned and performance-training. The format was rooted in the prevailing science, which held that flat-footed runners needed stability features, high-arched runners just needed cushioning, and everyone else fell somewhere in between.

But over time that model has grown outdated. So we went back to the drawing board, starting with a survey of more than 7000 runners to find out running habits, body types and what you value in shoes.

We learned about arch heights, fitness levels and injury histories. We learned that women prefer more cushioning than men do. And that a growing population of runners is intrigued by minimal shoes but is not sure how to plunge into them.

We then married those findings to data from the RW Shoe Lab, where we put hundreds of shoes through a barrage of mechanical tests to determine flexibility, cushioning, and other characteristics – while simultaneously gathering feedback from our 350-strong wear-test crew. Out of this came the new RW Shoe Finder, the decision tree in the March 2012 issue of Runner's World, available at newsstands and your nearest Coles.

Here's a sneak peek at our Runner's World award recipients.

	EDITOR'S CHOICE Brooks Trance 11 A$269.95; NZ$299.95 BOTTOM LINE A shoe suited for bigger runners with normal to flat arches. AUS brooksrunning.com.au; NZ brooksrunning.co.nz
	BEST UPDATE Asics Gel-Kayano 18 A$250; NZ$280 BOTTOM LINE Surprisingly light, it delivers maximum protection. AUS asics.com.au; NZ asics.co.nz
	EDITOR'S CHOICE Saucony ProGrid Guide 5 A$169.95; NZ$219.90 BOTTOM LINE For many runners, the Guide 5 provides stability, in a light and flexible shoe. AUS saucony.com.au; NZ saucony.com
	BEST BUY Brooks PureFlow A$199.95; NZ$249.95 BOTTOM LINE A lightweight yet durable shoe that’s a steal at its price point. AUS brooksrunning.com.au; NZ brooksrunning.co.nz
	BEST DEBUT Altra The Instinct (MEN’S) A$145; NZ N/A The Intuition (WOMEN’S) A$145; NZ N/A BOTTOM LINE A perfect shoe for someone transitioning to barefoot running but seeking solid protection underfoot. AUS altrazerodrop.com.au; NZ N/A

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