Spring Shoe Guide: How It Works
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What sort of shoe do you find most comfortable? Go through the nine characteristics below and circle your preferences. You may find it helpful to go for a run in a shoe you love and then come back home and circle the phrases that best describe how it actually does feel, also thinking about any characteristics you would change if you could.
FIT
Fit characteristics are those that affect how the shoe feels when you stand in it.
Heel Fit
Super snug
Very snug
Snug
Less snug
Midfoot Fit
Super close-fitting
Very close-fitting
Close-fitting
Less close-fitting
Forefoot Fit
Narrow
Slightly narrow
Slightly roomy
Roomy
FEEL
Feel characteristics are those that affect how the shoe feels when you walk in it.
Flexibility
Very flexible
Flexible
Somewhat stiff
Stiff
Perceived Weight
Very light
Light
Somewhat heavy
Heavy
Barefoot factor
Very natural
Natural
Somewhat structured
Structured
RIDE
Ride characteristics are those that affect how the shoe feels when you run in it.
Cushioning
Very soft
Soft
Somewhat firm
Firm
Stability
Free
Somewhat free
Stable
Very stable
Responsiveness
Very bouncy
Bouncy
Somewhat dampening
Dampening