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The most important purchase you should make as a runner is a good pair of running shoes, however, with the multitude of brands, designs and special features around, choosing the right pair for you can prove to be a nightmare!

The length, width and height of the instep, plus your movement, body size, biomechanics and running specialty all factor in making up your perfect shoe size. So when choosing your shoes, whatever your shape or size, it's worth bearing in mind that the female foot is quite different to the male foot. Luckily, most of the major manufacturers now make female, male and unisex running shoes. However, it's worth going to an outlet which specialises in female running shoes. That way you'll be sure you're getting the right advice and more importantly the shoe that's right for you!

The shape and personality of your foot

The 'normal' foot has a normal-sized arch and a broad band connecting the forefoot and heel. The normal foot lands on the outside of the heel and rolls inwards to absorb shock and therefore doesn't require a motion control shoe. If you have a 'normal' foot you should look for stable shoes with moderate control features.

The flat foot

This type of foot has a low arch and usually overpronates which means the foot strikes the surface on the outside of the heel and rolls inwards excessively. After a while this can cause several types of injuries so you should choose a shoe with motion control or stability shoes with firm midsoles and control features that reduce the degree of pronation. Try and avoid highly cushioned, highly curved shoes, with little stability features.

The high-arch foot

Generally speaking there are four main types of running shoe to choose from: support, cushion, light or trail.

• Support shoes enable the forefoot and rearfoot to free movement while providing midfoot support.
• Cushion shoes are designed to reduce the shock when the foot hits the surface.
• Lightweight shoes are ideal for racing and professional events where weight is important.
• Trail shoes provide extra grip and support for off-road running.

To find the right shoe you need to identify the right shoe for your type of foot.

Motion control shoes

If you overpronate (your feet roll inwards too much), you need control and durability. In these instances, motion control shoes tend to work best. They're the most rigid of shoes and are designed to slow overpronation. They also tend to be fairly heavy but certainly durable and features include polyurethane midsole and carbon rubber outsold for durability. Most offer stability and a maximum medial support (also good for flat feet people).

Stability shoes

These types of shoes provide a cushioning, medial support and durability and are ideal for runners who have normal arches and who prefer some medial support and good durability.

Cushioned shoes

If you have rigid and immobile feet and tend to underpronate, then cushioned shoes have little medial support and soft midsoles. They enable foot motion and are also ideal for high arch runners.

Performance training shoes

These shoes are more lighter and responsive than standard trainers. These are ideal for fast-paced training or racing.

Racing shoes

Very lightweight and with little or no cushioning and stability, these shoes tend to be very minimilistic and ideal for fast runners concerned with weight.

Trail shoes

These shoes have special kind of features to help you run on all kinds of rugged terrain.