Running, a popular sport, has become much easier and comfortable due to the usage of running shoes shock absorption. This feature in shoes is fairly new, but since the arrival of shock absorption technology in shoes has come much more comfort and less injuries. Scientists have applied the knowledge that the pavement below a runner's feet applies equal force up toward the runner as the runner is applying upon the pavement. Because of the speed and pressure many runners use in their exercise, they can apply forces as high as eight times their body weight toward the ground. Because of the equal and opposite motion from the pavement, this force is pushed back up throughout the runner's body. The body has a natural suspension system, much like a car, but prolonged, regular running can cause health problems such as joint and knee pain, leg problems, etc. This is the reason that scientists have been spending a little extra time with running shoes. As science brings more shock absorption to running shoes, they are helping prevent health problems caused by running and jogging.

Running shoes should be chosen by how the wearer runs. Pronation, which is a word that describe the motions that different people go through when running, varies from person to person. It is important that runners select shoes based on their personal pronation. Different shoes work for different people, so it's important for runners to select a shoe that matches their distinct pronation. There are three different types of pronation. Each running shoe fits under at least one category of pronation. When a runner's foot naturally rolls inwards during the heel-to-toe transition of their gait, this is called neutral pronation. When the runner's foot rolls excessively inwards and the arch collapses, this is called over pronation. Under pronation (also known as supination) occurs when the runner's foot does not roll in enough. It is easy for people to find out what type of pronator they are and this doesn't even require walking! Those looking to find out what type of pronator they are are urged to wet their foot and step on a piece on a paper. By looking at their footprint, they can find out what type of pronator that are. If the paper shows a perfect footprint, then they are a neutral pronator. If the paper shows that the arch has also been left in the print, they are an over pronator. Under pronation is shown by those whose foot print shows a large central gap disconnecting the top and bottom portions of the feet.

Shock absorption in running shoes can prevent a lot of health problems, but it is extremely important for those buying shoes to aid them with their type of pronation. If a person with over pronation wears shoes for those with under pronation problems, they can be hurting their bodies more than helping. The same goes for a person using another other pronation shoe type than their own type. When a person wears the correct shoe type with shock absorption for their pronation type, they can help any current physical problems related to problems caused previously by pronation issues. Runners can also prevent major problems by wearing the correct shoe type. Those who are over pronators are urged to wear motion control shoes. Under pronators are urged to wear cushioned shoes to enhance shock dispersion. Neutral pronators (those who have no natural pronation problems) are urged to wear stability shoes to keep them walking with neutral pronation. Many sporting goods stores carry shoes made for people with different types of pronation.