If you buy shoes at a running store, you’ve probably been queried about your running habits and history of injury. You may have even taken a gait analysis to determine the best model based on your unique running style. But there’s little evidence supporting the idea that running shoes can be individualized to the user. Nor is there proof that, despite a whirlwind of new technology introduced in the last few years, running shoes are any better at reducing the risk of injury or optimizing running mechanics as they were a decade ago.

The first-generation running shoe did little more than protect the feet from the rough ground beneath. Then came a little extra cushioning, which took the edge off the impact stress of pounding the pavement. Since then, shoes have added plenty of bells and whistles, all in hopes of improving comfort, performance and reducing the risk of injury.

Now-a-days, shoes are categorized as either minimalist (allows for the natural movement of the foot,) motion control (adds stabilizers to minimize the roll of the foot during touchdown) or cushioned (elevated and cushioned heel with added cushioning in the forefoot), which suggests shoes are specifically designed to match a certain set of needs. Yet with injury rates remaining stagnant, the idea that a specific shoe or any of its individual........

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