"A running shoe should protect the feet against injury, but should not do the work of the foot by providing excessive cushioning and extra support in the arch. "
This would be unremarkable advice from a minimalist-shoe aficionado, but it's actually an extract from new guidelines on running shoe selection from the American College of Sports Medicine ( AMSA), one of the most respected sports medicine authorities in the world. The new guidelines recommend lightweight shoes, free of motion control or stability features, with a minimal heel-to-toe drop and a wide toe box. And they warn against shoes prescribed according to foot shape or arch height.