The many reasons for the increased need for the protection from runnings shoes stems from the constant contact with concrete or pavement and the repetitive bouncing motion of the activity. These result in overload and overuse injuries, which are further exacerbated when a runner's foot does not move in a direct forward to back alignment, an action called over-pronation. The increased focus on the provision of fitness benefits through running, along with the growing trend in competitive racing, has created a need and market for shoes that can help prevent injury.

The sport of competitive racing has grown recently with the increased interest in the marathon circuit, both nationally and globally. Running has become much more than simply a way to move fast or get somewhere quickly. It has developed into a phenomenon that allows millions of people around the world to be known as athletes, begetting the name of runner.

As more people have begun to pick up this sport, so too have they begun to accumulate more frequent injuries. The drive to do their best forces them to push themselves beyond their physical limits through overuse and overexertion. Often this results in sore Achilles tendons or knees and shin splints. It may sometimes even carry so far as to cause a stress fracture to occur.

Shoe companies have begun development to help combat some of these traumas by providing different levels of protection. Bad form, foot motion, and simple overload whether because of weight or ware are a few reasons why a preventative defense is necessary and that many different types are now available.

Not all people move the foot from forward to back in a straight line. Rolling inward slightly or a lot is called over-pronation, and is a common problem for many runners and places more strain on parts of the leg and foot. To combat this problem, shoes companies have come up with categories labeled stability and motion control. The latter is more applicable to those that are overweight or have a taller stature.

High arches are another reason that runners suffer from excess strain on the legs and feet. Rather than an appropriate dispersion of pressure from pounding, the force is greater on the balls and heels of the foot. Shoes labeled as cushioned have been created in order to help contend with this problem.

Pavement is not the only surface which runners practice their activity on. Trail running is conducted on a softer ground, albeit much less stable. It is this lack of stability which requires a different shoe that offers more protection for the ankle and side of the foot.

Greater protection from running shoes is needed in order to meet the needs of the increased occurrence of injuries resulting from this sport. It is not merely that more people are getting hurt, but that the popularity of running is growing due to a focus on fitness and competitive racing. Technological advancement meant to rectify some of the causes from over-pronation, overuse and bad form are benefiting the runner.