About SoleMate

SoleMate is a free tool that helps runners find shoes that suit how they run, how their feet move, and what has hurt before.

Shoe shopping is confusing. Every brand promises comfort and speed, and the advice in stores often depends on what's in stock. We built SoleMate to give runners a clear, honest starting point and to explain the reasons behind every suggestion.

How we recommend shoes

Every shoe in our list has specs for heel and forefoot stack height, drop, approximate weight, support type, how bouncy it feels, whether it comes in wide sizes, and what it's designed for. When you answer the quiz, each shoe is scored against your answers:

• What you'll use it for: everyday miles, easy runs, workouts or racing.
• Where you run: roads, trails or both, and whether your routes are flat or hilly.
• Injury history: for example, higher-drop shoes for Achilles pain, extra cushioning for shin splints, and lower, steadier stacks after ankle sprains. These factors count more while you're still injured.
• Your feet: arch type and how your foot rolls when it lands.
• Your preferences: cushioning, drop, feel, weekly distance and width.

We then show your closest matches, explain how each one fits you, and point out anything worth weighing up.

Our independence

No brand pays to be included or to rank higher. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links, and as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. That never changes our scoring.

A note on accuracy

Shoe specs and prices are approximate and change with each new version. Matching shoes to arch type and gait is common advice, but research suggests comfort is the most reliable guide, so always try shoes on. SoleMate is general information, not medical advice. If pain lasts more than a couple of weeks or changes how you run, see a physiotherapist or sports doctor.

Get in touch

Questions, corrections or partnership ideas? Email [email protected].