Support is a spectrum that ranges from neutral shoes, which support the natural motion of the foot, to dedicated stability models, which feature motion-control technology that guides the wearer's stride. Stability shoes are often favored by overpronating runners.
A shoe's "drop" is the height difference from the heel of the shoe to the forefoot. Shoes with a higher drop tend to be favored by runners who land heel-first. Lower drops are often favored by forefoot or midfoot strikers. Due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to drop heights are approximate.
The material that absorbs the impact of the wearer's foot against the ground. Cushioning may vary in overall amount, density, and firmness. Generally, the more cushioning utilized, the "softer" a shoe will feel underfoot.
