Glenside, Pennsylvania. “Their whole purpose is to help you strike the ground and propel you forward to the next step, and make sure you do so efficiently, effectively, and safely to prevent injury.”With that in mind, here Make sure the shoe’s upper — the part that covers the foot — is made from a lightweight, breathable material like mesh, says Canzanese. “If it’s too heavy, you’re just adding extra weight on your feet for all those miles,” she says. The weather conditions you’re running in may also impact what material is best for you, says Tallent. If you’re running in warmer temperatures, you’ll want something more breathable, but if you’re running in colder temperatures, you’ll want something with more insulation. Some brands also make water-resistant running shoes that withstand rain and snow.Cushioning: You can tell how much cushioning a shoe has by looking at its stack height, which is the amount of material between the ground and your foot—the higher the stack height, the more cushioning a shoe has. Cushioning is important in a running shoe because it helps your body absorb shock and keeps your feet comfortable, says Canzanese. But there’s a tradeoff—more cushioning can make a shoe less stable. There’s no optimal amount of cushioning or a specific stack height you should look for while shopping