In mid-2003, Runner's World set out to create the best shoe-testing program anywhere. We wanted to do what no magazine has ever done - combine subjective feedback from runners ("wear-testers") with objective mechanical tests we conducted ourselves.

First, we founded the RUNNER'S WORLD Shoe Lab, an independent testing facility in East Lansing, Michigan. Here, running shoes are mechanically flexed, pounded, and prodded under the supervision of Ray Fredericksen M. S., a biomechanist who has spent the past 15 years testing, researching and developing shoes.

Then we set up wear-tester programs - one through the Lehigh Valley Road Runners Club in Pennsylvania, one through Team Playmakers Running Club in East Lansing, and another through the San Diego Track Club. This allows us to put shoes on the feet of some 350 runners who, like our readers, come in all sizes, shapes, ages, and levels of ability.

The goal of this new program is to help educate and inform readers so they can find the best shoes for them based on their size and weight, biomechanics, foot shape, and mileage. (Go to "Shoe types explained.")

Each shoe is subjected to two mechanical tests, which are performed under the supervision of the Department of Sports Medicine at Michigan State University and coordinated by Sport Biomechanics, Inc. To find your ideal shoe, First take the wet test to determine your foot type. (Go to runnersworld.com/wettest for more details.) This helps you figure out how much you pronate (the inward roll of your foot immediately after footstrike), which in turn will dictate your shoe type. Locate yours among the lab data listed next to each shoe, then read the review to see which model matches your needs by reading our reviews and consulting the results from the cushioning, flexibility, and responsiveness tests done at the RW Shoe Lab.

Cushioning: an impact test measures the firmness of each shoe's midsole, the cushioning material between the outsole tread and the upper. The midsole needs to be cushioned enough to allow for the natural "spring" of the foot at toe-off, and firm enough to protect and support the foot while reducing movement (overpronation) at heel-strike. We categorize each shoe as having soft or firm cushioning. One isn't necessarily better than the other, since runners' preferences and needs vary. But as a general rule, if a midsole is too soft, it will compress easily, and lack durability and support. If it's too firm, a midsole won't compress easily enough or absorb shock well.

Flexibility: A flex test measures how much energy it takes to flex the shoe just before toe-off. Generally, heavier runners require stiffer shoes, while lighter runners tend to need more flexible shoes because they lack the body mass to flex stiffer shoes. We rate flexibility from pliable to stiff.

Responsiveness: This measurement is also taken from our flex test data and measures how smoothly a shoe moves with your foot from heel-strike to toe-off. In general, shoes that emphasize cushioning and/or flexibility will be less responsive. Lighter, more efficient runners tend to prefer these shoes because they take less energy to bend, whereas heavier runners enjoy higher responsiveness because they have the body mass to flex these shoes and in turn these shoes offer a more stable base of support.

Along with the data generated at the RW Shoe Lab, wear-testers feedback is the other key component of our shoe review process. We match each shoe with several wear-testers whose running styles match the shoe's intended profile in each of our three wear-test centers: San Diego, Allentown, Pennsylvania, and East Lansing, Michigan. This allows us to put shoes on the feet of some 350 runners for each of our quarterly shoe reviews.

As with our readers, our Wear Testers come in all sizes, shapes, ages, and levels of ability. Overpronators and heavy runners test the motion control and stability shoes. Lighter, biomechanically efficient runners test the performance trainers and neutral-cushioned shoes. After running in the shoes for a month (at least 100 miles), the wear-testers submit written evaluations of the shoes' fit, comfort, stability, flexibility, cushioning, and ride (responsiveness).