Helpful article and video from Nike athlete Jeremy Mulvey on how to choose running footwear depending on your level of pronation – this refers to the incline between your foot and the ground when you strike the ground and how your ankles gradually turn towards the back.
He differentiates among stability shoes (for people with a steep arch), regular shoes (for people looking for a soft cushion) and barefoot shoes (for those who want to build up their feet muscles). http://www.silive.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2013/08/choosing_running_footwear_is_more_than_a_matter_of_size_and_color.html.