Before you hit the pavement running, be sure to choose the best running shoes for your foot type and running gate. This will be the most important decision you will make as a runner, because your running shoes will determine whether or not you will have a good running experience. Here are some key points to consider while shopping for shoes at your favorite specialty running store:
Indentify your running profile
In order to find the right running shoe, you first have to determine what you will be doing with them. Are you a runner or a jogger? Do you run on the asphalt, trails or a treadmill? How far do you run in a week? Are you training for a race? All these plus your body type will help determine your profile.
Identify Your Foot Type
This is extremely important to help ensure optimum foot health and keep common injuries at bay.
To identify your foot type, you must first know how it moves by looking at the wear pattern on the bottom of your shoes. The areas that are worn down the most are your biggest pressure points. Another method is to stamp your wet foot on a paper bag and check the footprint. The areas you see are your pressure points.
The Right Kind of Shoes for Your Foot Type
Running shoes are available in all styles and manufactured for different types of feet. Once you have identified your foot type by doing the above, match your shoes to the right fit. This step becomes a crucial part of having a healthy and comfortable running experience.
Normal arch
If you see about half of your arch, you are considered a normal pronator. When the arch collapses inward, this pronation absorbs shock. As a normal pronator, you can wear just about any shoe, but may be best suited to a stability shoe that provides moderate arch support (or medial stability).
Flat foot
If you see almost your entire footprint, you have a flat foot. This means that you are an overpronator. Your arch tends to collapse inward, causing too much movement. Having flat feet can mean you are more prone to injuries. A good pair of motion-control shoes can control this pronation.
High arch
If you see just your heel, the ball of your foot, and a thin line on the outside of your foot, you have a high arch. This means that you underpronate. Your arch does not collapse enough, causing the shock of your foot landing to put pressure on your legs. Having a high arch can cause injuries. A neutral-cushioned shoe will help stimulate pronation.
Once you have taken all the above into consideration you are ready to purchase your running shoes. Make sure you see one of our local specialty running stores that offer the latest technology and experienced staff. Happy Running!
