For people just getting in to running it is often difficult to chose the right pair of shoes. The right kind of shoe for your foot type is the most important decision you will make. This choice can determine how long of a running career you will have. It will determine if you run for years to come or are constantly sidelined by injury.
To understand what shoe will best suit you, you have to know your foot type.
Flat Feet
A person with a flat foot can also be described as having low arches. This runner tends to overpronate (too much rotation in the foot) which tends to all a lot of undue shock to the ball of the foot and big toe. This type of action is not an efficient way to run and the right type of running shoe can aid in preventing this; resulting in longer, healthier runs.
Normal Arches
Runners with normal arches are also described as having neutral feet. These are the lucky ones with an efficient running action, resulting in fewer injuries. Neutral gait runners have do not pronate too much nor too little.
High Arches
Someone with high arches will underpronate (not enough rotation when the foot strikes the ground). This can lead to injuries as too much shock is passed through the foot and legs.
Now we will take a look at which type of running shoe is best for each of these foot types.
Motion Control
Motion control running shoes are best for runners with flat feet (or low arches). This type of shoe is not as flexible thus preventing excess rotation of the foot. The shoe contains a medial post in the sole. Motion control shoes will be bulkier and wider than other types of running shoes but this is necessary to control the rate of pronation.
Stability
Stability shoes are best for those with a neutral foot (normal arch) and an efficient running gait. These shoes are a little more flexible to allow the normal pronation of the foot. Runners in this category tend to be heel strikers so cushioning is usually added to absorb some of this shock.
Cushioning
Cushioned shoes are a must for runners with high arches. Since these runners have less than normal pronation in the foot, a cushioned shoe is essential to absorb the extra shock incurred. These types of shoes are very flexible and contain no medial posts, thus allowing the foot extra room for rotation.
In summary, in order to choose the best type of running shoe for you, you must be familiar with your feet. What type of arch do you have? Knowing this is the most essential part in determining what type of shoe to buy.
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