Running Shoes

Trying to find the right running shoes as a runner can often be just as trying as attempting to run a 25k marathon uphill in the rain. What’s the dilemma you ask? Running shoes are just running shoes after all, right? Wrong. Tons of runners (especially beginners) have made the mistake of choosing just about any discounted pair of shoes off the discount rack at their local sporting good store only to find out that they’ve begun to develop knee or foot problems as they run.

More important than price is to choose the right running shoe for your feet, after all everyone has his or her own unique contour and shape so why wouldn’t you want to maximize your performance when running? Here’s a list of the top five tips that you should consider before you run off to your local store to buy a new pair of shoes.

What is pronation?

Pronation is the rotational movement of the foot from the heel to the toe when you strike your feet in your favorite pair of Nike Shox Turbo 10. A proper or neutral pronation is hitting the outside of your heel and up to the ball of your foot evenly across the front, creating less stress on your feet. An underpronation is when your feet is not evening out enough when running while an overpronation is too much rolling. You will need to purchase the right type of shoe in order to compensate for your level of pronation.

Runners who overpronate should choose motion-control running shoes, if you underpronate choose cushioned, while anyone who runs with a neutral stride should pick stability running shoes.

How to determine your foot type

When trying to determine your foot type, it’s important to remember that there are three types: normal arch, low arch and high arch. The easiest way to find out which type you have is by taking a “wet test” by pouring a thin layer of water into a shallow pan and stepping on top of a heavy paper bag.

Take a look at the footprint on top of your bag. A normal (medium) arch will show a distinct curve along the inside of your foot while a low arch will reveal your entire footprint. Last, if you have a high arch you will just see the heel and ball of your foot.

“The wet test”

Before you start working out with your adidas adiprene running shoes, it’s important to get your running gait analyzed as purchasing incorrect shoes can lead to a number of leg problems.

By going to a specialist, your running pattern can be analyzed so you will know exactly which type of shoe you should choose. Scheduling an appointment is often free and is often done by running on top of a pressure pad or treadmill. The analyst will let you know if you are a pronator, neutral or under pronator and what type of shoes you will need.

Alternatively, you can often tell your gate using the wet test method from step number two:

• People with a low arc are overpronators.
• A person with a neutral/medium arc will often have a neutral stride.
• High arcs are often indicators of being an underpronator.

Determining your shoe shape

Once you have your foot shape and degree of pronation, you will need to look for the right shoe shape for your feet.

• Overpronators should choose shoes that have a straight shape.
• Underpronators should choose shoes that are curved.
• Normal/neutral pronators should choose shoes with a semi-curved shape. For anyone who has flat feet and tends to overpronate, the best recommendation is a motion-control running shoe as it will keep your foot from rolling in too far.

If you’ve followed the four previous steps above, you will more than likely know what type of foot you have and the best type of running shoes for you. However, the best advice is to go to a specialized shoe store where you can ask a salesperson for advice to help guide you to the right type of shoes.

-JasonY