How To Select Running Shoes For Your Foot Type
Entering a sports shoe store can be an overwhelming experience especially for the neophyte. With the numerous brands and types of sports shoes available, a little research will do a lot of good to make shoe shopping a more pleasant encounter. There is no need to go very far since the primary indicator of what will work best for you are right under your nose – your feet! Whether you are into running or jogging, tennis or skating, your feet’s structure will dictate the appropriate pair for your athletic requirements.
There three types of feet, namely fallen arch, normal arch and high arch. Individuals with fallen arches, otherwise known as flat feet, have the tendency for overpronation, or the inward rolling of the feet. Injuries due to this feet type is not common but if it does happen, may result to leg or back pains. The appropriate shoe type for runners in this category is the one that provides motion control. The materials of these shoes are rigid and durable precisely to keep the arches from falling flat or the feet from rolling inward. Insoles or orthotics may also be used as an added support and protection for the feet.
Individuals with the normal arch, which is the second category, probably have the least difficulty in selecting the appropriate running shoes. For these athletes the pressure experienced when running is spread evenly across the feet. Those under this category can wear any shoe type but a pair that provides stability, a feature that is commonly found in most well-known brands, would be most ideal.
Those from the third group are the ones with high arches. As opposed to those with flat feet, these folks have the tendency for supination or the outward rolling of the feet. The weight is placed on the outer sides of the feet thereby raising the arches. Runners who fall under this category need shoes that provide added cushioning.
The importance of choosing the right pair of running shoes cannot be overemphasized as it affects your overall health. It is best to be armed with the right information before embarking on the search for running shoes. There are two things that would do you good to check out. One is to know your feet type using the wet test wherein the patterns created by slightly wet soles serve as indicators: flat footed ones create a full-shaped imprint, normal arched ones have a gap between the heel and the ball of the foot and high arched ones have a wide gap between the heel and the ball, with almost just a line to represent the outer side of the foot. Meanwhile another good basis when getting a new pair is to take a close look at your old used up ones. Seeing how these have been deformed from use, whether it bends outward or inward for instance, is a useful tip on what features to look out for in your replacement pair. You might even want to take your shoes to a ladies sportswear store to show the salesperson. They can help you make your decision.
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