Selecting The Right Running Shoe – Your Foot Type Is The Most Important Consideration

Choosing a running shoe that is suitable for your particular type of foot can help you avoid some common running- related injuries. It can also make running more enjoyable and let you get more mileage out of your running shoes.

Athletic shoe manufacturers are aware that, anatomically, feet usually fall into one of three categories. Some people have “floppy” feet that are very loose-jointed. Because feet like this are too mobile, they give or pronate when they hit the ground. These people need a stability running shoe that is built to control the foot’s motion. Brooks Beast Running Shoe is a good example of running shoes for flat feet.

At the other extreme are people with “rigid” feet. These feet are very tight-jointed and do not yield enough upon impact. To help avoid impact-related injuries, these people need cushioned running shoes like the Brooks Radius.

Finally, the third type, or normal foot, falls somewhere between mobile and rigid. This type of foot can use any running shoe that is stable and properly cushioned. Use the illustrations in Motion Control Running Shoes and Impact Control Running Shoes to help you determine what kind of foot you have. Then, read the information on the special features you should look for in a running shoe.

Generally, whatever type of feet you have, when shopping for running shoes, keep the following in mind:

• Expect to spend up to $150 for a pair of good running shoes.
• Discuss your foot type, foot problems, and shoe needs with a knowledgeable salesperson.
• Check online for available brands and their prices before shopping at
  retail stores.
• Buy a training shoe, not a racing shoe.

When trying on running shoes, wear socks that are as similar as possible to those in which you will run. Also, be sure to try on both shoes. One foot is almost always bigger than the other.

Look at more than one model of shoe. Choose a pair of running shoes that fit both feet well while you are standing.
If at all possible, try running in the shoes on a non-carpeted surface. Run in place if you must. This gives you a feel for how your new running shoes may perform on the trail.

Regardless of the manufacturer, carefully inspect the shoes for defects that might have been missed by quality control. Do the following:

• Place the shoes on a flat surface and check the heel from behind to see that the heel cup is perpendicular to the sole of the shoe.
• Feel the seams inside the shoe to determine if they are smooth, even, and well-stitched.
• Check for loose threads or extra glue spots; they are usually signs of poor construction.

Running shoes’ ability to protect you from injury decreases as the mileage on them increases. Record the number of miles you run with them on a regular basis, and always replace your running shoes when they have accumulated 500 to 700 miles even if they show little wear.