Your running shoes should protect your feet from the stress of running, while permitting you to achieve your maximum potential. Selecting the right shoe for your foot can be confusing without the proper knowledge.
What’s Best for Your Low or High Arched Feet?
If you have low arches, called “pronators”, you’ll need a shoe that provides stability. However, if you have high arches, called “supinators”, you’ll need a shoe with good cushioning. Check your arches to determine the most appropriate shoes for your feet.
When you’re shopping for your next pair of running shoes, choose a store (in person or on-line) with knowledgeable staff with a wide variety of available shoes. Don’t hesitate to consider a range of brands and styles of shoes, what works may surprise you. There are three main features you need to consider when selecting the best running shoe for
your needs: shape, construction, and midsole.
- Shape
To find out a shoe’s shape, look at its sole. Draw a straight line from the middle of the heel to the top of the shoe. If you have low arches (“pronators”), this line should pass through the middle of your toes, making it a straight-shaped shoe, with the added stability you need. If however you have high arches (“supinators”), this line should pass through the outer half of your toes, making it a curve-shaped shoe, your most comfortable fit.
- Construction
Take out the insole and look at what type of stitching is used on the bottom. If you have low arches (“pronators”), board construction shoes, which have no stitching on the bottom, are built specifically for you. If you have a mild low (“pronators”) or mild high arch (“supinators”), combination shoes, which have stitching that begins halfway, are the best construction for you. If you have high arches (“supinators”), slip-constructed shoes, which have stitching running the entire length of the shoe provide you with the flexibility you need.
- Midsole
The midsole determines most of a running shoe’s cushioning and stability. If you have low arches (“pronators”), dual-density midsoles will give you shock absorption, as well
as some stability. If you have high arches (“supinators”), single density midsoles offer the good cushioning you need but without the extra stability you don’t need.
A Chiropractor can also assess your gait, as well as the mobility of the joints in your feet, legs,pelvis and spine to help you avoid developing running-related problems. To ensure your body is moving properly, consider visiting a Chiropractor!
Author: Dr. Marco De Ciantis, D.C.