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How to Choose a Running Shoe

The best way to choose a running shoe is to come in store and complete a gait analysis. This will determine whether you have a neutral gait or if you over pronate. Depending on your gait you can then be classified in a general group of shoes, neutral shoes for a neutral gait or stability shoes for over pronators. In some cases a motion control or cushioning shoe may even be needed. Having a good pair of running shoes will reduce your risk of injury in the future. If you cannot get into store then an effective way of determining your particular running motion is the ‘Wet Foot Test’, as illustrated in the Gait Analysis page. This procedure works by placing your wet, bare foot on a dry surface.

Normal (Medium) Arch : If you see a normal arch it means that you a probably a neutral runner and are a normal pronater. You should really run in a neutral shoe or a neutral cushioned shoe, as a stability shoe could hurt your arches and cause discomfort or lead to injury in the future.

Flat (Low) Arch : If you see nearly your whole footprint it probably means that your flat footed and are most likely to be an over pronater. This means that when you take a step your arch collapses inwards too much. The best shoe for you would be a high stability shoe or a motion control shoe which would support the arch in your foot helping you run more efficiantly.

High Arch : If you can only see the heel and the ball of your foot it means that you are the least common foot type and are probably an underpronater or supinator. This means that the best shoe type for you would be a neutral cushioned shoe as it has more cushioning midsole to absorb the shock travelling up your leg.

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