I started searching the interweb for a new pair of runners, for the better half, in the early hours of this morning (it seems she is taking to this fitness challenge a little quicker than I) and now, happily, the pay now button has been pressed and we eagerly await their arrival, like a dog approaching a lamp post. It's a flaming jungle the on line shopping world, predators at every turn palming off dodgy goods to extract you of your cash. So much information has been garnered during this search I now hold a HDIP in running shoe technology, am I a better person for it, no, somehow knowing whether a persons foot is likely to make them likely to be underpronated or supinated (look up the meanings yourself, had it up to my neck!) is not going to going to change my world but the test to find out foot shape could be appearing in party situations in the future.
But seriously, it's important to purchase the right shoe for you and seeking the advice of someone who knows is always a good idea before buying. It could save you from shin splints or any amount of feet, ankle and leg pain, I know, having read thousands of testimonials today.
During today's search however a break did occur when "persuaded" to take in a run on the foggy beach and albeit short it provided much needed fresh air, and it looks like I am going to be up against it when the new runners finally arrive!
Watch the "Wet Test" Video From Runners World Here
NB; There's many types of soles out there people, choose wisely (especially on the 25th).
Normal (medium) Arch  If you see about half of your arch, you have the most common foot type and are considered a normal pronator. Contrary to popular belief, pronation is a good thing. When the arch collapses inward, this "pronation" absorbs shock. As a normal pronator, you can wear just about any shoe, but may be best suited to a stability shoe that provides moderate arch support (or medial stability). Lightweight runners with normal arches may prefer neutral-cushioned shoes without any added support, or even a performance-training shoe that offers some support but less heft, for a faster feel. |
Flat (low) Arch  If you see almost your entire footprint, you have a flat foot, which means you're probably an overpronator. That is, a micro-second after footstrike, your arch collapses inward too much, resulting in excessive foot motion and increasing your risk of injuries. You need either stability shoes, which employ devices such as dual-density midsoles and supportive "posts" to reduce pronation and are best for mild to moderate overpronators, or motion-control shoes, which have firmer support devices and are best for severe overpronators, as well as tall, heavy (over 165 pounds), or bow-legged runners. |
High Arch  If you see just your heel, the ball of your foot, and a thin line on the outside of your foot, you have a high arch, the least common foot type. This means you're likely an underpronator, or supinator, which can result in too much shock traveling up your legs, since your arch doesn't collapse enough to absorb it. Underpronators are best suited to neutral-cushioned shoes because they need a softer midsole to encourage pronation. It's vital that an underpronator's shoes have no added stability devices to reduce or control pronation, the way a stability or motion-control shoe would. |
Slainte Mhiath.
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