How to Determine Your Foot Type For Buying Running Shoes
To determine which kind of running shoes you should purchase, you should first need to figure out your foot type. A well-informed and well-trained sales clerk at a shoe store selling running shoes can guide you to determine the right type of running shoes based on your foot type, but you can also determine your own foot type, if you want to. One method is to closely observe your feet. A more specific way is to observe your footprints by walking over sand or on a flat surface with wet feet.
Generally, there are three different kinds of feet.
High-arched Feet
It is very easy to figure out if you have high arches; you will spot a high and prominent arch on your foot. If you have performed the footprint test, your footprint will have an inward curvature, making the middle section of your feet look very scrawny. When you thrust your hand underneath your foot, your arch will stay hard.
The problem with high arched feet is the tendency to under-pronate, this is when your feet turns outward as you walk or run. It’s very essential that athletes with high arches observe their feet from time to time since running can cause their arches to slowly deteriorate, making their feet look longer.
If you have high-arched feet, you need to purchase running shoes with extra flexibility and a comfortable midsole that is shockproof. When you are purchasing running shoes, find options with the words flexible or extra padding included in the shoe description
Flat Feet
If you observe your foot, you will determine that you are a flat-foot person if you don’t see any arch at all. The underneath of your foot, from the toes to the heels, is totally flat or even. If you perform the footprint test, the footprints will look like a foot smudge. You will not spot an inward curvature from your big toe to the heel. The problem with flat feet individuals is the tendency of their feet to overpronate, this is when your feet turn inwards when you walk or run.
If you are flat-footed, you should find running shoes that keep its firmness when you stand, walk or run. Find the features “action control” and durability” on the description of the running shoes you are eyeing. Furthermore, with the action control running shoes, most flat-footed athletes also need to use orthotics shoes, which are custom-made.
Normal Feet
If you have observed your feet or your footprints and they are not flat-footed or high arched, you probably have a normal foot. Your footprint will have a prominent curve inwards, but they are not that great compared to the high-arched foot.
Provided that you purchase running shoes, which do not offset your foot type, you will not meet any foot problems or injuries. The normal foot is the most common kind of foot, and it is minimally prone to injury as long as it is properly fitted with appropriate running shoes.
If you have normal feet, you can purchase from a wide range of running shoes, such as those which are made for normal-feet runners or those people with minimal flat-foot or high arch. Never purchase running shoes that have the extra durability and action control if your feet do not need them.