Now that spring is in full swing and summer is right around the corner, it is time to burn up the running trails. However, before you reach for your running shoes, are you sure you are about to lace up the right shoe for your foot type?
Pronation is the rolling in or flattening of the arch. A runner is either an overpronator, an underpronator or a normal pronator. An overpronator usually has low arches and duck feet. An overpronator’s feet roll inward excessively (overpronate), which causes a lot of stress on the runner’s legs. Stability shoes are recommended for those who overpronate mildly or moderately. Stability shoes offer arch support durability and good midsole cushioning. Moderate to severe overpronators should try wearing motion-control sneakers. This type of shoe provides maximum rearfoot control and extra support (medial side of the shoe) for the arches.
An underpronator or supinator, which is the rarest type of pronator, usually has high arches and pigeon-toed feet. This type of runner lacks the normal inward motion of the feet. Underpronators need minimum support for their arches, but they need maximum midsole cushioning. Therefore, cushioned sneakers are best for underpronators. When choosing shoes, they should make sure that the midsole is not too soft because a very soft midsole lacks durability and collapses easily. On the other hand, if the midsole is too hard, then it won’t absorb shock properly.
The most common type of pronator, a normal pronator, pronates just right. A normal pronator’s feet, ankles and lower legs align properly. This group can wear stability, motion-control or cushioned shoes. It depends on if the runner’s feet expand in length once he places his weight on them (stability), overly expand because they are highly flexible (stability or motion-control), or don’t expand because they are rigid (cushioned).
If you are not sure which type of pronator you are, it is best to get checked out by a podiatrist or a running shoe professional. See you in October at the Chicago Marathon finishline!