Running is by far the cheapest mode of exercise there is. All you need is a healthy appetite for some hard work and a pair of runners and you can enjoy a healthier mind and body in a matter of weeks. The actual act of running though can place a particular amount of stress on the body and its joints. To help minimise the chance of a tight back, sore groins or dodgy hamstrings a good pair of running shoes are imperative. Let us help you choose the running shoe that matches your foot and biomechanical needs with information regarding the basic foot types, how to determine your foot type and recommendations on the best shoes for the three foot types.

 

Basic Foot Types

Flat Foot/ Pronated

People with flat feet are prone to "rolling there ankle". This is because the low arch in the foot means the foot strikes the ouside of the heel and rolls inward excessively. Many type of overuse injuries are associated with this foot type.

High-Arched Foot/ Supinated

The least common of the three kinds of feet, only 10% of the population have high-arched feet. People with high-arched feet tend to underpronate (don't roll inwards enough) meaning your don't act as an effective shock obsorber.

Neutral/ Ideal Foot

People with normal feet are considered to be the most biomechanically sound type of runner. Your feet will have an average dized arch and you will land on the outside of the heel, rolling inwards a small amount to absorb shock.

 

Determine your Foot Type

Wet Foot Test

Determine your foot type using the Wet Foot Test. Simply wet your bare feet and stand on a surface that will leave a visible foot print.

Your foot print should fall into one of the following three categories.

You have flat feet if your print looks like the whole sole of the foot is in contact with the ground.

You have normal feet if you have an averaged size arch that shows the forefoot and heel connected by an even broad band.

You have high-arch feet if the band that connects the arch to the forefront of the foot is barley visible, or not visible at all.

What shoes should i buy?

Flat Foot

If you have flat feet look for motion control shoes with firm midsoles and control features like a medial post (a stiff material on the inner side of the shoe). This will help reduce the degree of pronation.

If you have flat feet stay away from shoes that are highly cushioned and that lack stability and control.

Recommendations
ASICS Gel Evolution 4 (2E)

The GEL-Evolution 4 has been built for the severe over pronator who wants to experience that great ASICS ride. Carries an extended trusstic system that feeds through to the back heel for maximum support; this feature works in conjunction with a medial outsole wrap which also assists for this profile of wearer. The shoe still provides a great ride throughout the entire gait – but offers the support when it’s most needed.
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Brooks Beast

The Beast® has long served as a motion-control superhero, coming to the rescue of runners with low or flat arches and excessive pronation. Now, a new full-length MoGo midsole extends the shoe's list of superpowers, with super soft, long-lasting cushioning offering increased energy return for some extra spring in your step, all with no sacrifice in stability. Featuring silver-embedded X-STATIC®, The Silver Fiber™, in the sockliner for a comfortable, thermally balanced footbed, the Beast® delivers maximum support and smooth, crave-worthy cushioning that feels as good on mile one as mile 100--and beyond.

Saucony Stabil MC 5

The new Stabil offers all the support required from a Motion Control shoe, yet with a totally redesigned upper, the emphasis is on comfort and softness.

 

High Arched Feet 

If you have high arched feet look for shoes with plenty of flexibility to encourage foot motion. A shoe with a softer, lighter outsole is a good option if you have high arched feet.

If you have high-arched feet stay away from motion control of stability shoes that reduce foot mobility.

Recommendations
ASICS Gel Nimbus 10

Now in its 10th year - the new, radical look of the GEL-Nimbus 10 houses an all new shoe that caters to the Neutral to underpronating runner. A highly cushioned but stable high mileage trainer the Nimbus 10 features include Solyte midsole, visible front and rear GEL systems, Gender Space Trusstic, Biomorphic upper and more. The 10th
generation of the GEL-Nimbus is bound to impress.

New Balance MR1063WN

Miles are no match for this shoe! Built for runners seeking maximum cushioning and flexibility, you can count on the ultimate soft ride and smooth transition from heel to toe. Abzorb® FL resists compression set to keep you running and feeling great on your feet.