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BUYING TRAINING SHOES – Part 3

© Clive Maxwell Prestt

It's not all bad, actually. A low arch absorbs shock better than a high arch.

Choose shoes that have "motion-control", or that minimize pronation with a straight last, adequate cushioning and more arch support, or choose stability shoes with firm midsoles and control features that reduce the degree of pronation

Stay away from highly cushioned, highly curved shoes, with few control and stability features.

Best last

Straight or semicurved

Best Shoes

Motion-control shoes with firm midsoles and control features that reduce the degree of pronation.

Normal Feet

If there's a wider margin of footprint along the outside edge, you have a normal, or neutral, arch and foot. The 'normal' foot has an average sized arch and an even broad band connecting the forefoot and heel.

The normal foot lands on the outside of the heel and rolls inwards a little to absorb shock and therefore doesn't require a motion control shoe. In fact, you are biomechanically efficient.

This footprint is the most common and suggests that you do not have any special requirements. You can use any shoe you want to, but it is better to look for stable shoes that provide moderate cushioning with moderate control features and a semi-curved last.

As motion control shoes tend to be more expensive and heavier you might forget about this type of shoes.

Best last

Semicurved

Best Shoes

Shoes with moderate control features such as a two-density midsole.

High Arched Feet

Is there a crescent shape? The print shows very little footprint on the outside edge, that the band connecting the forefoot and the heel is very thin or even non-existent. This is the least common of the three types of feet.

If you have feet like this then it tends to indicate that you underpronate (supinate) or have a high arch, which usually means a more rigid foot, and not very effective as a shock absorber to boot.

Get a shoe with extra cushioning to absorb shock, and you should look for a curve-lasted shoe. The sole of a curve-lasted shoe is bent, not straight, to absorb shock and allow the foot to pronate. Neutral shoes without any motion or stability properties are the best for this type of foot.

Best last

Curved

Best Shoes

Neutral cushioned shoes with plenty of flexibility to encourage foot motion.

Stay away from motion-control or stability shoes that reduce foot mobility.

SUMMARY

In short, if you have high arched feet you could well underpronate, if you have flat feet you probably overpronate and if the arches of your feet are neither high nor flat then the chances are that your pronation is just about right.