| Whether you're a serious runner or a weekend | | | | is a lot of dry space in the inner part of your footprint, |
| warrior, you need to choose a good running shoe. Not | | | | you probably have a high arch. If there is not a lot of |
| only will a solid running shoe help you protect your foot | | | | dry space where the inner part of the foot is, you |
| from the pounding of the pavement, but it will also help | | | | probably have a flat foot. Anywhere in between these |
| you stay on the run for longer periods of time. | | | | two 'scientific' measurements is a normal foot arch. |
| However, if you've stopped to look at the current shoe | | | | The arch of your foot can affect the way your foot is |
| selection, you've probably already noticed that there | | | | going to hit the pavement, thus it is something that you |
| are hundreds of styles and kinds of shoes from which | | | | need to make sure you are considering. |
| to make your choice. Here's a 'rundown' of what you | | | | Finding the Right Foot Prescription |
| need before you walk into the store. | | | | Different running magazines and stores will advise you |
| What Kind of Runner are You? | | | | to choose different kinds of shoes for the various arch |
| Before you can choose the right shoe for your | | | | patterns you have. But there are other factors you |
| workout needs, you need to determine the level of | | | | need to consider as well: |
| runner you are. If you're brand new to running, you | | | | - Your weight - the more you weight, the more |
| might want to go to a running store with your specific | | | | pressure will be exerted on your foot as you run |
| needs in mine. However, if you have been running for | | | | - Your budget - you can find running shoes that are |
| years, you might want to stick with the shoe brand | | | | cheap or those that are expensive |
| and style you've already been using - or upgrade to | | | | - Your running future - if you plan to run in events or to |
| something new if your training needs have changed. | | | | run over the long term, it might be smart to find several |
| A casual runner (that is, someone that runs a few | | | | pairs of running shoes to wear |
| times a week or month) is someone that needs to | | | | In today's running shoe market, you will find a few |
| choose a decent running shoe that will stand up to the | | | | phrases that come up in shoe styles and models. |
| mileage that is covered, but doesn't need to have a | | | | - Stability shoes - These shoes are going to cradle |
| specific structure or training features. A runner who | | | | your foot as you run, helping to prevent too much |
| gets outside to the pavement on most days of the | | | | pressure from being on any one part of the foot as |
| week should choose something that can withstand | | | | you move from step to step. These are best for |
| that constant beating as well as last through more | | | | average feet that don't need any specific cushioning |
| miles than the average running shoe. If you're a runner | | | | because of arch differences. |
| that stays primary on the track, you might want to | | | | - Cushioned shoes - These kinds of shoes are those |
| choose a track running shoe to help simulate the event | | | | that will help to cushion the foot as you move from |
| running you probably do. | | | | one place to another, but more so than a stability shoe |
| For those that like to run primarily on trails, there are | | | | will. These are best for high arched feet that don't |
| running shoes that are available for these conditions | | | | have a natural ability to rest low in relation to the foot. |
| too. | | | | These shoes will help the foot move more easily from |
| What is Your Foot Like? | | | | one step to the next. |
| Take a look at your feet right now. Aside from the | | | | - Motion control shoes - These kinds of shoes are |
| size, what else do you know about your feet? This will | | | | those that will help a low arch foot move from one |
| help you to choose a running shoe that is right for your | | | | place to the next. Since these kinds of feet move |
| running habits. The first thing you will want to do is to | | | | quite freely, they need something to keep them from |
| test the arch height that you have. You can do this | | | | moving too much and injuring themselves in the |
| easily by finding a piece of paper and laying it on the | | | | process. |
| ground in front of you, stepping on it with a wet foot. | | | | But in the end, it's the shoe that fits well and feels good |
| The imprint that is left will show you whether you have | | | | on your foot that is the right shoe for you and for your |
| a high arch, low arch, or a neutral arch (normal). If there | | | | running. |